
Spring is in the air and recently while perusing my favorite site (or should I say addiction) Pinterest I have noticed boards blooming and bursting with wedding ideas. Tis the season for happily ever afters!
The Royal Wedding last year sent the wedding industry into a British trendsetting flurry which left women around the globe clamoring for one of Britain’s most fashionable wedding accessories: The Fascinator.
You may be curious yet nervous about Fascinators so I sat down with one of my favorite British imports Las Vegas Designer Claire Jane Vranian, creator and designer behind Inspired by Claire Jane, to get to the root of the Fascinator trend:
Q: What is a Fascinator?
CJ: A fascinator is a headpiece. The word fascinator originally referred to a fine lacy head covering made from wool or lace but mostly feathers. Today a Fascinator may be worn instead of a hat on occations where hats are traditionally worn- such as weddings- or as an evening accessory. Ranging in size but always bigger than a Barrett most modern fascinators are made with feathers, flowers or beads. They are particularly popular at hose racing events such as the Kentucky derby and many brides choose to wear them as an alternative to a veil.
Q: Why do the British wear them?
CJ: For us Brits the tradition dates back to the time when the Anglican Church required ladies to keep their heads covered in Church, much like other religions still do to today. Hats and Fascinators have been a very important British fashion statement since the time of Henry VIII. The media coverage of the Royal wedding brought this British tradition front and center to audiences around the world who have embraced it.
Q: How does one properly wear a Fascinator? Where should it be placed on the head?
CJ: I think they look amazing with a big updo and smaller ones with the hair down, or hair pulled back right off the face to show the fashion piece, these are a fashion statements so if you’re going to wear one make it count! I always like to show them leaning towards the front and to the right side of the head.
Q: What is the best way to secure them to ensure they stay in place?
CJ: For your big wedding day have your hair stylist place it in and have it reinforced with extra clips, especially if you’re having an updo they can work it into it. Otherwise pick a style that works with your hair. I create my fascinators either with a Headband or Clip, or both so they can be interchanged to suit the individual.
Q: What is the proper Fascinator ediquette? Do you take them off indoors, take them off in church or leave them on the entire evening?
CJ: I think it’s up to the individual at their event. At the Royal Wedding they all stayed on in the Church and at Reception!
Q: What is a good rule of thumb when selecting a Fascinator? How you get the the WOW factor rather than the WTF factor? Size, style, etc.
CJ: Buy one from ME!! Hair fascinators need to be worn with confidence and pick one that is suited with your outfit and your headsize and hair type. If you’re not sure but want to wear one, start off with a small to medium fascinator with your favorite colors. I love to create custom orders so if you want something special for a wedding, cocktail party etc please email me at inspiredbyclairejane@gmail.com with a photograph of your outfit.

Inspired by Claire Jane wants you to spend your next special occasion looking like a Royal.
1 Lucky winner will receive a custom fascinator designed by Claire Jane in the size, color and specification YOU choose! It could be for your wedding, a special event or just to add a bit of zest to an evening look!
TO ENTER:
First “like” Inspired by Claire Jane on Facebook OR Follow her on Twitter @Inspiredbycj
Then leave a comment on this post between March 18 and March 24th telling me where you would wear this stunning custom fascinator.
Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!
For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” on Facebook and Twitter.
Last week’s Lucky winner is Pamela Puppel! Congrats!
WEDDING TIP: Many couples approach the selection of their wedding photographer almost as an after-thought. They tend to get so caught up with all the really fun wedding details their guests will see – like the cake, the wedding decor, the gown, etc. – and they often don’t consider, until its too late, that selecting the right wedding photographer is just as important.
The photographer you choose to capture the moments of your wedding on film will play a very significant role in what is likely to be the single most important day of your life. Consider this: Long after the band stops playing, the guests have gone home, the flowers have wilted, all that will remain are memories and photographs.
McNulty Studios will capture the “moments” of your wedding through stunning editorial style photography. Visit www.mcnultystudios.com to view their online portfolio and book them for your “affair to remember”.


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