Hatsinthebelfry

Should Have Put On A Hat

This week’s post is dedicated to those celebrities that should have just covered up their head and called it a day. I realize that everyone has a bad hair day, but at least some of us are smart enough to know when we NEED to be wearing a hat.

Shia Labeouf – I understand a guy that wants to look like he isn’t trying too hard, but give me a break. I realize that he is raking it in with the Transformer movies and possibly doesn’t want to be recognized in public. Shia, you could have easily thrown on a Belfry Street Army Cap with those shades and no one would have had to take this picture.

Katy Perry – I like that Katy is always changing her look and blazes her own fashion trails. I even like the pink hair, but I will say this, there is nothing like a hat to protect your colored locks from the damaging effects of the sun (not to mention cover your blond roots in between color touch-ups.)  Katy, you can still be fashion forward and sensible. Put on this Straw Big Brim from the Protection Collection.

Robert Pattison – You have teenagers swooning and calling out Edward even when you try to make other films, but this is taking it a little too far. Shaving half your head for a movie role? How dare you. Keep these asymmetrical locks under wraps at least until the last Twilight movie has been released. The Kangol Summer Ivy Cap should do the trick.

Kate Bosworth – I don’t know what has come over you, Kate. Usually your hair looks flawless. Are you having some sort of Britney Spears-esque kind of crisis? To save us all from enduring another second of this disastrous do, please, put on something like the Sea Breeze Cotton Sun Hat from the Protection Collection.

Al Pacino – This hair needs an intervention. Al gets a break because he didn’t choose this look for himself. He is filming a movie about music mogul, Phil Spector who did wear his hair like this on purpose. My advice is to cover that do as soon as you get off the set with a hat like the Belfry Smith fedora.

No matter how bad a hair day you are having, we always have a hat that is sure to help you through. – Shannon

Celebrity photos from peoplemagazine.com

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

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

Online Style Inspiration

There are so many places to go for style inspiration, fashion magazines, celebrities, styling websites and on the streets.  But the way we share style is changing.  The every day fashionista is logging their daily wardrobe on style blogs which is making it even easier to see what people are wearing all over the world. 

One of my favorite online destinations for style inspiration is http://www.chictopia.com.  It is a place where style bloggers and style lovers come together to share what they are wearing.  I have found so many great style blogs by browsing through Chictopia and not surprisingly, many of them are featuring their hats.

Here are just a few of the great bloggers that have great hat style:

Violet Heart – Many Shades of Purple

Stacey – devorelebeaumonstre from Pittsburg, PA

Nicoletta – Scent of Obsession from Italy

Gabrielle – Dentelle & Fleurs from Montreal, Canada

Hillary – Mammal & Lamb from Portland, Oregon

What ever your personal style, it is always inspiring to see what people are wearing on a regular day rather than at a professional photo shoot. - 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

Not Just a Knit

It was a very cold December day when a group of people came in the hat shop, looking for something very specific.  They asked me if we carried “breaking and entering” hats.  I had never heard of a hat being called this, but knew exactly what they were talking about, a basic black acrylic knit hat.  I can only hope that they were not going to wear these hats while committing a crime.  It was freezing outside, so I am pretty sure they just wanted something warm. 

Knit hats have come a long way since the basic knit was the go-to for a warm hat for the winter.  We have changed up the materials, revamped the styles and expanded the color choices so that everyone can have the warmth of a knit without looking like they just knocked off the nearby 7-11.

An alternative to the basic knit style is an army cap, like this one.  This Military Jeep Hat by Goorin Bros. is the perfect mix of fashion and function and comes in black and olive.  It is made in a soft acrylic knit, easily rolls up in your pocket and keeps you warm all winter long.  Military style wasn’t just popular this fall, the trend carries over to winter wear this year. 

If you want the classic style knit with a little more style, the Belfry Street Eugene is a perfect pick.  The unique thing about this hat is that it is an alpaca knit.  Alpaca is a silky knit, that is warmer than wool and contains less allergens.  You know that itchy feeling you get on your forehead after wearing your acrylic knit for a while?  That won’t happen with a knit like this.

One of my personal favorite knit styles for women is the Knit Beret from San Diego Hat Company.  This knit is the perfect shape to wear all the ways a beret can be worn, off to one side, behind the hair line pulled back or pulled down like a classic knit hat.  It comes in great colors, like fuschia, green, purple and yellow as well as the basic black and ivory.  It looks adorable on young girls and classic on women.

If you are looking for the basic black knit style, do not fear, we still have the classic knit.  The Belfry Street Chicago is a Bamboo knit.  Bamboo is a sustainable material that many clothing manufacturers are starting to use more and more.  This is a warm knit with cool max material that will keep you dry if you sweat in your hat.  It is lighter weight than a wool or alpaca, but keeps you just as warm. This hat does have a matching scarf that I always like to tell people about. It is a really long scarf, but it is light weight so it doesn’t pull on your neck like many heavy wool knits.

What ever style you choose this winter, stay warm out there! Have a great holiday and a very Merry Christmas. -Shannon

Looks We Love

When I’m working the Hats In the Belfry shop, I love to help people put together the perfect hat/scarf/bag combo.  Now you don’t have to be in the shop to get expert accessorizing advice.  We have added a new feature to our website that does just that!  “Looks We Love” is a new section where you can get a little preview of how our hats look with other accessories.  I wanted to share a few of my favorite looks on the blog today to give you an idea what to expect from our experts.

One of my favorite women’s hat styles this season is this Belfry Sadie, cloche.  This hat is a statement piece that is sure to get complimented on the street.  Often with a hat this special, people are conservative with accessories.  I am here to say, you don’t have to be.  This pairing of plaid print scarf is a fashion, YES!  You can wear this look over any color coat, including black, camel, red, navy or brown.

A casual women’s look that is sure to turn heads is this brown and tan look.    This knit Hat by Grace Hats is perfect for bad hair days and is much cuter than a ball cap.  Pair this comfy hat with a stylish scarf and you look put together, whether it is over your winter coat or with a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans. Throw on your brown Bagallini and the look is complete.

For guys who want to look put together without looking like they are trying too hard, this casual camel look is perfect.  An army style cap in corduroy from our new Belfry Street collection paired with a warm brown scarf looks great over your black or navy pea coat.  Add your messenger bag and you are ready for work or school with everything you need.  Plus you can wear this canvas bag year round.

The last look I picked to share is a classic.  The snap brim felt fedora and the Belfry Tweed Scarf in grey.  I love the contrast of the black hat with a grey scarf, instead of black on black on black.  This style hat looks great with a long black wool or trench coat.  The grey is a nice contrast without going too crazy with a print or a bright color.  Sometimes people don’t think about the scarf when purchasing a hat, but you really need it to complete your winter look.  Did I mention we are offering a gift with purchase of our classic style fedoras?

When putting together your winter look (or the look of a loved one this holiday season) don’t forget about accessories.  And check out the Looks we Love at www.hatsinthebelfry.com.

Shannon

Belfry Gift Guide

The season has begun and instead of standing in those long shopping lines, you might be looking online for the perfect gift for each person on your list.  We have done that search for you and have put together a list of essential items that are sure to make your friends and family swoon. 

Do-it-All Dad Driving Cap $38, Slippers $49.50, Metallic Pen $27.95  To show Dad that you really care, give him the gift of style and warmth.  The perfect flat cap adds to every man’s wardrobe both casual and formal.

Let Dad get pampered for a change with these cozy slippers from Lands End.  His conversation piece will be his Metallic Pen, that doesn’t have ink and still writes permanent.

Make-it-work Mom Cloche $98, Jewelry Tree $59.95, Herb Garden $34.95 Mom takes care of you, so this year, take care of Mom.  A cloche hat will top off her winter look at all of the holiday outings she will be going on.

Give Mom a beautiful place to keep all the jewelry that Dad is getting her this holiday.  And make her life easier. A busy mom need not go to the market for her essential herbs when she can have a garden of her own.

Totally Trendy Teen Fedora $38, iPlunge Phone Stand $5.99, Wall Decals $14.99 The toughest person on your list is sure to be excited about a trendy fedora from our Belfry Street collection.  Snap brim fedoras are seen on all the hottest celebs and will convince your teen you are hip to what is hot.

iPhone accessories are sure to please your teens and maybe even get them to stop texting for a minute.  Let them express and decorate their space with these photo frame wall decals from Urban Outfitters.

Save-the-Day Sitter Knit Hat $38, Earbuds $20, Purse Hook $19.95 They take care of your kids when you need a break, take care of them with a warm and cozy essential knit.

Accessories with real purpose are a great gift for the people that make your life easier.  Cool new earbuds to accessorize their MP3 player or a convenient purse hook to keep their stuff off the floor.

Busy-Business Partner Money Clip $34, Good Luck Golf Tees $29.95, Wine Stoppers $11.95 The holidays are a great time to thank the people you work with every day.  The Stewart Stand Wovel Steel Money Clip is a great way to show you appreciate your friends in your business.

Give the gift of good luck, with this golf tee pack.  Seasonal wine stoppers will add to any holiday event.

Terrific Teacher Scarf $24, Tea $9.50, Chocolates $15 Teachers make an impact on us all and it is a great way to show them you appreciate their hard work by finding the perfect gift for them this holiday.  A great scarf will add to the perfect winter wardrobe.

Think warm and decadent this season by finding the perfect tea or yummy chocolate.

Find more great gift giving ideas at the following sites: Hats In the Belfry, Gifts.com and Red Envelope

Happy Shopping! -Shannon