I learned so much about how to wear hats
Ellen Christine putting the finishing touches
on my fascinator!
on my fascinator!
Ellen had me sit on a stool
in front of a full length mirror
in front of a full length mirror
and brought about a dozen different
hats, fascinators and head pieces
from her collection
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
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.
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
several different parts of my head
and with the feathers
pointing in different directions.
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
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!
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.
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:
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'
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.
hairstyles for your new hats.
Don't put foundation on your forehead -
to keep the inside of the hats clean.
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.
Have you ever bought a hat
from a professional milliner?
from a professional milliner?
Want to feel inspired
to wear hats this summer?
