Beret Love

Just typing out this title alone I got too excited and accidentally typed out "ebert" instead of "beret." The excitement is because of my new beret, newly christened Ebert as of...right now.

Owning a beret has been a private dream of mine for a little while now. It's one of those attainable dreams that you just push off into an unforeseen future. Completely within your reach, but you don't reach out for it because it is so readily available. You get it and then you have it. And that's that. There is no mystery or intrigue, no second returns to the department stores to try it on and know that when you leave it behind, it (or its cousin, in navy or teal) will be there still waiting for you to try it on the next time you return.

For me, berets were always there between the ages of 6-18. Spending most of my childhood evenings in Dillards, I used to peer into the glass case where all of my little splashes of color resided in the hat department. They were simple, woolen, never embellished, always bright, and there. Maybe I didn't own one, but that was because other things kept calling my attention louder like the key lock journals and glitter pens. It didn't matter though. I always returned most evenings to spend quality time with the hats in that glass case. Even though there would be many moments to come in my life where it felt like my entire world would crumble completely around me, standing next to the beret case would instantly comfort my inner self. Those hats were always ready to go, ready to shine. I would too.

Tiffany's is to Holly Golightly as the Dillards beret case is to Heather Taylor.



My new beret arrived in the mail yesterday from Forever 21. It was very simple, black wool with a bow. The bow was also black and made from wool, to blend in nicely. I put it on and we were in l-o-v-e. Dabbed on some red lipstick and ran out to the living room to show my roommate Britney my new hat which she loved and declared I looked "just like a French girl."

Fabuleux!

The beret and I remained conjoined at the head for the rest of the evening. My gray cells almost imploded imaging the different ways I could wear my hair with this hat. Down straight, down with curls, up in a bun, up in a messy bun, braids, pinned to the side. Dare I say even just bed head?

I do dare.

It should be noted that while my love for berets is strong, I'm not really a hat person. Generally they smush my hair and bangs down and leave them limp. Also sometimes I get sweaty while wearing a hat which is unpleasant. The beret has, so far, done neither to me to which I am very happy about.

Plus my taste in hats tend to err on the side of My Fair Lady era, in both size and style. A huge wide brimmed hat with lace and flowers, despite the impracticality, is more likely to get me to buy it. Even though it will go with nothing I own...I still want it. The likelihood of it not being there the next time only propels me further.

Are any of my style icons beret fans? Let's see.



Zooey Deschanel looks to be in this advertisement...



...as does Eva Green in The Dreamers still. Both in red. Hmm. Methinks I will be investing in many more Eberts to come.



If you're on the fence about getting a beret, I say hop off and do it. Reasons include:

1) Classic, timeless, and functional especially with a trench coat, simple white shirt, and black/charcoal pants.

2) With a little tilt to the side or any angle, you can instantly change appearances. Flirty, sultry, cool, or reserved.

3) It's such an attention getter. People generally look at me like I'm some exotic plant they've never seen before (i.e. curious, but cautious). Wear the beret and EVERYONE will be utterly fascinated with you.

4) Instant je ne sais quoi. A simple hat goes a long way.

Love to you all,
Heather