And not the one that you settled for!
Hat first or dress first for the Derby? How to decide what to buy first? Seems like an age old dilemma with no right answer. But there are a few things to consider, and the main one is the time left to the event.
Last Preakness, I partnered with the very talented Lana Rae. I was so thrilled when she contacted me – after all she was the Preakness Fashion Ambassador. Lana’s advice to the race goers was “Buy the hat first”.
Video courtesy of Lana Rae.
It is very true, that with so many fashion boutiques and so few milliners you have a better chance finding a dreamy dress that matches your hat than other way around. Browse websites, social media posts and visit a hat shops to get the idea of what’s available. Most milliners are tuned into the latest fashion trends and their beautiful creations will resonate with selection of colors and styles in stores.
But if you have this dream dress already – do not hesitate to contact your nearest milliner. Check their policy on how long it takes a custom hat – it might be up to 6 weeks in the busy season. And if you still have time – go for it because the results may astonish you.
Many times, I found the fabric or the line of dress very inspiring, allowing me to create something new and fresh especially for my client. During consultation, I get to know you a little, which helps control my creative process. A piece of fabric or a picture will help me dye the hat to match the color.
And the smile on your face, wearing your new hat is the best award for me!
