When a girl knows how to rock a hat….Hicks & Brown

The second of my favourite accessories…Fedoras.

In particular the quintessentially Britsh countryside “Hicks & Brown” fedoras. Created in 2014, by two sisters, Rosie & Alice from Suffolk. These fedoras have become a well known, and well loved brand throughout the country. Worn by celebrities and country loving ladies alike.

In fairness, I like to wear all types of hats and headwear, but my stalwart “go to” has to be an Hicks & Brown fedora. Another British made brand, the quality is second to none, as each hat is hand finished. These 100% wool made hats are synonymous with English countrywear, both in the field and at the races.

Identifiable by the iconic “Hicks & Brown” brass name badge, and self embossed hat band, the fedoras come either plain, accessorized with various game bird feather clusters, or even a full band of feathers; and in a variety of colours. The question is, which one to go for as they are all so gorgeous.

I have tried other brands of fedora, but to be honest, I would recommend Hicks & Brown every time. Not just for the quality, but for the perfect fit. I personally have not found a hat that fits so well, which is why I always seem to be seen wearing mine. As you will have seen from my instagram feed, I love to colour coordinate, and a fedora is the finishing touch for me.

It’s amazing really. Two or three years ago, you would have never seen me in a hat, other than maybe a bobble hat in the winter. Once my confidence started to return, after a lengthy time of self doubt, I felt so good again, I thought I’d try a fedora on. Wow! I looked great. I’d regained and rediscovered my identity.

As you all know I live slap bang in the middle of a town. You don’t tend to see many (if any) ladies walking about donning a hat, but that’s just how good I feel when wearing a fedora. Head high, and stuff what anyone thinks. This is me. This is who I am.

…When a girl knows how to rock a hat…

With so many styles and colours to choose from, I’m a little like a kid in a sweet shop. I have the maroon classic feathered hat, and the navy which is yet to be worn; I’m counting the days down until that Jolly, Plump Chap in red delivers it whilst he’s out joy riding with his reindeer. Yes, It’s been bought as a Christmas gift, to go with a full outfit of other Christmas goodies. I feel very spoilt.

When I find any garment that fits well, and looks good, I tend to buy….well…lots of them. These fedoras are becoming no exception. I currently have a list of ones I would like, and will no doubt get sooner or later. The choice of colours and aforementioned designs is great, meaning you are not short of a style for any occassion. Grey, Camel, Maroon, Navy, Olive, Brown, Black; each with three feather cluster designs to decide between. Or how about a feather hat band? Available in pheasant or guinea fowl.

If that wasn’t enough, Rosie and Alice have recently introduced their sublime “Chelsworth” collection. The finest 100% wool fedora, surrounded by a luxurious velvet band, a top quality feather cluster, and Hicks & Browns crest badge. Available in Maroon, Navy or Green. This is one I will definately be investing in.

What sets these quality hats apart from the others is the attention to detail. It is not just about the outside; this sumptuous fedora is fully lined, and finished with a leather head band. Not only that; they come beautifully presented in their own special hat box.

To accompany these stunning hats, is the “Chelsworth” clutch bag……. but that’s another story.

Don’t just take my word for it though. Why not head over to http://www.hicksandbrown.com to discover the collections for yourself.

Please feel free to subscribe to receive the lastest blog as soon as it is live. Simply click on the follow icon at the bottom right.

Well, I think that just about covers the second of my faves. Hope I haven’t bored you to death haha. Until next time, be happy, stay happy and most of all have fun.

Annette XxX

Why Clare Haggas? …just because

Clare is an award winning wildlife artist who lives in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Her paintings are completely unique, like nothing else you are ever likely to come across.

Inspired by the countryside around her, she only has to look outside of her studio windows, to have her muses in every direction. Pheasants, Partridge, Hares etc. What sets her apart from other wildlife artists however, is the background. Not one bit of scenery is present, just a plain yet vibrant colour, making her subjects the only visual experience.

From all of her wonderful prints came the next phase in her growing empire…Silk Scarves. Taken from her artwork, these 100% twill silk scarves were created as a luxury accessory to be worn at any time, whether in the field, or at the races. Even like I do, every day.

Each year, she also likes to include a limited edition design, usually of 250. Once they are gone they’re gone. This year we saw her painting “Plumimg Marvellous” transformed onto silk in the most sublime way.

Since embarking on this project, Clare’s scarves have become a worldwide success. You only have to look at her social media sites to see just what an awesome following she has.

What sets these products apart from many others is quite simply, they are completely *Made in Britain*. Everything you see when you receive your purchase is. Even down to all the packaging. Every item is also traceable, which counts for a lot nowadays.

You would be hard pushed to find another designer so passionate about keeping her products “home grown”.

A lady who believes in ethics, you will not see any of her products on any of the sales bandwagons. Whether it’s Black Friday, Cyber Monday et all. Through organic progression, and the introduction of new seasonal designs, you may be lucky enough to pick up an end of line deal, but at no other time.

Not forgetting the men. Clare developed a gents collection. Comprising of Silk ties, and Pocket squares. They make the perfect gift for ‘the chap who has everything’. All in the same incredibly vibrant colours as her scarves, even ladies are wearing these😘

…and just recently introduced, as a final finishing touch are her divine little scarf rings. Available in a gold, rose gold or a silver finish, the perfect accompaniment. When worn on your scarf, I like to describe it as being “Sealed with a Kiss”

If you are stuck with what accessory to wear for any special occaion, or if you want something ‘just a little bit different’, I would thoroughly recommend any of Clare’s products.

But don’t take my word for it, pop over to either her social media sites @clarehaggasfineart or check out her website. http://www.clarehaggas.com.

Until next time, be happy, stay happy and most of all have fun.

Bye for now. See you all soon.

Annette. XxX