Formé Millinery Company
Louisville-based milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel creates one-of-a-kind masterpieces for Derby and dress-up occasions!
All Derby hats are NOT created equal. Every Derby season, you see a selection of hats and fascinators in every corner of Louisville, even the grocery store! While you can find your Kentucky Derby hat at nearly any outlet or price point, only a few are real works of art. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit a true hat wonderland, Formé Millinery, which elevates hat-making to an art form!
The hat forms on which Jenny Pfanenstiel creates Formé hats.
Formé’s owner, Jenny Pfanenstiel, blocks all her hats by hand using vintage hat forms and a 19th century braiding machine. Every nook and cranny of her shop is simply delightful! And, oh my goodness, are Formé hats unique and gorgeous!!
Gorgeous hats at Formé. That pink one wound up at HerKentucky HQ…
Jenny majored in fashion design in college, and soon became fascinated with the art of millinery. After learning to hand-make hats by molding straw or wool over wool hat forms. Soon, Jenny found herself making an annual six-week trek from Chicago to Louisville every year to sell her creations for Derby season. Eventually, she moved here and became one of the premier designers for high-end Derby looks. In fact, Formé is now the official milliner of the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Handcrafted fascinator perfection…
Of course, the Derby-ready hats and fascinators were unbelievably beautiful, but I was simply captivated by the vintage-style wool hats as well. Jenny’s designs channel so many 1920s and ‘30s vibes, and I am here for it. (And did I mention that she carries a full line of men’s hats as well?)
I love this chic Formé creation so very much!!!
This incredible cloche gives me serious Babylon Berlin vibes.
swoon.
Jenny has partnered with one of my very favorite brands, Vineyard Vines, to create a lovely line of Kentucky Derby fascinators. There’s even a fascinator that benefits the Norton Cancer Institute! My friends at Vineyard Vines were kind enough to send me a piece from this limited-edition collection; I absolutely love it!!
Dress c/o Draper James; Fascinator c/o Vineyard Vines
Thanks so much to Vineyard Vines for working with me on this post, and to Jenny Pfanenstiel for taking the time to talk shop with me! Happy Derby, y’all!!
My Favorite Cashmere Sweater
My luxury wardrobe staple is surprisingly affordable!
Photo © Space, Place & Southern Grace.
Sweater: Charter Club by Macy’s; Scarf: Barbour (old; similar here); Bracelet: Kendra Scott
My very favorite sweaters are on serious sale at Macy’s right now, and I just wanted to share the secret with y’all! I love these solid, crewneck sweaters for pairing with everything from jeans to dressy skirts. I try to pick up a couple every year; with proper care, they make a comfortable and luxe wardrobe item at a very reasonable price! The red will be the perfect touch for upcoming holiday events!
I wore this blush pink sweater and matching wrap to Churchill Downs last month. I swear, people kept touching my arm because the cashmere was so soft!
Fourth of July Favorites and a Kick Ass Giveaway!
Some holidays just call for festive attire. With the 4th of July coming up, you just have to add some red, white and blue to your wardrobe!
Here are a few of my very favorite ways to show my American pride this summer!
Draper James Pinewood Envelope (click here for $20 off your online DJ purchase!)
Maker's Mark Flag Tote (Get a free Americana dipped glass with a $40 purchase!)
And then there's my very favorite patriotic piece of all!
The awesome folks at Kentucky for Kentucky have a red, white, and blue Kentucky Kicks Ass t-shirt for one lucky HerKentucky reader! Hurry; the giveaway ends tonight at midnight and the winner will be contacted first thing tomorrow morning! Enter to win below!
The HerKentucky Guide to Shopping Lilly Pulitzer Sales
Shop locally for great sales!
If you're a serious Lilly Pulitzer shopper, then I know you've heard about the big After Party sale that's starting this Monday. Now, the after-party sale is great, and I've scored some good deals there. Buuuutttt.... it has a tendency to have long lines and a bit of a "break the internet" feel.
As a longtime Lilly lover, I'm going to let y'all in on my very favorite Lilly Pulitzer shopping secret, and it's right here in the Bluegrass State: The Peppermint Palm, Kentucky's very own privately-owned Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, with locations in Lexington and Louisville. No insane online hassles, shopping locally, and often getting far better buys. What's better than that??
In fact, some of my very favorite deals of the summer have come from the Peppermint Palm! Here are a few examples:
Sophie Dress
I found this Lilly Sophie Dress at The Peppermint Palm back in May. It retailed for $138; while it was still full price online, I found it for under $80 at the Palm!
And, let me tell you, I've more than gotten my money's worth from this dress! I've worn it to bourbon distillery tours, charity events, even a shotgun shoot! It's amazingly comfortable, has an SPF 50+ rating for sun protection, and can be dressed up or down with different shoes and accessories! (My mom got the same dress on sale at the Palm and has worn it to baby showers, work events, and even my cousin's med school graduation!)
Younger Woman's Club of Louisville End of Year Toast
Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour
Original Makers Club Shotgun Shoot and Southern Supper
Ali Dress
I LOVE this dress! It has been my go-to all summer! While it was still $98 online, it was 40% off at The Palm!!!
This may be the most flattering everyday summer dress I've ever owned. With three quarters sleeves, a deep-but-not-too-deep v-neck, loose bodice, and shirttail hem, this has been perfect for everything from a pool party to a morning of art at 21C! I've legitimately thrown this dress on with sneakers, sandals, and dressy flats for a ton of different summer looks, and every.single. time. someone stops me to tell me how cute my dress is!
Ali Dress + Art at 21C's Penthouse! (Kentucky necklace from Elva Fields)
Marlowe Dress
I'm just in love with this blue striped Marlowe Dress! When it was still $98 online, I got it for under $70 at the Palm!
Happy shopping, y'all! Remember to always shop locally first!!!
