Hatsinthebelfry

Summer Scarves

The only accessory that I love more than a hat is a beautiful scarf. I think of the two accessories as similar in the sense that a scarf says something about a person just like a hat. When you see someone wearing a scarf they look put together, like they thought through each piece of their outfit rather than randomly put something together. This may not necessarily be the case, but because a scarf is an accessory that is more fashionable than functional in the summer months, it creates that impression.

Some of my favorite summer scarves are featured in the Getaway Collection on www.hatsinthebelfry.com. These unique prints and materials make for a scarf that can be worn throughout the year while still looking fresh and light for the summer.

A crinkle scarf like The Charlotte is perfect for traveling. You can roll it up and keep it in your beach bag. How glamorous would you feel coming off the beach with your bathing suit, sun hat and scarf? The neutral tone is easy for any wardrobe, but the fashion colors like the green or purple are great, too.

The Jasmine Sparkle Fashion Scarf adds a pop of color and a little glitz that can be worn day into evening. A long scarf that can be wrapped and worn in different ways adds a different look to different outfits. These great colors like turquoise and lilac combine hues of those colors while still looking bold and bright.

If your look is a little more bohemian The Maya Floral Fashion Scarf might be more your style. I love it when people mismatch their prints and this scarf would be a perfect way to add some extra color to your ensemble. The colors are soft for summer and will translate well into the fall season.

My favorite scarf featured in the collection is The Camilla Polka Dot Scarf. I love the different sized dots and the splash of color with the neutral of the green. I also love the idea of putting this scarf with the Belfry Roxanna Fedora. I can see this look being worn with a black sundress or a t-shirt and jeans and still looking swanky.

A great scarf is truly a unique accessory that can add an extra touch of class to any outfit.     - Shannon

Summer Style for Men

The summer is a time to relax, get casual and enjoy some fun in the sun. But all that time spent manning the barbeque, out on the boat/beach and watching 4th of July parades can leave a guy exposed to harmful UV rays. My suggestion…put a hat on! Choose a hat that compliments your style and you will not only be protected from the sun, but look damn good, too.

T-shirt and Shorts guys – A guy with casual and comfortable style (like this Abercrombie look) can keep it simple with a hat that can be worn through all the seasons.

The Belfry Street Army cap gives the same amount of sun protection as a baseball hat and is light weight and comfortable.

T Shirt and Jeans – If you are a t-shirt and jeans guy whether it is July or November, let you hat be the seasonal twist to your wardrobe. A basic grey Banana Republic shirt is the perfect backdrop to let your hat make the impression.

The Belfry Street Santiago is a great light weight cap that adds a super stylish element without looking like you are trying too hard.

Button Up and Shorts – If you are a casual guy who prefers a button up to a regular t-shirt (J.Crew style) your hat choice should complement your look while keeping it simple.

Go for a natural color straw that will go with any color combination in a style like the Belfry Straw Jazz.  

Classed Up Casual – When putting together a stylish casual look (like this one from Banana Republic) you have to make sure your hat doesn’t make you look over the top.

The Belfry Street Cabana fedora is absolutely on trend for this summer. The snap brim style is perfect to wear day into evening.

Classic – The classic polo look from Brooks Brothers lends itself well to great hat style. A perfect panama straw will keep you cool while making you look cool.

The Belfry Delay is similar to a Safari style, with a downturned brim for optimal sun protection.

Trendsetter – If you are into wearing the latest in men’s casual fashion, make sure your hat is as stylish as the rest of you.

The Gonzo from Makins in raffia straw is a favorite this season and goes great with a casual summer style.

Button Up and Jeans – If you are a jeans wearing kind of guy who isn’t afraid of color, keep your hat style clean a simple. A khaki driving cap looks great with an Abercrombie colorful plaid button up.

A style like the Belfry Street Gilmore will work with your style for every season of the year.

The Bad, The Bad and The Ugly

I love when I find a picture of one of my favorite celebrities in a great hat. It is fantastic to see actors, musicians, and even reality TV stars wearing a stylish hat on the red carpet. When a celebrity takes a riskswith their hat style sometimes it is awesome and sometimes it is awful. Today’s post is a tribute to those that have tried and failed…but at least they tried. I am no celebrity stylist, but I’m sure I can recommend a better hat style to complete these celebrity looks.

Regina King, known for her roles in films like Jerry Maguire, Enemy of the State and Boys in the Hood, is definitely in fantastic shape and not afraid to show some leg.  The dress is cute and summery, even if it is a little short. The white cloche hat, just does not compliment her look. A floppy hat in a great color like the San Diego Jessica, large brim would have made a much better impression.

Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussy Cat Dolls has been known to wear some revealing items when performing on stage. Why she has chosen to wear this ensemble is beyond me. I almost don’t have anything to recommend that would save it. This floppy style in olive green is a great hat, but paired with a fur vest and skinny jeans, it looks like an afterthought. A mod style cap like the Belfry Jay Gatsby would be a better fit with this glam fur look.

I cannot believe that I am going to recommend a better accessory for Donna Karan, but this over the top floppy is just not helping her cause. It seems like she is going for a beach-y Grecian neutral thing, but the hat just doesn’t seem to be doing its job here. Why not go for a hat that is a little more classic, actually offers some shade and adds just a touch of color like the Helen Kaminski Provence Rafia Floppy?

Khloe, Khloe, Khloe, why do you do this to yourself? This ensemble is just too much. The brim on this hat is too big and the cropped pants are not flattering. If I had to recommend a hat to improve this look, it would be a classic men’s fedora snap brim like the Belfry Goon. Keep it all black and sleek.

Shanae Grimes of Scream 4 and the 2000’s version of 90210, looks like she is going to a 90’s party in this outfit. A see-through top, with jean shorts and boots are enough to get her on the worst dressed list. You really can’t blame the hat. If I had to pick another hat to go with this look, I would probably suggest the Belfry Straw Jazz in the tobacco color straw, mostly just because I really like this hat. There is no saving this outfit.

I wasn’t going to pick on anyone photographed at The Derby, but Brooke Sheilds should know better. I know it is a day to wear over the top artistic interpretations of a hat, but please, Brooke, you can do better. The Christine A. Moore Feather fascinator in cream would go perfectly with your plunging neckline of a dress and still make a statement.

My final hat disaster is my favorite one to pick on…Lady Gaga, Even though I regularly include you on my lists of “worst” hat choices, I hope you continue to wear them. I just love to see what will be on top of your head next. – Shannon

 

Shannon’s Top 5 Favorite Summer Hats

Today’s post is my personal top pick list of this season’s hats.  Think of it as the “Employee Favorite” section in our virtual store.  There are so many amazing styles this summer that it is tricky to narrow them down, especially if you are new to wearing hats.  I am a lover of all styles, so today I decided to put together a listing my favorite hats of this season, in no particular, in order to help anyone who doesn’t know where to begin when picking out the perfect hat.

It is important to have a hat in your wardrobe that serves both fashion and function.  For me, the Belfry Brasil is a perfect example of this.  It is a stylish snap brim fedora that can be worn by both men and women and literally goes with any outfit.  You can wear this hat with a business suit or a bathing suit.  It is also really light weight, so it is a perfect sun blocking hat that will keep you cool on those 100 degree days. 

For us girls who like to make a statement with their hat fashions, the Makins Roslyn is the perfect style for summer events. I’ve mentioned this hat in a previous post and have since been told by more than one Hats in the Belfry employee, that this is their favorite hat to wear in the shop. It goes with any summer dress, from basic black to hot pink sundress. And it is just plain gorgeous.

*I know this is not a hat, but I am also in love with this paisley scarf.

The Belfry Law was a hat I wore on a regular basis when I was working in the Annapolis shop last summer.  Usually I wear the biggest and most elaborate hats we carry because I like to pretend that I’m rich and famous when I am working, but the Belfry Law was my go-to hat when I couldn’t find anything extravagant that fit my fancy for the day. And I always ended up selling the hat off my head when I wore it.  It is still one of my favorite hats in the store.  I just love the tobacco colored straw and the green band.  I can see this hat being a favorite for many summers to come.

When it comes to Cloche styles, there are so many to choose from.  I chose the Belfry Meridian as my favorite this season because I love the shiny Milan straw and the delicate floral accent.  It reminds me of the hat that Marissa Miller wore to the Kentucky Derby (which I adored and critics hated). It is a very feminine hat that is a classic 1920’s cloche style, but it goes perfectly with modern fashions.

My final pick for my top 5 hats this season is the Christy’s Crown Lafayette pub cap.  Full disclosure, I personally do not wear pub caps.  For some reason, they are just not flattering for me.  But my BFF and Manager of the Annapolis shop, Jen, looks great in them. 

When I am picking out a pub cap for a customer, I am thinking of what would look good on her.  Jen, if you are reading this, I think this hat would look really cute on you.

I would love to hear from you.  What is your favorite hat this season? - Shannon

Preakness Hats - For Every Budget

Being a Maryland based business we have a serious soft spot for the Preakness race in Baltimore.  This year we are gearing up for Preakness with designer hat fittings by the amazing Christine A. Moore in our Annapolis and Baltimore shop locations.  She makes some unbelievable one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to be noticed on race day.  Understandably, not everyone has the budget for a designer, custom fit, one of a kind masterpiece, but that is no reason to go hatless on the Preakness lawn.  Here are some amazing options at price points we all can work with.

Under $50

You shouldn’t have to mortgage your home just to look amazing on race day.   Never fear, there are some great options for under $50 that are sure to be photo-worthy pieces.  The Kira Ribbon Sun Hat for only $38 is a big brim that is stylish with or without embellishment.  Pin on the oversized flower $9 and you have yourself a designer look for less.

If the big brim is not your style, go fascinator!  If it is good enough for Kate Middleton, it is good enough for Preakness.  The Isbel, Sinamay Straw Hair Clip is a great option with a stylish up-do hairstyle.

Under $100

If you are ready to splurge a little why not go for a classic?  The Belfry Mena $78 in a Natural Straw is a classic style with black grosgrain band.  This garden style hat is elevated with the lime green and black floral accent making it a style perfect to pair with a sundress.

You can still be over the top under $100 with the Plaza Suite Lanna.  This spring blue with white accent is a hat that will be noticed.  The downturned brim will give you shade and mystery.

Under $200

If you are ready to bring out the big guns, this hot pink raffia number, Makins Sadie $188, is a perfect piece to get you noticed.  The oversized floral is on trend this year and the color is hot hot hot.

If hot pink is not your cup of tea, perhaps the classic black is more your style.  Even though we are right under the $200 mark, this is a steal for a hat of this quality and grandeur by Christine A. Moore.  The Boca Big Brim $198 is a beautifully woven straw hat that will provide lots of shade and double the style factor.

 

No Budget

If you are planning to win big at the races this year, go for the gusto with Christine A. Moore’s Stargazer Upturned Brim $528.  This hat is more than elegant, it is divine.  The floral is large and over the top, yet tasteful.  The color is fantastic and it is an all-around beautiful hat perfect for race day.  It also happens to be my favorite design this season. 

Have fun at the races! - Shannon

Royal Fascinators

With all the buzz around the Royal Wedding this week, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to write a Kate Middleton post.  There are sure to be some impressive hats at the wedding this Friday, but will Kate wear one?  She is being credited for bringing Fascinators back into popularity in the United Kingdom as well as the U.S. and has worn some incredible pieces over the last year.  I don’t know if I completely agree that she was the sole reason that Fascinators are back, but I will concur that she has worn them well.

In my opinion, Fascinators started coming back in style on the wedding circuit a few years ago.  The bird cage veil has replaced the long delicate veil in many a modern wedding and the fascinator grew from the trend.  Brides were looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding headwear.  So the question remains, will Kate choose a Fascinator for her big day?

Will she choose something abstract?  Kate doesn’t play it safe when choosing her headwear.  I absolutely love the straw abstract circular Fascinator with her purple suit and the black straw Fascinator with the wispy feathers.  Put those two together and you get something similar to this Scala Isbel in lilac.

Will she go over the top?  This woven black circular Fascinator is almost reminiscent of a conical Asian hat you would find in the fields of Vietnam, but with an obvious twist.  This is not a hat that can go unnoticed and neither is the famous feather Fascinator.  This feather Fascinator, similar to Christine A. Moore’s Fascinator, was the piece that said to me, this girl knows what she is doing.  She is not just playing with the idea of bringing stylish hats in to her wardrobe.  She must just love hats.

I won’t be completely surprised if she chooses no hat at all for the big wedding day, but I keep my fingers crossed that she will.  Who knows, maybe she will choose a Fascinator similar to this stylish bride…

-Shannon

Dudes of the Derby

With so much excitement surrounding preparation for the Parade of Hats at the upcoming races, I wanted to take a moment to recognize a group that is often overlooked for their hat fashions on Derby day.  MEN!  The tradition of wearing hats at horse races started in the United Kingdom long before the start of the Kentucky Derby.  Men wore top hats and would never be seen in public without their hat.  When the Derby started in 1875, it was still customary for men to wear hats, but as time went on the prevalence of men’s hats at the races started to dwindle as women continued to don over the top designs.

In recent years, we have seen the fashionable males bringing hats back to the races, but the styles have changed from the top hat days.  Men are choosing hats that reflect their personal style and make a statement at the same time.

Mr. Hugh Hefner seen here with his “Girls Next Door” stars went for the classic straw fedora in 2008.  He understands that the ladies are the stars of the Parade of Hats, but that is no reason that a man can’t be dapper as well.

In 2008, Dwayne Wade was ahead of the stingy brim trend, with this great straw fedora.  The tobacco colored straw hat was the focal point of his ensemble with an understated cream suit, proving that the hat can be the star of your Derby outfit even without having feathers and flowers.

Joey Fatone, former boy band member turned actor turned television game show host is not always known for his fashion sense.  But he did a great job of keeping things casual while still being Derby appropriate at the 2009 races.  He wore a classic grey suit with black sneakers and a great black snap brim fedora.  I like a guy that doesn’t take himself too seriously.

At last year’s Derby, the guy that turned heads with his hat style was without a doubt, rocker Pete Wentz.  He went for a throw back with his Newsboy cap, bowtie and high socks.  Some said that he looked like he was wearing a costume, but I think he looked great.  The Derby is a day when you can step out of your normal fashion comfort zone and get creative.

So while you are sipping Mint Juleps in the hot sun, Guys, don’t forget your lids. - Shannon

Christine A. Moore - Designer Fittings

Christine A. Moore is a rock star in the women’s designer hat industry. Her creations are one of a kind and perfect for Spring Holidays, the Kentucky Derby and even the Royal Wedding. I have personally been an adoring fan of Christine A. Moore from my first year working in the Hats in the Belfry shop over 10 years ago. Her designs are unique and classic at the same time. Every season I am impressed by her inventiveness and ability to continue to create head turning hats.

We are very excited to have Christine A. Moore hosting not one, but three trunk shows at our Annapolis and Fell’s Point locations leading up to the Preakness race event. She will be assisting guests in choosing the perfect hat and will be custom fitting her designs for those who attend. This is a one of a kind opportunity to meet personally with a designer who has been creating unique pieces for nearly fifteen years.

Annapolis, 103 Main Street

Wednesday, May 18^th

2:00pm-6:00pm

Fell’s Point, 813 S Broadway

Thursday, May 19^th

11:00am-5:00pm

Fell’s Point, 813 S Broadway

Friday, May 20^th

11:00am-4:00pm, then again from 7:00pm-9:00pm

Hats in the Belfry and Christine A. Moore will join forces to become Preakness’s Hat store on the Preakness Lawn! On Saturday, May 21st the gates will open for Baltimore’s most exciting race event. If you are attending the races, please stop by and see us!

Spring Women’s Styles – Not just for the Derby

Tis’ the season for beautiful straw hats!  They have arrived in the stores and I am drooling over this year’s Spring styles.  Big brims, bows and florals are on trend this season and my favorite picks are the more elaborate and unique designs. 

Many people identify the over the top styles with the Kentucky Derby and Spring Holidays, but you don’t have to be going to a garden party to wear a head turning hat.  I took a look at some of the Spring women’s clothing styles at Madewell.com to put together some “Looks I Love” for the season.

Tomboy Button Down and Belfry Savannah - I love the idea of pairing a button down shirt with a flirty print skirt, but you can also wear this shirt with a pair of jeans and still be chic.  This kind of classic piece lends itself perfectly to a cloche like the Belfry Savannah, with its’ neutral toffee color and big beautiful bow. This mix of feminine and boyish pieces creates a comfy and stylish look.

Paisley Maxi Dress and Belfry Roxanna - I love a dress that has some length to it without having to hit the floor.  This dress is a basic that is begging for accessories, a cute belt, a cropped jacket and the perfect hat.  I chose the Belfry Roxanna to compliment this look continuing the trend of mixing masculine and feminine pieces.  This unique green straw hat is great with navy and browns that will carry us from rainy Spring days to the sunshine coming soon.

 

Scenic Route Shirt Dress and Makins Rosalyn - This hat is a show stopper without question.  When wearing a hat like this, it is important to not over-do the look or you will look like you are headed for the races.  A simple shirt dress in a dark solid color like a black or navy is trendy without being too much.

Flirty Floral and Belfry Scarlett - The Belfry Scarlett is one of my favorite hats, so why not pair it with one of my favorite pieces this season, the flirty floral mini.  The reason why I love a print mini-dress is because you can pair it with other pieces to completely transform your look.  Add a blazer and tights to wear to work, add a cardigan and strappy sandals for date night, or add a belt and a one of a kind asymmetrical straw hat for a day of shopping or hanging out with friends.

Whether you are wearing a tomboy button down, a contemporary shirt dress or a flirty floral mini there is a hat that can elevate your style.  Happy Spring!

-Shannon

Spring Up Your Wardrobe with Shades of Grey

The sun is shining a little longer and the weather is starting to warm.  It is the time of year when things start to bloom.  Heavy coats will find their way to the back of the closet and bright colors will reappear in our wardrobe.  Hats in cottons and canvas are making their comeback.  I just love Springtime.

This season, light weight fedoras in varied shades of grey are the perfect compliment to any outfit.  Grey is a great transition color between winter and spring and can be worn with ensembles both formal and casual.  I took a look at the new arrivals from some of my favorite stores and paired them with some of our Spring hat styles. 

J. Crew and Kangol Tropic

For women, J. Crew is all about bright colors.  This style is all about mixing complimenting colors like yellow and green with muted accessories in creams and greys.  The Kangol Tropic in a light grey is a great accent that doesn’t take away from your bright style.

The J. Crew casual guy is bringing on the blues.  Navy is a great transitional color that looks great with jeans, khakis or white linen pants shown here.  The light grey Kangol Tropic looks great with any shade of blue and can elevate a casual look like this one.

Banana Republic and Goorin BBQ Shrimp

Banana Republic is known for classic pieces that can be worn season after season.  The pastel dresses showing this Spring are items that you will have in your closet for many years.  I love the look of a flirty dress with solid colored leggings.  Adding a hat in a blue-grey print adds a whole different dimension to the look.

Mixing prints is something that many people are afraid to do, but do not be intimidated.  A printed hat like the Goorin BBQ Shrimp can mix with a plaid shirt like ones featured in the men’s line at Banana Republic. Don’t let the silly name fool you, this is a seriously stylish hat.

Express and Belfry Street Puyo

Express for Women shows that simple pieces when put together with the perfect accessories can create a comfortable look that is still very stylish.  I love the idea of putting the dark grey plaid Puyo with a heather grey tank top and long comfy skirt.  This is an outfit you would wear around the house and out and about on a Spring day.

The casual cool guy from Express for Men is wearing every shade of grey all in one outfit.  A washed grey jean with a graphic tee is good, but add the dark grey jacket and top it off with the Belfry Street Puyo and you have a great outfit.

What every your style for Spring, a fedora in a shade of grey is sure to keep the clouds away.  Check out our new Spring hats in many styles and colors at www.hatsinthebelfry.com.  -Shannon