The Nicole Fascinator

Nicole and I met because of a hat. Her hat, to be exact. It was a few weeks after my arrival in Pittsburgh, and I'd ended up at a gallery opening with my roommate. I was hanging out - probably near the food platter, because that's where I like to stay at such events - when a neon yellow feathered hat caught my eye. That hat was on a head. That head belonged to Nicole. I began a conversation which started with my gushing, "I love your hat!" and ended with me saying, "I just moved here, and don't know anyone, so you have to be my new friend!" She, to my delight, enthusiastically agreed. Now, months later, I'm still impressed with Nicole's gutsy and creative headpieces, many of which she makes. From carrots, to stencils, to tulle-backed photos, Nicole's fantastic creations always have me in awe. So, it's no surprise that I thought of her when I saw this whimsy little accessory. With its wee black boater-shaped hat floating amid a raucous feathered applique and a sultry sea of beauty marked netting, this little headband fascinator captures all of Nicole's spirit, spunk, and stylishness. Slide this piece into your updo to fancy up your next gallery crawl outfit of a shiny dress, low heels, and a plaid bolero, and you might just score a few new friends of your own, thanks to your fabulous fashion sense! -Hannah, Fashion Writer