The LA Times today has a gorgeous slide show of "crowns" worn yesterday to the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. After commenting on the glorious hat worn by Aretha Franklin to the inauguration in January (and the flickr group,) I've been drawn to noticing hats and the ways in which women use accessories as ways to add personal expression and art to their wardrobes.
In my shop I often have dozens of whimsical and colorful vintage hats. My best hat customer is a minister who splits her time between several mainly African American churches. However, most non-church-going women don't really see the need or opportunity for hat wearing in their everyday lives. Not that they don't love to pick them up, try them on, and pose in front of the mirror, just like we all did when we were little girls playing dress-up. Where would I wear it? is the most common question. To which I always reply "Anywhere!" Really, you don't need a reason. What reason or occasion do we need to wear any accessory? Wear it any time you want to do something different, express yourself, stand out, be complimented, or just to amuse yourself and those around you. Just wear it & have fun!
Here are a few examples of how to incorporate hats into your modern/vintage wardrobe, from the 100% Thrifted group at flickr:
And here are a few colorful vintage hats we found on etsy that would be perfect for spring:
available at calloohcallay
available at pastperfectvintage
from treasuresinanattic
from purevintageclothing
That pink hat (the flowery one)is amazing! I would like slightly insance with it on, but it's fantastic! I just found a straw hat on eBay that I love, but I'm trying to be good!
Posted by: Lauren | April 14, 2009 at 06:42 AM
Hats are seriously underrated...why did they go out of fashion? They can be so cool!!!
Posted by: Wicked Halo | April 14, 2009 at 09:36 AM
as i am getting older i am more into the hats!! :)))
great picks!!
Posted by: misslikey | April 14, 2009 at 11:42 PM
That brought back memories...West A was a good place to see interesting hats. Any COGIC church really.
Hmm, makes me want one.
Posted by: Alicia | April 16, 2009 at 09:53 AM
I looooove pennylane's hat, so amazing! The pictures in the post have really inspired me to go try to find the perfect vintage hat!
-Ashley
breakfastatsaks.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ashley K | April 16, 2009 at 06:51 PM
OMG! So sexy hats. Really fashinable and praiseworthy. I really like vintage hats.
Posted by: Company locations | July 14, 2010 at 05:30 AM
nylane's hat, so amazing! The pictures in the post have really inspired
Posted by: Gucci Clutches | June 19, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Collection of Pics is very Cool , I like that
Posted by: Tej kohli | June 20, 2011 at 01:33 AM