Toronto Fling Headgear Challenge

Vicki’s banana slug and ferns won the first unofficial Fling Fascinator challenge in Seattle hands down.

Blame me (that’s Helen) by way of Kate Middleton for the first time a fascinator appeared at a Fling. I threw out the gauntlet, which a brave few took up – and, lo, it was fun. For everyone.

Things stayed quiet for a while. Then, last year, the Portlanders surprised us (AKA showed us all up) with their Fabulous Floral Fling Fascinators. Yes, that’s the technical term. Even meadow man John Greenlee got into the grass-hatted act, proving that fascinatoration is not just a girl thing. And now someone has asked if we’re doing something for Toronto – so they won’t be shown up again.

So, yes, Andrea: Here’s your challenge for Toronto in 2015! Inspired by the early 20th-century heritage of two of our Fling spots – our hotel the Fairmont Royal York and historic Parkwood Estate (more on this later) – we’re letting Downton Abbey go to our heads! Bring on the fancy headgear.

To show that a hat can amaze, cross borders and pack well, too, have a look at this link. Cool, eh?

Vanessa went Allium-allium-oop! in Portland.

Ann was a walking garden in Portland, too.

Kate was great in living crown and matching jewels.

Even Helen’s lazy, last-minute dollar-store do (left) had that “just do it, anyone can” attitude.

And sometimes, as in Asheville, a hat just becomes an unofficial Fling thing. Participation is optional, but anything goes. So, hey, will you play?