Although the word “Fascinator” may be new to you…you’d be surprised they are all around you!
Only last year, I was at home (Syracuse) visiting family and went shopping for a dress to wear to the Kentucky Derby. I vi
sited a dress store where I had gotten most of my prom dresses during high school. “Boom Babies” in Syracuse is a cute little store that carries flashy but unique jewelry, dresses for both prom and cocktail and boutique/unique clothes that you won’t find in a shopping mall. Walking around with no luck on the dress front, I came to this wall that had a bunch of fascinators! In shock, I took one down and looked at the price… $29! You’ve got to be kidding me! These things sell for $200+ during Derby time!
You don’t have to pay those Derby prices! No one understands a girl on a budget better than I do! I purposely don’t carry cash because it doesn’t last long when I do. Saving is not one of my stronger points. Anyone with the same problem??
Just because we encourage (strongly encourage) headwear for our competition, doesn’t mean we expect you to pay your month’s rent to get it! Fascinators are all around and not that hard to come by!
Milliner: a person who designs, makes, and trims hats
Fashions on the Field has teamed up with two FABULOUS milliner’s which will be selling their gorgeous pieces at the competition and our Fashion Event (TBA) beforehand. Polly Singer and Jenny Pfanenstiel are two very talented milliners who understand high fashion can be found in a headpiece. Polly Singer is also a local located at 3493 Lansdowne Drive, Lexington, KY 40517 and has a great line of hats/fascinators called “Kate.” You can take a look at her website or go say hi and get that perfect piece for your winning outfit! http://www.hatsandveils.net/
Our other great milliner is Jenny Pfanenstiel with Forme Millinery. She is Chicago based but will be with us the day of our competition! You can visit her website and give her a call to get your perfect piece. http://www.formeonlineshop.com/ She will also be at Louisville Fashion Week if you are looking for a day to play hooky from work!!!
A third fabulous milliner is our friend Lisa Tan. She has graced American with the presence of her beautiful pieces from the UK overseas (not in lexington ;). We have those pieces up on our facebook page and they will be on our website as well soon! Take a look! You can also keep track of her on facebook.
If these aren’t in your budget, don’t fret! You haven’t run out of possibilities! Ebay has a ton to offer for both hats, fascinators, or everything you need to make your own! Another website, Etsy, has much to offer as well. You will need to order sooner than later so that you don’t find yourself too short on time.
If your local in the Lexington there are plenty of places to get a fab headpiece for your outfit. I was just in the mall the other day and New York & Co. had some great felt hats…affordable too! Another place to shop is the “Miss Priss” Pageant shop located in Victorian Square. They have many cute little fascinators ranging from $10-$40. Macy’s and Dillard’s usually have a few different options for head pieces, so scan that accessory section!
We are spoiled because of the racing industry here and have milliner’s right in town! Anne Sawyer (on Short Street), Broadway Hats (Broadway downtown) and Fielden Willmott (W. Sixth St) all offer unique pieces ready to wear. They are also willing (without personally speaking to them) to make pieces to match your outfit. Make sure you give them enough notice and your price will be higher as its custom.
There are plenty of milliners in the United States and all over the world! If you are on a budget, you don’t need to get discouraged. Pull out that crafty part of you and get working…or get looking online and in stores! Plenty of options for any girls budget!