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Before slipping into your stilettos on Oaks or Derby day, consider a product that could help protect your heels as you walk around the track all day.

The SoleMates High Heeler is a small cap that attaches to most heels, increasing the surface area at the base, which helps keep them from sinking into the grass or slipping into cracks.

The caps come in clear and black and run about $12 for a pair. You can find them at Von Maur in Oxmoor Center, The Galt House Hotel & Suites gift shop, and the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport, 2735 Crittenden Drive.

Pretty in pink

To gear up for the Pink Out on Oaks Day at Churchill Downs, several local shops have stocked up on pink fashions and accessories.

• The Fashion Post, newly relocated to Glenview Pointe Shopping Center, is carrying neckties ($68) and bowties ($48) by Southern Proper. A portion of sales will go to the Louisville affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

• Parallel 38 in Chenoweth Square is featuring a large selection of ties from Vineyard Vines priced at $75. The St. Matthews boutique also just received a shipment of official Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games ties ($95). They come in four colors, including pink, and $10 from the sale of each tie will benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.

• The Peppermint Palm in the Vogue Shopping Center has new pink dresses, skirts, tops and more. Shoppers can also meet James Bradbeer, president and co-owner of Lilly Pulitzer, between 10 a.m. and noon Tuesday, April 28, at the store. Profits during Tuesday's event will be donated to the Louisville affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Coffee, tea, mimosas and gourmet muffins and pastries will be served.

Sweet treat

The Old Louisville Candy Co. has a new temptation — Derby Delytes handmade chocolate pecan clusters.

The company, known for its popular Happy Balls candy, offers the latest sweets in 4-ounce ($5) and 8-ounce bags ($9).

They contain no alcohol, so can be enjoyed by the whole family, says company owner Ron Harris.

You can find them at Paul's Fruit Markets, The Kentucky Derby Museum, Party Mart, The Horseshoe Casino gift shop, The Old Louisville Visitor's Center and at www.gethappyballs.com.

Derby ornament

Are you a fan of the Great Balloon Race, or on the hunt for a Derby memento?

Check out the new hot-air balloon ornaments at Dallas Jewelers (4915 Old Brownsboro Road).

The original Ne'Qwa Art-designed ornaments were created using the ancient technique of reverse hand-painting on the inside of the mouth-blown glass. They're $20.

Shopping buzz

• Von Maur (Oxmoor Center) is hosting a "Hats Off to Spanx" event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Learn how to pair Spanx with Derby dresses and other spring styles.

• Louisville artist Gail Corso will be at A Taste of Kentucky in Mall St. Matthews from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, April 27, signing her "Derby Diva" hand-painted glassware.

• Mary Frances of Mary Frances Accessories will appear at Dillard's in Mall St. Matthews from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30. Meet the designer and have her sign your Mary Frances handbag.

• The cosmetics department at Macy's in Oxmoor Center will hold a "Place, Face and Go!" event from 7 a.m. to noon Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2. Enjoy makeovers, drawings for gift baskets and light refreshments. A $50 reservation is required, redeemable in products. Call (502) 423-3000.

• Vintage hats dating from 1935 through the 1950s have arrived at Rosie's Consignment Boutique (143 Chenoweth Lane). Priced at $45 to $125.

• Gymboree will open at The Summit this summer next to Ann Taylor Loft. The store, also located in Oxmoor Center, sells apparel and accessories for children ages newborn to 12.

Tell Christa! Send your shopping news to critchie@courier-journal.com, or mail to her at The Courier-Journal, 525 W. Broadway, P.O. Box 740031, Louisville, KY 40201-7431.