Hatsinthebelfry

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

Hat Picks - Shop Favorites

Here at Hats in the Belfry it is our mission to provide not only a great selection of quality hats, but also expert advice and assistance when you are searching for the hat that was made just for you.  We are passionate about hats and dedicated to our customers whether they are first time hat buyers or have been shopping with us for years.

This kind of dedication and service doesn’t just happen by accident.  We have a team of people who make it their mission to provide a great hat shopping experience.  And today, I want to introduce a few of them here on the blog.  The question of the day was,

Why is Hats in the Belfry more awesome than any other hat shop?

Daine, Asst Shop Manager Fells Point and Inner Harbor Baltimore - What makes us better than any other hat shop is that we aren’t like any other shop.  We started as a hat retailer and now we are designing our own hats.  We are constantly moving forwards to become not only the coolest hat shop but the coolest shop online, too.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer, Shop Manager Annapolis - Caps and hats have really become the “it” accessory, just as important in your wardrobe as a scarf and gloves.  Our selection is the best and our store atmosphere is warm and inviting.  We are the place you want to be to transform into your “character” which is what a hat can do.

 

 

 

 

Keith, Shop Manager Fells Point and Inner Harbor Baltimore - I think what sets us apart from other hat stores is our selection. I really like that I can remember selling so many people their first hat whether it was because they didn’t think they looked good in hats or that  they had been searching for the perfect hat and were finally were able to find the right hat at our store.  Those customers really stick with you it’s an experience that is not only memorable for the customer but is memorable for me as well.

 

 

Our dedicated shop managers are the people you want to go to for hat advice.  They have been matching people with their perfect hat for years and have seen many a hat trend come and go.  So I asked them,

What is your favorite hat in your shop right now? 

Daine - My favorite right now is the Belfry Hancock.  It’s a classic, timeless look and it is eye catching.  The Steel Blue color stands out above your basic Black or Brown fedoras.  That’s why I love it.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer - My favorite style right now is the pub cap because it is great for both men and women.  I have a couple hats that I wear all the time in the shop, but my favorite right now is the Belfry Calais because I like the patchwork.  It is stylish without being too trendy.  If I’m not wearing a cap I also like the Goorin Brothers Minna Timeless.  The Minna collection has a story to tell and are very one of kind. I really like this hat.

 

 

Keith - Shop Manager Fells Point and Inner Harbor Baltimore My favorite hat at the moment is the Belfry Ross. I really love herringbone patterns and I like its classic ivy shape. I worked on mine a little and once I got the right curve to the brim the Ross is perfect.

 

 

 

Robert, Shop Manager Philadelphia - My favorite hat? It’s hard to choose from, there are so many, but one that stands out is the Belfry Coltrane.  This hat is timeless. It brings you back to the days of KOOL. You know the Rat Pack and the Jazz scene days.  This is a great hat to pair with a stylish scarf.

  

 

 

The Manager’s favorites might just be the perfect place to start if you are looking for your perfect hat. - Shannon

Best and Worst Hats of 2010

As 2010 comes to a close, I wanted to take a look back at the great hats and celebrity hat wearers of the year.  Hats are seen on every type of celebrity from musicians and actors, to athletes and reality TV stars.  We live in a fashionable time where an accessory can make or break you look.  Some people got it very right and some very wrong.  Here are the best and worst hat looks of 2010.

Best Men’s Celebrity Hats

#5 – David Bekham.  David is a style icon without question, but his looks this year were on the casual side.  I love the matching scarf and knit cap.  He doesn’t look like he is trying to make a fashionable statement, but he does anyway.

#4 – Brad Pitt.  Brad has worn all different styles of hats this year, from knit to flat cap and fedora on occasion.  This white summer straw is one of my favorites.  It is clean and classic, but still very modern.

#3 – Talib Kweli.  This year the flat cap has become even more popular with styles ranging from classic to contemporary.  I love this plaid cap and love how he paired it with a clean stylish t-shirt, jeans and jacket.  This cap could compliment anyone’s style.

#2 – Neyo.  The famous R&B hat wearer never disappoints with his hat choices.  Throughout 2010 he has worn dozens of different fedoras, but the classic black snap brim is my favorite and his signature.

#1 – Johnny Depp.  A man who doesn’t take his style too seriously is sure making a statement with his rumpled fedoras this year.  Seen in London, Paris and the States in different versions of the “worn” fedora hat look.  You think he must have just come across it at some thrift shop somewhere and threw it on his head.  Easy and effortless, Johnny is my number one pick for 2010.

Best Women’s Celebrity Hats

#5 – Katy Perry. Although she is known for the glitz and glam looks she wears on the red carpet, Katy Perry has been spotted out and about is some really cute fedoras this year.  The tilted back stingy brim is a little reminiscent of the 1980’s, but looks adorable and current with movie star shades.

#4 – Gwen Stefani.  Gwen has always pushed the envelope with her rocker style with a glamorized twist.  This year, she has been seen out in fedoras, flat caps and baseball hats, but this straw fedora with a simple red band that goes perfectly with her signature red lipstick is my favorite look of of hers this year.

#3 – Kim Kardashian.  Even if she isn’t your favorite reality TV personality, the girl has an eye for fashion.  This brown floppy with the simple add on band looks glamorous without being over the top.

#2 – Ashlee Simpson Wentz.  As a young mom, Ashlee has totally redone her look this year.  Her adorable blonde pixy hair cut with this black snap brim fedora set on the back of her head is a fashion YES! in my eyes. Paired with the leopard print that was very popular this year and she looks really put together without being too dressed up.

#1 – Taylor Swift.  I know I might get some backlash for picking Taylor as my number 1, but this is a great look.  The bold red knit paired with the black biker style fitted jacket is a statement without being a big Kentucky Derby brim or feathered sky high work of art.  The girl knows how to turn heads and this simple and stylish hat does just that.

What were they thinking?

#4 – Brett Michaels.  I know this guy has had an up and down year, but please, find a new hat look in 2011.  This straw cowboy hat with the bandana underneath is killing me.

#3 – Khloe Kardashian.  I just came back from NYC and I realize that these fuzzy animal hats are on every street vendor’s corner, but Kloe…seriously….this is awful.

#2 – Will.I.Am. I know every once in a while you have to take some risks in fashion, but the Lego hat worn on the AMAs is just too much for me.  How uncomfortable that thing must be.

#1 – Lady Gaga.  I’m sorry to do it as I am a Gaga fan, but the silver glitter lobster was just too much.  It just looks dangerous.  I can’t believe we haven’t heard of any of her outfits injuring her.  This would be one I would be nervous about.

I am really looking forward to seeing what hat trends will emerge in 2011.  Until then, have a safe and happy New Years! - Shannon

Accessorizing Your Hat

Many people consider a hat to be an accessory, but to us, the hat is the most important part of the outfit. A great hat defines your style. Can you say the same about a necklace? I don’t think so. This is a great thing for many reasons, one being that when you don’t consider your hat your fashion accessory it leaves room to add even MORE accents to your ensemble.

There are two ways to accessorize with your hat. 1) Add something to the hat itself and 2) add something that will compliment the hat. What I hope to do in the post is explain a couple ways to do this without going over the top.

Exhibit A: Hat Flair ala Ke$ha

I can not say that I like everything that pop star, Ke$ha wears, but I was impressed to see her in this very wearable and well accessorized hat. It is a basic floppy felt hat, with some added hat flair. Adding a band or a pin is great way to personalize any hat look.

Exhibit B: Men’s Lightweight Scarf ala Johnny Depp

Depp does accessories very well. A basic scarf compliments his hat and makes him look that much more put together and stylish at the same time.

Exhibit C: Sunglasses, skinny belt and big leather bag ala Katie Holmes and seen on runways everywhere.

A hat and sunglasses can make anyone look like they are incognito fashionistas. Pair that with a skinny belt and a fab black leather handbag and you are sure to turn heads.

Exhibit D: Men’s Warm Scarf ala Matthew McConaughey

He pulls of the casual look with a great hat and a basic grey scarf. It is getting cold outside and guys need a good scarf to go with their coats whether they are casual or formal.

The moral of this story is, find what works for you by trying something new this season.  Any accessory is sure to spruce up your every day look and compliment your hat.

Shannon

What is your cap style?

The classic style of the flat cap is very popular this season, so it is no surprise that you see leading men from all genres sporting one out this fall.  These hats go by many names, ivy cap, driving cap, pub cab and others.  The basics are the same, but the styles can be very different, classic styles in classic colors, throwbacks to the traditional English ivy cap and new trendy fashions.  You have to ask yourself, what is your cap style?

Is it classic black?  Black does go with everything especially with more black, like Brad was spotted wearing in Budapest this month.  The black cap and scarf elevated his casual look and really makes the difference with his causal t-shirt and jeans.  But as always, he never looks like he is trying too hard.

Is it traditional ivy cap?  Funny man, Dax Shepard tops off his look with a very classic English ivy cap.  The brown plaid compliments a casual look or spruces up a dress shirt with skinny tie.  If you are a guy who isn’t afraid to show off your style, this look is for you. 

Is it casual grey wool?  Kellan Lutz, actor in the hit Twilight movies, is featured in all the grocery checkout aisle magazines since the success of the vampire flicks.  His classic style is a flat cap with a leather jacket.  The basic grey cap goes with a brown motorcycle jacket as well as with a black pea coat.

Is it fashionable plaid?  Hip hop artist, Talib Kweli, makes a statement with his brown plaid ivy cap.  Still a very classic style, his look is elevated when his hat is the focal point of his ensemble.  This proves that you don’t have to match prints exactly to what you are wearing.  A great hat can stand alone.

No matter which style you choose, a classic cap will certainly make your look stand out this fall.

Hat Trends for Fall 2010

Fall is in full swing and it is out with the straw and in with…just about everything but straw.  The season change is my favorite time of year and as the new season of hats hit the shelves it is time to define your fall style. 

The fashion industry works months ahead, so it is sometimes fun to take a look back at the runways and see what styles made it to market.  This Fall Season, hats were all over Fashion Week in NYC and other major fashion cities.  And many designers had one trend in common, women in men styles.  From fedoras to bowlers, women are donning classic men’s hat styles for every type of occasion. 

You have the fedora as an accent to evening wear like seen in the Valvo show.

Carmen Marc Valvo

Women in bowlers (and leather) in the Hermes show.

Hermes

Women in Westerns with party dresses (and black socks) at Marc Jacobs.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Big Brim Classic Styles in Carolina Herrera.

Carolina Herrera

Lucky for us, Hats in the Belfry is ahead of the curve with this season’s styles.  We’ve been carrying bowlers since we opened our doors.  And for the last few seasons, our women’s styles have been inspired by the classic fedora, but still wearable with the highest of fashion statements.  I like the mix of masculine and feminine in this season’s styles.  

What is your favorite style this fall?

Hot or Not - How do you know for sure?

As we start to get a little older (and by a little older I mean anyone who is not still in high school) it can be difficult to always know what is “in”.  I like to think of myself as a trendy kind of gal, but I like many, don’t always have time to keep up with the joneses.  I have, however, devised a fail proof system to know what is in style at any given moment.  Do as the teenagers do.  Now, this doesn’t mean put on a mini-skirt and glitter nail polish.  This means watch what they go for and you will know what is hot right now.  I’m telling you it works.

Last weekend, I watched one after the other, Taylor Swift look-a-likes pick up a snap-brim fedora and model with kiss faces in the mirror.  Every girl between the ages of 14 and 21 was going for the exact same style hat.  Somebody who is somebody must have just worn one somewhere, because it was like clockwork. 

Just out of curiosity, when I got home, I googled “Celebs in hats” and wouldn’t you know Ashley, Lindsey, Paris and a sloe of others popped up in a snap brim.

Photo credit

Not only are the young socialite types in on this trend, but leading ladies like Eva Longoria, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Aniston.

Photo Credit

Here are a couple of my favorite fedoras sure to be in style this season:

Belfry Charlie

Goorin Pebo’s

Makins Molony

Just to clarify, I do not support following all teenage trends i.e. silly bands and energy drinks.  But do strongly believe that teenagers can be a good temperature gage on most other accessories.  These hats are hot!

Where do you get your style inspiration?

Shannon

In the Industry: What new trends will emerge from this year’s Derby series?

The Jewel Of The Triple Crown Is Among Us!

Derby Season is just around the corner, bringing with it the most prestigious horse race in the world, The Kentucky Derby. Ladies and Gentleman, you know what this means. It’s time to find that perfect Derby hat for this exciting tradition, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. Held on the first Saturday in May, the first race of the Triple Crown is by far the most fashionable of the three.

It is truly an honor to go to the Kentucky Derby. From celebrities to the Royal Family, even your next door neighbor, the Derby welcomes everyone for a once in a life time experience. There are traditional Kentucky Derby fashion rules that one should follow if you’re planning on fitting in and making the most of the experience. Whether you’re planning on sitting in the clubhouse, paddock or infield, a hat is in order. Along with that great looking hat, the men should be dressed in suits and tuxedos with a splash of bright color on the tie. Women should be dressed in spring dresses or skirts that are bright in nature, and a fabulous hat that brings the look together.

From top milliners such as Christine A. Moore and Marsha Makins, as well as our Belfry Brand Purple Label, you’re sure to find a hat to fit the Derby’s grandeur. While the Kentucky Derby is in fact a horse race, it is also an iconic event in the fashion world. The fashions you will see are timeless, chic and breathtaking. It’s a time for milliners and hat makers to shine. So much hard work goes into creating such gorgeous unique hats just for this one event. The Preakness and Belmont stakes are also big events for the milliners of the world. However, none of them seem to touch the status of the Run for the Rose! As for the lucky ones wearing the beautifully designed hats, they get to shine as well.

150,000 enthusiastic people, well dressed from HAT to toe, gather for this annual event. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or this is your first time, be sure to make the most of it, because the Kentucky Derby is a tradition that will continue on and will always be history in the making for horse racing and FASHION!

- Ashley

Time to Dress Warm When You Step Out

If I had a quarter for every time throughout the winter I heard my mother remind me to put a hat on my head and scarf around my neck, I’d be rich! What I didn’t realize as a child is that the combination of a hat and scarf is more than just a means to stay warm - it’s a true fashion statement. From bright colors in big knit scarves to plaid scarves, this year is all about scarves that compliment your hats.

Whether you’re headed to the ski lodge or an awards show or headed to work, everyone who is anyone is wearing a scarf. Hollywood’s youngest trend-setters are showing their fashion sense in plaid, but the one thing their missing to really polish the look is a trendy hat.

For these fashion forward ladies, may I suggest something like the Belfry Street Insular. It’s casual and trendy at the same time. Not to mention will keep your warm on cold December days.

As one fashion trend that is really here to stay, the hat and scarf combination works for both men and women. Guys have found popular pub caps and street fedora hats work just as well with scarves as a knit hat. With stars like Ne-Yo rockin’ a trendy man’s hat every time he leaves his house, it’s only natural to add a scarf as temperatures drop.

Here he is dressed up and looking fine for the Grammys:

From casual to dressy, be sure to stock your closet with a variety of hats and scarves for this winter. Not only is it something you should buy yourself, hats and scarves make great stocking stuffers at the holidays, too!

-Katie