Talent, Style and Inspiration - a Fascinator Story

I'm not sure if I've expressed this before, but I love love LOVE hats and fascinators and hair accessories of all kinds.

And I love that the lovely Kate Middleton is bringing them back in a big way.  And my absolute favorite thus has been the vibrant red straw fascinator with the maple leaves that she wore in Canada.  Obviously she is gorgeous, but the combination of the jaunty design and wearing angle, striking color and outfit pairing made it perfect.

I had to have it!

So I did a bit of research and found that the creator was Sylvia Fetcher of milliners Lock & Co.  Right away I gave them a call and was promptly told that this piece was custom made for the Duchess and not for sale.  Darn royals!

But lucky for me, I also have access to a custom milliner - my very talented friend Mary of Pretty Good Things.  So, we discussed a plan - we wanted something equally striking, red with maple leaves, but it had to be inspired by, not a knockoff.  Different shape and materials and her unique vision led Mary to create a little masterpiece just for me.

Isn't it stunning!?!?  I don't even have it yet but I'm so excited to wear it!

What's great about the process is that she shared her vision and progress with me throughout.  I was able to select the overall color (in case I wanted something other than red), how I wanted to wear it, and even placement of the lining and embellishments.

In the end I ended up with a beautiful piece that will be so much fun to wear, as pretty as the inspiration piece but one that has a personality of it's own.  And that is what's great about working directly with artists of all types!

By the way, I'm not a huge royal family watcher, but have to admit, I love Kate and Will as a couple.  They both seem so gracious and equally in love with and comfortable with each other.  I just watched this video of them from their Canada outing and they seem sweet.  I guess I'm a fan!

Not Middling Style

Yes, I am doing a "I Love Kate Middleton's Style" post.  I can't help it.  I mean, she's seems nice, they both seem totally in love, she wears great fascinators and hats and she's a pro at mixing high and low.  Even her first post-wedding outfit was a Zara dress.

But what really caught my eye were these perfect black patent espadrilles.  I discovered they were the "Greta" style from L.K. Bennett and, sadly, were from Spring/Summer 2008.  (2008! Three years ago. Kate hangs on to her shoes too. Look at her!  Awww... I'm smitten!)

Anyway, so I now need to have perfect black patent, closed-toe espadrilles.  How have I lived without them?!?  They're so perfect and just what I need. Not too platform-y, nice materials, not sandals. I must have some!

Shoe Search Time!!!

The first, and closest, I found were from Lanvin at Nordstroms.  Pretty but not quite as casual and they don't have the 1/2" platform.  Also, I refuse to think I can't find a cheaper option than $550.

These from BCBG at Zappos have a good shape but are a bit too tall and not patent.  I could lose the ankle strap too.   But at least they are less, $175, and close too.

The Steve Madden (I know, I know, ick!) Monarchy pair are at least closed toe, patent and a decent price, $89, but I don't like the cork heel/sole and they are much too high to be casually elegant. So I think a "No" for these too.

Who knew it would be so challenging to find a similar style.  Everything else were open toe and that's just not what I want. 

But, I haven't given up hope! 

I wrote to L.K. Bennett asking about the style (figuring they've fielded a ton of requests as the designer of her engagement dresses did).  I was hoping they would be bringing out more inventory, not realizing at the time that the style was from so long ago.  And good news, they said they would be putting out a similar wedge, the Kate (ha!), in the next month or so.  I'm hoping it will be very similar.

Now I just need to get a pair.  Wish me luck!

Full Circle

I don't have a huge commentary to add about the gorgeous and glorious wedding.  I'm just a bit sentimental because I remember the "first" wedding.

I'm no royal-watcher or that obsessed with their lives but these two do seem very sweet and in love. I have to admit that I teared up a bit at their secret smiles and side glances. And of course their kisses.

Loved the dress, loved the uniform and, of course, I loved the hats.

Congratulations to Kate and Will both!