Any day that I don’t do a Derby post these days feels like a failure, so yesterday wasn’t a big winner in my books. I’m hoping this hat makes up for it. Either way, it’s making a serious statement.

Get ready for a week of statement pieces from Jill Courtemanche, a California milliner with a gorgeous collection of delicate, ladylike pieces for the track. She sent over a giant box – from bold hats to pretty pink fascinators – for me to style up this week. Thankfully she chose the pieces because I had trouble narrowing down my favorites – I think this Panama Hat may be a summer essential. If you’re hunting for something with floaty feathers or a bold, wide brim – she has you covered. Plus she is offering a 15% discount on any piece, through April 23rd, with code LouWhatWear.

Speaking of wide brims, how gorgeous is this piece? The pictures online don’t do it justice in person. It’s so chic and would pair just as well with a little black dress as it would a bold print or bright color. I went with the bright pop of yellow to pair it with since I can’t get enough of this dress.  It fits so well and despite the fact I need a spray tan, it is a really flattering color – not that weird yellow that can make you look like a sallow Simpson’s character.

It’s also under $150 and comes in a few different colors (the basic black would make a great LBD). If you wait for a sale (they happen just about every three days), you can snag it for 30 or 40% off. Okay, I’m off to try and get my life together – today feels MUCH more like a Monday than yesterday. I’ll spare you the details but this morning’s get out the door routine looked straight out of a sitcom.

Jill Courtemanch L’evier de la Cuisine Hat 
Save 15% off any order with code LouWhatWear
J.Crew Sheath Dress in Fringy Lace

Photos by Tabitha Booth

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