Talk Derby to me

By Megan Hurt

On the surface, the Kentucky Derby is about horse racing.

But surrounding the big race is glitz, glamour and lots of fashion, from big-time celebrities to the girl who lives down the street.

The Derby allows UK students the chance to get all dolled up in spring dresses and unique hats and party with the rich and famous.

Even without the luxury of a Rodeo Drive or Fifth Avenue, UK students can still find high-end fashion for cheap in downtown Lexington as they get their last-minute Derby outfits ready.

Bella Rose, a locally owned boutique on the corner of Maxwell and Upper streets, has been dressing women in Derby fashion for 29 years, said Betty Spain, the owner of the designer clothing store.

Spain said this season women are coming in earlier than usual to locate the perfect dress for Derby weekend, with around 20 percent of her clientele being UK students.

“It’s because the sunshine is finally here,” she said. “People are excited about the warm weather and Derby gives people something to look forward to.”

The trend in dress selections for this season is bright colors, specifically matching green and yellow, and orange and pink together, Spain said.

For hats, Spain said the more unique the better, and anything you can place in a hat you will find at the Derby — including feathers, crystals and boas.

Dresses at Bella Rose range from $75 to $550, and hats cost between $68 and $600. Spain said the boutique has 80 one-of-a-kind hats and is an exclusive local retailer of national designers Milly and Shoshanna.

If you’re looking for something a little more cost-efficient in Derby fashion, Kaye Hunt recommends checking out the clothing in Stephen Lawrence, LTD., a consignment boutique located on South Broadway.

“Everything we have is for people on a budget,” said Hunt, who has worked at Stephen Lawrence, LTD., for seven years. “We carry designer pieces for a fraction of the cost.”

Stephen Lawrence, LTD., has everything someone would need to complete their Derby outfit, including shoes, shawls and other accessories, Hunt said.

Hunt also agrees with Spain that this season the trend in dresses is bright colors.

“You will always see the black and white because the LBD (little black dress) is something you can wear anywhere, but people seem to be going for the color,” she said. “Bold and bright make a statement: Don’t just blend in.”

Dresses at Stephen Lawrence, LTD. cost between $19.99 and $199.99, and hats start at $12.99 for the most basic and up to $89.99 for hats with more flair.

Hunt said she has helped several UK students find the perfect dress for the Derby, stressing that any dress should relax the person wearing it all day.

“Go comfortable. You should look good but still be comfortable,” she said.

Spain agrees that being comfortable is key in finding the perfect Derby dress.

“Choose something that fits your personality, feels comfortable and helps you choose the winning ticket,” Spain said.