Mad Hatters

Kathleen Kelly: Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one.  It got on at 42nd, and off at 59th, where, I assume it was going to Bloomingdales to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake - as almost all hats are." - quoted from You've Got Mail (1998).


I love this movie and I love that line because I always disagreed with it.  Sounds strange that I would like something that I disagree with, I know.  But Meg Ryan's character Kathleen Kelly wasn't half wrong when she says that almost all hats turn out to be a mistake because often people buy the wrong hat for their face shape, and often they don't know how to wear it right either. So in a sense, I think almost all hats have the potential to be a mistake.

Some people look just great in the right hat, don't they?

Fedoras, Trilbys, flat caps and beanies.  These looks are timeless and the hats are functional as head-warmers and protectors from the sun.  


One style of hat that I absolutely love is the distressed cowboy hat.  A look which unfortunately does not suit me, and I can wear just about any type of hat.  It just looks ridiculous on me, but I bought one anyway, and I wear it in the garden when I'm pulling weeds.  That way I cannot offend anyone with my ridiculous looking hat!

David Beckham show's us how its done.  Très cute.

Growing up, my Grandmother always told my brother that the correct etiquette was to remove his hat at the dinner table and when indoors.  Women did not have to follow suit because it is fine for women to wear a hat indoors and while dining.  I guess in days gone by, a lady's bonnet was such a part of her ensemble that to have to remove her hat would have meant having to have her hair redone each time she removed it!   

Can you imagine Marie Antoinette having to remove her hat every five minutes?

Panama hats are a wise choice when considering buying a hat as it is one style that goes a long way because it suits just about any shape of face.

Lily Cole looks lovely in her Panama.

Hats make the perfect accessory because they can hide a bad hair day and it's a great way to hide from the world when you've got the blues.  You can just blend in to the crowd.  A hat is also good at helping you stand out when you want to be noticed, think Carrie in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994):  Charles: "Great hat", Carrie: "Thanks, I bought it 'specially."

Chloe Sevigny looking impossibly chic in her straw boater. 

Coco Chanel epitomised her effortless French style with a decorated beret here in 1938.

Jennifer Lopez strikes a pose with her wide-brimmed hat, a perfect style for her. 

Kirsten Dunst looks great in her trilby.

Cameron, Kate and Kiera show us how easy it is to look good in a hat.

This winter, try giving your look a classic edge with a trench and wide-brimmed felt hat.  Just beautiful.

Victoria Beckham uses the brim of her cloche to hide from the paparazzi.

"A Hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of femininity.  A hat is the difference between wearing clothing and wearing a costume; it's the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it's the difference between looking adequate and looking your best.  A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and make all men feel masculine about.  A piece of magic is a hat." - Martha Sliter


I hope you enjoy your new hat Amanda, it looks good on you.  Thanks for the inspiration babe!  Happy Australia Day everyone too!





Hx




Sources: ELLE.co.uk, The Sartorialist, Garance Dorè, People.com