Frequently asked questions

I do not take custom orders from scratch but I can customize any of the existing pieces, usually for free, by adding a few feathers etc. to help pick up color in your dress etc. I cannot remove anything from the pieces but I definitely can add!

Shipping is always free!

Almost all of the pieces are shipped UPS select for free which is three business days max! Some of the larger pieces may need to be shipped UPS ground. Feel free to message me to confirm that your order will arrive on time if you are cutting it close on that window! Please include when you will need the hat by and your zip code!

Unfortunately my schedule is too crazy to hand deliver items but I can ship to most local hotels! Reach out to your local hotel before ordering to confirm that they will accept shipping packages and if they do, include your name and the hotel address for shipping location. Almost all of the local hotels in Louisville accept shipping packages, but I recommend confirming before purchasing.

No! Every single piece is totally one of a kind and handmade by me! I try to never replicate a piece ever because nobody ever wants a twin at the track or your special event!

If you see a gorgeous hat that you are obsessed with I highly recommend snagging it! The pieces are totally one of a kind and they sell out quickly especially as we get closer to Derby season! You can almost always find a gorgeous dress to match! But if you are totally lost and overwhelmed I recommend getting the dress first! That way you can narrow down your color palette and silhouette and I can always add a few feathers to any of the pieces to help pick up color in the dress! Almost always free of charge!

Feathers perk up right away with just a little bit of steam! Steam with a handheld or professional steamer or even steam from a tea kettle or the shower and they will perk right up! If any of the individual feathers are a little bent, apply a little steam and then shape and flatten with your fingers! Only takes a minute or two and I swear you cannot mess it up! All of the feathers I use are very sturdy and hardy.

Almost all of the fascinators come with a free hat box! The box is super sturdy and easy to carry and will totally fit under the seat in front of you or in overhead storage when traveling by airplane! You can also use this for long-term storage. Some of the larger pieces do not have hat boxes due to their size but can be stored in your shipping box. When traveling with larger pieces, I recommend putting the piece in a sturdy shopping bag and then laying over everything in overhead storage. Most airlines are very comfortable handling head pieces heading into Louisville around Derby time and can help you do so! I do not recommend purchasing a hat box for the larger pieces as they almost always do not fit in overhead storage and are usually not strong enough to endure checked baggage. A sturdy shopping bag will do the trick!

Here is a video to help! I also recommend securing with a bobby pin or two for perfect stress-free comfort and security all day!

Here is a video to help! I also recommend securing with a bobby pin or two for perfect stress-free comfort and security all day!

No unfortunately at this time, only shipping within the USA including Alaska and Hawaii available.

No, unfortunately not. My studio is in my home and closed to the public. Most of the pieces are also not well displayed and are carefully stored prior to shipping so it's not very in person shopping friendly anyway. The listing photos truly provide the best representation of the hat and are taken at multiple different angles and are unedited and provide a true color representation.

All sales are final due to the nature of the product and seasonality. There are no refunds or exchanges. If you have any questions about any of the pieces, make sure to ask before purchase.

Email thehatdoctor@yahoo.com