Get Your Green On – St. Pat’s Hats

Why not a little history lesson in honors of St. Patrick’s Day? 

March 17^th is believed to be the day that St. Patrick passed away in 461 AD.  Since that time, Irish Christians have celebrated this day as a holy day.  

Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day was a day where businesses would be closed and churches would hold a special mass to celebrate the feast of St. Patrick. 

This would be a day to celebrate.  The holiday falls within the observance of Lent where Catholics give-up things like sweets, alcohol and other vices as penance.  St. Patick’s Day was one day during Lent when Irishmen could have a break from Lent and enjoy a pint or two.

The first celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Colonial American took place in Boston in 1737.  New York City followed with a parade and celebration in 1762.

In the 1840’s a large influx of Irish moved to American to escape the potato famine.  After that time, St. Patrick’s Day started to be recognized as a National Holiday.

Somewhere along the lines Americans started wearing green in observance of this holiday.  So pull out your bowlers and green Gatsby hats, have a pint or two and say a cheers to St. Patrick.

Images and information came from this video.  Check it out to see the full story of St. Patrick’s Day.  -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

Mixed Business Loves Hats!

I am very excited to share the details of a new collaboration between Hats in the Belfry and Mixed Business, a band local to Baltimore.  Mixed Business has an Americana sound that resonates with so many of our customers.  Not to mention the fact that the members of the band are hat lovers, and hat lovers always find their way to Hats in the Belfry.

In preparation for their upcoming album, Mixed Business had a photo shoot at our Fells Point shop wearing their favorite hats from the Belfry line.  Even though it was a rainy day, the band got some great shots. Each member chose a hat that complimented their personality and personal style. 

Brian Forte who sings, plays the guitar and picks a mean banjo chose the Belfry Jazz in brown.  A classic snap brim style that looks great with the brim up or down.

Mark O’Dell who sings lead vocals while playing the guitar, mandolin, steel drum, or an obscure percussion instrument you haven’t seen since your days in the middle school band  chose the Belfry  Gibson, the favorite cap among many of our staff members.

Joey Mitchell a master on the 5 string upright bass chose the Belfry Volare, a great casual fedora style.   This crushable fedora is great for someone who is looking for the fedora fit without being too formal.

Now for the exciting part…Mixed Business’ new album is set to be released in March.  They will be performing at three venues close to our Hats in the Belfry locations.  The first show is scheduled for Saturday, March 26^th at Mick O’Shea’s in Baltimore.  They are offering to wave the cover charge for anyone who wears one of their favorite Belfry hats to their show!  And in support of the band, we are offering a 20% discount on the purchase of one hat to anyone who attends one of their release parties, or brings a copy of their CD to one of our shops.

CD Release Party

Saturday, March 26^th

Mick O’Shea’s, 328 N. Charles Street

Free Admission if you wear one of Mixed Business’ favorite Belfry hats!

20% off the purchase of one hat with copy of Mixed Business CD

or attendance at the record release party!

We hope to see you at the Baltimore release party!  To learn more about Mixed Business, visit their website http://www.mixedbusinesstrio.com.  And check our Facebook page for upcoming details about additional record release parties in Washington, DC and Annapolis, MD.

-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

New York Fashion Week 2011

I was extremely fortunate to attend a show at the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center this past Thursday.  Being in New York during Fashion week is like getting a preview of the future.  There are so many great shows going on all over town.  New and established designers showing one after the other, not to mention the fashion show that takes place in the lobbies of nearby hotels and sidewalk catwalks filled with fashionistas from all over the world. 

For those that can’t make it to the shows, reporters from New York Magazine online have captured many of the 2011 collections.  I have been checking in to see the hat trends from the runway this season.

Women – Knits, Wide Brims and Berets

For women, it is all about the knits.  I have always been a fan of knit hat with a cute dress and it seems that I was on the right track.  Designers like Charlotte Ronson, Steven Allen and Band of Outsiders are all showing knits as part of their Fall 2011 collections. 

Not surprisingly the wide brim fedora style for women is still popular on the runways.  This classic style is complimentary to the bohemian look that we will stay on trend this coming fall.  Rebecca Minkoff and Steven Allen’s hat styles are nostalgic of the 1970’s.

There were a variety of hat shapes shown with casual women’s wear which tells me that women’s hats will be trending back towards a feminine style this fall.  A new take on a beret shown at Vena Cava, a version of a riding style cap at Guilded Age and my favorite fur hat at Jenni Kayne.

Men - Bowlers, Buckets and Fedoras

A new take on the classic bowler style was seen on more than one runway this week. Rag and Bone showed bowlers in trendy colors like maroon with a white band and tan with red satin band.

GStar Raw showed exaggerated crowns with upturned brims paired with long trench coats.  They were almost cartoon like perched on the top of the head to one side.  I am not sure how these will translate to every day wear.

Not surprisingly, we saw fedoras in the most popular styles, upturned snap brim and wide brim fedoras at Steven Allen.  Surprisingly, the bucket hat might be making a comeback with this cool look from Tommy Hilfiger.

It is always fun to see what is on the horizon in the fashion world, but at the end of the day, every person has their own unique hat style.  Just because you don’t see the look you love on the runway doesn’t mean we won’t have your style at Hats in the Belfry!

Sneak Preview: Hats in the Belfry at National Harbor

One of the most exciting things to happen at Hats in the Belfry is the addition of a new shop to our family of stores.  I am so excited to share some of the details of our National Harbor location opening in March! 

National Harbor is located south of Washington DC on the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  You can see a map here.  It is a spacious development with a mix of hotels, condominiums, offices, shops, restaurants and green space.  It is a beautiful location with a view of the District and Alexandria, VA across the river.

There is so much to do and see at National Harbor.  There are over 24 restaurants offering almost every kind of cuisine you could ask for, a cruise line that will take you up and down the river and other water front activities like canoe and sailboat rentals.  We are happy to be in the company of some great shops including South Moon Under (our next door neighbor), Fossil and Charming Charlie among many others. 

Meeting our new neighbors is exciting, but not nearly as exciting as gaining a new Belfry team.  We will be bringing on a new crew of sales associates that will be part of our Belfry family.  We are sending our Annapolis shop Manager, Jen, to teach them everything she knows, which is quite a lot.  Jen has worked in every shop location and trained all of our shop Managers including our E-Commerce General Manager.  They will be in very good hands. 

Right now we are hard at work tweaking our design and starting the build out.  Here is a never before released preview of what our store front will look.

As many of our long time customers know, we used to have shops in Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria.  The National Harbor store is the perfect location for our customers who frequented those locations and for all of our new friends in DC, VA and MD.  We are so glad to be back in town! 

Fedoras – Let’s Discuss

With growing popularity of shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire, the fedora hat is back in the spotlight.  This style of hat never went “out”, so I wouldn’t say that it is making a comeback.  What I would say is that mainstream media has helped gain new interest in the classic fedora style.  So if you have never before worn a fedora hat and are looking for the style for you, here is a brief guide to the basic fedora styles.

Wide Brim Fedora

The wide brim fedora is the style that most people think of when they envision 1920’s-1950’s menswear, but in actuality this style is timeless.  Celebrities like Frank Sinatra in the 60’s, Michael Jackson in the 80’s and Johnny Depp in the 00’s have kept this hat in the spotlight and made it part of their every day style.  This type of hat is traditionally worn with the brim snapped down in the front, hence the term “snap brim fedora” which is another name for the style.  The wide brim edora comes in a wool felt or a fur felt in the standard colors black, grey and brown, usually with a grosgrain band.  This style of hat looks best with professional attire.  It is great with a suit or classic trench coat. 

Stingy Brim

A stingy brim fedora is a style that is growing in popularity by the day.  It is no surprise that young celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo and Benji Madden are often seen in this style.  The stingy brim has a smaller brim than the classic wide brim fedora, so it is a little less formal.  This hat can be worn with the brim up or snapped down in the front.  Classic stingy brims come in wool felt, fur felt and materials like velour and cotton, but new styles in alternative materials are on trend for 2011.  This is a great style for someone who is just starting their hat collection and has a more casual style.

Safari

The safari style fedora is most commonly associated with the Indiana Jones hat.  This style has a brim that is turned down in both the front and back.  The brim can range in size, but is usually larger than a stingy brim.  This style hat comes in a wide range of materials including wool felt, fur felt, canvas, oiled canvas and leather. Styles in this category range in formality depending on the material it is made from.  Fur felt and wool felt styles look more professional.  Canvas and leather styles are more rugged and made to withstand the elements (and you sitting on it).  I always think of the safari style as a hat that can be worn in between seasons.  When you are looking for something after straw goes out, but before you are breaking out your winter coat, the safari is a good pick. 

Tear Drop Crown

The tear drop crown is a design feature that is found in wide brim, stingy brim and safari styles.  I have had customers that have a wider face say they prefer the look of a tear drop crown as opposed to a crown with a center dent, but choosing a hat with a tear drop is really a matter of personal taste.  It does not usually change the fit of the hat. 

Pork Pie/Diamond Crown

The pork pie hat is a stingy brim hat, but with a round crown.  Technically, this is not a fedora, but it often finds itself hanging out with the fedora family.  The diamond crown lives somewhere in between the pork pie and the stingy brim fedora.  I don’t know why, but these hats are very popular with musicians.  If a guy comes in the shop asking for a pork pie, 9 times out of 10 he is in a band.  That doesn’t mean you have to play an instrument to wear this hat.  I recommend this style for anyone who is looking for an alternative to the classic fedora.

Fedora Trends

Some new trends in the world of fedoras are stylish embellishments that take this style from classic to contemporary.  Things like printed bands, alternative materials and super stingy brims are on trend for a fashionable fedora statement.  The Goorin Pebo mixed a printed band with a plaid body that makes this style very accessible.  The wide corduroy styles in the Belfry Street line also make for great accents to a t-shirt and jeans look.  The super stingy brim in a houndstooth print on the Belfry Bryant is a trendy twist on the classic style.

For the Ladies

I know I left the ladies out of today’s post, but the fedora style is also a great choice for the fashionable woman.  If you saw our Best and Worst Hats of 2010, you would notice that 3 of the top 5 ladies were chosen for wearing fedoras.  While the new trends in fedora styles lend themselves well to being incorporated into a women’s ensemble, there is always something about a woman in a classic men’s fedora (i.e. Jennifer Aniston posing for GQ Magazine).

-Shannon

Who’s Wearing Belfry Brand

Hats in the Belfry has been in business selling quality fashionable hats for over 30 years, so it is no wonder that we have attracted celebrity hat wearers as regular customers. We carry one of the best selections of brands and styles, so everyone can find a hat that fits their own personal style whether they are on or off camera. What has been exciting in the last couple of years is the celebrity attraction to our own Belfry Brand hats. Famous customers with a wide range of occupation can always find a Belfry hat that elevates their look.

In order to make sure we are designing the best styles for our customers we ask ourselves, Who’s Wearing Belfry Brand?

Fashion Bloggers – There are some great blogs out there that feature styling tips and share personal style of the people who know the hot trends. These people are fashion savvy and can put together a complete look whether they are shopping expensive designer racks or finding great pieces at bargain prices. Just this month, Belfry hats have been a part of a look featured by fashion bloggers, The Style Blogger and Wit & Whimsy.

Comedians – Just because someone is incredibly funny, doesn’t mean that they are dressed like a clown. Comedians like Donnel Rawlings known from The Chappelle Show and Annapolis’ own E.J. Ruchman make sure that a Belfry hat is part of their act, but nothing to laugh at, whether it is the Belfry Street Mai Tai cap or one of our classic Belfry Bowler hats.

Musicians – The difference between a musician and a rock star can be as simple as what they are wearing. Confidence can often come from feeling good in what you are wearing and if you are wearing a rockin’ hat, you are going to feel like you own your audience. Rocker, Alicia Solo of Beautiful Bodies was photographed wearing her Belfry Freddie opening for My Chemical Romance. Joe Waller, drummer for Loyalty Amongst Theives can often been seen in a Belfry hat, like this Belfry Jazz.

Fighters – Although we would never want to get in the ring with one of these champion fighters, we don’t mind posing for photos with them in their favorite Belfry hats. The famous Mike Tyson shopped for the perfect knit at our Philadelphia store. Bernard Hopkins has a collection of caps from our shop including this Belfry Street Blackgold.

You!!! Belfry designs are modern and stylish, so it is no surprise that all of our Belfry customers feel like celebrities as soon as they put on their perfect hat. A common quote I hear from our Belfry customers is, “I get so many compliments when I wear my Belfry hat.” Getting stopped on the street sounds like a celebrity moment to me.

Photos from our National Hat Day Facebook Contest.

Looks You Love – Contest Finalist

I want to thank everyone who participated in the “Looks You Love” January contest.  We received some great entries just proving that Hats in the Belfry customers are the most stylish hat wearers around.

I am really excited to share our finalists.  These looks will be posted on our Facebook page and you will have the chance to vote for your favorite.  You can vote 2 times, once in the Men’s category and once in the Women’s category.  Feel free to leave comments here on the blog for your favorites.  Voters and commenters will be entered to win a $25 gift card.  The winner in each category of the “Looks You Love” contest will win the hat they featured in their look and a $50 gift card.

Entry: LouiseBC

Boots: La Canadienne Tracy, Bag: Dooney & Bourke Medium East/West Shopper, Tights: Maria La Rosa Opaque Ribbed Tights in Black, Dress: The Uniform Project Classic LBD, Coat: The Heart Coat in Ann, Hat: Hats in the Belfry San Diego Tristen Acrylic Knit Fedora, Scarf: Macrame Owl Screen Printed Scarf

Entry: Marianne of Looks Good from the Back

“I would put my hair in braids, top with the hat, and pull on this dress as a bathingsuit coverup. This would be perfect for walking down to the Naples Beach Club for a pina colada at sunset.”

Cover Up – Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bathing Suit – Fig Leaves, Shoes – Piperlime, Bag – J.Crew

Entry: Sharon G. of Kitchen Pixy

Outfit details: Hat: Belfry Keira Fur Velour Cloche $98, Glasses: sweetheart sunnies $11, Bracelet: Phillipe Audibert Mini Aby silver-plated cuff $820 (GULP!!), Lace top: Vintage holiday sheer black lace top rhinestone buttons $20, Jacket: Mid Wash Trucker Jacket $70, Skirt: Hobbs Rubens double wool twill Pencil Skirt in Flame $85, Shoes: (rrrrrrrrrrroooooooooowr!!) YSL Platform High Heel Pump in black textured leather $795

Entry: Adrien (Ambulus) of Looks Good from the Back

Belfry outfit by Amblus featuring wool blend coats

Silk wrap effect dress, 395 GBP, Mackage black wool blend plaid ‘Sabrina’ scarf coat, $406, Emilio Cavallini Diamond Dot Tights, Black, 14 GBP, Chie Mihara - Serpan - Grey Leather Pump, $246, Future Compass Hoop Earrings, $188, A.McQueen Skull Scarf, $375, Belfry Keira - Fur Velour Cloche: Hatsinthebelfry.com, $98

Entry: Jarrod Barnes of Jarrod’s Photography Blog

Hat: Belfry Bishop, Scarf: Men’s Merona Woven Plaid Scarf, Shirt: Spread-collar regular-fit dress shirt in white, Sweater: Merona OPP Sweater, Pants: Pinstriped tailored pants (slim fit), Coat: Classic cotton trench, Shoes: Bostonian, Men’s Akron Classy, Dressy and fun.  Sophisticated yet not overstated.  Dressy enough for the office or out on the town….casual enough for post-bar café or drinks at a cigar bar.  The gray in the sweater and the high-crown fedora – pulls the look down from head-to-toe.  Shoes are classy with a cap-toe and the red in the scarf is a nice contrast element with a patter to break up the solids of the outfit.  The white shirt is fundamental to the ‘dressed up’ look.  This look is also versatile.  Too warm for a sweater?  Ditch it and rock the shirt under the trench sans the scarf.  Or, throw on a skinny black tie.  Untuck the white shirt for a hint of sloppy-dress.  This look will turn heads and envelop the wearer in a cloak of confidence and poise.

Entry: Kelly de Silva

A fancy white dress shirt with French lapels, slim dress trousers, black vintage boots, finished off with a vintage dress jacket and topped off with Hats in the Belfry Deuce - Stingy Brim Bowler. Add an extra long feather on the bowler for added pizazz.

Entry: Xelkos

Ne-Yo has a thing for fedoras and beautiful suits and he looks good in them both. This ensemble he wore to the Grammys is by Ferragamo.  Nice grey/black suit, yet his fedora should of matched up with a Belfry Street Fuego - Corduroy Fedora or Goorin Prohibition - Diamond Crown Fedora.

You have until this Friday, January 21st to vote.  This competition is going to be tough. Happy voting! - Shannon

National Hat Day - Online Contest!!

This Saturday, January 15th is National Hat Day and we are celebrating in a BIG way!  We are hosting a contest from now until next Friday for all of our Facebook fans and folks who have visited our stores this week.  You will have a chance to win a $50 gift certificate!

Online entries:  Post a picture of you in your favorite hat on our Facebook page.  You have from now until Friday, January 21^st to post your picture.  Multiple pictures = multiple entries, but you must be wearing a different hat in each photo.  Anyone who has already posted a picture to our site will be included in the contest.

In Store entries:  If you go to one of our stores this Saturday, January 15^th, have your picture taken in one of our hats, come to our Facebook page and “tag” yourself in that picture.  Pictures will be posted on Tuesday and you have until Friday, January 21^st to “tag” yourself.

The drawing will be random, so good luck! - Shannon