Fascinators

We're off to the 2013 Kentucky Derby races — or at least, dressing the part. Whether that actually means you're headed to Churchill Downs or rooting for your favorite horse at a friend's party, there's one accessory that will supply all the Derby chic you'll need, and that, of course, is a gorgeous hat. What better place to draw outfit (read: head gear) inspiration from than the royals abroad? Namely, Kate Middleton and her sister, Pippa, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Queen Elizabeth II. We're zeroing in on the most masterful works of hat art, courtesy of our favorite royal figures. Let this be a lesson: where royalty and the Kentucky Derby are concerned, the more dramatic the hat, the closer to heaven. Click on for all the inspiration you'll need.

There has been plenty of excitement surrounding the Queen of England's Diamond Jubilee celebrations all over the globe — even in the beauty world. Take Butter London, for example, who launched a Queen Elizabeth-inspired Lillibet's Jubilee nail lacquer ($14). But when it came to all the 60th anniversary festivities, attendees decked themselves out in their Union Jack finest, fascinators galore, and even a bit of face paint thrown into the mix. See the highlights now.

Thanks to a rise in interest of the royal family, there's a growing fascination in fascinators. But the towering head toppers aren't just limited to regality; they're also quite prominent at horse-racing events as well. (See: My Fair Lady.) Earlier today at the Crown Oaks Day races, attendees came out dressed in their finest hair accessories. From Elizabeth Hurley to Sarah Jessica Parker, see who truly rose to the occasion.

In the mood for something fabulous and a little frothy? Take a gander at these gorgeous pieces from London-based Etsy shop Unusual Fascinators. They have all the charm of 19th century millinery, but with pretty modern additions that make them even more unique and visually interesting. They're expensive, and there's nothing casual about them, but they'd be beautiful whether you were in jeans or a ball gown.

Ever since the royal wedding and even the recent Kentucky Derby, fascinators have captured the attention of people everywhere. Not only are they stylish accessories, but depending on their design, they can add instant personality to any ensemble.

I recently came upon Etsyer HeartFeltByAviva's shop, which features all sorts of whimsical fascinators and headbands you'll likely adore upon first sight. Better yet, 10 percent of all the proceeds from the sales of the crafter's handmade head-toppers go to charity. Peep through to check out the line, and then tell us: which one is your favorite?

Today's royal wedding had everyone excited to see what Kate, her bridesmaids, and royal relatives would wear from head to toe. As always, we were also waiting with excitement to see which hats and fascinators were chosen as beauty accessories to their glamorous yet prim attire. Which do you like most?

Milliner Philip Treacy has perhaps single handedly put fascinators and similarly extravagant hats back into mainstream fashion. And as the official milliner for the royal wedding, we can't wait to see what he has in store. Until then, see some of his most impressive designs on stars like Iman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Lady Gaga.