At Hats in the Belfry on Main Street Wednesday, Pam and Ali Judge excitedly picked out their hat for this year’s Preakness.

“We picked out hats that were simple but fun and will go with anything” said Pam. 

Pam and Ali bought their hats before they knew what dress they were wearing. 

Other ladies like Marybeth Webster brought two dresses into the shop so that she could find a perfect match. Going to the Preakness is a tradition for Webster and finding a fun hat is part of the excitement.

“I always say that I am in the business of smiles,” said famed New York hat designer Christine A. Moore. “No one frowns when they are wearing a hat. It’s the lighter side of life,” she said.

Moore held an exclusive trunk show yesterday at the Main Street shop in honor of the upcoming Preakness. When asked which hat was her top pick, without hesitation she pointed to a white mini-topper with pink and orange ribbon, feathers and tulle that she named “Helene” after her grandmother. 

“This is the one I most want to see walk out the door and find a good home.” She said. 

All of Moore’s designs are named after women. Most of her designs are born from an image of someone in particular. Moore's favorite designs are custom-made for her clients. 

“I enjoy seeing someone’s face and then designing a hat to fit them and their style.” She said.

Moore’s designs have been seen on "Gossip Girl" and "America’s Next Top Model." She was recently commissioned by "America’s Next Top Model" to create a shoe hat.  She molded the straw around a Valentino shoe and created a whimsical design that was worn on the April 6 episode.

Among store manager Jennifer Trent’s top picks for this year’s Preakness are an array of fascinators made popular by the Royal Wedding. 

“They have the wow factor without overpowering an outfit,” she said. She also picked the “Vander” a bold hat with plumes of colorful feathers.“This is the kind of hat you plan an outfit around.” she said.

Jim Stenger picked one of Moore’s designs adorned with peacock feathers. 

“I bought a one of a kind for a one of a kind,” Stenger said as he watched Moore autograph the hat.

His gift was for his friend Teresa Conto who was being celebrated that evening for being the Member of the Year for the Greater Washington Association of Health Underwriters.

Adding to the hats that were flying out the door yesterday, Sarah Claggett chose a large hat with a big blue ribbon flower. The hat was called "Marcy."

Sarah’s motto: “Buy the hat and the occasion will come.”

Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of the designers names in the caption.