Women and Hats - A Love Affair :)

Janel Messenger, who has a fantastic blog, BTW, is having a Hat Fair!!! I decided to participate and (after nearly ripping out all of my hair over this image heavy post) I hope you enjoy what I came up with. Make sure you check out Janel's blog on the 31st, when there will be a poll where you can vote for which post you think should be the "Best of Fair"!

So.... without futher to do ;) - here is my entry! :)

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There is something about hats that make a woman feel more beautiful, walk stronger and hold her head up higher. They evoke the romance of a bygone era, bring back memories of the days when a lady would never leave the house without her hat and gloves, and they complete our ensemble. Besides these "warm and fuzzies", they serve many practical purposes; shading our eyes and skin from the brilliance of the summer sun, protecting our hair from a sudden rain, and keeping us warm in winter. And if you ever get lost in the woods and need something to carry berries, water or other neccessities, well... there you are! lol. ;)

Hats have been around for quite some time (again, this is something that a fashion concious Eve must have invented ;) and have served many different puposes. For most of the past three hundred years, they have been an absolute neccesity to women, a required article of clothing when leaving the house. From the round-eared caps and wide straw hats of the Revolution, to the demure and then ridiculous bonnets of the early 1800s, and continuing into the 21st century, the sizes, shapes and decorations have varied and changed as often as the length of a woman's skirt.

Hairstyles, in turn, have been fashioned to enhance each each style. For example, the "bob" of the 1920s became wildly popular not only due to its ease of styling, but because it accentuated a ladies Cloché so nicely. This style of hat was popular in many high fashion collections last fall and Elle magazine called it the "haute accessory of the moment". The Cloché is my personal favorite hat style.

Due to the increased popularity of historic fashion, re-enacting and other venues of "past dressing", hats have become a much-loved topic. From the creation of authentic headgear for period attire to sweet accessories for the modern ensemble, there is a bit of something for everyone. An anonymous quote I found online boldly states, "Saying you don't look good in a hat is like saying you don't look good in shoes!" You just have to find the style that is you. :)

For the adventurous, Vogue Patterns offers some incredible vintage and modern designs that you can create yourself. There are also lovely companies like Victorian Trading Co. and Louise Green, which showcase dozens of gorgeous ready to wear pieces.

And as for high fashion... here's some looks from the top designers featured at NeimanMarcus.com.

You just can't get away from the intense satisfaction that a great piece of headwear gives you. Whether you pick it up at your local mall or go for a designer label... take a look around, get yourself a hat and join the party! You won't regret it. :)

Whenever you wear your hat, your day will be special. - Margo Nickel

And continuing on the same subject - there's a fine new young lady in my store who is sporting an adorable one! :)

Image Credits:
Image of Grace Kelly from Simply Classics.net
Spoon Bonnet Cartoon from Sensibility.com
1831 Fashion Plate from University of Washinton Libraries Digital Collection
Eric Javits Trek Hat
Helen Kaminski Bellini Canvas Hat
Eugenia Kim Leaf-Print Cloche
Juicy Couture Slouchy Newsboy Beret