Staying In Tune

My Hat

My friends and I have made a sincere commitment to the support of The Florida Orchestra. Ours is one of America’s most distinguished orchestras and it is thrilling to hear them live at our beautiful Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

VIVO Members

We are all members of an organization called “VIVO” (Vitally Interested Volunteers for the Florida Orchestra). We schedule events at various venues and favorite restaurants where we gather to eat, drink and generally “catch up” on friend’s activities and stories. Part of the event admission is donated to the orchestra.

Musical Maidens

There have been several of these events recently and by now you realize that, at any party, I will be wearing a hat! The first was a bright pink straw with an off-white flower arrangement, worn at a slight tilt. I wore a lime green and pink floral dress and see-through high heel sandals. I felt light and flirty.

Smooch Sandwich

You will generally find what I like to call my “Cast of Characters” in attendance at these events and I am anxious for you to get to know my unique friends, who each bring something fun and exciting to every gathering. Shirley, my “Comrade at Arms” is always ready to catch a great photo. Bill, our “Rough Rider” will usually spice up the evening one way or another. It was his Birthday, so Donna and Lucy gave him a “double-mint” kiss. His face is red, but I know he loved it.

At The Watering Hole

You can see by the picture that our first priority is a great Martini. We are lined up at the bar like cattle at a trough!! I was delighted when my friend, Maria, walked in wearing a hat! She is my first official “hat convert” and she looked beautiful. She is threatening to wear gloves next time. I’m impressed. Looking equally smart was my dance partner, Ron, who would make the “Best Dressed” list at any function.

Best Dressed

Our next event was held at a charming “Gourmet Lounge” – and they weren’t kidding about the lounge part! There were bright pillows on the floor and you could sit/sprawl/collapse? in these cozy corners. I just had to check it out!

I was wearing a simple but stunning hat. It was a wide brim light black straw with circular ribbing and a black & silver floral band with a few rhinestones and glossy black trim. I wore a simple halter style cocktail dress and black open-toe high heels. I added a black ruffled shrug. I felt cool and classic.

My Hat

My fabulous friends had saved me a place at the table and I even got pretty “bartendress”, Audrey, to go to the back to search for cherries for my Appletini! It turns out that she loves hats and wears them often. Spirits were high and “spirits” were rapidly warming up our eclectic group. Joe, our “Life on the D-List” chum was in full character.

Cause and Effect

Bill was recounting all of the “shennanigans” that occurred at his Rough Rider’s Toga Party. TOGA….TOGA…TOGA… It sounds like they gave “Animal House” a run for it’s money! I wanted to go but couldn’t locate my “custom-made” Toga. – really, I do have one – probably hiding under my zillions of hats. I know that I missed a fun evening.

Colorful Cohorts

My friends Carol and Lucy brightened up the evening with their colorful ensembles. I am going to miss everyone when I travel to Portland, Oregon this week to visit my friends, David and Steve (you met them in a previous blog). I am going to attend – believe it or not – The 29th Annual La Femme Magnifique International Beauty Pageant. I will see some of the country’s best “drag performers” strutting their stuff with Las Vegas style head-dresses. ( Do you think Donald Trump will be there ??) I will take lots of pictures. You will NOT want to miss my blogs on this event!

Now Where's My Driver?

All frivolity aside, we are proud of our contribution to The Florida Orchestra. We know that it inspires, entertains and educates a diverse audience with the unique experience of live symphonic music.

Dale Carnegie said “For bettter or worse, you must play your own little instrument in the orchestra of life”
I like to think that the instrument that sends a little gleam across the footlights in MY life’s orchestra is always a beautiful hat!

Uptown in Downtown

My Hat

This evening, my friends and I ventured into the heart of our city – downtown Tampa. We had found the perfect setting for a business and social event. It was the 42nd floor of the Bank of America Building. With stunning, panoramic views of beautiful Tampa Bay, we were looking forward to an evening of sumptuous surroundings and culinary delights.

Oil Free Tampa Bay

Our event was being held in a large private room. However, having been a member of this private club at one time, I decided to slip into the cocktail lounge to see if I could spot some of my old friends. I was happy to see my brother, Randy, relaxing at the bar. After he bought me a top-shelf Appletini, Randy and I caught up on family news and took a quick photo. He’s such a good sport. He didn’t even mind when I told his friends that he used to have a pet chicken.

Brother Randy

With such a beautiful setting, I decided to wear an elegant hat. It was a wide brimmed brown hat with a large checkered satin ribbon and a bird made of black feathers on one side with some feathers spiking upward. I wore a brown sateen, fitted pants suit and high heel black patent pumps. I felt “uptown chic”.

Table Squad

As tables are a premium at these events, my friends Shirley and Carol didn’t disappoint. We must be an entertaining group, as five other ladies were dragging chairs over to join us. I, of course, was up and down, hoping to elicit responses for my ensemble. I was very amused when I met my two “bookends”, Gil and Phil. I guess it’s true that “the lights are much brighter” downtown because we actually moved to seven different locations to avoid the glare in the room and get a good photo. I call that great guy cooperation!

Bookends

I found myself in a prolonged conversation with five lovely ladies who admired my hat. They gave me the names of other women they knew who were known to wear hats.( I can’t wait to meet them and compare notes.) I was amazed at the diversity of people I met this evening. They included an Adjunct Professor, numerous company Presidents and CEO’s, Sales and Marketing Directors and the owner of a Dance Studio. Each and every one complimented me on my beautiful hat!

They like hats!

As the wine flowed and the appetizers disappeared I realized that this was truly a “Downtown” evening, where you could “forget all your troubles, forget all your cares…”. Before leaving, I made sure that I finally got a photograph with Bill, who organizes all these “Celebrate Tampa Bay” functions. Oh yikes, 42nd floor, we’re standing at a slant – is the building moving??

Leaning Tower of Tampa

I can now report that “My Hat Affair” is really gaining momentum. I’m still working on the website and hope to publish it soon. It’s going to be great – with a gallery of hats, lots of pictures, “how to” tips and many other things I can’t tell you about yet.

My Natural Habitat!

Many people are recognizing me by my trademark – wearing a hat! I look forward to all my outings and the possibility of encountering other fans of the hat world.

As Petula Clark sang “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely you can always go – Downtown”. I would suggest that you do it wearing an Uptown hat!

A Celebration of Life

My Hat

My friends and I appreciate many beautiful and creative things, including art, poetry, architecture, music and fashion. An opportunity to join a nationally renowned Artist Icon for a Luxury Champagne Fundraiser sounded like a perfect evening. So we crossed the bridge to a charming waterfront center in downtown St. Petersburg.

Downtown St. Pete

T.W. Curtis is a versatile and passionate artist whose works have secured him a place in Who’s Who in American Art. He also generously supports many charities, and tonight’s event and silent auction will direct proceeds to the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy Foundation.

TW and Friends

I was looking forward to meeting T.W.,who had recently been gravely ill and was celebrating his recovery and return to the art world. I was also looking forward to exhibiting my own personal expression of creativity – the wearing of a hat! It was a simple black straw with a cluster of bright but earthy-toned flowers. I wore it low and angled. My outfit was a long straight black skirt, a black sleeveless top, a black & silver belt and a flouncy short sleeved black shrug. I felt Bohemian chic.

Hat Fans

The room was lively and crowded, no doubt aided by the serving of complimentary champagne and decadent hors d’oeuvres. As I perused the paintings, I thought about what makes you an artist. I do know the shade of green the lichen on my trees is. I do understand highlights, but they are in my hair. I buy expensive brushes, but I use them for make-up. I am more concerned about the color of my car than the fuel consumption. No, I’m kidding, but I do like to think that what does make me an artist is the way I select, coordinate and wear my hats!

Go Rams!

Early on, I was introduced to Paul, a former football player for the Los Angeles Rams. I have to admit that I was flattered. when he implied that he was probably “before my time”. If he only knew – I was a Joe Namath fan! I was then pulled into a conversation with three ladies who admired my hat. They all insisted that they too wore hats, but not very often. I think I left them with the desire to re-think this behavior.

Flower Power

I am always looking for the four F’s of fashion – fabric, flowers, feathers and fur. I bumped into Barbara who wore a large, gorgeous, feathered flower pin. Ah, a kindred spirit. Next, I coveted a fabulous shrug worn by Nancy. She had designed it herself using sheer fabric, ostrich feathers and copper strings – a unique combination.

Fashion Designer

By this time, I had cornered T.W. Curtis for a picture before the silent auction results were announced. Meanwhile, the champagne had run out and the wine tastings were in teeny weeny cups. A pow-wow with my friends was in order. We formulated a plan and soon were enjoying full glasses of wine. We are very resourceful!

Artist Icon

As we prepared to leave the venue, I gathered up two male hat admirers for a final photo. I had met so many creative people this evening – designers, artists, photographers – it was exciting.

Hat Lovers

Francis Bacon said “Fashion is only the attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse”. By this definition, you can be a work of art – especially when wearing a hat!

I Did It My Way

My Hat

I have always had two favorite performers – Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra. Seemingly worlds apart in their style and genre of music, there is a great similarity in the control and range of their voices. (If you hear them singing “My Way” together, it may bring tears to your eyes). I must admit that I loved Pavarotti tossing around his handkerchief and, of course, Frank wearing his signature hat!

Dance Floor

Frank sang “Saturday Night is The Loneliest Night of the Week”. Hoping to avoid this dilemma, I attended the annual “Celebrate Sinatra” party at the Ritz in Ybor City. It was a Black Tie Optional event and featured a Big Band Orchestra in the main ballroom and a Latin Band in the Copa Room.

It promised to be a special evening, so I wore a long gown and one of my favorite cocktail hats. My dress was black and sleek with a little glitter at the shoulder. The hat was a black silk rose with a veil sweeping across the face and a short poof of soft feathers in the back. I wore it slightly tilted (one of the Rat Pack rules about hats). It was a beautiful combination and I felt elegant and sexy.

HCC President

Knowing there may be 600+ guests, I arrived early to avoid the line and headed to the bar to relax and “people watch”. Typical Rat Pack behavior is to drink Jack Daniels, always Jack Daniels! I, however, hate bourbon so I strayed from the pattern and ordered a vodka cocktail.

I then met a charming gentleman seated next to me. He had recently arrived from Arizona and introduced himself as Ken Atwater, the new President of Hillsborough Community College. As a former teacher, I was delighted to visit with such an accomplished man. And – he generously paid for my drink!

New Girlfriends

Not surprisingly, I met several young ladies who complimented me on my hat and wanted to be in a picture. I am always pleased to reaffirm my belief that women love to see hats as much as men do.
I was soon swept up for a photo-op with two men, Ron and Kevin, who were also wearing hats! For me, this was the “hat trifecta”.

It's a Hat Fest!

I took a few turns around the dance floor in the Copa Room and then moved to the Ballroom to see if I could spot the “Sinatra” style gentleman – namely, those in tuxedos and cufflinks. They were everywhere! It almost made me feel, for just a little while, that Tampa was “My Kind Of Town”.

Band Vocalist

The backdrop of the “The Sands” was beautiful, the band played many of Frank’s greatest songs and almost everyone was dancing. The singers were fabulous and I was introduced to Paul and Lexie and we traded hat compliments. As it was time for me to continue dancing, I spent some time with Ron who can do an amazing swing dance. It was truly exhilarating.

Swing Time

I met and talked with many more interesting and beautifully dressed guests and took several more pictures. As I left the party, I realized that I had thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I dressed up, I had cocktails, I danced and I did it all “My Way” – wearing a hat!

Keeping Things Neat

My Hat

On Saturday evening four gal pals with a commitment to community service and a genuine interest in one of the world’s most popular liquors, headed to a South Tampa restaurant for a “Vodka Fest”. The event was to benefit Voices for Children/guardiam ad litem and promised more than 12 unique vodka samples with food pairings from a Cordon Bleu trained chef.

Bar Flies

As vodka is traditionally “drunk neat”, I felt compelled to “look neat”. So, of course, I wore a hat. It was a basic black straw hat. But I attached a large hot pink flower toward the front. I wore a white cotton “shorts suit” and added hot pink high heel sling backs. I felt smart and summery.

Children's Advocates

We elbowed our way to the bar and scored our seats, thanks to our friend John, who was prepared to thwart any angry Soviets who threatened our position. Our first samples were “peach tea” and “sweet tea” vodkas – a smooth and seemingly innocent start. .We blew through the “Huckleberry” and “Crystal Head” samples and proceeded to sling back two “eco-friendly” vodkas. I’m not sure how “friendly” it was to my own “ecosystem”. Is burning and choking a good sign?

Hat Groupies

I was then introduced to Patt and Carol, two hat admirers, who wanted to compare notes on the “Three Olives” vodka, a grapy “Purple” and an orange blend called “Rang Tang” All I can say is that , after the orange Rang Tang, I was feeling “Every Which Way But Loose”. Thank goodness for John, our designated driver. Patt’s husband graciously took, not one,but three pictures so that we would all look good in at least one of them! (“I’m ready for my close-up now Mr. DeMille”).

Sex and The City Girls

At this point I spotted the “Sex and The City” girls at the other end of the bar. I went over to visit and talk about hats. All four of them were very attractive and funny and they all said that they loved hats. As two of them were lawyers, a debate ensued as to who would be most like “Miranda” on “Sex and The City”. Is it Robyn, Claudia, Amy or Collete? If you know them, let me know what you think.

Travis

Next, our favorite bartender, Travis, poured us a hefty sample of the Stoli Elite vodka. Funny, these drinks were starting to go down very easily and I was even beginning to believe the descriptions – smooth, tongue-tingling, seductive, sumptuous, velvety, “just soft beautiful purity”. Have I developed a taste for drinking vodka “neat”? Or am I just neatly drinking too much vodka!

Floored by Vodka

I took my last sample, a vodka called “Hanger”, over to visit with a group of friends sitting in a leather booth. I think it should be called “Cliff-Hanger”, as I somehow slid off the edge of the booth and landed on the floor. John decided to turn this into a “photo-op”.

I guess if you’re going to end your evening falling on your “bottomside”, it’s a little better if your “topside” is wearing a hat!

Net-Working or Not-Working?

My Hat

When my friends and I attend a serious networking event, we go with open minds and a lively interest. However I must admit that having a piano bar nearby is like hearing “sirens” calling to a shipload of sailors. (And we are the sailors!).

Hat Fans

Nonetheless, we dutifully engaged in our first obligation – mingling, chatting and eating – and for me – talking about hats. Mine was a black cocktail hat with velvet-dotted netting bursting upward in a wide array, and a veil sweeping across the face. I wore a sleeveless, silk, print dress and patent leather slip-on high heels. I felt sleek and modern.

David

I immediately spotted my competition. It was a rare form of modern life known as the “well dressed male”. David’s ensemble was impeccable from head to toe. Oh my, you should have seen those shoes! It came as no surprise to learn that he owns a men’s clothier company.
A girl can only hope that he increased his client list at tonight’s event.

Deb and Amy

The “good news” this evening was “good news”. By that I mean that I was introduced to Deb from the Tampa Bay Weekender and Amy, a reporter/columnist for the St. Petersburg Times. The event itself was organized by Bill with the South Tampa Community News. As I have been lucky on occasion to appear in local newspapers wearing a unique hat, I am always happy to meet these creative people.

The Usual Suspects

Our guest speakers addressed the issue of “Promoting Your Event” for businesses. Although the information presented was invaluable, in my own little “World of Hats”, it seems that walking around wearing one and blogging about it to you is a good start! My website is “Coming Soon” and I can’t wait to show you my entire hat collection and share with you more of my hat tricks and secrets. Hats are making a comeback – so stay tuned!

The Three Amigos

Inevitably, we retired to the piano bar where Miss Kitty played our favorite tunes and our friend Bill attempted to accompany her with the “maracas”. He seemed to have entered some sort of “altered state” and I think he was actually “channeling” Desi Arnaz. Ever the good sport, our talented Miss Kitty endured the singing, on key and off, and I would bet my last “peso” that she knows the words and music to every popular song written in the last 60 years – even “The Mexican Hat Dance”!

Double-Dipping On the Party Circuit

My Hat

When invited to two events on the same night at the same time, most people would choose the one that sounds the most promising. But in our group, we just find a way to go to both.

We arrived an hour early at the “Zootini” cocktail party, another benefit with donations going to our local zoo. (You should definitely check out the July 26th People Magazine for a review of “Zoo Story”, a chronicle of the daily life of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo).

DJ Felix

Easily able to get a seat, we were barely through our first glass of wine when we were approached by the unique Felix (“DJ Felix – In Da House”), a professional DJ and all around Event Producer. I was delighted when he wanted to take some photographs, especially of me in my hat.

Leinani and Shirley

It was a black felt hat with stiff netting all around, culminating in a net bow in the back, with a small burst of spikes shooting upward – a very unusual but pretty hat. In keeping with the theme, I wore an animal print cocktail dress with a matching shawl and very high open-toe dressy black heels. I felt vibrant and colorful.

Wilson and Michael

After much conversation with friends and with “Zoo Keepers” Tony and Leinani, we forged ahead to our next event, a Metro-Mixer at an upscale restaurant at International Plaza. Mingling in a private party room, we were treated to free “fuming” cocktails and delicious appetizers. The party was crowded and in full swing as we made our way around the room.

Metro Mixers

Knowing that in two weeks I would be attending, as a single girl, the “Celebrate Sinatra” formal affair – featuring a Big Band Orchestra – I was definitely on the lookout for potential dance partners. Thanks again to my hat, I met Ron, a resort host who would be attending the event. He promised to save me a dance. Next, I was introduced to Jason, a Communications Professional, with a charming smile and matching personality. He promised to give me at least one whirl around the floor.

Smooch

Ever the adventurer, I left the private room to check out the restaurant and other bar. To my surprise, I was scooped up by three hat admirers who were hanging out at the piano bar. Being described as a “hot girl” and enjoying a kiss on the cheek from one really handsome man can only be attributed to the wearing of a beautiful hat.

I returned to find my colorful friends chatting with a group of ladies. As I’ve told you before, I love to get hat compliments from other women and there were several of them tonight who claimed that I had inspired them to wear their hats more often (I’ll let you know when the new recruits show up in their hats)!

Designer Roberto Cavalli said that, with his fashion, “you really have to love life and live the style”. If you give it a chance, I truly believe that you will love the life and style that comes from wearing a beautiful hat.

Asian Flavor Meet and Greet

My Hat

My friends and I like to believe that we have a “multi-cultural” view when it comes to parties and food. This, and a looming cocktail hour, drove us to Thai Thani, a new Channelside restaurant, known for its tasty Springroll and Crab Rangoon appetizers. We sent our friend Carol ahead as a “scout” to grab us a table for four.  She was apparently struggling to hold her ground against other guests who wanted to sit down.  We walked in just in time, as she had resorted to faking phone calls to convince the waiter that three more people were really due at any moment. 

Carol (right)

This was a networking event and I, of course, was wearing a hat.  It was a straw hat, its edges bordered in black, a black ribbon and a gorgeous black silk organza flower in the front.   My dress was a pretty “business casual” style and I wore black leather high heel pumps.  I felt feminine and demure.

Brooks and J.P.

First to approve my hat were J.P. (John Paul) and Brooks, two very nice young men.  I proceeded to ask John Paul if he was named after a Pope and I asked Brooks if he was a “gentleman’s valet”.  Fortunately, they took the name jokes in stride.  We laughed and visited for some time and I didn’t feel, even a little bit, like a “cougar”.  Seriously girls – don’t consult a plastic surgeon – first, buy a few hats!  The right hat will make you look 10 years younger and you’ll find yourself meeting and chatting with attractive young men.

Gloria (left)

I always enjoy the comments and compliments from other women who like my hats. My friend Gloria was at the bar with two other friends. As they admired my hat, Gloria explained that we both used to belong to a downtown club and that she NEVER saw me without a hat! I’m sure that you are realizing by now that my affair with hats has been going on for a very long time.

Jerrold (left)

As I was passing by the bar, another group scooped me up to talk about hats. These three loved my hat and, somehow, engaged me in a conversation about “age”. Jerrold wanted to bet on who was the oldest. Let’s just say that, after they gave their birth years, I escaped before they could realize that I don’t play that game. You see, Hats = Fun = Youth!

Matthew (manager)

After much conversation with old friends and new, we took a tour of the lovely décor with manager, Matthew. We all agreed that the event venue and outcome deserved a “thumbs up”.

Bentley Loves Hats

As I drove home, I decided to stop for coffee with my friend John and his dog, Bentley. You have probably seen the movie with Diane Lane in which she looks for a date online. She believed that a good guy – “Must Love Dogs” (movie title). After an excited and affectionate greeting from Bentley, I have concluded that a good dog – “Must Love Hats”.

Whimsical Theme Party Hats

Birthday Hat

 Nothing beats a “Theme Party” in my book.  And what a bonanza for wearing a hat! I have several very special theme hats, like my “Carmen Miranda” hat, hats for movie themes like “South Pacific” and “Out of Africa”, and of course, vintage hats of the 40’s, 50’s etc.  I intend to show you all of these hats, and others, along the way.  However, I have recently had the opportunity to wear what I would call “whimsical” theme party hats.

 My friends gave a birthday party for me at a local Bayshore Restaurant.  I decided to wear my “Birthday Cake Hat”.  This creation is a black and pink feathered hat, designed with a faux cake on top, including candles!  It is worn on your head slightly forward and at a tilt.  I wore a black mid-length jersey dress with black Manolo Blanik open toe heels.  I have learned to invest in a few really good shoes that can be worn with many different looks.  They really do make a difference!

Birthday Friends

My outfit caused quite a ruckus ( in a good way ) in the bar before we were seated.  Much picture taking occurred and there were many questions and compliments for my hat.  I gave my friend Shirley a “Birthday Hat” for her party last year and I’m sure you’ll agree – she looks “saucy”!  You might think that it takes some serious “attitude” to wear such a hat but – believe me – after the first few compliments, you will feel just the way I did.  I felt cute and playful.

Shirley's Birthday Hat

 Last month, I had the pleasure of giving a party at my home for my two dearest male friends who live in Portland, Oregon.  David and Steve have been together for 18 years and this was the first time they have come to Florida.  I decided to give an “Island Theme Party”, complete with Margaritas, Steel Drum Music and Island Style Food.  The invitations started with the words “Hey mon….Come on over to de party………”

Margarita Hat

I wore my “Margarita Hat”.  What can I say? – it is a pink feathered hat with a faux Margarita on top, complete with glass, ice and a lime!  I wore a vivid print sun-dress with comfortable but cute sandals with heels.  All of my guests loved my hat.  I felt like singing with Jimmy Buffet.  (and later I did).

Dave (L) Steve (R)

This was one of the best parties I have ever had. It started at 4:00 and there were still guests here at 9:30PM. My secret weapon?  – the karaoke machine!

Don’t laugh – after many Margaritas and glasses of champagne and wine, friends who said that they would NEVER sing, were grouping up for sing-alongs and even grabbing the microphones away from each other!

Karaoke Groupies

 I hope you enjoy the pictures. Everybody was a star. Even without a hat!

“Zooshi” Cocktail Party

My Hat

In an effort to support our community, and a shameless quest for upscale  appetizers, my friends and I attended a benefit event at  new local restaurant.  It was a “Zooshi” cocktail party – inasmuch as the restaurant features an award-winning sushi menu and the ticket costs would be donated to our local zoo.

I wore a straw hat –but not just an ordinary one.  I used several “hat tricks” to create a unique look.  I rolled up both sides and tacked them.  I then took a beautiful feathered clip and easily slid it into one side of the hat so that the feathers burst out in the front and back.  My outfit was casual;   a long straight skirt and a colorful top (colors complimented by the feathers) and my signature high heels – this time in an animal print.  I felt absolutely “zoolicious”.

Ginny & Barbara

Several guests complimented me immediately and one gentleman asked to have his picture taken with “anyone who would wear a beautiful hat like that”.  But my spotlight was somewhat shifted toward my friend Barbara.  She was wearing a gorgeous jacket which screamed “pure elegance”.  Of course, Barbara always looks fabulous – no doubt because she represents a very upscale national clothing line and has exquisite taste in all things fashion!

No Zooshi For You

After much mingling and chatting – and several Cosmopolitans – I finally made my way to the appetizer station.  Well, I’m guessing that they fed the animals first because it was “NO ZOOSHI FOR YOU” by the time I got there.

Nonetheless, the evening was a success.  The zoo coffers are fuller and there were lots of hat questions and compliments and new friendships to pursue. 

Fellow Zoo Supporters

I hope you are enjoying my hat adventures so far because – believe me – I’m just getting started.  I have many hats to show, stories to share and many tips on how to wear, accessorize and enjoy your hats!