HATS WITH SOFT TONES

We had such a fun day being looked after by Liz at Simply Devine Hats in Tadcaster, who has the most amazing selection of hats for every occasion in all styles and colours.  The finish and detailing on these confections - and yes there really is no other way to describe them - creates a feast for the eyes as good as any patisserie.  Craftsmanship is appreciated far and wide as Liz runs an online boutique as well as her shop, and her ships hats all over the world. Clients have flown in from Dubai, visited in person from Scotland, or made special journeys from London just to browse her magnificent range of headwear, occasion bags and pashminas. Her most famous celebrity client to date has been Christina Aguilera, who bought a trilby, which Liz gladly posted off to the USA.  

Anne C is definitely a hat aficionado and kicked off the proceedings in this beautiful latte cream hat that complemented her blush pink dress from Coast. A real head turner perfect for a summer wedding or day at the races - it combines self coloured bow detail with a net veil, and would even be great for a bride on her special day.

Anne H thought she would be more of a challenge for Liz as she rarely wears hats and would say she just doesn't suit them.  But how wrong can you be!  Once Liz got to work she was truly converted and was very tempted to buy one even though she hasn't got an occasion in which to wear it.  

Her first sortie into the world of hats was in this wide brimmed couture poppy hat from Nigel Rayment.  Liz approved of Anne's plain black coat as she recommends the hat and accessories take centre stage, and a plain colour palette sets off a hat to perfection. That doesn't mean that black is the name of the game but a single colour palette is always best as too much colour and pattern is distracting - Liz told us to choose the hat first and then the outfit.  Good advice, even if at first thought it seems counter-intuitive. 

Anne C then moved to her favourite hatinator - one she has had her eye on for a while.  And what a stunner it is too.  In the soft blush pink that is not only so on trend, it is so so flattering (especially on a slightly more mature skin).  With just the perfect amount of decoration to balance the look, this hat is definitely destined for the wardrobe and a looming July wedding. Unfortunately the beautiful dress she had ordered for the wedding to match the hat turned out to be just too short (and that's saying something on someone who is just 5'2" tall!) Now she just has to find another dress to match the hat.

And now to Anne H's favourite hat - which is also a hatinator (with a larger brim than a fascinator, but sitting on a comfortable band). The soft grey really was gorgeous and not being overly decorated really fits with Anne's understated style ethos. Liz showed how with just the addition of a pashmina to the shoulder of her navy shift dress, the outfit is pulled together to create an elegant co-ordinated look. Anne was sorely tempted to buy it, but with no weddings or ladies day at the races in the diary she decided to hang fire and then had the perfect excuse to come back another time.

Anne C then moved on to this white hatinator with a hint of sparkle.  It worked just as amazingly with the pink dress and would give some more styling options for accessories than a mono blush palette. The feather and flower detailing was just beautiful and perfectly balanced the outfit.

Anne H finished with a hatinator which is a gentler introduction to the world of hats.  Wearing a two toned vintage Valentino jacket the cream hatinator balanced the cream of the jacket, with Liz adding a pretty sparkly purse to complete the look.  But by this stage Anne was just wanting a full on hat and no half way house.

A huge thanks to Liz for her time and invaluable guidance.  Make sure to have a look at her website www.simplydevine.co.uk or better still visit the shop on York Road in Tadcaster and be transported to a world of hats.  You can also use her on-line shop if you just can't get to Yorkshire.  

Don't  miss Friday's post when we talk about "standout" hats and the use of colour.  We will also touch on what to look for in a "good" hat and give you an indication of the cost of some of the hats we are featuring .  You will be pleasantly surprised.  After that - no more hats, we promise!