Tag Archives: hat

C is for Cloche

Posted on by

2

I wear more than one hat, two to be exact.

hat_accessory_cloche hat

Contrary to what many people believe, the cloche hat was actually invented in 1908, almost two decades before the flapper era of the 1920s. Leave it to the Parisians to create something so chic and timeless, the word cloche means “bell” in French. Years later, as the Roaring Twenties kicked in full steam, it became the iconic hat of the Jazz Age.

How to spot a cloche hat? It’s all in the bell shape. Cloche hats are traditionally made from felt, though ones made from straw or cloth were not uncommon. Decorations were minimal in order to maintain the slim and trim profile of the hat.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Cloche Hats

The fitted silhouette makes it hard to see because it covers the eyes, and for this reason it even altered the way women carried themselves. They literally had to tilt their chins up in order to see. The snug shape also playfully accented the short hairstyles that were so in vogue at the time, and was the ideal way to wear such a trendy accessory.

It’s been years since I sported a bob, but I might just chop off my long locks and embrace my inner flapper at the drop of a cloche hat.

hat_accessory_cloche hat

The Red Coat

Posted on by

4


The last two years I’ve traded in celebrating the holidays with family and friends for foreign places and faces. This year I finally stayed put and indulged over home cooked feasts amidst the company of loved ones. This was also my first time in a long while participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange, and it was nice to receive a gift off my wish list. But there one thing that my Secret Santa cannot deliver, unless he’s my sugar daddy: a trip far, far away.

To where I’d like to travel come same time next year is yet to be determined. Bora bora? Morocco? Or maybe unconsciously I’d like to find myself at Buckingham Palace, facing off with a Redcoat on who wears the red coat best.

A red coat epitomizes all things holiday, joyous, and oh come all ye faithful. Some gals love handbags, others adore shoes, but my weakness lies in coats and jackets. I collect many, even though its hardly ever cold enough to merit wearing some of the knee length beauties that are collecting dust in my closet. Note to self: ask for garment bags next year.

With all the post holiday sales going on, you can easily nab yourself a fanciful red coat that won’t break the bank. I think I have scarlet fever, and the only cure for it will be another red coat to add to my bank of coats. Here are my top red coat picks for under $100.

1 ModCloth / 2 Nautica / 3 INC / 4 Calvin Klein / 5 Romwe / 6 Wallis / 7 PepaLoves
8 Ivanka Trump / 9 Anne Klein

Red Coats

I wore a holiday inspired palette to Christmas brunch and dinner last week, incorporating colors none other than red, white, and a hint of green. Gold, I am missing, but blame that on the three kings’ delayed delivery. My tracking number says they are westward leading, still proceeding to California. I scored this awesome red coat from a vintage sale during the summer, and was more than overjoyed to finally make its debut to the world. With my church hat on, I was ready for Sunday mass or even an evening of caroling. Sadly, I did neither. Should I pay a visit to my dear friend the Queen for high tea again? I hear London is quite beautiful during this time of year. This fair lady has no plans set in stone yet for December 2015 travel, but I guess I’ll just cross that London Bridge when I come to it.

It’s so hard to say cheerio to yesterday. Hats off to 2014 with this one last outfit post. Happy New Year everyone!

I Wanna Americana

Posted on by

0

I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T do you know what I mean?

Independence Day, also known as Fourth of July, celebrates the United States Declaration of Independence. It was way back in 1776 that we gained independence from Great Britain, and we have been celebrating our freedom ever since. For many, this holiday means the start of a long weekend filled with activities such as picnics, barbecues, drinking, parades, county fairs, and let’s not forget the dazzling evening finale: the fireworks show. One must celebrate in style, so show off your National pride by saluting to the red, white, and blue. Baby, you’re a firework – don’t you wanna Americana?

Americana style is quite broad, but it draws inspiration from none other than the American flag. You can either just wear the red, white, and blue solid colors of the flag or choose to go down the patterned route with stars and stripes. Take it one step further, and incorporate a flag motif into your outfit. Americana is often associated with anything denim, which is as American as they come (thank you, Levis Strauss). Whether its a boho look with a fringed crop top tee and denim cutoff shorts, or a preppy look with a collared blouse, chinos, and boat shoes, there are many sides to the Americana look that are as diverse as the American history of which it reflects. If wearing the American flag isn’t quite your thing, there are plenty of stylish options to show your patriotism. Checkout my July 4th inspired lookbook!

The Lookbook: Stripes on Stripes / Stars & Overalls / Plaid Casual

I recently had the privilege of attending afternoon tea with the Queen. When one is in the presence of the Queen, one must keep calm and wear a hat worthy of her royal highness. In patriotic fashion, I donned a tea-time appropriate Americana inspired outfit in red, white, and a dash of blue. She spoke lovingly about her family, and also inquired about how I was liking my independence in the states. Alas, it was time to say cheerio, and she was ever so gracious to escort me to the airport in her state car to properly bid me adieu.

Have a fun and safe Fourth of July everyone!


vintage hat (similar hat) / thrifted cardigan (similar cardigan) / DIY bow-tie (similar bow-tie) / Carol Anderson Petites dress (similar dress) / Nina Dolls shoes (similar shoes & shoes)