FALL HAT MONTH

Fall is here, and it’s getting colder, so it’s time to break out the headgear. It’s Fall Hat Month! During Fall Hat Month, switch out of the cool-weather head protection and into stylish felt and fabric styles.

Hats were probably one of the first items of clothing found among primitive humankind. In ancient times, hats were considered a symbol of rank and status. Sculptures of Egypt, drawings of ancient China, and coins of early Greece and Rome depicted prominent individuals wearing hats, which was more than likely an indication of where they were on the hierarchy.

By the seventeenth century, hats had become a worldly attire. Interestingly, hats were available in the new world, but supplies like beaver were exported to Europe due to popularity. Strangely, wearing a straw hat after September 15 in 1920 America would get you mugged.

Hats have played an impressive role in human history. Presumably, U.S. President William Henry Harrison died shortly after his inaugural address because he refused to wear a cap on that cold, nasty day. A month later he was dead of pneumonia. Though it’s inaccurate hats prevent you from losing most of your body heat through your head, they are still a good idea to wear in cold or stormy weather. It never hurts to have an extra layer of protection during the winter months!

NATIONAL FALL HAT MONTH HISTORY

Hats have been enjoyed since the beginning of time, even making their way into songs. Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Gene Vincent (“Be Bop A-Lula”) named his backup band the “Blue Caps” after the blue flat caps President Dwight Eisenhower wore while golfing. The most notably known hat is referred to as “Newsboy caps,” which has enjoyed a resurgence in the U.S. and Europe. This hat style is now popular for both men and women. Avid hat wearers call them “cabbie hats,” or more formally, “flat caps.”

Headwear Information Bureau originally sponsored Fall Hat Month reminding the public that as the seasons change, felt and fabric hats better protect our heads for the weather. They also fit the styles for the season.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFallHatMonth

Finding that special hat might require some help from friends. A day of shopping might be necessary to honor National Fall Hat Day.

Use #NationalFallHatMonth in social media correspondence.

NATIONAL TWEED DAY

On April 3rd each year, National Tweed Day focuses on all things tweed.  This day has a couple of approaches to celebrating the day, so you decide which one you believe is the source of National Tweed Day.

Some people think the observance celebrates the senator-turned-crook William “Boss” Tweed.  Tweed was born on April 3, 1823. He was the wealthiest and most powerful politician of his time. While being considered the “poster boy” for political corruption, Tweed is still known by many as one of the most notorious politicians in American history.  He died in 1878, in jail, after being caught with millions of dollars of stolen public money.

Others believe that National Tweed Day celebrates the fabric. Originally produced in Scotland, the durable textile was initially handwoven. While the rough, woolen cloth is sturdy, it is also known for being lightweight. The traditionally earthy colors blend well with the Scottish landscape, too. Different families of tweed fall into various categories and styles. The estate the tweet represents, the sheep from which the fabric is woven and the patter all determine the particular kind of tweed it becomes. Famous characters who wore tweed include Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and Professor Henry Jones (aka Indiana Jones).

Combining the Tweeds

Several actors have portrayed Boss Tweed in film, too. You may recognize Jim Broadbent for his portrayal of Tweed in Gangs of New York. The actor’s wardrobe may also contain a few pieces of tweed, too. One of his more notable tweed-wearing characters was Professor Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter films.

While Vincent Price may be more well-known for other sinister characters, he also portrayed the notorious politician the musical Up in Central Park. The woolen textile didn’t make much of a stage presence, though. However, Price also voiced Professor Ratigan in the animated film The Great Mouse Detective. Based on the evil nemesis, Moriarity, from the Sherlock Holmes stories, we circle back to all things tweed.  

Boss Tweed shows up on screen two other times. The actors who portrayed him were Philip Bosco and Edward Andrews. Neither the film (Liberty) or the television series (The Great Adventure) are available for viewing. 

More to explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTweedDay

Wear a tweed hat, vest or suit. While wearing your tweed, learn more about William “Boss” Tweed. Discover more about his impact on New York. Watch one of the movies mentioned above.

Read a book about textile or about Boss Tweed. May we suggest, Boss Tweed’s New York by Seymour J. Mandelbaum?

Use #NationalTweedDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL DRESS DAY

On March 6th, observe National Dress Day by reflecting on memorable events when we recall dearest memories by what we were wearing.

Dresses have been worn for hundreds of years. Today, they come in a variety of shapes and designs. From long, mini, fit, and flare to the ball gown and A-line, there are many ways to celebrate. Throughout the years, dress designs have changed drastically! However, they still provide a distinctive look and one-of-a-kind fit adding a level of poise and confidence to any event.

On our most important days, we seek out the perfect dress made for the occasion. Whether it is prom, an interview, a first date, or a big wedding day, National Dress Day will give us all a reason to relive some of our dearest memories. We invite you to celebrate National Dress Day with us on March 6th.

NATIONAL DRESS DAY HISTORY

ASHLEYlauren founded National Dress Day to honor all of the ways dresses help us celebrate the significant moments of our lives.

About ASHLEYlauren
Since the launch of ASHLEYlauren in 2011, fashion designer, businesswoman, and founder of TEAMfabulous™, Ashley Lauren Kerr has recognized the power of fashion. Immersed in design, intrigued by the latest trends, and influenced by classic silhouettes, she takes great pride in creating dresses that fit a unique style and personality. It is Ashley Lauren’s passion for all things fabulous that motivates her to design a dress line that is both timeless and modern. Follow ASHLEYlauren on Instagram @ashleylaurenme for all things TEAMfabulous™, including gorgeous dresses!

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDressDay

Visit www.NationalDressDay.com and follow @nationaldressday on Instagram to participate in our countdown. Don’t forget to wear your favorite dress or post your favorite dress memory using #NationalDressDay on March 6th.

Share a photo of your favorite dress – whether it be from the past or present – on social media using #NationalDressDay.

NATIONAL HAT DAY

Hang on to your hats and celebrate in style on National Hat Day. Celebrated each year on January 15th, don your favorite fedora, cap, cloche, derby, or sunhat. Dig out your ceremonial best and tell the story behind it. Wear your warmest tuque, stocking cap, beanie, and share the name you give it. There are so many hats, fashions, and names we give them. Certainly, we could wear a hat a day and never get through them all. 

We wear hats for numerous reasons. Many hats protect us from elements or harm. Others were worn for ceremonial or religious reasons. Some hats just make us look good or cover up what we think doesn’t. Through the centuries, we’ve given our hats a lot of meaning.

  • In the Middle Ages, hats indicated social status.
  • In the military, hats may denote one’s nationality, branch of service, rank, and/or regiment.
  • A Thebes tomb painting depicts one of the first pictorials of a hat.  The painting shows a man wearing a conical straw hat.
  • Structured hats for women began to be worn in the late 16th century.
  • Millinery is the designing and manufacture of hats.
  • The term “milliner” is derived from the city of Milan, Italy. The best quality hats were made in Milan in the 18th century.
  • Millinery traditionally began as a woman’s occupation, as the milliner created hats and bonnets and chose lace, trim, and accessories to complete any outfit.
  • In the mid-1920s, to replace the bonnets and wide-brimmed hats, women began to wear smaller hats that hugged their heads.

Depending on where you live, if you are outside in the middle of a cold January, you may definitely want to wear a hat on National Hat Day!

NATIONAL HAT DAY HISTORY

Since at least 1983, schools, libraries, and museums have observed National Hat Day has been observed in libraries, schools, and museums. They invited students and patrons to wear their favorite hats or hats of their occupation. People of all ages show up in pirate hats and football helmets. Patrol officers, postal workers, restaurant servicers also wear their hats to various events. That date also commemorates the day in 1797 when the first top hat made its appearance in court. Created by haberdasher John Hetherington, the judge claimed the tall hat, rather prominent hat disturbed the public. 

More to Explore…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHatDay

Wear your favorite hat on National Hat Day. Celebrate an era or an occupation. Learn the history of a particular hat or try making a paper hat. 

Be sure to wear a hat and use #NationalHatDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY

Since 2011, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day has grown to be an international event. Now occurring on the third Friday of December, the celebration gives holiday lovers worldwide a chance to wear their ugly Christmas sweaters.

In 2014, they partnered with Save the Children in their “Make the World Better with a Sweater” campaign. 

Each year, ugly Christmas sweater wearers, decorate, shop, and do their darndest to out ugly last year’s ugliest sweater. Whether they sport the most lights or colors, bells or characters, ugly sweater wearers find the most ribbon and felt ladened sweaters and festoon them with glitter so blinding no Dustbuster invented will capture the wave left behind. The sweaters serve as beacons of light so bright, Rudolph himself will someday be out of a job.

However, don’t be sad. So often Rudolph is featured on many of the sweaters. Elfs, donkeys, snowmen, and many other holiday characters we love and adore find their way to these ugly monstrosities. It’s all part of the fascination with the holiday. So, join in the fun. Celebrate and donate, too.

NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY HISTORY

In 2011, ugly Christmas sweater lovers created National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day as a way to lighten up the busy holidays and to show off their absurdly, ugly sweaters. The day has grown in popularity and is celebrated worldwide.

More fashions….

HOW TO OBSERVE #UglyChristmasSweaterDay

Try these tips to take the prize:

  • Animal or cartoon characters with a holiday theme give sweaters a kitsch feel. Think reindeer, snowmen, mice, kittens or elves.
  • Select ridiculous colors. The more they clash, the better.
  • Embellish. Scratch that. Over-embellish! Pom-poms, bells, felt, tinsel, or any other glittery, jingly items lying around the house.
  • Add a collar, dickey, or ruffle.
  • Electrify it! Put Rudolph to shame and go to the head of the team with bright, flashing lights!
  • Give it some 80s flair with shoulder pads.

Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. Use #UglyChristmasSweaterDay or #ChristmasSweaterDay to post on social media.