By Request: Winter Hats

Winter is a great time for hats. Apart from doing quite a bit to keep your entire body warm, hats are an under-used fashion tool.

It's important to understand the different types of hats, how and where to wear them, and some general hat etiquette. I will tackle the first issue in this post.


I will start with a classic. The Beret.

Lauren Bacall in "The Big Sleep"

Traditionally made out of felted wool, they can also be woven, knitted or crocheted. Berets can be worn in a number of ways.

Pretty much Beret 101.

I like the look of a felted beret on top of the head and pushed slightly to the side. It's jaunty and has attitude. Be careful, this can look costume-y so be sure you wear it with Confidence.

Adorable with long, loose curls

Personally, I wear my berets in a style similar to the photo above. I pull it straight down onto my head and then push the fabric backwards and slightly to the side. This way, it functions as keeping ma tete warm, while adding style.

Next, is the cloche.

Clara Bow doing it Right

In French, cloche means 'bell', and the shape of this hat should tell you why. Cloches are a structured hat that are usually made out of felted wool or other sturdy materials.

There are a few ways to wear a cloche, but the most traditional is pulled all the way down and covering the ears. See Miss Bow above.

Tao Okamoto

This cloche still retains its bell-shaped crown, but she has pulled it down in front over her forehead, leaving her ears bare.

Continuing on, we have the fedora.

Kate Moss mixing cranberry and grey

Again, these are typically made of felted wool, but can come in a variety of materials, including straw. Fedoras have wide brims, a crease at the crown and is often pinched in the front. What we typically see worn today (ad nauseum), is actually called a trilby.

Note the difference in brim size between Emma Watson's trilby and Kate's fedora.

Trilbies have smaller brims. Note that all trilbies are fedoras, but not all fedoras are trilbies. Got it?

Zara Phillips wearing a classic fedora. Note the wide brim and pinches.

While we're at it, can I please just send out an S.O.S. to stop wearing these:

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz

They are over. They have been run into the ground and there is now no unique or ironic way to wear them. Pick different colors and go with a wider brim. Please? Just for a while.

Oooh look, these are fun: Trapper hats

Marge Gunderson works it in Fargo

Originally used by hunters and well, trappers, these hats are usually made of canvas, flannel, or a water-repellent material and lined with fur. Note the distinctive flaps over the ears. These can be tied under the chin or tied on top of the head.

Faux-fur lined trapper

These hats are ideal if you live in cold climates. And I mean cold. Please don't wear these if you live in temperate or sub-tropic regions. You'll look like this:

Ashley Tisdale

A Fool. Does she need the hat to keep her arm while she drinks that iced coffee??

Next up is the beanie!

Taylor Swift and her sunny yellow beanie

Beanie hats have typically been very tight to the head and worn by skiers and the like. Now, they come in slouchy varieties and guys are using them to cover up their bad hair days. Excellent!

I really love a beanie. They are perfect for winter in more temperate climes.

Sandra Bullock keeps warm

Just be careful that you don't end up looking like a bum in this hat as it's slouchy nature can look a little unkempt.

My personal winter hat inspiration?

Freda Gustavsson

Buy yourself some winter hats here:

urban outfitters
john lewis
asos
modcloth
village hat shop

Finds of the Week: I Wanna Be A School Girl

'Art Class' dress from Shabby Apple

Hot Air Balloon Tights from ModCloth

ASOS Opaque Stud Earrings

L.K. Bennett 'Rhian' Jacket

'6062' by Zamagni

Circa Joan & David 'Evenson' Oxford

Typewriter Initial Watch

'Catcher in the Rye' iPhone Case

Nine West Colorblock Shoulderbag

Animal Print Part Two

Key 1:

Minimalism.


Basically every print looks crazy if you wear it all over your body. Very few people can do this and pull it off. Most of them already have a signature Look and the AP just plays a supporting role.


Start by adding an accessory. I feel that shoes are really where one can experiment with entry-level AP. Avoid shoes with humongous platforms, myriad straps, or boots of any kind (reptile is the only exception).

Prada

Via Spiga

Coach

Wearing them with all black gives a playful edge to a monochromatic look.

Kate Moss

Toss them on with jeans when you want to add a bit of flirtyness to an old standby.

Cameron Diaz

Another great way to integrate some AP is through a handbag. They look great when displayed on classic shapes such as a chain purse, doctor's bag, or satchel. Avoid backpacks, hobos, and heavy-handed hardware.

Dita von Teese

An animal print belt on top of a flattering solid color is unexpected and fun. Avoid belts over 2'' thick, elastic cinch belts, double-buckles, and rhinestones.

Stay tuned for the continuation of Our Saga.

Animal Print Week Part One

Ava Gardner

Animal Prints are a classic. They've been around since the days when brave hunters went off to kill things, and women decided to feel pretty. But is it Okay?

Sometimes, when I'm advising on the uses of AP I warn against the all-too-easy to wander into sector of Lisa Rinnaville.


If you used to watch award shows back when Joan Rivers was still allowed on major networks and E! was just a fledgling channel then you know what I mean.

The woman is a self-confessed AP Addict. And she does not wear it well.

I admit that using someone so obviously Crackers is a bit dramatic, but you cannot look past her obvious abuse of this fine print. You know what this red carpet needs? Claws and Growls. Guess what I'm adding to my sheer leopard bodysuit? A skirt of feathers. Suck on that Black Swan!

But is there a way to do this right? Since we're seeing a resurgence in AP in the coming fashion seasons, I thought I'd make a post each day illustrating the ins and outs of this key print.

I leave you with some glorious examples of Animal Print Gone Wrong. Until tomorrow!

Gaucho Pants

Paz de la Huerta in a dress of ill-proportions

Khloe Kardashian in a long-sleeved, mock-neck, Tube Dress of Doom.

Kim Kardashian committing retinal assault in a jumpsuit.

Katie "Jordan" Price proving my 'no boots' point.

Leggings. Really?