Need a hat for the Races? Last year I decided to ditch the fascinators for a hat that was so huge it deserved its own postcode. If you have never visited Eleda, you literally haven’t lived. My mum has been going to Eleda for years to buy knock out hats for weddings and the occasional race meeting and last year I decided to see what all of the fuss was about. Off I went with my dress and shoes in hand and the lovely Adelle found me the perfect creation to complement them.
I came away with a hat that ate fascinators for breakfast. Literally. As we hustled our way into the champagne tent at York races, one humble fascinator got caught up and was whisked away by my hat. I only noticed when it was pointed out by a friend once we were seated.
Eleda is sort of like an Aladdin’s cave, filled to the brim with magical designs in every colour of the rainbow. From fancy fascinators to humongous hats and handbags it’s hard not to feel like you have stepped in to the Mad Hatters tea party. You can find the perfect fascinator for around £40 or dare to be different with bespoke creations that go beyond the £1000 mark.
Me and my hat fighting it out for the Best Dressed title at Chester Races…
Here are a few tips to help you take away the title:
- Wear the biggest hat you can find
- Visit an expert milliner
- Do a few laps of the venue as this will help you and your hat get noticed
- Remember it’s not just about the hat. Make sure you find the perfect dress, shoes and accessories to match.
- Don’t get drunk. You will not win best dressed face down in the champagne tent and if you do win there will be pictures.
I also found a cream feather bag to match my hat and much to my delight it was only £25. You can splash the cash at Eleda but if you want simple yet understated accessories such as pretty parasols and unique bags, you can pick up something fabulous at a bargain price. I found this fabulous fascinator for just £40.
Adelle has been creating spectacular hats for decades and has helped many ladies get the coveted Best Dressed title. One of her customers won a shiny new Audi and a holiday to Dubai.
My beautiful mum in one of her favourite Eleda hats.
Here’s a little close up of my prize possession. I’ll be wearing it to the Ebor races in August so feel free to pop over and say hi.
Have you ever shopped at Eleda? Leave your comment below! x
