There are many industries that have been hard hit this year by the pandemic, one of them being the wedding industry. Sellers and vendors both big and small found their sales dropped off sharply as weddings were postponed and cancelled all over the country, including my younger sister’s. It can sometimes feel like there are so many small businesses to support that one isn’t sure where it’s best to spend one’s money, and it’s true that one person can only do so much. One of the excellent things about the vintage loving community, though, is that the notion of dressing for events is slightly redundant for us, because we love getting dressed up all the time. That makes us excellent candidates for supporting businesses like today’s feature, Fascinators Direct, a Brighton-based fascinators and hat company–because, hey, if sassy mid-century loving folks don’t know how to rock some killer headwear, then who does??

Fascinator: Quilled Loop Fascinator gifted by Fascinators Direct
Dress: Edelie-Tea dress previously gifted by Miss Candyfloss

Fascinators Direct, despite what the name suggests, don’t simply sell fascinators. If you are looking for any event headwear, even if that’s a hat, a hair flower, or a flower crown, in all likelihood they stock it, in addition to a selection of clutch bags. Their items are available in a range of prices to suit every budget, as well as to suit all tastes. I personally adore disc and saucer fascinators, so I had a good drool over many of those pieces they had in stock before choosing this darling quilled fascinator hat. 

This piece feels like a pretty modern design but it goes perfectly with the elegance and drama that mid-century outfits offer. It’s handcrafted from a teardrop shaped sinamay disc base, and trimmed with decorative sinamay loops and two curled ostrich feather quills. I often struggle a bit with the combs on headwear because I seem to lack the knack to keep them firmly slotted into my hair, so I was delighted that this piece is attached to a black headband which disappeared quickly into my hair, keeping this stunning fascinator in place easily.

With the welcome news that vaccines are beginning to be rolled out across the world, it’s reassuring to know that there’s an end point in sight for this pandemic. We can finally start planning the resumption of our normal lives, including beloved events like the weddings that have been so painfully derailed for many. I can’t wait to celebrate my sister’s next year, and I know I’ll be looking at getting the remaining missing pieces of my wedding outfit from small businesses to show them a little extra support. It must be a relief for companies like Fascinators Direct to know that their usual business will be able to resume likely in the first half of next year, but all affected businesses will continue to need our help in the meantime to reach that point. 

Fascinators Direct offer fast free UK shipping, and also ship worldwide. 

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Disclaimer: The fascinator featured in this review was gifted to me by Fascinators Direct in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. The dress was previously gifted to me by Miss Candyfloss for a past review.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present or passing, thus abiding by the strict social distancing rules currently in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.