While Mona Lisas and mad hatters, sons of bankers, sons of lawyers, turn around and say good morning to the night…

–Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Elton John

What is your passion? What would you do if you could do anything in the world – and not have to worry about money? For me, there are lots of things I love to do, but at the root of it all is creating beautiful things – whether that’s sewing, knitting, painting, writing. One thing in particular that I would love to do is own a small hat shop and create hats. Actually, this is how CoCo Chanel started – designing and making hats.

Of course, in the U.S., we don’t really wear hats anymore. That’s why I think my soul belongs in the U.K. – London specifically. When you watch the Royal Wedding or the Royal Ascot or even the Kentucky Derby, hats of all shapes and sizes take center stage.

I’ve always loved hats and have a collection of retro hats from the 50s and 60s displayed in my closet. This passion carried through with my daughter’s wedding. I made her veil, hand beading it with a bird cage veil and feather barrette. She was able to take off the veil part keeping the feathers barrette for the reception and let her hair down to party. If you know Mallory, she is definitely the Dancing Queen of our family.

Their wedding date was 9-10-11, and the bridesmaids wore fascinators as well.

A couple of summers ago, I convinced my sister-in-law and nieces to take a millinery class with me in Colorado.

It’s quite an interesting process taking felt or straw and steam, and  ending with a beautiful original creation. This doesn’t happen much anymore in our mass produced, fast fashion environment.

Maybe some day, hats will be back in vogue. I’m ready …

XOXO