This week, we highlighted a classic print and classic style worthy of the festivities at Derby!

Polka dots are one of the most coveted prints of the season! This slightly nostalgic print looks fabulous as the focal point or accent to your ensemble. Go beyond the basic black and white and try out some fun color polka dots for summer!

Derby style isn’t just for the big race in Louisville! These prim and proper outfits would be just as appropriate for a dressier daytime event like a garden wedding or party. Think classic, pretty and dapper. And ladies, it's all about the hat--the bigger the better. If you're not into hats, try a fabulous fascinator in your hair to glam up your look.

In typical zashion, members of both the Zappos Kentucky and Las Vegas families were on hand on May 12^th to applaud our amazing vendors. In the morning, the visitors had the opportunity to tour the one-of-a-kind Fulfillment Center in Shepherdsville, KY, observing how the Zappos machine works from the inside, out.  Then, just as the sun rose to its peak in the afternoon sky, Zappos turned up the heat!

No trip to Kentucky is complete without a journey to historic Churchill Downs. After loading up the buses, our favorite shoe, apparel, and houseware reps headed to the site of the “best two minutes in sports”.  Never missing a chance to show why Zappos is one of Fortune 100’s Best Places to Work, 10 tables were also reserved for employees who assisted with the 2011 Vendor Fair in the high-class Skye Terrace, complete with a full buffet and open bar.  Tony Heish and company sponsored the sixth race of the day and celebrated up on Millionaires Row and in the Winner’s Circle.

With the Delivering Happiness bus parked out front, the mood in Suite 5 was elated and excited, enjoying time away from packaging and prepping in style. While not everyone won money at the races, the entire afternoon received an awesome review.

The night continued on to Fourth Street Live in Downtown Louisville, where the pubs weren’t the only thing crawling…

Planning to attend the Derby this year?  There is one thing you will definitely want to do before the big race: place a bet!

Once you approach the betting window, be sure to follow these simple steps to ensure your bet is placed properly:

 1. State the name of the track where the race is being held.   Remember there are many tracks around the world that are operating on any given day, so clarifying which track you're referring to is important.  If you’re at the Kentucky Derby, then you’ll want to say, “Churchill”.

 2. Present the race number you're betting on.  Typically, there are anywhere between 9 and 12 races ran per day, so make sure you get the race number correct.

 3. Specify the dollar amount of your wager and the type of bet you’re placing.  Many tracks offer different types of wagers.  Some of the easiest for beginners are "win", "place", and "show" bets.  For one of these three bets the amount you wager is the amount you pay the teller.

 *Beware that the money you wager doesn’t always equal the total cost for the bet.  For instance, if you were to place a $2 bet on what is called a "trifecta wheel", with the winner over three “wheeled” second or third place picks, the total cost to you would be $12.  When you “wheel” your bet, your odds of winning are increased, hence the additional $10.  With this bet, you would only win what the official $2 trifecta payout was according to the final odds after the race is over.

Remember:  When mentioning the horses you want to bet on, be sure to refer to the numbers that are listed in the racing program, and not their actual names. 

 Once you’ve completed these steps, the teller will print out the ticket.  Double-check your ticket to make sure it’s what you wanted. Now you’re ready to sit back, sip your Mint Julep, and watch the race, hopefully finding a little horse-player luck.

 Helpful Hints:

- Remember to have fun with betting, do your research, and understand the risk involved before gambling.

- Always have your bet written down before you approach the betting window. This ensures you won’t forget, and you won’t hold up the line behind you.  A good place to write it down is your program.

- Be sure to bring cash.  Churchill is cash only betting, but if you forget, they do have ATM’s there for your convenience.

- If you're not able to make it out in person there is always the online betting option that may cost you a small fee to set up, but usually includes free live streaming video of every race.

With the 2011 Kentucky Derby only days away, we wanted to pay homage to one of the most iconic staples gracing Churchill Downs for decades, the Derby hat. The time-honored tradition of dressing up for the Kentucky Derby still lives on today. With all the Derby parties that surround this historic race, make sure you come fully prepared with the perfect Derby hat. So sip a glass of mint julep as you peruse through some fabulous hats worthy of a festive day at the racetrack.

 Left to Right:

1. Eugenia Kim Honey : The knotted rope trim on this posh hat just screams summer style.

2. Alejandra Sky Tula Stripe Beach Hat: the bold pink shade works for the beach and the racetrack...not to mention brunch with the girls!

3. Goorin Brothers Eden: There's something so charmingly Southern about this pretty straw hat. Wear it with your most fabulous floral dresses.

4. Jessica Simpson Multi Striped Floppy Hat: ring in the summer with fresh and breezy stripes.

5. Echo Design Bolg Stripe Floppy Hat: Go bold or go home! The striking black and white stripes on this large brimmed hat is decidedly retro and totally chic.