Top off a celebration by giving someone a chapeau
My mom always says that when my grandmother was having a bad day she would go out and buy a hat. Maybe that’s where I get my love of fedoras from, I don’t know.
I do know that when I place a fancy fashion on top of my head it makes me feel special. I look forward to every Easter so that I can break out my bonnets—I mean, when else can a girl in the burbs bust those out? And my dream of making it to the Kentucky Derby someday is driven by the idea of trying on hundreds of hats to find the perfect look.
Realizing my love of hats, others have offered them to me as gifts over the years. There’s nothing like receiving a big, round hat box and slipping off the cover to see the work of art inside.
Here’s one of my favorites. My husband bought it for me from a small millinery on Thompson Street in Soho called The Hat Shop. The feathers are magnificent, and when I’m feeling not so flashy, the decoration can be removed.
In the spirit of Easter, the Kentucky Derby and warming weather, this is a great time of year to think about hats as gifts. Whether you choose something for fun (think fancy feathers) or practicality (a sensible sunhat), here’s your chance to stand out.
What’s your favorite kind of hat? Feel free to comment below.
This week’s picks
Summer classic: Men will look polished in this handwoven Ruben Gonzalez hat from Goorin Bros. The wide-brim fedora is made from toquilla straw in Ecuador and shaped in the United States. It features a two-toned band and canvas insert to maintain shape. $160
Casual comfort: The ladies’ Pistil Matty hat from L.L.Bean screams summer. The coral and blue design recalls a seaside sunset and the mesh sides keep you cool—it’s perfect for the beach. The trucker hat also has an adjustable closure in back. $24.99
Shade-maker: The generous 5-inch brim on this striped beach hat from Coolibar offers great coverage to protect your eyes, ears, face and neck. It has a UPF rating of 50+ and a comfortable cotton-lined crown. An elastic drawstring inside helps you get just the right fit. $49.50
Gift Girl 