Hi! Welcome to my new series on the blog, Derby Days! The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday after the first Friday in May and is the event of the year in Louisville. For me, it represents the switch from spring to summer and each year is filled with beautiful outfits, hats, people and good times. I’m excited to share some outfits over the next month that I love for Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, the race held the day before Derby where the fillies run and attendees are asked to don pink to raise awareness for breast and ovarian cancer.  Churchill Downs donates money each year to Bright Pink and has stations throughout the track where attendees can make a check or cash donation on Oaks Day.

Cape dresses have been a big trend lately and this one really won me over with the open back. I love how the cape portion provides a little comfort and adds a layer on top of the body con base of the dress too.

I’ll admit Kentucky Derby is one of the few times a year that I find myself really willing to splurge, {I mean $100+ on a hat…? Not a normal occurrence for me} but I did want to show some look that were more budget friendly through this series.

And the biggest {and most necessary} accessory for Derby weekend? The hat or fascinator of course! The decision between hat and fascinator can be a tough one; at times a hat can seem like a big commitment – and a financial one too.

This one was only $6 — a complete steal.  This one matched perfectly with my dress, but it’s easy to add more patterned tulle {I love the polka dots!}, feathers or flowers.

Comfortable shoes are a must, I never want to be the girl walking around Churchill Downs barefoot {#yikes}, so these fringe low wedge sandals in brown suede are perfect to complete the look.  Also perfect? This hot pink matte lipstick, simple gold rings and a statement necklace full of spring colors.