Thanks to the iconic Del Mar Racetrack, summer style in San Diego is all about the hats.

The go-to boutique for unique headwear in downtown San Diego – The Village Hat Shop – presents the 5th Annual Pre-Race Day Trunk Show on Saturday, July 18. If you’ve yet to pick up a statement-making headdress for Opening Day at Del Mar, this is a San Diego shopping event you don’t want to miss.

Discover stunning hats by Betmar and talk fashion with Director of Design Kimberli MacKay at The Village Hat Shop in Seaport Village from 11am – 2pm on Saturday, July 18. 

Kimberli is flying in from New York to chat with San Diego shoppers about the designs, the fashion industry in general or, most importantly, to have a hat selected "just for her". On Saturday Kimberli will showcase preview pieces from the 2010 Spring /Summer dress hat line (pictured). Attendees will not only have the chance to sneak a peek of what designs are in store for next year, but will also have the chance to buy these hats, thus making their purchase "one-of-a-kind" until the line is formally released next spring. 

Insider Tip: On Saturday The Village Hat Shop will have 50 of Betmar's custom high-quality hat boxes on hand, which are only available at trunk shows, to be given to the first 50 customers who buy a Betmar dress hat that weekend.

Andrea Zeidell, Store Manager of The Village Hat Shop, is a San Diego expert on all things hats. Approaching the 5 year of racetrack inspired trunk shows, Andrea shares her thoughts on Del Mar fashion: “Del Mar opened when headwear was ubiquitous in fashion. No one left the house without a hat, throughout the years fashion has changed but the tradition to wear a hat on Opening Day stuck. All the famous thoroughbred clubs have their opening day – it's an excuse to dress up and celebrate!”

Andrea explains the local look: “As for Del Mar style, I think everyone is definitely trying to stand out. Women typically go for the wide brim hats, as they attract more attention. It also serves a purpose, sun protection and your own personal sun shade.”

The Village Hat Shop offers a huge selection of women’s dress hats ranging beyond the Betmar brand. Visit this boutique for all your Del Mar Opening Day needs, and check out the selection online to find the style that fits you at villagehatshop.com. 

The Village Hat Shop is located in Seaport Village at 853 W. Harbor Drive. For more information, call 619.233.7236.