Kentucky Derby Week is dress-up time for Louisville men

Here’s an informative piece from The Courier-Journal regarding how men are dressing-up for Kentucky Derby events, by Christa Ritchie.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120501/FEATURES04/305010061/fashion-men-derby?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|s

What to wear to The Kentucky Derby (or Kentucky Oaks)

A  nice fella called from Cleveland the other day and says he’s coming to his first Kentucky Derby.  He asked some really good questions about what men will be wearing and we thought it would be a good idea to share some of our dialogue….

What do men wear to the Kentucky Derby?

Generally the few days leading up to and including the Kentucky Derby are dressier affairs at Churchill Downs, by sporting event standards. 

We’ve all seen photographs of ladies turned out in their sundresses and hats while the gentlemen wear ties, sportcoats and lids (more for sunburn protection than fashion, these days).

Where are your seats (if you have one)?

Before you go shopping… know where you’re sitting.  If your planning general admission in the infield, anything goes.  The college crowd will be partying in turn three while a little more family friendly atmosphere prevails in turns one and two.

There are some very nice tents and suites, however, in the infield where the dress code mimics the clubhouse and grandstand.

I think our seats are in the grandstand

If you’re in the grandstand, clubhouse, terraces, suites, one of the “clubs” or “millionaire’s row” you’ve got good seats with some venues requiring minimal dress.  Be sure to check with Churchill Downs or your host to verify what is acceptable.

I’m told I need a seersucker suit

Not everyone in the south dresses like Matlock.  True.. seersucker suits (and sportcoats) are very popular just now and we’ve sold a bunch for folks heading to the track but the reality is… if you’re from Cleveland (and may never wear it again)… save your money for the parimutuel windows or some mint juleps.

Save the dress suit for the office.  In our opinion, even if your involvement is business related… this isn’t a business meeting; it’s a sporting event.  Would you wear a suit to the Indianapolis 500 or the Master’s?

So what do I need to bring?

A sportcoat or navy blazer will be most appropriate.

Do I need a wild brightly colored sportcoat?

No.  Though you’ll see plenty of them. 

Your year round navy blazer with a pair of nice wool dress trouser — or linen or cotton will be just fine but make note: you’ll see plenty of navy blazers and it might be difficult for your companion to locate you in the crowds.

I want to dress it up but do I need to stand out?

Of course not…  If your personality says patch madras, by all means… bring it. 

But if a more understated look suits you, a subtle check or plaid sportcoat; mid-weight, of silk, wool, silk/wool or silk/linen is ideal for the day and — with a nice pair of trousers and the right accessories… you’ll shine by a furlong!

Does everyone wear “Derby Ties” ?

No, but they’re generally more colorful and sportier than some of the other ties in your closet so many men opt for a new one every year.  Like beads at Mardi Gras, a Derby Tie reflects your appreciation for the event and affirms your participation.

So what else do I need?

Comfortable shoes.  You’ll be walking and on your feet a LOT. 

And… on a bright spring Kentucky day (let’s hope)… sunscreen (even if your seats are under cover or indoors), patience and as many winning horses as you can select !!

BOB

more questions? specific requests?  call The Fashion Post (502) 423-6700 or email bob@thefashionpost.com

Kentucky Derby Ties and Other Great Stuff!

                               

We were recently introduced to a fantastically comprehensive blog dealing with all things fashion.

StyleBlueprint Louisville is one of 5 mid-south cities under the umbrella of StyleBlueprint.com
Louisville correspondent Heidi Potter posted a wonderful review of The Fashion Post’s derby offerings recently and we thought we’d share it with you.

http://louisville.styleblueprint.com/fashion/derby-ties-for-men/

 

 

Thunder over Louisville

   If you’re not from the Louisville area you’re probably wondering “what is Thunder over Louisville?” 

    Thunder over Louisville is an annual combination air/fireworks show held the second Saturday before the Kentucky Derby.   It’s the official kickoff of Derby festivities.  The show begins around 3 pm with one of the largest air shows in America and culminates with North America’s largest musically synchronized fireworks display around 10.

   The riverfront in Louisville and Southern Indiana is packed for miles from the shore front to the pinnacle of downtown skyscrapers.  So much fun — and a coveted ticket to some venues.

   This year’s show featured a retrospective of our military’s experiences from World War II to today.

   I was born a baby buster in 1963.  My formative years included hippies, yippies, protests, peace symbols, MIA bracelets and choker beads (yeah, I had one).  At 9 years old I wanted my hair long and my peace sign omnipotent.  Look in our family photo album and you’ll see me sporting a red, white and blue t-shirt at my birthday party.  Since they didn’t carry my then size, I’m pretty sure it didn’t come from The Fashion Post.

   But,  in 1972 (can’t be sure but recollection says it was about then) somber reality hit our street.  The parents of my neighbor were notified by a group of sharply dressed marines  — that their only son had been killed in Viet Nam.

   Because of the age difference I never knew Bill Whaley but by all accounts he was a great guy — taken away from us – a hero, too soon.

   Trauma hit a year or so later when the infamous 1974 tornado outbreak ripped through — destroying much of our neighborhood.

   Violence, upset and death appeared to be normal in my youth and without sounding cowardly I spent the next decade or so hoping I’d never have to fight in the military — and, as it turns out, I was never called.  

   Here’s the wrap….

   Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s my experiences – but ….. I regret not serving.

   My grandfathers, father, uncles, brother-in-law, schoolmates, fraternity brothers, customers and friends SERVED.

   My co-worker Berry Hampton has a son-in-law who flies f-18′s off the front of a boat (albeit a BIG boat).  He’s had a few tours of combat duty.  He VOLUNTEERED.

   A wonderful family, who are friends, the McGarvey’s,  have a son serving.  He VOLUNTEERED.

   America’s most recent Medal of Honor recipient is from Kentucky.  He saved lives under the most formidable of circumstances.  He VOLUNTEERED.

   You probably know someone from your school, church or town who’s done the same.  They are true American heroes.

    I don’t begrudge anyone who has disagreed with the politics of militarism.   Though, never in the wake of a draft — I’ve always had a choice to serve… but I never signed up.  

   To those who have served…. family, classmates,  fraternity brothers, customers, neighbors and acquaintances I’m unaware that served… THANK YOU!

   I still fear the horrors and atrocities you have endured.

   Thunder over Louisville helps remind me what you give so that WE, the citizens you protect, can enjoy the freedoms you’ve worked so hard to preserve.

   You’re all WAY TOO COOL!

    Wish I had served.

BOB

The Power of Bills (khakis)

     So…this fella comes into The Fashion Post in Louisville yesterday with the biggest smile and expression of relief you can imagine.  He nearly got down on his knees to announce how happy he was to find us.

     Ya see, after we relocated our store to Lime Kiln Lane 3 years ago — he had been to our former location and — with a vacant storefront and no sign announcing our whereabouts…. he thought we’d closed.  Gone.  Out of business.

     Of course, nothing is further from the truth.  As it turns out, he was happy to learn, The Fashion Post is alive and well (and living in a different suburb)!

     Here’s the funny part.

     This guy is an admitted Bills Khakis fanatic.  He practically lives in them.  He wears them to work under his lab coat every day and acknowledged that they suit his needs when he dresses up for an evening out — even at the hoidy, toidy places!

     For fear that he’d never be able to replace his favorite pants he’s been RATIONING his remaining wearable pairs so as to prolong their serviceability.  Seriously.  The pair he was wearing were fraying at the bottom.  He was nearly at the end of his cuffs, so to speak.

     To his delight (and ours) he re-loaded his inventory with several pair of Model 2 pleated twills and – what he hopes to become his new favorite – 2 new pair of Chamois Cloth.  (If you love Bills and haven’t had a pair of these — you oughta give them a try.  Soon!)

     So… at the end of the day… another very satisfied (and very relieved) Bills Khakis customer is served!

Fashion Advice from Scott Barber

You’ll be hard-pressed to find more targeted advice than in the attached blog from Scott Barber!  It’s a quick read you might enjoy!

http://blog.scottbarber.com/index.php/2012/03/09/spring-thoughts/

Scary Day – March 2, 2012

    Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel was in Louisville.

    Also from The Weather Channel, Dr. Greg Forbes placed our region on the highest level of alert  — Torcon 10 (a 10 out of 10 chance of seeing tornadoes within 50 miles).  Since he developed this scale, he’s only applied this level of “TornadoConfidence” once before; April 2011 – remember Tuscaloosa?

    The local news stations and meteorologists were even more dramatic than usual and the midday temperatures surged to the mid 70′s by noon – on March 2.  

    Once retired (and locally beloved) meteorologist John Belski posted live updates on his blog throughout the day.

     Another local meteorologist, early in the day, likened conditions to “the perfect storm.”

    The technology has improved exponentially but the feeling was eerily similar to a day from my youth.  If you’re over 45 and have roots in Louisville, Kentucky you know where this is heading.

    APRIL 3, 1974  –  As a 10-year-old 4th grader, my mother, 2 brothers, a neighborhood friend, a six-week old black lab mix puppy  (we sorta rolled him down the basement stairs) and I rode out that tornado.  The low pressure made my ears pop and, yes… it sounds like a freight train.  The electricity went off and the clocks stopped at 4:43 pm.

    My family and I spent that night (all 6 of us in my parent’s bedroom) in the dark with a few candles, a flashlight and a transistor radio (Milton Metz on WHAS am radio) wishing dawn wouldn’t take so long to arrive.

   Today, while businesses and schools in the region closed early - as if a snowstorm was approaching, the first tornado warning came out at 2 pm and within minutes we learned that communities to our north in southern Indiana were, at that moment, being destroyed.     

    What is so sad today is the loss of property and life just miles from Louisville where “neighbors” - who’s kinship before today we never shared – are suffering and re-living fear of that night we remember from 1974. 

    Thanks to all the meteorologists who warned and kept us alert.  We dodged the bullet in Louisville today but wish we could do something – anything — to comfort those affected by these devastating storms.  Just heard one report announce that we’ve already seen a month’s worth of tornadoes – today alone (relative to an average March). 

    A scary March 2, indeed.