Click photos for larger view.
This theme idea delighted me greatly, as I have a small collection of vintage hats plus quite a few vintage-inspired hats and fascinators. I couldn’t decide which one to feature for today’s event, so I let Mr. Kitty choose. Turns out this masterpiece from Claire’s, of all places, is his favorite.
I love the dramatic size of the double-layer veil on this hat, but since I don’t have thick, fluffy hair I always feel it looks a bit strange on its own. I’ve found that adding a big bunch of feathers behind the hat (harvested from an inexpensive boa from Michael’s) balances the look out. I was wearing these same feathers the night I met Mr. Kitty, so maybe that’s partly why he likes this combo so much. 
The choker I am wearing is a creation by the lovely and amazingly talented Hexotica, purchased from her Etsy store. This piece features two satin ribbon rosettes with bejeweled centers, with three beaded strands hanging from the larger rose. I adore this beautiful choker, and can’t wait to go shopping for more of her creations.
Many thanks to Rachel for suggesting this month’s theme!!
Now it’s your turn! I can’t wait to see the variety hats and fascinators in your wardrobes. Don’t forget to check back throughout the day to see what everyone else contributes.
Want to participate in the Monthly Theme? Here’s how:
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Please use a direct link to your relevant post, NOT a link to your blog’s home page. - Visit all of the other participants who have entered, and show them you appreciate their theme posts!
I love this. When you first said you purchased it at Claire's I couldn't imagine it. The feathers make all the difference. The choker is perfect with this. And your lashes look amazing.
I had forgotten about this! I need to decide which hat to photograph…
Wow, very stunning photo! You've mastered the portrait!Love how you matched my choker. I will definitely have to get your permission to paste this all over the Hexotica web-sites, please?
GORGEOUS! Boy, Mr. Kitty has awesome taste … I love how big and dramatic it is! And the veil! *SWOON*
Mary, thank you! Yes, he does have great taste, making me a very lucky woman!! siouxsiel, finding this at Claire's was definitely one of those "no way!" moments.Miss Gracie, get busy!! ;-DHexotica, absolutely! I would be honored.
A veil is always so striking. I love it. I wouldn't have thought of accenting an otherwise ordinary hat/fascinator by adding feathers to the hair (as opposed to the hat itself). This makes me want to go play!
I've got to run out the door, but I hope to catch up on everybody's gorgeous hats soon!
Terrific! I love hats with veils, they are so elegant
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Wow you're photographs are always so stunning. I would love to see what dress you're wearing as you're outfits are always so amazing.Great job as usual!
You look lovely! I am quite fond of the beading on your gloves btw
Thanks for making it hat/fascinator day ^^
WOW! I'm also a big Hexotica fan <3
Beautiful! You look fantastic.
I love this theme. Everyone has some amazing headgear stashed away! –Funny that you bought this in Claire's. I definitely saw a few beautiful fascinators the last time I passed by, but thought they couldn't possibly be of any decent quality considering the source. I sort of envisioned feathers flying everywhere and netting falling off during wear. I'm glad to know I was wrong!
I love the hat! Veils are so cool! In fact, I've been trying to make my own lately. This theme was a great idea! =^.^=
I love finding a really interesting piece at a bland mass-produced store! The feathers really finish the look beautifully. Mr. Kitty definitely has lovely taste in headgear.
Stunning! You look absolutely ravishing today. I never got to play around with fascinators. Usually all I could handle at the end of a drunken clubbing night was a top hat tipped precariously to the side. lol. The chair as a prop adds an unexpected elegant touch to your pics.
You look fantastic. Ms ElderGoth 2011? PLEASE write a post about your make-up. I actually managed to do a post! Unfortunately I couldn't take any new pictures for it because it got dark so soon after I got home today, but I hope somebody enjoys it! I'll have to read everyone else's submissions tomorrow
I love your makeup in this post! And I find it quite funny that so many goths buy their hats from Claire's. Myself included!
You look so beautiful! I love that first photo. Hexotica's creations are gorgeous, that choker looks great.
You look incredible, as usual. I might give hats a whirl, given how amazing you look. I see them in a whole different light.
Everything .. so perfect and coordinated. I'm fascinated by that chair o_o
I want your eyelashes.There. I said what everyone was thinking.
Great theme, love your hat!
Yours is a lovely fascinator, the feathers make me think of a soft and slinky black spider, and it looks like it enjoys its position. It's great!
BettyZade, lol! Traicetrak, this hat definitely was disproportional on my tiny head without the added feathers! They make it look like I have a poofier hair style than I really do.
Becky, awesome! There are a lot of great posts.Madame Macabre, I agree. I find little temptation to wear hats without veils, although I do occasionally.Cali, thank you! This is just a simple dress from Frederick's (they still have it in their catalog). It has a big bow at the top in the back, with a cutout below the bow. The bottom isn't very interesting, so I just focused on the hat for this post. The dress will make it into the blog at some point, most likely! 
Boots, glad you enjoyed this theme!ultimategothguide, all the cool girls love Hexotica! 
Sal, thank you! I loved your top hat post!!Luna, lol! So far, this hat is as sturdy as they come.Bixie Willow, nice! I loved your tutorial!!Sabayon, I'm always thankful when that happens. And it gives me a good excuse to keep going back to the mall. 
Julianne, I will work on a make-up post soon! I enjoyed your hat post. Thank you for joining in the theme!Pandora, I bet Claire's will be wondering about the sudden surge of Goths coming in to buy their hats/fascinators now… ;-DPhoenix, Hexotica's work is not only beautiful, but well-made! Bonus. 
Sunduri Das, hats do take some getting used to (especially how to style the hair for them). But well worth it!Tenebris, we have a whole dining set like this chair. Not actually vintage, but decent reproductions.Kitty Lovett, you can have my eyelashes! I got them from Sally Beauty Supply. I can't remember which model these are…Trystan, thanks! I totally loved yours, too.pinsandpatience, that's a great analogy!! Thank you!
You.Look,Beyond. Stunning. Fabulous in fact.This is one of my favorite of your pics so far!
gorgeous headshots! i always forget claire's is a decent place for accessories. the hordes of 14 year olds usually put me off. loving all the hat and fascinator pictures! i'm still trying to incorporate hats into "real life"..
I have to say, this was quite a successful theme! HUZZAH for everyone's very cool hats! I'm enjoying them immensely! Thanks Ms. Kitty for such fun! Hugs and more hugs darling!!!
I giggled a bit when you mentioned Claire's
I totally understand how anyone can expect anything "gothy" from that store, but sometimes I even come back from that store shocked O.o Just a week ago I bought this REALLY pretty choker from there, I was so excited about the purchase that I actually made a blog post about it >.< Sometimes Claire's bring in these "gothy" things that are so elegant and it makes me happy that even a "cute" store addresses my needs 
So sad I missed posting for the day I suggested and was so excited about sharing