I have been a beret wearer since the age of about 20, my original reasoning being that because of its shape, it was less likely to blow away in strong wind. I was wrong, but persevered.
One of my favourite berets (they're all different) was eaten by Bok, and I was left with just two; my present ratting beret, which is past its sell-by date, and my wider Sunday beret.
A couple of weeks ago I was buying Mouse poison at my local plant, pet, and everything to do with outdoors, shop, when I spotted the above. A genuine wide brimmed Beret Basque.
I think it was priced at a staggering €42; so I screamed inwardly and threw caution to the winds.
It will become my Christmas, Weddings, and Funerals beret; and probably see very little other use.
As they used to say "If you want to get ahead, get a hat".
A fellow Hatter.... I have worn a hat since 1965....I was 15 and was introduced to the wide-brimmed Australian-style bush hat.... for rifle shooting on outdoor ranges, because the side clipped up with a popper... leaving me free to use the sights.
ReplyDeleteIt then became my choice of headgear for photography.... because it shielded my eyes and the camera.
It was around that time I started to put feathers I found through the bow at the side of the outer headband.
I currently have six in various stages of maturity.... from a brand new white one...bought, rather like your latest beret... to one that is so mature it follows me around like a dog!! It is my gardening one....and is the only one that has the feathers that it has accumulated, pointing backwards.... since "compulsory headrests in cars, I wear the feathers pointing forwards.
But I only wear them spring, summer and autumn... now that winter is here, I wear woolly or fleece hats that pull down over the ears!!
I have one of those Russian style furry hats for winter; it protects my ears from frostbite. Otherwise it's a beret for everyday bald-patch covering. I have quite a few hats, but few are worn!
DeleteBy the way, I'm now collecting our dog's hair, and shall make a wire container to distribute to nest builders. A few years ago, when we still had our Lab', I found several nests that had beautiful beige linings.
DeleteNice one... they'll appreciate it!
DeleteCome on Cro, don't keep us in suspense - a photo of you in this new chapeau !
ReplyDeleteI was considering a drawing, but thought better of even that!
DeleteI think the beret suits you very well Cro!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
I do hope so, I've been wearing them for a long time.
DeleteYou have a Sunday beret? Wow, I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteSunday, ratting, and mid-week. The choice is vast.
DeleteSpeaking as a hat wearer may I suggest you should be wearing it to break it in and moulding it to your head shape for future comfort on those high days and holidays when you will be wearing it?
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. I shall wear it for my dark mornings' dog walk. I still haven't worn it yet.
DeleteI think we, your loving readers, deserve a picture of it on your head!
ReplyDeleteMaybe, one day.
DeleteAs they also say - it you want total admiration then please put a photograph on your blog of you wearing said hat. I am sure you can persuade Lady M to take one for us.
ReplyDeleteSee above. I'll ask her.
DeleteI have three berets two black and a brown one plus two brimmed hats one in felt and the other in hide, also several cotton sun caps which are rarely used...
ReplyDeleteThe only brown berets I've seen were the one my sister wore to school when she was about 6, and of course the ones worn by brownies.
DeleteLike Mr Stephenson, I'm still looking for the perfect hat. I did once have a well loved Harris Tweed flat cap, but it was half-inched by a beautiful Parisian girl, and I didn't like to demand that she return it.
Sometimes when you see something you've just got to go for it. Very spiffy. I like that quote, I have not heard it before.
ReplyDeleteBlow the expense; take out a mortgage, and wear the hat.
DeleteMy favorite style. Artistically slouchy, but it looks good on special forces, too.
ReplyDeleteI think they look good on everyone except accountants and tax inspectors.
DeletePlease please a photo of you in this new beret. I only wear a peak when I walk the dogs. It's to shield my prescription glasses from the sun when I take photos. When I was growing up, women had to wear hats to church. I remember feeling very mature and ladylike when I was old enough to wear a hat.
ReplyDeleteSounds like me with long trousers; a life changing moment.
DeleteI have a red beret from Paris. Oo la la.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
The Basque berets are red, and very nice too.
DeleteA man in a beret is always interesting.
ReplyDeleteGosh!
DeleteI wish I was a hatter. The man is a hatter and I have visited numerous hat shops of varying sophistication, but there is never anything for me. Just something with the head, the hair, the self image... I wish I could do a Greta Garbo.
ReplyDeleteI wore a boater at school, a bowler when I worked in the city, and a beret ever since.
ReplyDeleteNothing beats the Akubra. Everyone looks good in them.They are very expensive but worth every cent.
ReplyDelete