IFB LINKS A LA MODE : WEEK of 6/19

What a week! In trivial pursuit of progress and predilected prerogative, I find myself regressing into callous contemplation, questioning the loose decisions executed over the past week/month/year. Is today better because of forethought? Will tomorrow remember the sacrifices of yesterday? In lieu of inference, I'll enjoy a relaxing sun-lit "now"; troublesome tomorrow is still a day away. In the meantime, enjoy the weekend and have a look at this week's IFB top 20, including my interview with milliner Jess Collett.

MEET THE MILLINER : JESS COLLETT

Jess Collett Milliner in her atelier, photos provided by Jess Collett

Handmade hats, haute hairpieces and high-performance horses become functional--not to mention fashionable--highlights of the derby/summer sporting season both domestically and abroad. With the Epsom Races passed and the Ascot Races upcoming, Jess Collett, a familiar favorite in the world of high-profile headgear, staves off the sun with a range of subtle to show-stopping styles. A graduate of Kensington and Chelsea College, Collett's couture creations are wielded by British royalty, actors and actresses and the general public. Established in 1999, Collett's atelier in Notting Hill continues to be the birthplace of all her handmade floral, felted and feverishly fantastic hats. Keep reading for a sincere and insightful Q&A with the designer...