Where to buy a hat in Manhattan - a Visit to Ellen Christine Millinery in NYC

I learned so much about how to wear hats 

and which hats looked best for my face shape 

on a recent visit to milliner Ellen Christine's 
NYC studio at 99 Vandam Street in Manhattan.

Ellen Christine putting the finishing touches 
on my fascinator!

Ellen had me sit on a stool 
in front of a full length mirror 

and brought about a dozen different 
hats, fascinators and head pieces 
from her collection 

to an adjacent counter. 

One by one, she patiently showed me 

how each hat should be worn. 

She asked what hats 
I would like to add to my collection 

and I told her I didn't have anything to wear 

to a cocktail party 
or evening charity fundraiser.

 What Hat to Wear to a Cocktail Party 

or Evening Charity Fundraiser

A sparkly black feathered fascinator 

seemed to be the most versatile; 

it could be worn on 
several different parts of my head 

and with the feathers 
pointing in different directions. 

This means that I can combine this fascinator 

with a few different evening dresses 

for a series of different looks.  

I am looking forward to 
wearing my black fascinator 

to a fancy dinner, party or fundraiser 

with a beautiful dress and heels. 

What Hat to Wear to a Polo Match

The other hat that really 'wowed' me was 

a Gigi Fascinator hat I had first seen 

on Ellen Christine's Pinterest page. 

Here is a photo of the hat packed for travel.
Balling up tissue paper to preserve 
the 'pouf' in the poufy bows
will ensure that my hat keeps its pizzaz!

There's something so amazing 

about the curve of the feather. 

The hat sits on my head 
with the help of an elastic band.

Ellen suggested leaving my hair long 

or styling my hair with a high, messy bun. 

Satya Twena shows an alternate hairstyle 

for wearing a fascinator hat with long hair 

in a Birchbox video here:

http://thatsaprettyhat.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-wear-hat-with-long-hair.html

I want to tell you something special:
I teared up a little 
when I saw myself in the Gigi.
It felt like I was seeing a new side of myself 
in the mirror -
a lady with grace, confidence and poise.

I am looking forward to wearing 'Gigi' 

to Saratoga Polo this summer. 

My Top Ten Tips for Visiting a Milliner:

Have clean, dry hair and wear it loose - 

this will make it easy to try on hats

and play around with 
hairstyles for your new hats.

Don't put foundation on your forehead - 
to keep the inside of the hats clean.

Have an idea of the type of hat  

you are looking for

and where you would like 

to wear your new hat. 

Hat shops can be overwhelming. 

If you ask for help, 

you will be able to try on 

just the hats that fit your needs.

Wear the outfit you want to style with the hat

or a little black dress. 

It's easier to 'see' yourself wearing a hat 

if you wear a stylish outfit.

Be sure to view your hat and outfit 

in a full length mirror.

Don't be afraid to ask for a hand mirror 

to look at the back of your hat and outfit. 

Be open to new ideas. 

Try on at least one hat that is too scary, 

over-the-top or 'fabulous' for you. 

Listen to your feelings. 

How does the hat make you feel inside?

Never buy a hat that the saleslady, 

milliner or your friend "loves" on you 

unless you feel confident and amazing 

wearing the hat, too. 

Have clear directions to the millinery. 

I used hopstop to plan my journey in NYC.

Have you ever bought a hat 
from a professional milliner?

Want to feel inspired 
to wear hats this summer?