Make a statement of originality this winter...

Make a statement of originality this winter

The presence of a winter hat shows others that you embrace your individuality. Therefore, take time out to try some new styles of hats. I have heard ladies lament ‘but hats just simply don’t suit me’ – I strongly believe that these women simply have never had the time or opportunity to spend a few hours trying on some different styles to see what looks good on them. Once you have experienced the transformation – the difference a really good hat can make to your outfit is dramatic. Some unique and original ladies winter hats were presented by Jean-Paul Gautier in his elegant Sino-Mongolian collection. It is the main winter hat trend of the season – the fluffy fur cap of streaked fox fur with wool or velvet applications with embroidered folk patterns. Mink caps and winter caps of dyed jet-black foxes are in fashion again – some magnificent pieces were observed at Oscar de la Renta , and there is no doubt that they have been added to the wish-list of many an It-Girl ! Take a look at this faux fur alternative from What A Hat – priced at £79.99 with a matching scarf and boot toppers. Hat with ear-flaps making a big statement for 2011 – Russian style! Despite the fact that initially hats with earflaps were purely men’s domain, fancy hats with turn-down ears are extremely popular on the catwalk today. See What A Hat’s cosy trapper hats, which come in a range of colours to get the look. Tweed has a big following with fashionistas this season. We love this fabulous Leona country hat in a classic tweed with embroidered leaf and button design. The inner lining is adjustable so one size fits all. At £ 39.99 it’s an inexpensive luxury! We adore these suedette country hats, which come in a range of colours. They can be folded up and kept in your car glove box, handbag or pocket. They are handmade in Britain  – at £ 35.99 they won’t blow the budget and are an attractive alternative to the traditional waxed hat. The model shown above wears the velvet and satin ruched Deseree scarf in khaki, chocolate and stone. If you invest in one hat this winter make sure you remember to pick up to your new beanie hat made from soft angora with flower corsage– it’s the one item a girl really can’t do without this winter. Seriously soft tactile angora – it’s snug, super comfortable and a style winner.   From the catwalk to What A Hat’s collection - picture models elegantly posing in between fire places and munching on toasted marshmallows, or sipping mulled wine outside. Cue ponchos and cape-structured coats – you’ll be seeing a lot of these this season. Look up the cosy roll neck Oleander Poncho  in stone or go for the coordinated look with the Aliona poncho, beret and matching gloves. There’s no need to invest heavily on updating your look this winter.  If you tend to hoard items from a bygone decade – now is the time to revive that 70’s tea dress, sheepskin, faux fur, pearls and cloche hats – yes vintage clothing is hot news right now. So take a look in the charity shops or vintage web sites and put together a look that is truly your own. You can add a vintage feel to your winter wardrobe with a classic cloche hat or look out for elegant pill boxes and berets for a more formal occasion. Whilst you are looking, give some consideration to a winter felt hat, perhaps one of the more traditional classic styles. These bowlers and top hat made a real impression on the catwalk which may inspire you to try some more masculine styles (a la Lady Ga Ga perhaps?). What A Hat do their own take on the top hat with their own, rather more feminine range of mini top hats. What’s more experiment – take a look on http://www.whatahat.co.uk/ or make an appointment to see what styles suit your face shape and personality!

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Hats for weddings....where to begin?

Selecting a suitable hat for a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task. Should one opt for a hat (large or small?), fascinator (comb or headband?) or maybe something in between like a tilted sinamay disc on an alice band? With endless possibilities and no real authority or rules to follow – I thought a short article on my blog may help point you in the right direction!

The majority of wedding guests aspire to a more understated, classic look for a wedding. Let’s leave the daring and whimsical for a day at the races. I’m often asked what one should do with the hat for the evening celebration. I’d advise against leaving expensive headwear on your table and either keep it on or if at all possible – store it safely away in its box!
An ingenious idea is the option of a hat with a fascinator combined. A feather or sinamay twirl set on a comb can fit snugly in to the hats band, when it’s time to remove the hat, the fascinator can be worn in the hair – a perfect day – to evening hat/fascinator combination! At What A Hat we can supply this combination in your choice of colour – please email info@whatahat.co.uk to discuss your requirements. Remember to leave plenty of time before your special occasion.

Royal style icons the Duchess of Cambridge and Zara Philips have done much for the world of millinery. Both wear a hat well and have inspired women worldwide to emulate their effortless style with stylish perchers, graceful berets and elegant fascinators. Their headwear rarely matches their outfit and begs the question – do we need to steadfastly pursue matching headwear and accessories for our special occasion wear? The answer is no – and very often a sassy contrast is all the more effective.

At What A Hat we’re noticing consistent demand for our range of Vivien Sheriff Millinery. We stock a good selection from this ever popular favourite of the royals – see http://www.whatahat.co.uk/Category-296/Vivien-Sheriff-Millinery for more inspiration.

Tilted sinamay discs are strong contenders for weddings this season. Zara Phillips looked sensational at William & Kate’s wedding. She wore a dramatic black Philip Treacy tilted disc with a dramatic assymetrical flower detail. Teamed with a beautifully tailored frock – coat, this ensemble was a universal showstopper. See our similar design here  - http://www.whatahat.co.uk/Product-210/Special-Occasion-Hats/Medium-and-large-brim/Limbo-Lime
or another alternative, trimmed with dramatic Lady Amherst feathers http://www.whatahat.co.uk/Product-172/Special-Occasion-Hats/Medium-and-large-brim/Candice

See a small selection of our hats and fascinators online at http://www.whatahat.co.uk

Perfectly poised for Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 with our fabulous accessories!

Our devoted followers already know we offer a huge choice of fabulous designer hats and fascinators to buy and hire.

Additionally, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our chic new range of winter casual wear. Our strapline is 'beautiful hats and more' - and we're emphasising the More with a capital 'M'!
See http://www.whatahat.co.uk/ for the sassy new coordinating hats, scarves, gloves and bags. They come in a range of colours and are handmade in Italy. They are due in at the beginning of Cotober and we are accepting forward orders so please drop me a line on the email to reserve yours now!
We've also got a fabulous new line in waxed and waterproof country hats. If this weather continues I can definitely envisage these being a wardrobe essential. They are lovely quality designer country hats which have an elasticated inner which is easy to adjust for a perfect fit.

I always find a stylish poncho irrestisible and am delighted that they are going to be a key trend this autumn -  so we've added to the range with a smart new range of high quality ponchos too. They come in a selection of colours and we have coordinating gloves and berets to match.

If you are looking forward to a special occasion we have now got a selection of covetable designer shoes with coordinating handbags to complete your look. Take a look on the web site, the prices are highly competitive and are a snip at a fraction of RRP.

So whether it's glamour for a special occasion or snappy casual dressing - take a look on http://www.whatahat.co.uk/