blast from the past!

Guess who loved hats even back in the day! Yes, this is me (on the right) and my lovely friend Amber circa 1999. Nothing better than playing hat dress-up on a Friday night. Ahhhh high school. Thanks for the photo Amber! Miss you!

Etsy Spotlight: yellowfield7

Ahhh... nothing makes my heart sing more than a beautifully draped felt hat. This etsy seller does it to perfection with her amazing cloche hats. (Cloche- french for "bell", describes a hat that is fitted, bell shaped, and often worn low on the forehead)

Ever watch a period film like Chicago or Changeling and wish they still made amazing headwear like they did in the roaring 20s? Look no further than yellowfield7. Milliner Behida Dolic hand crafts each piece and creates a cloche that is vintage inspired yet very wearable. The key to a great cloche is getting one that fits well. Its worth every penny to invest in a custom one like the styles of Ms. Dolic. Enjoy!

Love, Lingerie, Life!

Need a little cheer to clear those winter blues? Want a little something sweet for Valentine's Day? Join designers Emilliner, B Trousseau Couture, Mercurious Designs, and Nikki Blaine for an evening of style. Wedding services, Valentine's Day gift shopping and style show. Enjoy a sampling of sweets and wine. See here for more info and a complete list of vendors.

Start Thinking Derby!

Its never too early to start planning for your perfect Kentucky Derby hat. Emilliner is busy busy creating new couture hats perfect for the races. One of a kind creations take time, so contact Emilliner soon to start planning your unique topper. Here's a little sneak peak of a new Derby creation.

Luxurious ivory coque and ostrich feathers top this simple yet elegant perch. You don't need the large brim or traditional crown to stand out at the Kentucky Derby. Choose simple, graphic shapes, classic colors and quality feathers. Emilliner's hats are easy to wear, modern and chic!

Bridal Fair this Sunday

News Update:

Emilliner will be participating in a Southside Indy Bridal Fair this coming Sunday January 17th. Hosted by Pipers Cafe & Grand Manor the fair will feature local wedding services including fashion, hair, make-up, food and reception options. Samplings of Piper's excellent cuisine will be provided. More info about wedding services at the Grand Manor here.

Piper's Cafe & Grand Manor

2130 West Southport Rd

Indianapolis IN 46217

317.888.7667

Sunday January 17th

11-4

Free admission

Etsy Spotlight: Nelle handmade

Today's Etsy spotlight features a fabulous accessories designer from Minneapolis. Designer Laura Nelli first caught my eye with her wonderful use of a traditional millinery material- petersham ribbon.

More commonly known as grosgrain ribbon (the ribbon with the tiny ribs) millinery petersham differs from the stuff found at your local craft store because of its unbound scalloped edge. This is helpful in hat making as the ribbon can be curved (with steam and a hot iron) to lie flat against the crown of the hat.

Regular grosgrain ribbon- bound edge

Millinery grosgrain or petersham- open scalloped edge

Petersham is the base material for a beautiful piece in Laura's luxury handbag line Nelle. Distinguished as a finalist in the 2008 Handbag Design Awards, this clutch combines quality materials and innovative design. Sleek yet feminine, its a perfect fashion investment that could serve a variety of looks. Definitely a great idea for unique wedding accessories.

we've been friends since before I can remember

NYC was truly a blast. Got to see a lot, do a lot and eat a lot. More fun details to come later this week. The trip had dual purpose.... we got to visit the city but we also brought the city home with us. Our good friend Chris Tracy (living in Brooklyn) is an amazing artist and will be opening a gallery show this Friday at the Mt. Comfort gallery in Fountain Square. His photographs and art from found objects give me a sense of nostalgia and a desire for the city. I've only seen a small preview but it's sure to be great. Check out some of his work here.

Please come!

We've been friends since before I can remember

Mt Comfort

1651 English Ave, Indianapolis

Opening Reception 7pm

I also want to give a shout out to Casey Roberts (founder of Mt. Comfort). He is one of my favorite artists in Indianapolis and I'm simply in love with his wonderful paintings. I want to live in his work- his world of trees and lakes and butterflies. They are a magical place of escape or they hint at treasured memories from the past. I'm no art expert but they make me happy. Yes, they are even comforting. Check out his portfolio here.

hop in the car

It's road trip time for Emilliner. Headed out for NYC. I'm afraid I'll be wearing a warm knit hat instead of a fashionable topper like these lovelies. Another break from blogging, but never fear- will return with the latest hat news from the big city. Thanks again to My vintage vogue for the inspiring pic.

Tools of the Trade

Hat History tidbit of the day: The Hat Conformator

Premiered 1878 in Scientific American this complicated piece of French machinery was designed measure the human head and produce a properly sized hat. Ahhh the tools of the trade.

Read more here.