shop the look: hats: c/o Gold Coast Couture // dress: old but similar // shoes: Manolo Blahnik (sold out but similar)

it’s derby week y’all!

this week is my happy place & i’m beyond sad we can’t make it home to louisville to celebrate this year. trevor’s still working nights & we’re hoping next year will work out! what are you doing for derby? i know some fabulous southern spots in the city that have great deals if you’re staying in chicago. however, i did have a blast pretending i was making it home with Megan from Stylish & Scatterbrained!

i wanted to keep my look classic to highlight these AMAZING fascinators and hats! Nicole Betti from Gold Coast Couture is the genius behind these and i can’t even begin to describe to you how many gorgeous creations she has in her studio.  we were like kids in a candy store trying everything on and trust me it wasn’t easy to narrow it down. for all my kentucky girls she does custom orders & will totally work with you & get what you need in time for this weekend!!! we asked her a few questions about what motivates her & where she get’s all her creative juices from & you can check out her interview below…

When and why did you start Gold Coast Couture?
I started Gold Coast Couture in 2011 because I felt there was a need for a better hat website.  I would go to horse races every year and have the most difficult time finding a hat.  Not to mention, women like myself are very visual and need to see what a hat looks like on an actual person.  Plus, why shouldn’t a woman buy for other women?  Afterall, we know what other women like!  Let’s face it, whether you admit it or not, women dress for each other anyway!

We love the styles you curate!  Where does the inspiration for Gold Coast Couture come from? How do you determine what to buy for your store?
Thank you.  I buy pieces that I love and that I think other women would love as well.  I keep up with the fashion trends, and go to a lot of events, so I feel like I know what is flattering for a woman.  Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I feel like I have good taste!  <laughter>

Who are some of your favorite hat designers?
Oh, wow, that’s a really difficult question to answer.  I really love all the designers I carry.  I think they’re all different and have their own unique style, which is what I love.

What is your favorite part about running your own business? What is the most challenging part?
My favorite part about running this business is that I get to travel to England to meet with each of the designers and buy for the following year.  Buying trips are exhausting, and overwhelming, but they’re a lot of fun too!
The most challenging part is not being able to clone myself!  From the accounting department to the shipping department, that’s me; I do it all!

What do you see in the future for Gold Coast Couture?
I plan to expand the business by importing from new designers.  I try to add new designers every year.  This year I am testing out the rent a hat option.  Other than that, I’ll leave the future to your imagination!  😉

Do you have any fun plans this year for the Kentucky Derby?
Well, I absolutely LOVE going to the Kentucky Derby every year.  Horses, gambling, and fashion always equals a good time!  Not to mention, it’s a great a place to see and be seen!  Unfortunately, I never have time to go to the Oaks because I’m always busy styling clients up to the last minute. However, one day I will get back to the Oaks so I can sport a fabulous pink outfit in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

for my look i decided to keep it simple to highlight nicole’s creations and decided to wear this dress from gap i picked up last season on the sale rack for just $10! stripes are always in season and this dress has pockets which is a huge plus…it’s such a comfortable fit and is a flaterring shape for anyone.

make sure to swing by megan’s blog to get all the deets on her look & check back later in the week for some more derby inspo!

xox,

shaheen