Fabulous Fascinators for the Spring

The Kentucky Derby is getting closer and closer (it’s just 73 days away at publishing time!) and the spring qualifying races are in full swing. This is the time of year that the most talented 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in the nation compete to earn enough points to enter the starting gate for the run for the roses, which means that somewhere across America every Saturday, there’s a fantastic race about to be run. 
For me, one of the most fun parts of attending a big race (or meeting up with friends for a viewing party) is dressing up. I know it’s not for everyone, but if it’s something that you enjoy as well, I’ve put together a few fabulous fascinators to try out this spring. 
I love a fascinator for a couple of reasons: if you’re traveling, they don’t take up a ton of room in your luggage; they tend to cost a little less than full-size hats; and they just seem a little more youthful to me. So below, I’ve created three sets of fascinators at varying price points for you to consider. The most affordable will be first, the middle ground second, and the most expensive third. As always, if you see something you like, simply click the collage to shop the look!

16Fascinators_01 by penelopemiller featuring a fascinator headband
These six fascinators are the most affordable. I tried to pick a nice variety, but if you don’t see one you love, I suggest heading over to Amazon (or use Smile.Amazon.com so that your purchases benefit the charity of your choice!) to check out their wide and inexpensive set of options. These are, going counterclockwise beginning on the upper-left-hand side:

Purple NYfashion101 disc-shaped fascinator, $15
June’s Young ice blue fascinator, $33.80
Southern Charm Kelly green comb fascinator, $15
Zking black and white fascinator, $30 (I literally just ordered this because I think it’s so cool.)
Pandahall cream-colored fascinator, $21
Aniwon feather and net fascinator, $21
Aniwon rose fascinator, $20

16Fascinators_02 by penelopemiller featuring a pink headband
Our middle-of-the-road fascinators range from classic to a bit more avant-garde. Amazon is still a good resource here, but I also found some good candidates on both Etsy as well as on department store websites. The examples above, moving counter-clockwise beginning with the upper-left-hand fascinator, come from:

SK Hat Shop’s floral ribbon band fascinator, $40
Anita grey sunburst fascinator, $40
SK Hat Shop’s Big Kentucky Derby fascinator in navy, $40
QESC coral and pink fascinator, $58
E4hats royal blue feather fascinator, $44
SS/Hat tropical flower fascinator, $53
Masina & Co. orange and pink fascinator, $68

16Fascinators_03 by penelopemiller featuring Brooks Brothers
Our final set has the most expensive fascinators in the bunch. As such, these tend to be more intricate and interesting than the rest, but of course that comes with an increased price tag! Here’s my tip: if you want one of these luxe looks without spending big bucks, check out a lending site like http://renttheraces.com/ to get the look without breaking the bank. If, however, you have the bucks and now want the bang, the hats below are, clockwise from the upper-left-hand corner: 

Christine A. Moore “Kara” fascinator, $595
Brooks Brothers pillbox hat, $199
Arturo Rios “Gena” fascinator, $250
Lady Hats Boutique lily fascinator, $140
Christine A. Moore silk pillbox, $400
Tocchic yellow and red floral fascinator, $102
Gina Foster “Clementine” crimson and gold fascinator, $380
Hats by Cressida black “Barn Owl” hat, $250