03:36 PM EST on Wednesday, March 29, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The forsythia’s in bloom and the tulips in my flowerbeds are beginning to show signs of life again.  That means one thing: it’s time to start thinking about a hat for Derby.

I can say without hesitation that at this time of year the question viewers ask me most is, “Have you found your Derby hat yet?” So far, my annual quest for the right topper has not begun, but it soon will.,That brings up another question: Should you buy the outfit first and then find the perfect hat, or are you the risk-taker who buys the hat you adore then searches for the outfit to match? I’ve done both.

This year, I went to the Derby hat experts to find out what’s hot and how we can get the best Derby look.

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View this story She of Louisville Dee's E-mail Rebecca Vance Pike

This Derby season at She of Louisville, 75 to 100 hats will be sold. The prices range from $85 all the way up to $650. 

Anne Garvey has been helping women find the perfect hat for many years. She advises finding the outfit first, but adds, “If you fall in love with a hat, you can work around that.”

This year, metallics are still important but don’t make it an all-over look. Plus, when you’re choosing a hat your proportions and the shape of your face are the keys to the best look. Anne says big hats are always good but not if you’re petite -- they will dwarf you.

Here in Louisville, customizing your hat has become popular. DEE’S has nearly 1,200 to choose from. Some are already decorated and some can be personalized with embellishments in the store. A third option is to bring in your own hat for finishing touches.

Kathy Olliges of DEE’S says her top hat recommendation is make sure it’s a comfortable fit. If your hat moves when you shake your head you can have it sized to fit perfectly.

Embellishing Derby hats has become a cottage industry in Kentuckiana. Rebecca Vance Pike has been designing and selling Derby hats for the public for six years.

This year, Rebecca’s Head Dresses will sell nearly 300 hats dressed for Derby. Rebecca says the right Derby hat changes a woman’s demeanor, the way she walks and stands. She says, “When they get the right hat, everything changes about them.”

As for my words of advice on Derby hats --- try them on. In fact, try on many hats.  When you find the one that makes you want to look in the mirror just a little longer, you have found the perfect Derby hat.

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A few pointers for the Easter/Passover/Derby bonnets

Hat designer Kokin of New York City gives this hat advice:

1) A woman should always wear a hat that looks good on her, not necessarily because it goes with her outfit - the best way to find out - look in a full length mirror.

2) If the hat is not comfortable or you are not comfortable with the look, guess what - it shows on your face.  With bad shoes you can at least sit down!

3) A good hat is like good hair and makeup, it's the first thing people see and remember.

4) Think of a hat as a frame for the face, it can only enhance and intrigue.

5) Men think hats are sexy. A woman who wears a hat exudes confidence, and confidence is sexy.

6) A brimmed hat is the best anti-aging and anti-skin cancer artillery a lady (of any age) can have, asks any dermatologist.

7) A gal should never check her hat, it would be like checking your handbag at the door, and a hat is an accessory not an appendage.

8) A hat should be worn with a simple hairstyle, and not tilted back on the head, leave that to the Dallas Cowgirls!

9) If you tilt the hat to the right you will look a bit taller and flirtier and also the asymmetry can cut a too square or too round face.

Web story produced by Jay Ditzer.