From Lust To Must-Have...

...in one easy step - a trip to London.

Last year I really wanted a 50's style military hat as worn by US GI's in the 50's, like Elvis here and (possibly) Anouck (image found on The Fashion Spot).

I saw one in Urban Outfitters but it was over £40 and I convinced myself that it would not be money well spent since, as a hat, it served no purpose in cold, blowy Glasgow, therefore I didn't buy it. I couldn't even justify it as a 'going out' hat since I don't go to any suitable places to just sit and look all groovy in my hat.

But of course, as is usually the case with me, it has now spiraled into something akin to raging obsession. I visualise all my outfits as being alright...but with that hat would be perfect. I sit and ponder how I could keep it on when the wind is nearing 70mph and blowing over trees. But, I still refrain. Applauding my own self control. OK, not really. It's actually because the Urban Outfitters hat is long gone and no vintage shops have thrown one up so far.

Then a while back I saw this girl on Facehunter looking fabulous in the same kind of hat!

Oh dear. However, things have taken a turn for the better because as of Saturday 9th Feb, I am taking a little trip to the glorious London! The weather will be infinitely better and I will be able to wear my, yet to be bought, military hat with glowing happiness! No 70mph wind to whip it off my head there. But of course this sparks a whole other issue - how the hell do I get my hands on one before then? Answers on a postcard...

Queen Michelle

Comments

[Ceribeth]

Army surplus is the way to go... There must be at least one in Glasgow. If not there are several in London, though the only one I can remember is in the (overcrowded teen horror that is) camden lock market, in the arches near Rokit. They usually have hats like that. There might be army surplus on line come to think of it... x

[Dee]

Hey Michelle, Ceribeth is is on the money there best thing for it. If you haven't got any in Glasgow (I doubt it) there's quite a few in London.

Sod's law that you'll be in London just as I'm taking off on holiday for 2 weeks!

[anna]

I have been thinking the same thing, and found this one http://www.cococareer.co.uk/chelsea-rebelle-sailor-hat-183-p.asp
that I WANT. But I already have a navy similar style. Good luck!

[Libertygirl]

If you are going in to Euston, then Laurence Corner is just around the, erm, corner, and will sell your hat for sure.

http://www.laurencecorner.co.uk/hats.htm

LLG xx

ps I have one BTW! Bought when I was 14 in St Louis, MO, USA for $5!

[marlene]

As always, darling ebay provides loads of goodness :) Apparently these are called garrison hats...

http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=32&from=R10&satitle=garrison&sacat=13956%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D3&sadis=200&fpos=Postcode&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ga10244=10425&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=32%26fsoo%3D2&fgtp=

hmmm... quite tempted to get one myself...

[Drusilla]

They call them Nehru caps here in India, since our first-ever Prime Minister made them a sartorial signature of sorts..an Army/Navy surplus store will be the best way to go, I think.

[Queen Michelle]

Ah you see I didn't know what they were called so I was just googling terms like "army hat" and "army beret" etc, and ended up with all manner of basic, well, army hats.
I actually don't know of any army surplus stores here other than in the Barras market, but I'm sure there must be a couple.
I'll check out these links though. I knew I could rely on my girls to help me!

[Azura]

Just been to an army surplus style shop to seek out a Rambo costume (don't ask) for a friend. It's called Jungle on Earlham Street in Covent Garden and they have loads of army stuff. The guy working there is really lovely and I'm sure he'll be able to help you. Bonus - it's next to a small All Saints branch.

While you're there, check out the white ladies Navy lace-uo brogues. Rather cute. Hope you have a rockin' time in London!

[Elisabeth]

Loving the hat and that girl has an awesome style!

[Angela]

I've been coveting this KissCurl hat for ages but couldn't justify buying for the same reasons . . .
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8008895

You could always try inserting a comb into the hat to keep it in your hair though. Or bobby pin it at the brim.

[Drusilla]

It looks a bit like an inverted paper boat, though...I'd never be able to resist the temptation to take it off and float it down a stream :)

[patty]

these are cheap in the US at army surplus stores - do you know what size you are? of course it would not get there before you went on your trip, though - also i saw a pattern that had similar hats here. maybe there's one there? you are so quick sewing things!

[Natty]

Enjoy your time here in London and hate to say it but it has been quite windy here at the mo so you may have to pin the hat to your head with kirby grips! Good luck with finding one!

[Princess Shirley]

Dear Little Sis,
You need to let me know your military outfit needs. I have it all...since I was in the USAF for seventeen years. The hat Elvis is wearing is still the same design we in the US military wear. I have a hat like it that I do not wear anymore. The hat size is 6-3/4 or something like that. Should I send it to you?

[Princess Shirley]

The correct term is U.S Military Flight Cap. The guys in the military had a different name for it that I dare do not repear here.

[Queen Michelle]

Ah Princess Shirley - it was actually a photo of your dad in his uniform the Queen Mum showed me that started my obsession in the first place!!!
I actually have no idea what size my head is - I generally just go and try on hats and if they fit I buy them.

[Princess Shirley]

Ahh yes I have fond memories of my dad in that uniform. He looked like a super hero to me when I was a little girl. That settles it I will send you my hat, which is in very nice condition because that hat goes with the dress blue uniforms which I did not wear to often because I was a mechanic. I have a camouflage hat you can have too. Do you need some combat boots? luv ya!

[lady coveted]

i know... i saw that pic too... but for some reason, i thought she was wearing some kind of suspenders.

anwyay, i have my military hat... but i've not worn it yet.
:(

[GlamaRuth]

Hat pins. Available on Ebay or just about any junk/vintage/antique shop. And a jewled, floral, or otherwise girly one will contrast nicely with the cap.

[Queen Michelle]

Oh thank you Princess S. - that's technically a family heirloom!

[bene]

When I was 5 and took ballet and tap classes *shudder* one of our recital costumes included one of these caps. Like everything else we wore, a couple strategically placed bobbie pins kept it firmly in place. Hope that helps against the gusts of Glasgow. :)

[kim]

nice. i want a modified peter-pan-esque hat, myself.

[enc]

Hie thee to an Army Surplus store, and get it overwith!

[Kat]

Queen Michelle, you are a life saver, well... outfit saver at the very least! I'm going out on Saturday night for my birthday and the outfit i have picked is almost perfect, needs a little something.... and that hat is the something. I'm googling my nearest army surplus right now. THANKS!!!

[sopchan]

have a great time in london - but be warned - might not match glasgow but it is pretty damned windy down here!!