Photo courtesy of The Hat Girls

Get “Derby Ready” In Norton Commons

April 9, 2019 | By mpatterson

The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner and spring is in the air, making this the perfect time to check out current style and trend forecasts. Make sure you’re on the right track for spring and Derby by visiting the unique shops of Norton Commons and joining our Derby Ready in Norton Commons event on April 11 from 4-8pm.

Each distinctive shop is packed with the trends, styles, and colors of spring. Spring is a great time to experiment with fresh color combinations. Have fun trying out these six color duos highlighted for 2019 by Elle Magazine: pink and red, apricot and tan, pastel pink and lavender, silver and primary yellow, hot pink and olive, and take a cue from sports teams who know that cobalt and tangerine attract attention (see full story here). You’ll love how silver stands out against the yellow, and there’s nothing drab about army green when it’s amped up with bright pink.

No Derby outfit is complete without a great hat or fascinator. The Hat Girls are the official hat designers of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Although known for their custom creations, their shop in Norton Commons also stocks over 300 ready-to-wear hats and fascinators. Appointments are available for clients wanting a one-of-a-kind custom hat. Owners Rachel Bell and Kate Smith predict lots of yellow, pale blue, and shades of coral and orange for 2019. When asked if fascinators are replacing traditional hats, Bell reports, “In the past two years, we’ve sold just as many fascinators as we have hats, maybe even more. Fascinators and perched headpieces are only becoming more popular in the states for racewear. They are comfortable, functional, and chic.” Bell also sees headpieces making a comeback in everyday fashion. “Don’t be scared or feel like you’re limited to just three days a year in Kentucky to wear a fun headpiece or hat.”

Lana Greenwell of Spark Rustic Meets Chic Boutique in Norton Commons confirms that pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers will be hot trends for spring. She also sees one-shoulder dresses, ruffles, bright florals, and even soft snakeskin prints making waves. Spark and neighbor Blu Collective are ready for Derby and spring with dresses, hats, and accessories for both Derby events and casual backyard gatherings. According to Greenwell, comfort and confidence are important elements of any outfit so “you feel good in what you are wearing.”

Photo courtesy of Something Blue

Photo courtesy of Salon Muse & Blowdry Lounge

Wearing a hat can present a challenge for women who don’t know what to do with their hair. Angie Nunn of Salon Muse in Norton Commons has the answer. “Oaks and Derby are a blast, but it can be a long day at the track. Make sure you pick a style that is comfortable and matches your personality.” She recommends loose, bouncy curls for women who want to wear their hair down. To avoid the dreaded ‘hat hair’, Salon Muse carries several root lift sprays that put volume at the base of the crown. They then backcomb to ensure hair doesn’t go flat. A low pony tail, side fishtail braid, or Dutch braid can also work well with a hat or fascinator and give a fun, whimsical look. If you do a traditional braid, Nunn suggests fanning out the pieces to make the look less structured. Rather than stress over a particular style, Angie reminds us, “Most of all, you should love your hair and feel fabulous in it.”

Norton Commons is a great place to shop local for spring and Derby fashions. In addition to avoiding mall crowds and traffic, shopping in Norton Commons provides more exclusive choices. It’s always a bit awkward to run into someone at the track who is wearing the exact same outfit. The difference, according to Breanne McCubbin of Something Blue, is a focus on curated choices. “We don’t carry a large number of duplicates or multiples. We want our customer to find something special just for them because no one wants to see themselves coming and going.”

The unique shops of Norton Commons can help you be ready for spring and track season. Don’t miss the Derby Ready in Norton Commons party on April 11 and the exciting promotions offered by these Norton Commons’ merchants: 7 Southern Giraffes, besos boutique, BLU Collective, LuluBelles, Salon Muse & Blowdry Lounge, Set the Stage, Something Blue, SPARK Rustic Meets Chic Boutique, The Hat Girls, and Underpinnings Lingerie.

Get “Derby Ready” In Norton Commons

April 9, 2019 | By mpatterson

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