Hat Crush

Today I would like to introduce the first of many future guest posts. My sister, Volare, who is a collector in her own right will now be joining me from time to time. Here is her first contribution!

I’ve been a hat lover since I was a little kid. Any excuse for wearing a hat - holidays, weddings, picture days - I've been ready to plop one on! Recently, I travelled upstate to Hudson, NY, where I came across a little shop called "B's Hats."As soon as I walked in, I was taken aback -- Inside was a hat lover's paradise! Dozens of breathtaking, handmade hats lined the walls.The lovely designer behind the shop is Behida Dolic. Not only is she a gifted artisan, but also a welcoming lady. She encouraged me to try on hat after hat. I just couldn’t resist! Each and every piece had a timeless quality. Behida is meticulous in her craftsmanship and each hat delicately balances color and form.

This one looks great with short and long hair alike.

Oh, such glamour!

Apart from being a talented milliner, Behida (pictured above with her pup Dancho) has also had a fascinating life journey that began as a Balkan war refugee and led to owning her business in the Hudson Valley. You can read more about this in her interview on Etsy's Featured Seller Blog, or her shop site.

The lines and movement in this hat melt my heart!

If you ever find yourself in Upstate New York, you ought to factor in a visit to B's Hats. But if you can't make it, there's always her Etsy shop, Behida Dolic Millinery. Behida's hats are definitely investment pieces, but if you've always dreamed of owning your own signature, one-of-a-kind hat, then look no further. There are so many beautiful pieces with a touch of 1920s and 1930s flair! Do you wear a hat everyday? Would you wear one for special occasions?

*Model photos are from Behida's Etsy shop. All other photos are from author's personal collection

The Suffolk Crossed Heels

Anytime I mention Anthropologie in front of any group of guys I'm inevitably told, "Man, girls are so obsessed with that store."  Well, fellas, there's no denying it.  They got the goods, and the key to my heart.  My latest obsession within the Anthro obsession has been a pair of heels: The Suffolk Crossed Heels by Schuler & Sons.  I've been shopping around for a comfy and stylish pair of heels for a few months, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been eyeing this pair for some time.

They aren't the cheapest pair of shoes you'll find, but at $168.00 they aren't the most expensive either.  Personally, I was won over by the handmade look, the clean, but still interesting silhouette, and the earthy, grey twill played against the camel-colored leather.  They look effortless and casual, but sophisticated enough for a formal outing.  I debated whether or not to go for the undeniably cute flats as they might be more practical, and flats tend to be my modus operandi.  However, I thought a great pair of heels is tougher to come by, so I ultimately opted for the extra inches.

I tried to find out more about Schuler & Sons which based in Pennsylvania.  The shoes have proven to be so well made and comfortable with their flexible soles and quality fabric and leather, that I had visions of taking a road-trip to S&S's PA headquarters to learn about their design process and manufacturing techniques.  However, I wasn't able to discern much from basic internet searching, so I'll have to investigate more in depth.  For now I'm taking my new heels for a spin.  Look to see me in them at my next Del-Reys show!