Posh Hats for the Royal in Everyone

I have always loved hats and sometimes been bold enough to wear them. It does require a certain panache and confidence.  Once seen as demur, the woman wearing the hat now seems to shout "look this way and check out the woman under the hat!"  I don't do the full Halloween costume while at work, but I do sport a Halloween hat. 

Of course, a Royal Wedding also presents not only a hat option but a hat mandate.  While I have not received my invitation from Kate and Andrew, I do plan on watching it on the telie later in the day.  And I will wear a hat. According to Hello Magazine, Kate Middleton has commissioned Philip Treacy to create the headgear for the special day. The award-winning milliner also designed both of the headresses Camilla wore on her wedding day in 2005 (pictured). I would wear this hat.  I would.  I don't know where, but I would totally feather up.  We all have an inner Royal that needs to occasionally come out to play ... and wave to the people.

My favorite hats-worn-to-weddings movies is the delightful Four Weddings and a Funeral.  Hat Bling-Bling!  Love Andi McDowell sweeping hat - PANACHE - and Fiona's devilish bonnet - POSH!

Easter always presents a hat option.  Do I wear one or let it go this year?  Will I need a hat because I'll be out in the sun for the big egg hunt?  Then, yes. 

Do I hat up for a wedding because I just had a chemical peel?  Recalling that Sex in the City episode where Samantha did that, then, yes.  

Because unlike Kate, you may not have a milliner that you prefer, so I did a little hat shopping to support the Royal that exists within us all.

Fabulous $200 hat from Neiman Marcus (taken before they asked me to leave. Yes, they did.)

 Another posh hat from Neiman's.  Can't you just imagine wearing that on Easter Sunday?  Pass the salmon, please.

 I almost bought this beauty.  Sweet salvation!

 From Nordstrom's for the outdoor event that calls for panache under $100.

 Nordstroms's for $66.  I may go back. Really awesome hat. Very Andi McDowell.

 Another Nordie's hat. Apparently the model is shielding the sun from her eyes or is covering her face because she just realized she is only wearing a scarf....and a hat.

Totally fun hats from Macy's Nine West $44 each.  Who says you can't be posh on a budget?  Love these hats sitting on top of Pashmina shawls in equally delicious Easter egg colors.

 Then a little boutique window featuring the ever popular headband hat.  Adorable.

Or you can watch this video and make your own! Check out this inspiring video below on how to make your own hat suitable for a Royal Wedding.  It really is quite good.  Do it!  You can.

How to make a Royal Wedding Hat video

And just after Neiman's told me to stop taking professional (?) pictures, I saw this fab couple.  They were both rocking the hats. Royalty indeed!

Style on!

Wild & Whimsical

Between Naps on the Porch
An orange paisley runner I made for my future daughter-in-law, inspired this whimsical purple and orange wildflower table.  Orange and purple isn't an obvious combination, but one I've come to really enjoy.  I tried the large flowers in the middle of the table but decided I liked the little vases scattered across the table. Which do you like better?

 Found these little vases at Salvation Army for pennies, probably used in a wedding since there were 20 little vases in a basket marked $4.99.

 Whenever I see bunches of flowers at Goodwill or other thrift store, I purchase them and keep to use when I don't have flowers in the yard or didn't have time to buy at the market.  These look fine, unless you notice that in the bottom of the vase, I've twisted the stem so I could use them in a shorter vessel without cutting the long stem. 

 

The eggplant purple candles are in punch cups. Who doesn't have a set of those around?

 The runner is trimmed with amber beads.  Picture doesn't show them but they add a little sparkle.

 

 Napkins are heavy canvas from Home Goods - twelve for $14.99.  Can always use more napkins.

 Bamboo napkin rings from Dollar Store - two for $1. I originally bought 6, then went back and bought 18 more. They are such a basic and for that price?!

 Cyrstal stemware purchased from Amazon.

 I tried a large bouquet of flowers since I had a lot of fake wildflowers and a dark eggplant vase from Home Goods (clearance $12), but I like to see across the table so moved them to the sideboard.

 Pope Gosser Rose Point, my favorite china with the raised embossed roses and iridescent glaze.

Gorham "Shelburne" pattern, first made in 1914.  Got to love what you can find on ebay!



Resources:
Tablecloth:  Eggplant purple fabric JoAnn's
Runner:  Orange paisley JoAnn's
Pope Gosser Dinner Plates: Ebay
Flatware: Gorham Shelburne Ebay
Stemware: Amazon
Napkins: Home Goods
Napkin Rings: Dollar Store
Purple vase in Centerpiece: HomeGoods
Little vases:  Salvation Army
Punch cups: Aunt Elsie years ago
Purple candles:  Big Lots
Greenery/Flowers: Goodwill and Tuesday Mornings

March Madness at the Schoolhouse

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