lisaburrows.com

I think this is a useful start to the blog;  I have been running a shop/showroom for the last five years and just want to dispel some of the strange ideas that people bring to the shop with them…  I know it is not always easy to keep an open mind, and that, for some, dressing up and being ‘on parade’ can be a daunting rather than an exciting prospect.  Below are a few of the comments I hear everyday and my responses to them.  It may help!

1.                     I am not a Hat Person!

Translation:  ”I really hate wearing hats’.  Well it is hard to know where to begin with this one….  There is no such thing as a Hat Person, there are just people who wear hats and occasions where it is expected and/or desirable to wear one.  I would like to point out that if you have had an experience of wearing a hat and felt uncomfortable or self-conscious it is more likely to be because the hat was an inappropriate choice for the occasion, it did not fit properly or it was just not the best hat to compliment your looks and outfit.  It certainly does not mean that there is a blanket ban on you wearing a hat in the future, perhaps a bit of sartorial advice and a proper fitting will help change your mind!  I often advise customers to try on as many hats as possible  in shops, just to get a feel as to what is comfortable/suits them.

2.           ‘I’m too short to wear a hat with a large brim’

Rubbish!  It is true that the hat should compliment you and the outfit as well as be appropriate for the occasion, and if you want to wear a large brim, just choose wisely.  It is also a good idea not to obscure your face, you will want to feel comfortable talking to people and not obstructed by an encumbent brim.  Try an oval brim, shorter in the front and back; this is also good for photographs as it will not cast too much of a shadow over the face.  Keep your neck exposed; it helps to set off a large brim, and if you feel that your overall silouette is a little top-heavy you can always try some higher heels.  Alternatively you can go for a medium brim and add width and drama with long quills and/or feathers.

3.           My hat should match my bag and shoes.

Why?  I encourage an independant approach to dressing ie. check it out in the mirror and if it looks good - fantastic!  If not, try again.  Matching the hat, bag and shoes is a little old fashioned and, although some ladies may feel ’safer’ with this level of co-ordination, it may say either ‘I’ve run out of ideas’ or ‘I’m trying too hard’.   I think this rule comes from a time when the shops didn’t offer so much choice and variety.  Having said this, there are worse sartorial sins!

4.                I only like large hats; fascinators don’t suit me.

This is really two seperate areas.  Large hats can be easy to wear as the hat draws attention, which can boost confidence if it is the good sort of attention, and the person can hide under the brim feeling that the hat is the main attraction, not the person herself.  Large hats can look romantic (think My Fair Lady, Breakfast at Tiffanys etc.) and for this reason, men also like them.  Please don’t misunderstand me, I do like large hats, they can make the wearer look spectacular if chosen correctly - the person should wear the hat, not the reverse!

Fascinators come in all shapes and sizes now.  In my experience they are getting more substantial, which is a good thing.  If you are going to the trouble of wearing something on your head, don’t make a apology out of it - do it like you mean it.  Some ladies think that just because something is small it is less noticeable and therefore easier to pull off.  This is nonsense I always say that if you are that uncomfortable about putting something on your head it is better to go without anything.  I do approach fascinators with caution however - just because it is the correct colour this is no guarantee that it will be the right choice for you.   Wearing a fascinator will draw attention to your face, head and hair and it can sometimes be difficult to place them correctly.   They can look amazing but it is best to get some advice, or a least a second opinion from your family or friends!

5.                    My Husband/Son/Daughter/Friends etc.  will laugh at me

Well, what can I say?  We all fear this from time to time.  it is a personal statement of style when you choose an outfit and accessories for an occasion at which you know people will be looking at you.  For Mothers of the Bride/Groom it can be especially daunting, as for those receiving commendations at the Palace.  If you have spent time and taken advice in your presentation then people are more likely to be complimentary.  This is an issue of confidence.  People will find it amusing if you turn up in something inappropriate or outlandish, if this happens under no circumstances show that you are aware of it;  Confidence breeds confidence.    Remember that everyone else at the event probably feels ‘on parade’ aswell! 

6.                  Anything will do - I’ll only wear it once anyway.

Shame on you.  Having got as far as the Hat Shop you then buckle at the last hurdle.  This may be  a one-off occasion such as your daughters wedding -I don’t expect she said ‘Any old dress will do, I’ll only wear it once’?  let me just say this - The photographs will be around on mantle pieces for a long time.   You don’t have to spend a fortune to look great but I do expect enthusiasm!

 

to be continued