Tag Archives: hats

Crazy for kate spade Fall 2011

It’s getting colder and the fashion is getting warmer. But, sometimes hot accessories don’t come cheap. When it comes to the beautiful collections of kate spade, that absolutely rings true.   With kate spade, some of the most dainty items have the heaviest price tag.  Ironic? Yes.  Overpriced?  Maybe.  No matter what the case may be, I’m completely obsessed with these winter hats, especially the tiara hat, the crown jewel of kate spade’s fall collection.  I can totally see myself wearing it to a socialite ski weekend in Aspen.  It will so be on my Christmas list.  Here are some other New York inspired winter items by kate spade that will also be making an appearance on my Christmas list.  Unless of course I pick them, up sooner.

All Access Accessory: Hat Shopping on Thompson St.

In an effort to prepare for the next Royal Wedding, Kentucky Derby, and/or Central Park Conservancy Hat Luncheon, I went on a hat shopping adventure at The Hat Shop on Thompson St. with my friend and fellow blogger Princess Diane von Brainisfried.  Not only did I get to catch up with one of my most beloved Twitter pals, I also learned a lot of about the art behind wearing and choosing the perfect hat for your next high society event.

Your hat should be worn one finger length above your eyebrow.  Contrary to popular belief, not all small hats are fascinators.  A facinator is characterized as a headpiece with feathers because feathers are fascinating.  The small hats you often see are called cocktail hats.  As I discovered today, I look best in cocktail hats.  Throughout the store, many of the hats themselves have names of their own such as “Pinky Goes to the Races,” “Audrey,” and “Ivy.”  “Ivy” was my favorite hat (pictured above.)


Diane and I looking ready for a high society garden party


A haute couture witch’s hat


Diane in a couture hat named “Pinky Goes to the Races”


Me in my second favorite cocktail hat. It looks like a mini mad hatter hat from Alice in Wonderland!


The Hat Shop located downtown at 120 Thompson St. (btw. Prince & Spring) is a full service millinery shop and top notch socialite destination.

Hats are the New Black


I just came across this awesome T-shirt at Ann Taylor LOFT. I am completely obsessed with the design, especially the beadwork. Once I saw it, I was ready to got the beach. But, what struck me the most about this fun t-shirt design was the hat. Recent events such as the royal wedding and the Kentucky Derby have boosted hats into mainstream fashion just in time for summer. Not only are these once overlooked fashion accessories fun and classy, they are also functional in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Contrary to popular belief, even those with supermodel style hair can benefit from wearing a hat. That’s what fascinators are for. Watch out society ladies, you may be getting a run for your money this summer when it comes to your signature accessory.

At the Kentucky Derby, the horse race is an afterthought. This socialite studded event that took place last weekend is all about the hats. Inspired by the luxurious and sometimes outlandish looks at the royal wedding, this year’s Kentucky Derby proves that Americans too can have a place in hat history. Get set for polo in the Hamptons this summer because the hats are going to be even crazier. To be honest, I am really just getting the hang of this whole hat craze. Though bigger can be better, that’s not always the case.

And They Lived Happily Ever After

Waking up at 4 a.m. was totally worth it! As suspected Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen followed by her sister and maid of honor, Pippa, also wearing Sarah Burton. Kate did her own makeup, which looked wonderful. I also really liked that she wore her hair down. As I watched the guests arrive at Westminster Abbey, I fell in love with the hats and the fascinators. I totally wish we did that here in the United States. I may have to call on Philip Treacy to design me a hat for the next wedding I attend. Aside from being the “Socialite Superbowl,” this wedding was truly a celebration of love and tradition. Along with millions of women (and grown men) around the world, I shed a few tears as they said their vows. The royals are often trendsetters for us socialites here in New York. As they break convention and embrace the people, we will do the same. Congratulations again to Will and Kate. May you live long happy lives together.

Congratulations to Prince William & Kate Middleton!

Now that my blog redesign is nearly finished, I finally have the chance to congratulate the recently engaged Prince William and Kate Middleton.  This adorable couple that go beyond socialite status into the realm of royalty, are surprisingly down to earth.  Much can be said about Miss Middleton’s Sloane Ranger style inspired by the boutiques of London’s Chelsea district. As an American fashionista, I have become obsessed with Kate’s glamorous hats that the royal wedding has yet to cross my mind.  Next time I attend a formal event, I will be sure to follow in Kate Middleton’s footsteps with an eye-catching hat.

However, as this newly engaged beauty has already discovered, haute is the head that wears the hat and heavy is the head that wears the crown.  Kate must really love with William to put up with all of the uncalled for cruelty of the British press and constant comparisons to the late Princess Diana.  As any great public figure should, Kate has handled the scrutiny of the public with a form of class that shines even brighter than her stunning engagement ring.  Hearts may be breaking all over the world, but I could not be happier for this lovely couple.  The only thing that is getting to me is that neither of them are on Twitter.  I don’t know about you, but I am craving some live tweeting straight from Buckingham Palace.