A Fascinating Hat for the Derby

A certain kind of ladies' hat has become popular again, and thanks to the recent Royal Wedding, every fashionista now knows what a Fascinator is.

For those who don't follow the rags, the hat is a small (well, that's debatable) cocktail type chapeau, that seemingly balances daintily on the top and/or slightly off to the side of the head.

They can take all forms, from the elegant to the whimsical to the absolute outrageous, but surprisingly they are easy to wear and to make.

Start with a simple headband, and then start adding stuff. I choose a large silk tropical leaf for impact, then added roses, a butterfly and a rose printed bow off to the side.

For somewhere between $5 and $10 I had a perfectly respectful Kentucky Derby themed millinery piece to wear to the races.

Someday my dream of being at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day may come true, until then, I'll wear my Dollar Store dowry and dream.

Do I feel like Carmen Miranda? -- yes. Is it fascinating, that these flights of fancy are fashionable? Absolutely.

Now here is a gallery of today's Derby hats straight from the Twin Spires.