Fashion designers religiously watch the Golden Globes to see what fashion colors the actresses are wearing. It does influence Spring clothing choices and this of course, influences the colors I work with. At this time of year, I am ordering hat supplies as well, so it helps to know what to purchase.

Last week, I talked about the fashion trends for spring. These colors were in abundance at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.

I noticed a lot of lace at the awards show, which I loved.

I truly hope the Spring 2012 Fashion Clothing Colors report is accurate because I totally love the colors that are supposed to be “in” this spring. The vibrant jewel tones will look great on most people and be lots of fun to design hats and fascintors for.

For years, in my personal dress, I was a bit afraid of color. Living in New York City where the main color of dress is black, it was easy. I have found that color is actually easier to work with than you would think. The key is balance.

The first color is Poppy. A vibrant, warm color. For an outfit in this color, I would probably suggest a taupe or nude hat or fascinator with hints of the poppy color in it. On the other hand, one could be daring and go for more drama. A perfect example would be Lola.

Geranium is our next color. For this color, I would suggest our April hat.

Orange is always a favorite color of mine. It is so warm and striking. Each year I try to buy something in orange to “wake up” my wadrobe. What would I wear with an orange dress?

So do we get the idea? Balance with a pop of color. Since all my hats are custom made in our studio, we can customize any hat in the colors you need.

Stay tuned for more colors next week!

I am one of those strange people who loves shopping for gifts. Obviously some people are easier to shop for than others. What I love is when I find that perfect gift for someone. As a veteran shopper, I wanted to share my tips for finding unique gifts.

Over the years, I’ve honed my shopping skills. I grew up in a small town in Kentucky and I often shopped downtown at the small boutique stores. While living in New York City, I was able to hit Fifth Avenue and Bloomies. I would also shop at street markets and Soho.

These days, I find myself finding great things at vintage stores, antique stores and boutiques. Supporting these types helps small business owners, who are often women. Buying something vintage or antique helps the environment since nothing new is manufactured, nothing is shipped and the gift is unique, often one of a kind.

Curtis Grace in Lexington, KY is a fantastic source for vintage clothing, first edition books, toys and wonderful dolls. Curtis is mainly known as a floral designer, but is also collector of special found objects. While shopping there, I have found vintage hats, coats, gloves, etc. A special favorite of mine is a dress from the 1890′s. Curtis Grace is located at 1485 Leestown Road in Lexington and their phone number is 859-252-0047.

Georgetown is my home town. For years, I have shopped at the Georgetown Antique Mall on Main Street. What is so fun about antique shopping is that you just never know what you may find. I have recently found a black bent wood coat rack for $29, a shabby chic antique desk for $170, most vintage tea cups under $20.00 and toys under $5.00. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find something for someone. Visit them at 124 West Main Street in Georgetown. Their phone is 502-863-1891 and incidentally the building they are located in was built in 1891.

A favorite town of mine is Paris, Kentucky. As many of you in the equine business know, Paris became the home of Secretariat. Two boutiques there I like are the White Horse and Peacock Ado. The White Horse owner is a jeweler and designs unusual equine jewelry, combining the horses with Celtic symbols. They are located at 431 Main Street in Paris, Kentucky.

Midway, Kentucky has a selection of antique stores, clothing boutiques, book stores and fine dining establishments. The Fashion Filly has equine related gifts. I purchased my own “lucky horseshoe” there earlier this year.

Of course for clothes, you always visit Blink, A.J.’s Casuals, Monkees of Lexington and Bella Rose. Often I love the give creations from Kentucky artists and will visit the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft in Louisville. Completely Kentucky in Frankfort features Kentucky artisans and gift baskets, which are a favorite of mine.

I hope my shopping experiences have helped you. Good luck and all the best luck for finding unique gifts for those you love! Merry Christmas!

Polly

I would like to wish you and yours a fabulous Thanksgiving. For me, the day is always about the family getting together and enjoying lots of great food. My husband and I are both vegetarians, so we pass on the turkey, but eat most everything else.

Today I helped out at a community wide Thanksgiving Dinner. It gives me a purpose on the day besides stuffing my own face. In a few hours, we are off to my aunt’s home for an extended family Thanksgiving meal. In years past when I missed this, it was always a bit sad. I do miss my grandmother especially at this time of year. She was amazing cook and taught me how to sew.

I feel so fortunate to have such great things in my life. A fabulous husband, the home of my dreams, a business that I love doing and friends and family that are always there for me. There were times when I had none of this and never would have dreamed my life would turn out like this. I am extremely blessed.

I am the luckiest hat designer in America since at least one of my hats always ends up the Winner’s Circle at the Kentucky Derby. My client, Jane Beshear, who also happens to be the First Lady of Kentucky, is naturally always in the Winner’s Circle as she and her husband present the trophy to the Winner of the Kentucky Derby. Each year, 15 million viewers watch the Trophy Presentation at the Kentucky Derby.

Four years ago, I received an email from the First Lady’s office about designing a Kentucky Derby Hat for Mrs. Beshear. Of course, I was nervous about our meeting. Jan and I got dressed up, packed hat supplies and headed for the Governor’s Mansion. Soon any nervousness on my part went away as I met Kentucky’s First Lady and we chatted about her hat. I was made to feel at home, which I found out is part of the First Family’s treatment of all who enter the Governor’s Mansion. Steve and Jane Beshear view the Governor’s Mansion not as their home, but as home to all who enter it.

Generally, I get the Mrs. Beshear’s outfit and design the hat around it. We send photos of different ideas for the hat and then once a decision is made, we finish the hat and deliver it.

I must admit that it can be daunting designing a hat that will be seen by 15,000,000 million viewers, not to mention online and in print. This past year, there was a close-up on t.v. of the First Lady’s hat that was a foot wide. You could almost see the stitching, the camera was that close.

The 2008 Kentucky Derby saw Mrs. Beshear in a black hat with turquoise, to work with her suit. The flowers were handmade from fabric we sourced locally. The hat works well with her blue eyes.

In 2009, we designed a slightly larger hat in ivory with peach and green trim. The brim was slightly larger than the year before.

The 2010 Kentucky Derby, we went Green! Mrs. Beshear took the theme of Earth Day, which is Renew, Reuse and Recycle. We redesigned her 2008 hat, re-trimming it to go with her new outfit. At an event at the Kentucky History Center, I was given the opportunity to design on Mrs. Beshear as she talked about the Kentucky Derby and her outfit. As you can see, the 2010 hat looks entirely different from the 2008 hat.

This year, we branched out into a pink hat, which was stunning on Kentucky’s First Lady. She looked elegant and lovely.

One of the things that I most admire about Mrs. Beshear is that she promotes Kentucky designers and artisans. Part of the Beshear platform is heavily promoting Kentucky Made/Kentucky Proud items. Years ago when another administration was in office, I was at an event at the Capitol. Imagine my surprise when we were given items with “Made In China” stamped on them. I thought it sad, given how many talented artisans we have in Kentucky who need work. It’s nice when Kentucky artists are given the chance to shine and Mrs. Beshear has certainly had a huge part in that.

I never would have thought when I started designing hats that I would get the opportunity to design for the First Lady of Kentucky. It just shows how you never know where life will take you.

With the Breeder’s Cup races right around the corner, we thought it would be fun to write a feature article on Breeders’ Cup Hats. In our last article, Churchill To Host Breeder’s Cup Again, we talked about the history of the Breeder’s Cup, some of our award winning hats, and even a bit about Kate Middleton. We also posted some photos of Fascinators and Saucers.

In today’s article, we’ve decided to feature Fascinators that would look fabulous at the elite Breeders’ Cup Race.

We’ll follow this up in a few weeks with an article that features hats from this years’s Breeders” Cup…but we don’t want to spoil the fun or steal the thunder from our customers that will be wearing them at the race. So you’ll have to come back to see those after the race.

In Gate #1, we have a Fascinator named Moulin Rouge. This elegant fascinator hat features flowers, veil and feathers.

In Gate #2 we have Lulu, a Fascinator with multiple design features and elegant simplicity.

In Gate #3, Sarah prances forth in glorious color and beautiful Fascinator design elements.

In Gate #4, we have Tessa. She’s a Fascinator with feminine qualities hat intrigue and draw you in with soft flowers.

In Gate #5 is Wisp of Dawn. Don’t be fooled by her name! This Fascinator has a focus of color that compliments a beautiful wispy nature.

In our final Gate #6, we feature Yeats. She’s a spectacular Fascinator, bringing elegance and whimsical fun together.

We’ve hope you’ve enjoyed our parade of Breeder’s Cup Hats and we hope to see you at Churchill Downs, where the 28th running of the Breeder’s Cup will take place on November 4th and 5th. You’ll see our latest Fascinators and Saucers, and of course, we hope to see you there too.

Once again, for the 8th time, in fact, Kentucky’s Churchill Downs will host the Breeders’ Cup. The 28th running of the Breeders’ Cup will take place at our state’s historic racetrack November 4 and 5th and we’re featuring Breeders’ Cup Hats.

Since the inaugural running at Hollywood Park 27 years ago, the Breeders’ Cup has established itself as the season-ending championship of thoroughbred racing. Through the years, the Breeders’ Cup has grown from a 7-race, $10 million day, to a 15- race, $26 million extravaganza, held over two days, and encompassing almost every division of the sport. The purses for the Championship races are funded by worldwide nomination from the industry’s thoroughbred breeders. In 2011, horses are able to earn automatic starting positions into Championships races through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, a series of 68 stakes races held worldwide.

“I am thrilled that Kentucky’s iconic Churchill Downs, home of the legendary Kentucky Derby, has been selected to host the 2011 Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” Governor Steve Beshear.

What to wear to the Breeders’ Cup? While hats are not de rigueur as at Royal Ascot, or even traditional as at the Kentucky Derby, we design a number of hats every year for owners who anticipate a spot in the winners circle and for racing fans who simply enjoy cutting a smart figure in the stands. If you plan to attend the event there’s a very good reason to choose your head wear carefully; On Friday, November 4, Louisville newspaper,The Voice Tribune will be sponsoring “Fascinator and Fedora” a hat competition in which one fashionable fan will walk away with $5,000 for the best Fascinator and another will win $5,000 for the best Fedora. For more information follow this link: Fascinator and Fedora

Since the royal wedding we’ve seen a trend toward the saucer hat made popular by the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton. The smaller hats and fascinators work well with all types of ensembles — even pants suits. One of our most popular saucer hats was named for Zenyatta, the filly that has become practically the symbol of The Breeders Cup.

Below are some new additions to the line designed with this event in mind.

I wouldn’t presume to predict Kentucky weather in early November, however, historically, there have been some warm quite sunny days. As wise women protect themselves from too much uv damage, a wide brimmed hat may well be a good investment in the day. For this reason, Polly always adds a few new hats which provide full coverage, yet are designed with fall fashions and palettes in mind. We call them “Transitional Straws”. In fact, our line of transitional Straws are traditionally named after former Breeders Cup winners –evocative names like Ginger Punch, Dance Smartly to name a couple. To view and read more about these versatile and elegant designs follow this link to an earlier post entitled Breeders Cup Heads Up.

Whether you choose the chic fascinator or saucer hat and a shot at the prize money or go for the mystery of a more traditional wide brimmed design, we welcome you to Kentucky and promise you that the Breeders Cup will be a day unbridled excitement.

by Jan masters Yon

My little fascinator Lola was chosen by Hollins Alumni Magazine in the Enterprising Alumni section. It was such a treat to see Lola being worn by Hollins student Albana Moreyna. She really brings the headpiece to life.

A funny little story about Lola. I had designed it a year ago and just kept it around the office. I was off to an event and needed a headpiece to liven up my outfit and tired countenance. On popped Lola and the rest is history, as they say. The event was the Scott Humane Society’s Wags for Drags, featuring adoptable pets and the Imperial Court of Kentucky. Imagine my delight as I spent the evening getting compliments on Lola! A few days later it went on the website and has been the hit of the year. Had I not volunteered at the event, I wonder if Lola would have made it to the online store this year? One of those funny twists of fate.

Even though it is only early September, it feels like November in Central Kentucky. In order to get over the gloom of the past week, I mentally went back to summer. One of the highlights for me was designing a friend’s bridal headpiece and attending her wedding.

Jamie and Curtis met through work. My husband Keith worked with both of them. At one time, Curtis was in Keith’s band, aptly named “Stalking Curtis”. They are such a cute couple.

It was easy to design for Jamie because she knew exactly what she wanted. Her dress was simple, yet classic. It reminded me of vintage Hollywood. Jamie and Curtis were married at the Hunt Morgan House in Lexington, the same place where Keith and I were married. It was a warm summer afternoon, the day of the Belmont actually.

I love this photo of the couple leaving the wedding and taking their first steps into married life. I think a good caption would be “We did it!”. Hats off to Jamie and Curtis for the lovely wedding.

For those of us who spend any time outside in the garden, a simple garden hat is essential. The sun that we get everyday on short visits outside (a half hour here and there), is what really adds up over time in terms of skin damage. Also, keeping a hat on insures that the money spent on hair color does not go down the drain. In fact, hairstylists tell us to keep our heads covered while outside or at the beach in order not to end up with fried locks at the end of the summer.

I recently moved into an Victorian Queen Ann house complete with a wonderful perennial garden. We have 12 red rose bushes, a host of Coneflowers, Stargazer Lillies, Day lillies, Hydragena, to name a few. The upside is that it is truly gorgeous. The downside, the work spend weeding and keeping it looking immaculate. My trusty garden hat comes in very handy.

When I first started making hats back in 1993, I started with simple straw hats and glued on herbs such as lavender and rosemary. I would put them on the hat band. It was wearing one of those simple hats that elicited comments from my then boss at EMI Music, telling me that my hat was nice. Since this came from a man who wore $10,000 custom made suits, I took that as a huge compliment. From there, I started at FIT that fall and the rest is history.

Back to garden hats, don’t forget to put yours on. I encourage you to decorate one and just have a great time doing it. Purchase a simple inexpensive hat at a hobby store such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. They should be on sale at this time of year. I did a few that were completely covered with moss.