The Difference Between Panama and Fedora Hats July 2nd, 2010 By

I love the fact that hats are so in!  It’s the easiest and most chic way to protect your face from the sun, slyly avoid a bad hair day, and accessorize any outfit.  This season try a Panama or fedora hat as your summer accessory.  They are the go-to topper that can take you from the beach to lounging at a club.  Here are some celebs sporting the look this summer:

Stacy Keibler in a fedora while on the beach in Mexico

Hilary Duff in fitted fedora in NYC

A quick look at tradition: 

What makes a true Panama hat?  Panama Hat: (noun) A natural-colored, hand-plaited hat made from leaves of the jipijapa plant of South and Central America.

What characterizes a fedora? Fedora: (noun) A man’s soft, felt hat with the crown creased lengthwise and a somewhat curved brim. Origin: France, after Fédora(1882), a play by Sardou – the hat style was worn by one of the characters. 

Hats today:

In 2010 however, there are a million styles of these hats.  This classic J. Crew Panama Hat is my favorite.  It reminds me of the 1920s and The Great Gatsby. I can only be so grateful that fashion reinvents itself, and this once strictly-menswear hat is now perfectly acceptable atop my little head with my favorite black string bikini.  

 
 

J.Crew Panama Hat

 

But I couldn’t pass up this super-affordable (it’s on sale!) and oh-so-sweet fedora style from American Eagle Outfitters. With a white tee and a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans, this is perfect for every day.  Will you be sporting one this summer?

Natural Fedora with Ribbon by American Eagle Outfitters

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Must-Have Men’s Accessories for the New Year January 4th, 2010 By

The holidays came and went, and all you got was a damn Snuggie. Time to take care of yourself now, Mister. Here are some essentials to kick off the New Year right:

Diesel “On the Road… Again” Laptop Bag: You need something to carry around your new HP 2140 Mini-Note Notebook, and this sophisticated yet laid back look is perfect for the train, plane or sipping your Joe at Starbucks. And though a retail price of $170 isn’t anything to sneeze at, I love the 30% off deal at Zappos.

Jack Georges laptop bag

Jack Georges laptop bag

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, drop your computer into this sexy, supple Jack Georges laptop bag. The Generations Lite model, this is one that’ll certainly get second glances on your commute.

One of our favorite stores is Etsy, and you have to give them credit: they seem to know what you need, even if you don’t know it yet. The fates say that you’re soon going to be invited to Victorian costume party, but since it’s a little icy out there in January, this custom-made wool cape and cloak is a perfect merger of form and function. People will comment upon your arrival, and potentially your departure. It will also be custom cut for your height, all for $199.

wool hat

Norko Fur and Wool Hat

The news has been aflurry with news reports of winter storms battering the east and midwest. If you live in one of those areas, then you definitely need a WWII bomber-style wool hat made with rabbit-fur trim of as you trudge your way to the car, to the office, and home during January. Fur Hat World is selling this comfy lined piece for less than $40.

Let’s say you’re not living in the frozen tundra of ice and snow, however. You’re going to want to check out the collection of men’s fedoras at Hats in the Belfry. Now’s your chance to get a little Sinatra going on in your life. Personally, I love the leather lambskin fedora for $98, but I don’t quite have the cachet to pull it off. If you do, let me know how it works out…

Lastly, as you head out into the cold January night, you can’t be without your scarf (or so mom says). We have opined here in the past about the importance of scarves and its impact on dating, but I’ve fallen in love with Ben Sherman style, and this Ben Sherman scarf in a woven plaid is absolutely the perfect complement to any evening outfit, and it’s a steal at $19.98.

Of course, if none of these accessories are quite your style this year, you can always fall back on your Christmas Snuggie present. After all, it seems to have worked for this guy:

HootersSnuggie003

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