Fabulous hats, and a trick, for tea

By Elle

Hat shopping ranks close to the top as a delightful distraction in my book, especially when life feels too fast-paced, which is almost always. So a couple of weekends ago, two of my friends, Sultana and Amy, and I spent a recent morning at my favorite millinery, Studio St. Marie in Rocky River, to find spring hats for a tea party.

We had the best time trying on all the latest creations along with some vintage beauties (folks of yore had smaller heads, and, without fail, those hats fit my tiny skull just right). We each found a hat or headpiece to take home, and soon we’ll be making plans for a tea party.

Speaking of which, I recently discovered that one can mix and match teabags when brewing tea. I have Starbucks to thank for this idea. I ordered a citrus mint tea the other day, and when the barista handed it over, I noticed two teabags floating inside: one of each flavor. Brilliant! So now I regularly toss a bag of citrus ginger and a bag of mint into hot water for an exceptional taste sensation. It doesn’t have to stop there. One can be creative with teas, trying new taste combos. Don’t thank me. Thank Starbucks.

Loved this hat but didn’t think it looked quite springy enough.

Sultana sporting a red/orange flair fascinator. Her name means “queen,” and she looks just like one!

I really loved this yellow vintage hat, but I just didn’t think I’d have occasion enough to wear it. And it’s so elegant — who wants to keep it in a box?

These floral bands are not only gorgeous but also affordable.

Another that I loved but knew I’d not wear often enough.

I thought Sultana looked fabulous in this spring fascinator.

This magnificent spring hat was the winner for Amy. I think it perfectly frames her face and is definitely a stylish attention-getter.

Beautiful hat but “meh” on me.

Another charming hat option for Amy but not springy enough.

This floral band was the winner for Sultana. I simply love the way she looks in it!

I was infatuated with this vintage hat, but I really don’t wear a lot of purple or other colors that I thought would complement it.

This number, which screams spring, was a runner-up for Amy.

I kept gravitating to this hat. It pained me to leave it at the shop!

Lee St. Marie, who owns the shop, has a great eye for knowing what looks best on a woman.

In the end, I chose this hat. I love the daintiness and scalloped edges of the base, mixed with the sharpness of the feathers. It aptly reflects my personality: Gentle and kind, but don’t piss me off!

So now I wear my hat whenever the weather allows, which lately has been pretty often.

I believe Lee St. Marie told me that the base of this hat is from England, the feathers from France and the braided roping from Italy. Truly an international creation!

Cardigan by Pura Vida.

This shot of my hat makes me crave Weetabix.

Of all the hats, did you have a favorite? Let us know which it was!

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