I hold up my hands. Guilty as charged. I’ve meaning to blog about this for ages but life events have just taken over.
Last September, we went off to witness and celebrate the civil partnership of Neal and Craigh, who have been together for many, many years. Despite early mishaps with blow-dries (cue hysterical laughter later in a conversation not fit for sensitive ears) and traffic jams on the A12, we managed to creep into Ipswich Register Office just as they exchanged their forever vows. Not a dry eye in the house, I can tell you. Lunch at Seckford Hall near Woodbridge rounded off a joyful occasion that brought together the two families.
But what does one wear to a civil partnership? Specifically, on one’s head? I love and adore hats, but they do tend to swamp me a little. Having been told that “outrageous, dahling,” is all the rage for a Civil Partnership, my thoughts turned to fascinators. Miss DD, the first girly on that side of the family for 100 years, and a soapbox feminist since the age of 2, was keen to rebel against her dolly image. She wore a gorgeous ivory lace Claudie Pierrlot dress and matching shoes and belt from LK Bennett but topped it with a black leather Reiss jacket so her headgear had to be equally edgy.
Our friend Denise of Damson Belle style consultants suggested her contact Dacia Halford, who makes fascinators to order in her spare time. After a couple of phone consultations and a meeting in an updated version of one of those League of Gentlemen pubs where everyone swivels to glare at strangers, Dacia had managed to dye our fascinators to the perfect match for our respective outfits. As you ask, my jacket and bag were hugely reduced from the Jaeger sale last summer – blame the horrid weather – and my dress was J Crew. Having started off with something quite simple, I wanted more ostentation and ended up with a long quill that hit the ceiling of the car every time I turned my head.
Anyway, I loved Dacia’s work, and so did everyone else at the ceremony, which is the main thing. I don’t go to these things often but I think a non-dwarfing fascinator will be the obvious choice for me next time. In fact, I might just order an elaborate one in black for the next time there’s a Wedding of the Year in The Archers.
So, on to some photos:
You can contact Dacia Halford on 07446 005447 or have a look at her Lilac and Lily Facebook page
No, this post isn’t sponsored and we paid in full for the gear. But it’s nice to publicise quality and help a small business.
Sounds like a very happy occasion and I love the photos x
It was. A little chilly though.
I’m not a fashion person and all this goes right over my head, but it’s lovely to see so many happy people. Also, I have to say you and your children look elegant and classy. Beautiful children you have.
Thank you. X
Beautifully happy photos and a great post. Loving that rich shade on you!
Thank you. I love it too. Trouble is no more occasions coming up to wear it again. Perhaps I should just wear it at home in the evenings. Or to choir…
I adore hats and have never tried a fascinator. However, I wear flowers and elaborate clips in my hair mosat days, so I think I ought to re-consider. Your blog post has inspired me to try a fascinator next time I have some special occasion.
I adore yours, by the way.
Thank you sweetie. I was always wary of them as they seem an object of general ridicule. But I like hats too and I wouldn’t go to a wedding topless, as it were.
I love hats but they do tend to swamp me and fascinators have the advantage that they will stay on (if combined with a good blow dry) and don[‘t have to be removed and placed somewhere (in harm’s way) when one sits down to eat.
I also think they can go quite easily from day to evening. I think I’m more or less converted from massive picture hats to fascinators now.
I have no knowledge or interest in fashion whatsoever but I have entertained (music and comedy) at four gay weddings and they were the most joyful and special events. I have also inherited the most wonderful gay son (my partner’s eldest).
I wish you well in fascinator land. Meanwhile, I only have two hats. A hard hat for horse riding and a floppy sheepskin thing with pull down ear muffs.
Hahahaha! Frivolous, I know, but I’ve always liked clothes! X