Here's Your Hat and What's Your Hurry?

Hear that? That's the sound of me hopping on the holiday bandwagon.  Yes, Christmas day is fast approaching and despite the fact that Vancouver is depressingly rainy, yet unseasonably warm, I can't fight off that fuzzy festive feeling.

Happiness is love, friendship and
a basket full of money, eh Georgey boy?

I know there are you cynics out there who would rather drown your memories of Decembers passed in unholy cocktail creations (eggnog and cranberry vodka anyone?). But, I challenge you people to sit down and watch It's a Wonderful Life then tell me your heart isn't as warm as a cup of freakin' cocoa.

I have to say, much of my Christmas spirit is imbued by this eternal classic. I am among the ranks who rate Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life as my favourite holiday film.  The Griswolds, The Grinch and Ebeneezer are all well and good, but it's the story of George Bailey that really gets me.

The story of this utterly-American underdog - triumphing over adversity and capitalist cronies - is filled with heart-string tugging wholesomeness, sweet sacrifice, heroic hardships and hats. Yes, hats. Sleigh-loads of them.

Top: Donna Reed sports a casquette,
Marian Carr wears a fancy beret
Bottom: Gloria Grahame in a furry
 fascinator and wide-brimmed hat

Set in 1946, It's a Wonderful Life provides a nice showcase for the many hat styles that were emerging in post-war fashion.  Whereas the cloche hat of the 1920s had a deep crown and was worn low on head, women's hats of 1940s became more shallow to accommodate long, curly hairstyles. Hats also became more ornate, as hat-making material was one of the few things not rationed during the war.

And then there was the fedora. Who doesn't love the classic style of this easy-to-wear wonder?  The term fedora comes from a Victorien Sardou play of the same name in which the title character, Princess Fedora, played by "the divine" Sarah Bernhardt, dons a hat of similar style.  Indeed, the fedora-type hat was considered a women's fashion trend until the 1930s and early 1940s when it exploded into popularity for men.

Jimmy Stewart, you style-hound you.
Look at all those fedoras!

In the 1940s, the fedora was the very model of middle-class fashion. But, through the years, it has played the field with competing teams, being the uniform for the relentless law-man and the gun-toting gangster alike.  Just goes to show that anyone and everyone can look good in a fedora.

So, as you head out into the blustery winter twilight en route to a festive family affair, Hanukkah happy-hour or just the nearest gas station to stock up on half-priced eggnog, remember George and his triumph over adversity; remember that friendship and kindness always prevail in the end; remember that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings; and your hat. Don't forget your hat.

Chocolate Brown Velvet Hat by Vintage Repeats

This is the epitome of 1940s hat style. Little, lush with a subtle hint of glamour.

The Eden Fascinator Hat by Bohemian Bisoux

The fascinator is such a neat style.  It certainly ensures those perfect curls wont be ruined by the dreaded hat-head.  I love the colour of this particular piece.

Wide Brimmed Ribbons and Feathers Hat by Plastic Tags

For the alabaster lady on a summer afternoon, sitting in the sunshine,

humming a lover's tune.

The Only Living Boy in New York by Oil and Blue

A great example of the classic fedora. I especially love the fiery feathers adorning the side.

Woodland Folk Suede Hat by Paiva Crafts

This more of a tilby hat than a fedora, but it's still awesome. Rustic, yet fashionable.

Hats off to you, 1940s fashion.

Take a Bow

dapper dogs courtesy of
kimhayesphotography.com

This week I am inspired by the bow tie. Ah, the bow tie. Small, yet mighty. Sneekily stylish.  In league with the elitists, but making back-door deals with the free thinkers.

Seemingly a simple fashion accessory, the bow tie actually has an interesting history.  It is believed that the necktie has its origins in the fashion of Croatian mercenaries of the 17th century, who, during the Prussian war, tied long strips of fabric around their necks to keep their collars closed. I suppose buttons were scarce in Croatia back then.  From here, the bow tie evolved and exploded into popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Well, good for you Croatia.  Bravo.

Thomas Edison.
Just invented the light-bulb.
No biggie.

The most interesting aspect of the bow tie, though, is not its humble beginnings on the collars of Croats.  It is the eclectic list of historical and pop-cultural figures who have been seduced by the power of this little accessory over the centuries.

Think, if you will, about the stereotypical bow tie wearer.  I'm guessing you've conjured the image of an intellectual type fellow, possibly also donning a pocket protector, probably wearing glasses that would be considered hip if only they were paired with plaid.  Yes, the bow tie's role in academia is certainly not understated. It has long been a symbol for smarts for a few reasons, not the least of which is the practically impenetrable web of folds, tucks and ties one must traverse before reaching the point of proud display.  If you can tie the damn thing, you must be a genius.  Thomas Edison wore a bow tie. Enough said.

Humphrey Bogart

However,  once upon a time, the bow tie was associated with the urbane gentleman - constantly attending soirees where nothing less than a tux would do.  Humphrey Bogart very commonly swept his heroines off their feet while sporting the famous tie.  It was also Bogart's devil-may-care attitude that demanded the donning of the bow tie.  Yes, this seemingly silly bit of style was, and still is in many ways, the symbol of rebelliousness and rabble-rousing.  Karl Marx dug the bow tie, as did Winston Churchill and Malcolm X.  When it comes to the bow tie, non-conformists really stick their necks out.

Pee Wee Herman

And then of course there are the clowns. Come the 1970s, comedians like Jerry Lewis turned the bow tie into the badge of geekery and foolishness. Thus we've got a polka-dotted bow tie on every Bozo and Peewee Hermans proudly announcing their nerdiness with the infamous neckwear.

But, the fact remains, despite the evolution of its role in fashion, the bow tie has been and will be a symbol for the outlier, the free thinker, the alternative politician, the debonair debaucher, the unabashed intellectual and  the sensitive slapstician.

And for this, Bow Tie, I salute you. Go ahead, take a bow.

Dapper Dan Clip-On Bow Tie

recently featured in my etsy shop

Why bother with the endless process of tying a the real thing, when you can go for a clip-on and look just as suave?

Metal Mesh Bow Tie Necklace by Plush and Rep

The bow tie can be lady-like too.  You can still make a statement with a subtle and delicate piece like this one.

Kitschy Spice Holders by The Old White House

Everyone loves bow ties! Even strange little spicy chef men. Admit it, without the bow ties, these wouldn't be nearly as cute.

Bow Tie and Cummerbund Set by  Merci

Formal and floral. Get the most out of the bow tie by matching it with a cummerbund! Hello fancy pants.

Yellow Bow Tie, Piercing Eyes Button by Cozy Studio

Even the King of Pop was sweet on the bow tie. Like I said, it's a fashion for free thinkers.