Derby or not to be? that is the question.

Isn't it great when you have last-minute, spontaneous plans? Let's go to Paris! Let's go rollerskating. That sort of thing.

Today my husband said: let's watch the Derby.
I got off work a half hour before, grabbed a package of sage sprigs (mint sold out) for mint juleps, and eyed this hat from the register. Without trying anything else on, I threw it in with my purchases, and to me, it looks like the perfect Derby hat.

The Derby was exciting and the winning horse is heartwarming. I was able to use the sage sprigs for ornamentation while dropping in some peppermint stevia.

My first question is: should I keep or return the hat? I think it looks good, but honestly, every time I've had a sun hat you have to hold it on your head because of the wind.
Second question, if you were to go to the Derby, would you wear a large hat, or a fascinator?
Third question, have you been to the Derby?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 year ago

Joy

Veteran

I would return the hat. It sounds like it will not be worn.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You can buy those hat pins that keep hats on your head. Is the hat the right size? Not too small? I like it

Never been to the Derby, but I've been to the races quite a few times. I'd wear a fascinator.

Indigoprint

I think it looks good on you. And sun hats are a good thing for you skin. Maybe this is the one???

Carol

Joy--it certainly shouldn't be a problem, since I will be there Monday and I left the tag on.

Angie--I have never used hat pins, but that is probably the right way to go. And I believe it's the right size, maybe a tad big.

Indigoprint--maybe this is the one. It certainly seemed made for me. And I'm pale.

D'Ellen

That sun hat looks great on you! The only time I wore one I almost lost it, it kept blowing off. I wear visors for sun protection.
I have been to the Derby - 50 years ago. I didn't wear a hat, and had never heard of a fascinator. I was standing on the rail as Secretariat ran by for the win. The horse I bet on came in last.

Jaime

I would absolutely wear a giant sun hat if I were to go to the Derby, which seems incredibly unlikely but stranger things have happened . Some sun hats fit better than others, and hat pins are helpful. If it were an indoor Derby I would definitely try a fascinator!

Sloper

I’ve never been to the Derby, but I would definitely wear a big hat (a fascinator would look silly on me, I think).

I like your hat!

Suz

I have never been to the Derby but I have been to the stables where they keep the horses and I've been to other races. My dad was a bit of a fan. Even though I am from Canada.

I like that hat!

If I were going to the Derby I'd probably dress up however they do and I think I would wear a hat because I would want the sun protection!

D'Ellen--I vaguely know about Secretariat--isn't there a movie? How exciting to be there.

Jaime--Yes, I always thought I'd be a fascinator person, but I really like the hat. Maybe I will try hat pins.

Sloper--thank you! I bet fascinators look good on everyone, but you have to find the right one.

Suz--how exciting to see the stables; I bet those are beautiful horses. I just love the one who won yesterday. Two thumbs up for sun protection!

bridgie

I love this. I am very fortunate that I have been to The Derby Five Times. I was there when Secretariot won. I have to say I have found Bettors to be the most honest people I ever met. I was young enough then to walk a lot and so was my partner. At this race

we sat next to a couple we just met and the guys made a private bet. Who wouldn’t have taken an extra bet on the Secretariat? Just kidding,
we couldn’t all pick the winners every time. So, the bet between them was agreed and each one gave me $100.00 to hold. Excitement was so high we just couldn’t sit still, so like many others we decided to go where we could get a closer look at Secretariat while waiting for the race. Well, we offered our new friends their money back to hold, but their answer was same as ours would have been if they were holding the money, just hold it until after the race!! I did, and jumped up and down urging him on. And he did, ran a great race. I always wore a big beautiful hat. Somehow, I am not a Fascinator wearing person, but like them a lot on others.
Kentucky is home of beautiful horses and fast women.
Suz, your comment ,I’d probably dress up however they do, made me chuckle and inspired me to write this.

bridgie--interesting. why did they have you hold it? for luck? It must be very exciting to go to the Derby, and I bet the air is buzzing. How cool you were there when Secretariat won. I thought the horse that won this year, Mage, was beautiful with beautiful eyes.

I worked at an Irish pub in NYC, and the "day drinkers" (retirees) used to watch horses and bet on TV. One time they put me in, although I didn't put in money. The one time...and I won! I tried to buy everyone a round, but I was in college and they wouldn't take "my" money.

Carol, I’m sorry, I didn’t explain that very well I know. The guys bet each other $100.00 each their chosen horse would win. My guy had chosen Secretariat, I forgot which horse the other guy chose. This was a private bet and each put up their money , and needed some one to “hold it “ until race was over, then hand it to the person whose chosen horse won and in this case it was the guy I was with. If neither one had the winning horse I (holder of the money) would have returned $100.00 to each of them.
So, when Secretariat won I got to keep the $200.00! lol. This is a true story except the last sentence and I think I will leave that for everyone to guess. Ha ha.
I hope I haven’t confused you more, and sorry to be in on your very interesting thread so late. I love, love thoroughbred racing and “picking the horses and doing a little betting.
Congratulations to you for winning on your first bet!!

Carol, I think I told you everything but didn’t answer your question, why they chose me to hold the money, I don’t really know, I like to think it was because I looked so honest, but truth be told, I probably volunteered!! Ha ha.

I have not been to the Derby but go to lots of teas which seem to be a popular fund raiser here for ladies groups. They encourage wearing hats. I wear a sun hat daily if I go out. The high altitude sun is brutal on the skin, but you should return the hat if you don't love it and wear it.

marija

Active Member

I've been to the horseraces! I love them! So fun!

I LOVE your hat. If it fits your head, wear it on a non-windy day. You could add ribbons so you can tie it under your chin!

Roberta

That hat looks great and you should keep it- hats are hard! Just smash it down on your head a little bit harder if it's windy.

This year, a good friend held a Derby party! The invitation said big hats and bourbon. I only have one hat, but I tried to dress it up with a scarf and a pin. This made it a little heavy and uncomfortable, but I wore it anyway until I got too hot. It was super fun for me to get out a pretty dress and wear my gold shoes!

Category