First off, I am super excited to welcome Jana’s Hat Box as a new sponsor of Lou What Wear. Jana became a fan of my page on Facebook (you can also do that right here) and when I checked out her stuff, I fell a little bit in love.

Here’s the deal. I love Derby. Seriously, I live for it. I love every. single. thing. People around here may complain about the traffic or all the people in town or that Derby has lost it’s local feel and to that I raise a hand of disagreement. The first Saturday in May there is no cooler place to be than Louisville and when else can we say that?

But back to the topic at hand, one of my most favorite parts about Derby is getting a hat because let’s be honest, it’s all about the hat. Most years, you have to save your chapeau sporting to the week of Derby but thankfully, we’ve been lucky enough to host the Breeder’s Cup in 2010 and 2011. And since Breeder’s Cup is coming up NEXT WEEKEND (Nov. 4 – 6), it’s time for you to get your hat.

Jana Metcalfe is the lady behind Jana’s Hat Box and all its beautiful creations. Jana is a Louisville native (which means you’re all wondering what high school she went to, sorry – I didn’t ask!) who has worked in racing and knew that she could make her own versions of the fabulous hats & fascinators she saw been sported at Churchill Downs.

She can do a custom piece for you or you can order one of her pieces from her website. She also has hats/fascinators at Clodhoppers, Crush Boutique and Les Filles. She can create a look for Breeder’s Cup or keep her in mind for Derby, Oaks, Steeplechase (all you lovely ladies living in TN, VA and other spots where Steeplechase is the thing) and Ascot.

I’ve talked before about bringing the hat back as a main stay, so don’t be afraid to sport one to a wedding, a gala or a night out on the town.

And… since Jana wants you to look fab at the races, she’s offering a 15% discount to all Lou What Wear readers. Just mention this post when you put in your request!

A black & white hat/fascinator can go with just about any outfit and I am digging it with this bright pop of color. I am a big monochromatic fan so I could see myself pairing this with a black dress but I can get a little color shy so don’t limit yourself – ESPECIALLY since winter is about to set in and we all know what that means.

This may be my favorite of the bunch. I’m usually not a big purple kind of girl but this color kind of speaks to me. Looks really rich (not in the money kind of way but channel that for luck on cashing tickets) and very fall-ish to me. An unexpected color combo that looks great here.

Okay, I may change my mind – this one could be my favorite although with my love of fascinators, it’s hard to choose just one so I would just pick one for Friday and one for Saturday. I love the brown in this one which would look amazing with a jewel tone dress and boots with a brown coat thrown over it.

If these pictures don’t get you in a Churchill Downs/Breeder’s Cup/Horse Racing mood than I don’t know what will. You can find more great pics of Jana’s handiwork on her site here – these were just some of my personal favorites.

Hey friends! Jana’s Hat Box is a Lou What Wear advertising partner but don’t you worry, all opinions are my own and all selections are courtsey of yours truly. C’mon friends, I wouldn’t lead you astray.