Hatsinthebelfry

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

“Looks You Love” - January Contest

To start the New Year off with something exciting, we have a new contest to share with you!  Last year, we started a new program called “Looks We Love” where we paired hats with accessories to complete the perfect look.  This year, we want your help in styling great looks that go with our Hats In the Belfry hats.

HOW TO ENTER – put together a “Look You Love” incorporating a Belfry hat.  Go to http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com to choose your Belfry hat by going under “Shop by brand” in either the men’s hats or women’s hats and clicking “BELFRY HATS”.  Put together a complete look using pictures from websites or your own closet and create a look using clothing, accessories, shoes, bags and one of our hats.  Send your entry to shannon@hatsinthebelfry.com with images of the look you have put together with a brief description.  All entries must be received by Friday, January 14^th.

We will choose 3 finalists for Men’s Looks and 3 finalists for Women’s Looks.  Those looks will be posted on our facebook page and blog for our fans to vote for the winner.  We will allow one week for voting and announce the winner on January 24^th. 

HOW TO GET AN EXTRA ADVANTAGE - Post the “Look you Love” entry on your blog, send us the link and we will multiply your votes by 1.5.

Here is an example of the kind of entries we are hoping to see.

Men’s Look

Hat - Belfry Hurricane, Scarf - hatsinthebelfry.com, Khakis - target.com, Jacket - bananarepublic.com
Guys look put together when they think about how their outerwear.  This flight jacket will look great with a pair of khakis and a nice quality flat cap.  Add a little print with this dark green scarf and you have got yourself a head turning look.

Women’s Look

Hat - Belfry Eugene, Dress - anthropologie.com, Sweater - gap.com, Boots - nordstrom.com
I love to mix dressed up and casual pieces together to get a warm and cozy, yet still fashionable look.  Put this adorable dress under a big cable knit sweater, pair with some fantastic boots and top it all off with a warm alpaca knit.

PRIZE!! - The winner will receive a $50 gift card to Hats in the Belfry AND the hat they incorporated in the “Look You Love”.

ANOTHER WAY TO WIN!!!  We will also be giving away a prize for helping to support our contest.  If you “retweet” our contest link on twitter, or “share” the link on facebook, you will be entered to win a $25 gift card.

Best of Luck! - 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

December Give-Away WINNER!

Thank you so much to everyone who voted for their favorite Belfry Street style in our December Give-Away contest.  I am excited to annouce that the Belfry Street Reatta was the most voted for hat between votes on our blog and votes on our Facebook page!  For the next week you can get $10 off when you use discount code “REATTA10“.

I am also really excited to annouce the winners of our December Give-Away.  Congratulations to Julia Freitag, our blog winner and Mary Sengpiehl, our Facebook winner! 

Thank you all so much for your votes.  Keep checking back on the Belfry Blog for more Hat News and more chances to win some great hats!

Shannon

December Hat Give-away!

Here on the Belfry Blog, we had so much fun doing our give-away in November that we decided to do one again!  But a regular give-away just wouldn’t do.  During this season of giving, we want to make sure everyone can get something.  So to keep it interesting we want your help deciding what Belfry style we should put on sale at hatsinthebelfry.com.  By doing that we will pick two lucky winners to get the hat they voted for, for FREE!

Here is how it works.  Leave a comment here to let us know which Belfry style (of the styles pictured here) is your favorite.  Or, go to our Facebook page and click “like” or leave a comment on the picture of the hat you like the best.  The hat with the most votes will be $10 off on our website for the next week.  We will randomly select one commenter from the blog and one from Facebook to win the hat they voted for.

You can vote from now until midnight on Thursday, December 9^th.  Friday we will announce the winning style and the winning commenters!

Belfry Street Gibson - Olive

Belfry Street Reatta - Black

Belfry Street Concord - Brown

Belfry Street Mirada - Straw

Belfry Street Modena - Black

Good Luck! -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

American Music Awards - Hat Style

Last night the 2010 American Music Awards aired on ABC and although I have been disappointed by recent Music Awards shows, I had to tune in to check out the fashions.  The AMA red carpet did not disappoint and I was really excited to see Artists from all genres rockin’ some very cool hats.  Here are some of the highlights:

My go-to hat guy and R&B superstar, Ne-yo did not disappoint with his classic black fedora.  He even did a little commercial revolving around his hat being lost after he loaned it to his driver.  I was however a little surprised to see him dressed so conservatively.  He usually is quite dapper with his suit choice and fedora style, but last night he was not very flashy. Photo.

Ryan Kwaten of True Blood did something I haven’t really seen on a dude in a while.  He had his snap brim set on the back of his head.  Even though he was not nominated, presenting or performing (he isn’t a musician after all) he was photographed to death on the red carpet.  Could it be because of his unique hat styling? Photo.

Kid Rock didn’t walk the red carpet, but he did perform a song from his new album, Born Free.  This rocker is known for wearing hats and the style he chose for this performance was basically the exact opposite of pretty boy Kwaten.  He chose a black leather fedora that almost looked like a bucket style the way he had it pulled way down covering his eyebrows.  Definitely a rock style even though his performance was very tame. Photo.

I am always excited to see my favorite hat wearer, Samuel L. Jackson on a red carpet rockin’ a sweet cap.  The AMAs was no exception.  Jackson was a presenter on last night’s show and looked like his fashionable (without trying too hard) self in a leather newsboy cap. Photo.

The hat that probably will be most talked about is not one that you will find in many hat shops and that was the Lego Hat worn by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas.  This guy is always pushing boundaries and that was no exception last night with his styling.  This hat is not exactly something wearable for everyday, but definitely entertaining.  Do you think his head was hot with all that plastic? Photo.

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