THE RACE IS ON FOR DERBY FASHION

Though South of Kentucky, Birminghamians find reason to celebrate the Kentucky Derby this weekend with mint juleps, hat contest, mock races, and of course great derby dresses. And why not? Throughout the Southeast from Dallas to Atlanta, Derby parties abound.

Derby weekend begins with the YP Derby Party on the Eve of the derby May 4th 6pm at Historic Rucker Place. There is not a more perfect venue for the occasion than this beautiful white house with wrap around porches and jazz in the garden. Enjoy a hat contest, celebriducky race, mint juleps, fabulous prizes, and a great derby time - visit www.ypbirmingham.com for tickets and more information.

Bromberg's Mountain Brook store is celebrating Saturday 3:30pm with a hat contest, mint juleps, and more.

With so many Derby parties, the race is on to find the perfect dress!

Feel like Pretty Woman in this fitted 40's style curve enhancing caladesi dress printed with aqua songbirds and cherry blossoms. Anthropologie at The Summit $268. www.anthropologie.com

Pretty in Pink dress from Francesca's Colletion at The Summit $42. www.francescascollection.com

Be Belle of the Ball in this Plenty dress. Plenty by Tracy Reese visit Marella in Mountain Brook Village or Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $249. www.saks.com

This dress by T-Bags is a winner for the derby and stopping traffic with V-neckline, twisted straps, ruching across the bust, and a banded empire waistline. T Bags can be found at Laura Kathryn $202.

So mod, so pretty this dress is as sweet as a mint julep. Francesca's Collection $42. www.francescascollection.com

Picture yourself in this dress waving a fan and relaxing on wicker furniture. Ann Taylor Loft at Colonial Brookwood Village $49.99. www.anntaylorloft.com

This darling dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim is a lace a-line dress with empire waist, side slit pockets, belled short sleeves, and button placket at the bust with back zip closure www.standardstyle.com $449.

In the midst of mini season - go long and lead the pack with this black, white, and fab all over pebble dress. Anthropologie at The Summit $288. www.anthropologie.com

The boys of Proenza Schuler know design and can also design affordably. This dress is perfect for our warm Southern climate Target $24.99 www.target.com

Classy meets comfort in this fabulous jersey dress by Michael Stars. Michael Stars can be found at Private Gallery at The Summit, The Clothes Tree off Acton Road and Rocky Ridge, Betsy Prince at Colonial Brookwood Village or Emma's at Lee Branch $188.