If you have big hat or fascinator fantasies, and, sadly, there are no televised royal weddings this year to play fashion judge for, then the recent 138th Kentucky Derby was a good day for you. Hats in every shape, color, and style were on display. Did you see the one of Lori Shelton wearing what looks like an out of control garden slash dead peacock atop her head? If her aim was to get attention, goal achieved lady and then some.

My first Kentucky Derby party wasn’t only about the fastest two minutes ever and placing bets, fancy attire for gents and hats for ladies, or goodies to much on. It was the chance to try this mysterious drink known as Mint Julep that gracious Southerners have enjoyed for generations. The image stuck in my head is the dude who invented KFC in his white suit sitting on his patio sipping one from a glass. Who knew that the reality of mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water could taste so awesomely bad though? Anyway, the version that I do like can be found in Coolidge Corner or Harvard Square.

Mint Julep (the boutique) has cute day dresses and cocktail attire that can be classified as somewhat sweet looking while having a young and pretty vibe. But not in your face ‘I’m so hot and I know it’ attire. Goes nicely with the more demure and subtly sexy trends that have started courtesy of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and the future Queen of England. This shift is evident when pictures of the Met Gala attendees show them wearing wonderful haute couture gowns that are tasteful yet had no women spilling out of their outfits or being too bare.

My visit to Mint Julep Coolidge Corner turned up some Milly, BCBG, and Shoshanna. The girl there was friendly too when I asked her some general questions. We discussed Spanx. It felt smaller overall than the Harvard Square location and not as sunny though. There is a New York location that I am curious about but haven’t been to. Also saw earrings by local designer JoJo during my browsing. Long ago attended a jewelry party at her home.

Assistant Manager Cayla O’Connell said, “Our favorite spring trend for 2012 is the use of neon and bright colors in everything from dresses, tops, bags, hats to pants. Embrace the color! Our favorite items this season are the Amanda Uprichard Champagne Tie Dress in Sky and Lime $196, the Milly Leslie Hostess Dress in Lemon Yellow $434, the 11” Mid Rise jeans from J. Brand in Bright Royal $170, the Yumi Kim Isi Top $134 in Turks Pink, ADA Wrap Belt in Camel $78, and the Pietro Alessandro Cross Body Leather Bag in Champagne Metallic $104.”

If you open page 1 of the Mint Julep story, it would go like this: Two girls meet once upon a time. After college and stints in the corporate world, Brooke Garber and Stephanie Nist open up their first store in Coolidge Corner. The Harvard Square location opens in 2006 followed by the Lower East Side in 2008. These two young gals who had a dream and a shared love of retail have made it into a career. But the tale is to be continued since this duo is only getting started!

Joanne M. Choi is The Fashion Blogger at Jo on the Go.