Hats Off to Stephen Jones's "Hats: An Anthology"

Posted by: Annie Roos

December
6
2011

If you know about Stephen Jones, then you're probably already excited. If you don't, then don't worry, neither had I. And boy, am I excited now!

The hat has been making some bold statements lately, thanks to the Duchess Kate craze and Lady Gaga alike, and you can be sure that these ladies are no strangers to Stephen Jones Millinery. Millinery? What's that you say? Not just plain old hatmakers, no! Milliners are far more fabulous than that! "Distinct from hat-making, with its large-scale production of standard hat types, millinery focuses on the creation and decoration of elegant, experimental and often whimsical hats." Why, thank you for clearing that up, Victoria & Albert Museum.

As perhaps the most widely respected name in millinery, Stephen Jones is following in the tradition of the V&A's first fashion show in 1971, Fashion: An Anthology by Cecil Beaton, and putting hats on the map as museum-worthy works of art, with his exhibition: Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.

This amazing collection is currently on display here in the US, at the The Bard Graduate Center in New York City. So if you're in the vicinity, you may actually have the opportunity to witness the evolution and life cycle of what Jones calls, "the cherry on the cake, the dot on the 'i', the exclamation mark, the fashion focus. Everyone from showgirls to dictators knows that by wearing a hat they will be the centre of attention."

Carefully hand selected from the museum's 17 centuries' worth of headwear, Jones describes his process: "This is my very personal anthology of hats, a mish-mash of dates, places, stories and illusion that are squished into a sense of order by a mad hatter's logic... It is my own viewpoint of where hats come from, how they are made, where they are sold and the extraordinary people who wear them."

Also, check out Jones's website for more amazing eye candy!

(Images courtesy of the Victoria & Albert Museum & Stylelist)

Comments:
Make A Comment
Blog Tags:
- Fashion
- Art
- Hats
- Milliner
- Millinery
- Headpiece
- Head Wear
- Hats: An Anthology
- The Ultimate Accessory
- Stephen Jones

Looks We ♥: Wide Brim Fedoras

Posted by: Cara Fox-Galassi

August
4
2011

The current fall obsession over here at Lulu's is the wide brim hat. Being as it's still summer time we are rockin' the floppy wide brim a la 1970s, but for winter- the fedora is coming back, bigger than ever. Our inspiration for this trend? Hailee Steinfeld in True Grit.

Check out some more inspirational pics below of other ladies sporting the wide brim.

Want to rock this look yourself? Below we have a selection of banging hats that will help you own this style.

Are you going to jump on this trend with us? Or leave it on the shelf?

Trend Alert: Kate Middleton Hats

Posted by: Annie Roos

April
11
2011

With all of the press surrounding the upcoming royal nuptials, my sister and I have developed a new obsession: what we have come to call "Kate Middleton hats."

Commonly known as everything from fascinators to cocktail hats, the Kate Middleton hat has had my sister and me searching far and wide for this elusive headpiece. Unlike many of the hats I've worn over the years, Kate's caps are all about accentuating a great hair day rather than covering up a bad one.

But where, one might ask, does a girl wear such an elaborate hair accessory if she hasn't made the guest list for all of Britain's swankiest royal engagements? My sister wears hers to church, but for those of us who aren't married to the son of a minister, I recommend weddings, parties, dates, or even formal events like prom. But if you're feeling bold, why not the mall??

My sister, Mollie, is ready for church, or her best friend's wedding, or a romantic date...

This trend harkens back to the classic everyday looks for women of the 1930s, 1940s, and beyond.

How chic do Ginger Rogers and Barbara Stanwyck look?! And that's just another day at the market in their time.

Katharine Hepburn just strolls through the park in this black number, while Audrey H. sasses it up in her feathery and flowery white headpiece.

Classic Hollywood starlets and future British royalty make these fancy hats look effortlessly elegant, but if you're not quite ready to take the plunge and risk looking like a crazy church lady, then ease into the trend with some subtler starter pieces. Barrettes, headbands, flowers, and bows can make a statement without overpowering your pretty little head. Try these adorable options:

What do you think? Can this classy craze make a comeback?

Get Your Brixton Fix!

Posted by: Sienna Orlando

July
22
2010

Love your hat collection?

Cute hats are pretty much a killer way to accessorize an outfit, and while the hot days are still here, the cooler Autumn ways are coming.

My prediction: This Fall it's all about letting your hair down and topping it with a simple cap that's got just a bit of boyish charm.

The makers at Brixton are doing it right. I have in front of me a new shipment from their Fall 2010 collection, and if there is something I can tell you from across these digital highways, Brixton means fine quality and cutting edge style.

The new Brood Cap by Brixton. (left).

The Fiddler Cap by Brixton (right).

Comments: 7
Make A Comment
Blog Tags:
- Fashion
- Hats
- Scarves
- Brixton
- Fall 2010

How Dita Does Coachella

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

May
3
2010

Dita Von Teese, queen of burlesque and hot retro style, took in the sights and sounds of this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Dita spent the three-day event looking flawless in a variety of outfits that adapted retro glamour for life under a sunny desert sky.

(Left): I am in love with Dita's nautical-style, high-waisted trousers. Her updo is also rockin', managing a put-together look that is also casual.

(Above): From the mary jane wedges to the layers of bangles, this is Dita's awesome version of boho beauty. I love all the earthy tones on that tropical print dress!

(Above): Ladylike charm is what it's all about in this look. Soft satin ruffles, that polished hat and a pretty chain purse keep Dita looking elegant. Psssst, recognize that lovely lady with her? Yep, it's Katy Perry looking day-glo pretty.

What was your favorite Dita look?

More Pictures at Zimbo

Comments: 27
Make A Comment
Blog Tags:
- Dresses
- Vintage
- Hair
- Shoes
- Music
- Retro
- Dita Von Teese
- Celebrities
- Accessories
- Katy Perry
- Hats
- Hats
- Boho
- Coachella
- Bohemian
- Street Fashion
- Handbags
- Wedges
- Heels
- Pants
- Purses
- Nautical
- Bracelets
- Bangles
- Prints
- Festivals

Hats Off to Brixton Hats!

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

February
12
2010

We've welcomed a fantastic new brand here at Lulus.com! Meet Brixton, a trendy and hip line of clothes and accessories for both men and women.

We're lovin' all the new hats that arrived this week. Seriously, the Somber Brown Fedora has been an office favorite. My personal favorite is the Fiddler Cap in black herringbone. Check out the Parlor Hat and Castor Hat while you're at it.

Also, take a peek at the product shots on Brixton's website. I love the way they're styled for an everyday chic look.

Comments: 3
Make A Comment
Blog Tags:
- Trends
- Accessories
- Hats
- Brixton

Baby It's Cold Outside

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
22
2009

After all the holiday cheer has passed and January's bitter cold sets in, we fabulous and stylish girls may find ourselves in need of some extra layers to keep us insulated from the chills that convince us to stay in bed with the covers pulled over our heads.

For me, winter used to be a long, dreary season during which I didn't really care about what I wore. My old college sweatshirt, go-to blue jeans, and a humongous, unflattering old coat would do just fine.

What I know now is that layering a winter outfit is an art in itself. An art that, once mastered, can have you looking quite put together and weather-appropriate whether you're going to work, school or running a couple of errands.

My new favorite blog to visit for fashion tips is The Freelancer's Fashionblog. This vintage lovin' lady, (whose drawing is featured above), teaches the art of layering in her newest post, "The Anatomy of Dressing When It's Really Really Cold."

I love the use of the word "Anatomy," because that's really how technical layering can be. The Freelancer's Fashionblog advises to use buildable layers of warm knits, wool and handy accessories to not only keep you looking cozy but cute. I've already borrowed some of her tips to help me out on my teeth chattering passage to work.

Accessories are my favorite part of the layering process. A hat like the Sunny Disposition Cap in Black [sold out!] will help keep your body heat from escaping. We pretty much all own this hat at the office and wear it every day, so it works!

I love layering my Argyle Addict Knee High Socks under my long john pants and skinny jeans. They go great under boots too. Last but not least, my most recent find are the High Five Arm Warmers in Purple [sold out!], which allow my hands to defrost and get typing happily again. Yay!!

Comments: 1
Make A Comment
Blog Tags:
- Advice
- Tutorials
- Accessories
- Hats
- Denim
- Knee High Socks
- Jeans
- Winter
- Layering
- Caps
- Arm Warmers

Fashion in Flight

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
11
2009

Ahhhh, the holidays. 'Tis the season for families to reunite and exchange hugs and gifts. Long-lost sons and daughters will be returning home from college or out of town to enjoy a much appreciated home-cooked meal. This may be you, and this may mean you'll be hopping on a plane in the weeks to come.

But what to wear?

The dress code for flying has changed over the years. Flying was once a special occasion that required formal attire. But with the stress of holiday travel, airport security, flight delays and cramped cabin seating, those high heels and nylons may loose their appeal when you start to blister and itch.

Courtesy of People Stylewatch, we've got some great pics of celebs who, though having to travel frequently, manage to maintain their star quality and style when everything's up in the air.

Above, I like how Ashlee Simpson's look is so basic yet still a statement by topping it all off with a chic hat. Meanwhile, New Moon cutie Ashley Greene pairs an elegant faux fur jacket with skinny blue jeans for a warm and casual look. Rihanna keeps her cool with a stylin' black cap and funky work boots.

Taking hints from all these styles, my most put-together outfit for air travel would have to be: an oversized top, like the Euclidean Space Top by Brandy Melville [sold out!], skinny Kill City Jeans with stylish detailing, and a cute ladies fedora to top it all off. All this paired with shades will have you fightin' off the paparazzi like a star.

Now if you want to take flight the old-fashioned way, just take a look at Mad Men star John Hamm and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese. These two take the cake when it comes to style. Go them!

Comments: 0
Make A Comment
Blog Tags:
- Advice
- Dita Von Teese
- Mad Men
- Hats
- John Hamm
- Boots
- Rihanna
- Denim
- Skinny Jeans
- Travel
- Holidays
- Tops
- Fedoras
- People Stylewatch
- Kill City
- Ashley Greene
- Ashlee Simpson
- Brandy Melville

Making a List, Checking it Twice!

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
8
2009

Hey Lulu*s fans, the holidays have finally arrived, and all of us here at LuLu*s central are rivaling the productivity of the North Pole, busily working to make sure you have plenty of cute gifts to both give and get this season!

Our jewelry selection is growing each day, and I'm loving the assortment of pocket watch necklaces and lockets to be had. They make the perfect stocking stuffers. Not to mention all the cozy hats, arm warmers and scarves that any girl would love and appreciate on a frosty day.

Just so Santa gets the hint, I'm making my list early this year. Here are my holiday must-haves (so far, anyway):

The Tattler Owl Pocket Watch Necklace [sold out!] was love at first hoot!

Our has Let it Snow Scarf [sold out!] has been selling like wildfire, and no wonder! This thing is so darn soft and lovely. I love the dark grey color here. Perfect for a winter day.

Ok, ok, so it's a little much for a stocking stuffer, but our All the Trimmings Dress in Green [sold out!] will be perfect for that next holiday party.

What's on your list this year?

Comments: 4
Make A Comment
Blog Tags:
- Dresses
- Accessories
- Hats
- Scarves
- Jewelry
- Necklaces
- Holidays
- Gifts
- Christmas
- Wish Lists

Ladies We Love: Zooey Deschanel

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
1
2009

Women everywhere may find themselves developing an unavoidable girl-crush on actress and singer Zooey Deschanel. Maybe it's her curious blue eyes, quirky sense of humor, or her unique and individual style, but not only is Zooey a star women love to love, but a style icon of her own making.

Zooey's style doesn't seem to follow any specific fashion trend but that of her own whim. It manages to be at once playfully tomboy and feminine all at the same time. Zooey never shies away from wearing girly accessories, sporting a bow or flower in her hair and pulling it off effortlessly without looking too dainty. The difference is having confidence and a sense of adventure when it comes to putting together an outfit.

To get her look, experiment with flashes of bold color by tying a piece of bright red or blue ribbon in your hair. Don a vintage-inspired locket or statement hat. Balance the color and flair with subtle touches elsewhere, and don't be afraid to stand out.

Perhaps what's most essential to Zooey's style is a wink and a smile. You can just tell she's having fun and loving life. Now that's a fashion trend to follow. :)