Hello everyone
It’s Tuesday already and I haven’t even started writing the blog, partly I think because of the momentous events occurring in our country. God speed our late Queen and very best wishes to our new King. However, I don’t know about you, and I’m probably in the minority, but I’ve spent all the days up to the late Queen’s funeral feeling conflicted as I am sad at her death and in admiration at her selfless duty, and at the same time I do not admire the institution of monarchy, and particularly the trappings that go with it. And yet it is perhaps the only way for us as the monarchy does bestow continuity and stability on our nation. Anyway, enough said on the subject apart from, here endeth the Elizabethan era, and did you know what era we are in now? It is the Carolean era. My auto-correct doesn’t recognise it, better get used to it, as that is where we are with King Charles.
And while I just wrote, enough said about the past few days’ events, did you notice the hats at our late Queen’s funeral? I did! Quite recently I’ve been sorting out my cupboards and getting out my mid-season clothing, along with looking at the more wintery clothes, which I do love to wear – winter clothes are my favourite clothes. That includes my winter hats of which, after counting them, I felt rather faint! I have 41 hats! And I wear most of them, actually! There are only two I have never worn, which are these two.
This was a charity shop hat that wouldn’t have cost all that much. That’s a photo taken a year or so ago. This one below has also never been worn.
This hat I know cost £5. Now when shall I wear those hats?
I have many more winter hats than summer ones, and indeed I have started wearing one or two hats now, not the wooly winter beanies, but the broader brimmed hats and the fedoras in particular. Here is a photo of the hat I bought in Somerset when I found 7 items in one morning.
The hat cost £5. Note also the tweed jacket which is made from 100% wool. That cost all of £9.99 and I have begun to wear it as my go-to jacket now the weather is cooling down.
I have another hat that I often wear now.
This hat was bought new from Peacock’s years ago for the princely sum of £3!
And here’s one more hat that I wear out and about in Lewes.
Here’s a close up of it.
It’s rather magnificent, don’t you think. This I bought new from Urban Outfitters for around £15, I think, but I’m not sure as it was some years ago.
And here are some other hats I have. I bought this red fedora in Toulouse at Galleries Lafayette. It’s almost a Paddington hat, don’t you think!
And this grey one is a great favourite in the winter, bought new from a charity shop for £5.
This is the most expensive hat as I bought it new from a milliner in Hove, it’s that baker boy’s style of hat.
And then I wore this hat for the first time during this summer.
It’s gorgeous and small enough to wear when going to the cinema.
Lewes is definitely a place where you can wear hats, I have absolutely landed in the right town to live! I shall show you the more woolly and wintery ones as the days become cooler.
That’s all for now, thank you for reading to the end!
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
P.S. We are still having problems with our IT. Both blogs continue to crash on a Sunday from 2.0am (Greenwich meantime) to 2.0pm and then they come back. If you have tried to get on and couldn’t on a Sunday, that is the reason why you couldn’t. It’s infuriating as we are being given insufficient information to correct this. Many apologies, we will do our best to sort it.
You look great in those hats can you believe I don’t own a single hat, beret or even a jacket with a hood. I can admire them on other people though.
Glad the funeral is over I saw The Guardian has a 2 minute video of the day, wish I had waited. Living in France I have had to bite my tongue as neighbours gave me their condoleances, no point in being churlish. Most people were impressed by the pomp though. I would have admired her more if she had said having upper classes is only possible if we have lower classes which is just wrong. I don’t see much difference between the Windsors and Louis the 14th except his idea was if you’ve got it flaunt it they pretend to be like us. Where DID I leave my Cessna? Oh, maybe I am a wee bit churlish.
I echo your sentiments completely, Flora.
And not just because I also live in France.
I suppose having no hats is because you live somewhere warm? I used to have about 20 jackets now I have a very modest 10!
Yes, everyone there at the ceremony or watching on the television, was there because they were giving thanks for the Queen’s life. Unfortunately, while acknowledge our Queen’s dedication to her constitutional duties, I am very much in the minority thinking that the recent mourning was a collective fit of nostalgia for the past and is all about being seduced to see the royal family as perfectly normal part of our life. And yet I do not want a republic, because our Etonian elite would seize the day – no thanks! So I continue to be neither a royalist nor a republican.
It seems that we don’t think we have so many until we count them. I gave away quite a few this past year and still have 34 as of this morning. I too have always loved hats but there are not as many people around here that wear them. Sometimes I just wear one and say “that is just me” and forget about it.
I must say, I was in front of the TV for many hours on Monday, and am able to say that I witnessed history on that day. I was amazed at the ceremonial excess but will likely not see that again. I found it emotional when the lone horse was at the side of the road and then the two corgis on the steps as well. The lone piper at the end of the funeral was as bit of a heart wrench. I do wish King Charles well stepping into those shoes.
Ah ha, another lover of hats. I think I got it down to about 30 when I moved – something seems have happened!!
The ceremony was amazing, my word, we do know how to do a procession!
And despite my anti-monarchy sentiments I do wish King Charles well, mainly because I remember him as a youngster, a teenager and a shy young man, before his royal life got in the way of his development. Never mind, I expect we can all look back and say I wish I had done this rather than that, so consequently I wish him well.
You have quite a extensive collection of hats and you look lovely in each of them, Penny. Hats like shoes – they are never enough. I have always been jealous of women who look good in hats. Anna
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much Anna, coming from you, I am honoured you think that hats are good on me 🙂
Funnily enough I have hardly any shoes!!!
Wow! Well, as long as you wear them, it is not too many! I enjoy hats but have just a few so I enjoy seeing you wearing yours!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I did reduce the number of hats when I moved, but somehow the total has crept up again – not sure why 🤣
Carolingian?
Have you seen any official announcement as to whether it is truly now the Carolean era? I don’t think I have and have just got the name from Google and various articles. So yes, it could be the Carolingian, as that was because a lot of that dynasty were named Charles, but in the meantime, spell check really does not like Carolean!
What a lovely hat selection! I do like hats but always feel rather self- conscious wearing one, but I must try harder as they really finish off an outfit. I only have 4 but you have certainly inspired me to hunt for more. Have you read the “ Style crone “ blog ? She is 70 something I think and has a “ Hat room “ full of gorgeous mouthwatering creations , have a look ! Best wishes from Judy in Brighton
I absolutely love the Style Crone as her outfits are truly out of this world. A couple of years back she used to have a link-up where hat lovers could wear their hats and show-case them. It doesn’t exist any more and I really miss it.
I’m sure you can wear hats. For instance, now the weather is getting cooler a nice beret is one way to start and gosh it is so much warmer to wear a hat in our breezy and chilly coastal part of the country. I bet you’ll look good in a stylish beret.
If you enjoy your hats who is to say it is ever too many. I always think that the right hat really adds to an outfit. I am thinking of a young women I saw a couple of weeks ago while riding the train to the city. she just had on a simple sun dress and sandals yet her straw hat drew you to her. I tell myself I ought to wear them more often, but as another reader, Judy, said, I feel a bit self conscious. I had not intended to watch much of the Queen’s funeral but the funny thing is that my cat woke me up early on Monday by clawing at my feet. he thinks he is starving I guess. there is food in his dish but it isn’t fresh enough for him. He does not like TV, so I turned it on knowing he would leave me alone. Well, the service from Westminster was in progress so I figured I would watch a bit. I was drawn in by the ceremony, the sense of history, the scale of the event. I was surprised by how emotional I felt. As Diane above mentioned, the most moving part was seeing the lone small black horse, learning that it was her favorite pony being brought out to witness the the queens coffin as it passed. Since I have a pony myself, do a little riding, walking around mostly, this was the most meaningful. and here is to the new season which officially starts tomorrow!
Darby
Thank you Darby re: the hats, I do enjoy wearing them, so yes, 41 hats is just about the right amount!
And as for the ceremony, as an anti-monarchist but very, very lukewarm republican who can think of no other system than monarchy that would bestow such stability, the ceremony was amazing.The organisation, the spectacle, was just superb. And even I felt a lump in my throat on occasions. Wow, I was seduced! Because that’s how I see it, we are seduced to see the royal family as a perfectly normal part of our lives, when in actuality they live extraordinary lives of privilege and hierarchy which no ordinary citizen can ever penetrate. Meghan, for instance, completely misunderstood what she was marrying into – you have to conform totally and be utterly subsumed into its mysteries as Kate has.
But it was a good send off to a woman who worked with diligence, duty and grace whilst fulfilling her constitutional duties. I wish King Charles all the best in his attempts to ‘slim down the monarchy’ and fill her shoes!
Thanks Darby and here’s to the new season and warmer winter clothes – hurrah!
Having 41 hats is very impressive and you wear them so well! I think I can remember you wearing a beret or two in past posts or do you no longer have them? I used to love wearing hats when I was younger but these days it’s all about dog walking beanies and keeping warm; not the slightest bit glamourous but very practical – ugh!!
I do have many berets and have several woolly beanies as well. You’ll see them as the weather gets colder! We need practical hats in the winter, particularly when walking the dog!
I envy your collection. Fall/winter hats are not a thing in my warmer Southern California climate but I do have a few wide-brimmed ones for sunny summer days.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Oh yes, Rena, I can imagine you in summer wide-brimmed hats – they would look lovely on you.
I am someone who feels the cold and I need to wear hats in the cooler weather and especially when the weather gets really cold.
No, it’s not too many. Hats are part of your signature style. Therefore, whenever you see a hat in a form you like, but don’t have yet, buy it! It’s like with shoes. There is not a thing like to many hats.
Thanks you so much Nicole, yes, hats are my signature style and I do love them and I do buy them!
Have a great weekend and thank you for commenting 🙂
I don’t think 41 is too many at all! You look fabulous in all of them, especially the black ones you’ve yet to wear! They would look spectacular at an art gallery, or is it too soon after the Queen’s funeral? I did watch a lot of the proceedings. I can see how you would have mixed feelings about it…I certainly would.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
So glad you think 41 is not too many! I cannot resist them, especially if they are charity shop bargains. A friend of mine is coming to try the big black hats on for a possible wedding hat. I do love showing the hat collection to other people!
And yes, what a ceremony it was, what a procession, what a send-off! But I do continue to be conflicted which is you know, ok, as life is never black and white. The royals live lives of immense privilege and wealth surrounded by servants, and it is a life I do not approve of, especially while the country is going through a recession (officially declared) and people struggle to pay their heating bills and think, should we heat or eat. But the Queen served us well and I wish our new King all the best. There you go!
Thanks Marsha 🙂
This makes me want to go count my hats. I have collected quite a few now that I’m retired. And especially when they are such good deals at the secondhand store, how can you pass them up??
Although I have splurged and bought 2 ranchers hats for full price this last year (but both were under $20 each, so I didn’t feel so bad).
LOVE that plaid blazer too Penny,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, I reduced my hats when we moved to around 30, so what happened???? I think I must have somehow bought a lot more 🤣
Thanks re: the plaid jacket – think it was quite a find as it’s made from pure wool. Love it.
You have a great weekend, Jodie xxx
Well here I am in New Zealand at the bottom of the world as far away from England as one can get.I watched entranced from beginning to end.Felt slightly guilty when my Indian cleaning lady came and started apologise.No no she said this is your culture you must watch.An interesting take from another point of view.The second great Elizabethan era has come to an end and things will be different into the future.Love all your hats.The beige Fedora second picture is my favorite especially with the check blazer.
It was an amazing ceremony and my word, we can do a good procession! What a send-off, which actually despite my anti-monarchist views was very well deserved. I do wish the new King all the best though and hope he does what he says he might do, which is, ‘slim down the monarchy’ and continues to hold on to his views about the environment and climate change.
Thanks re: the hats, the beige one is the hat I wear the most.
Thanks again Katrina, it’s lovely to know the blog is read from so far away, you are much appreciated 🙂
Gosh that’s a lot! But you wear them with grace. Love the Baker’s Boy one and the grey one. Have a lovely weekend.
Ah yes, the Baker’s Boy hat, I haven’t worn it since last winter but I shall! You have a lovely weekend too with not too much rain I hope 🙂
Hats are definitely your thing and with so many styles and colours to choose from, 41 is not too many. I experimented with hats but they don’t suit me. I have a few woolly beanies for walking and that’s it. The red Paddington hat and the Urban Outfitters hat are my favourites from the line-up. Have a great weekend x
Thanks Gail and the red one is a favourite. I always say that anyone can wear a beret, they are very adaptable for all face shapes. Bet you would look good wearing one. You have a good weekend too x
You wear them all so well! I love hats but don’t wear them very often because when I get hot (I’m right at that hot flush age!), I just can’t bear to have anything on my head. But I like floppy summer hats when I’m in the pool reading a book though lol
Hugs
Suzy xx
Oh yes, quite understand, and I have floppy summer hats too. But in the winter it gets really chilly and breezy. We have that damp cold, so that’s when the woolly hats come out and they’re really needed!
Thanks Suzy 🙂
You really suit a hat, Penny, and you have some fabulous ones! I would like to wear hats more often but they leave me with ‘hat hair’ which requires a wetting to put right…I hope you get the occasions to wear your 2 as yet unworn hats.
xxx
A friend is coming over to look banditry on y hats to see if any would be suitable for a wedding – maybe one of those unworn ones?
Oh such a shame about the hair, but I know what you mean. However in the winter I couldn’t be without a hat, I feel the cold a lot now!
xxx
That is a lot of hats! But not too many if you are wearing them. You’ve certainly found some great bargains, and they all look great. I am especially enamored with the red fedora.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Ah yes, the red hat, I do love it and it will be worn very soon.
Thanks Michelle 🙂
I like the gray fuzzy one the best. I’m just curious how you store these – do they each come in their own hat box? And do you have a Derby hat that you wear to the cinema?
Hi Priti
I have six hat boxes and inside I put about 4-5 hats, sometimes more as in one hat box all my woollen hats go one on top of the other. A very large hat box takes all the large brimmed hats. And one hat is displayed on my bedroom wall.
In the summer I wore the small straw hat to the cinema and in the winter I shall wear my cloche type hats – I don’t wear big hats for the flicks!
Thanks 🙂
Good to know! 🙂
Penny, I love hats! I only have half a dozen myself and don’t wear them nearly often enough. These days, mostly when I go out for a posh afternoon tea.