Last Day for 'Gone to the Dogs' Entries...

Dixie here... I wonder if I could submit one of these photos of My Biscuit for the 'Gone to the Dogs' dog portrait art exhibit and competition - today's the last day...

xo Dixie

Men's Hats... the Fedora

Dixie here... this is my grandpa, my mom's dad - when he was 18 years old - in, you guessed it, a fedora!!!  Last posts we talked about women's couture hats and sun hats... let's talk about men's hats and the fedora. 

Men have always worn hats of some kind, especially the ball cap, whether worn for work or pleasure, with the bill straight on, to the side or backwards.  Ball caps have been worn for practical reasons or to follow fashion trends - like emulating the NASCAR drivers or going out to the ball game!

The fedora hat style is the really hot trend this season!  It has an edgy downtown look that can add flair to a man's outfit.  Just look at my grandpa! 

Traditionally, a fedora was made of felt, creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides.  We have seen them worn by gangsters and the 'mafia,' as dress hats in the 40’s and 50’s, and now today.  Fedoras can be found in nearly any color imaginable, but black, grey, tan, and brown are the most popular.  I think The Biscuit would look great in a red one! 

Some of the new fedora-styled hats have smaller brims, still made from fur felt. The fine Italian fedoras are as soft as velvet, and the Australian bush styles are waterproof.  Guys, you can wear it tipped back on your head so it gives you a devil-may-care, or a breezy, nonchalant feel.  Or tip it forward, like my grandpa, to create a dashing look, a confident and sexy air!  The Biscuit just has to get one! 

Whether you are a businessman, a musician, a celebrity or the casual man on the street, these hats are hot!

Next post we'll talk about Cowboy Hats!

xo Dixie

Sun Hats...

Dixie here... Let's talk about women's sun hats!  You need them to avoid the sun's harmful rays.  Plus it can put the finishing touches to any summer outfit!  My mom went out to paint the other day and it was cloudy so she didn't wear a hat.  Well, she got sunburn on her forehead and nose. 

Everyone seems to have hats on the brain since The Royal Wedding and The Kentucky Derby.  So let's talk about some stylish sun hats to get ready for summer. 

First, consider a lightweight hat.  The traditional sun hat is light and wide-brimmed, and they are perfect for a day at the beach or artists plein air painting. Large and floppy, they create shade for the face and can be made of natural fibers or straw.  They are very retro and are a casual or classy look.  Dress them up or down with a little added trim of grosgrain ribbon, feathers, flowers, gold chains and jewels for a little bit of bling!

And I don't want to forget to mention the reappearance of the fedora!  Great for day-wear, the felt-made, women's fedora is a fun option for a summer day in the city. Wear it with jeans and oxfords for a laid-back look.  More on the fedora when we talk about men's hats...

The cloche hat is also making a come-back this year.  A cloche is a fitted, bell-shaped hat, invented in 1908, that became all the rage in the roaring '20s!  Remember those flappers?! The cloche hats were usually made of felt, like fedoras, so that they conform to the head.  They were typically designed to be worn low on the forehead, with the wearer's eyes only slightly below the brim.  Not much protection from the sun, but, if you wear sunscreen you won't have to worry.  Today they have a very preppy look and are a perfect choice for summer parties or an afternoon wedding.

Next post will be on men's hats!

xo Dixie

Women's Couture Hats

Dixie here... I have decided I didn't like the red halter I had with the bones and paw prints on it because it didn't go with my summer hat.  In order to get a new one, I had to chew the old one!  I have very sharp teeth and broke the clasp in seconds!!!  Dad frowned but he got me a hot pink one Monday night on his way home from work. 

Here I am wearing it with my summer hat!  Speaking of hats... Two major spring events focused on elegant and couture hats - The Royal Wedding and the Kentucky Derby.  Did you know that Princess Beatrice's hat sold for over $130,000 on Britain's eBay?!  Well my hat isn't as distinguished and eclectic as hers, but it does coordinate well with my halter.  By the way, the money raised went to UNICEF and Children in Crisis.  Great! 

The best couture hats can be found in, you guessed it, New York City.  This year very large-brimmed hats were all the rage at the Kentucky Derby and will be well suited to be worn at other horse races this year... the Dubai World Cup, The Preakness, Saratoga. 

Pillbox hats and unusual shaped headgear are also fashionable this season - all seen at The Royal Wedding.  Sophisticated and feminine styles never go off trend in the bridal world, whether you are the bride, bridesmaid, mother of the bride or groom, or attending the wedding.  Just be sure if you go 'wild,' that your hat feathers are kosher! 

Next post will be on the more casual sun hat...

xo Dixie

Google Issues...

Dixie here... I have been unable to access my blog dashboard to post photos and information since last Wednesday.  Mom has tried everything to fix it for me but it just won't work.  So for now, I am using mom's account to post.  Yesterday the sun finally came out and today mom took this photo of me and The Biscuit on the front porch.  

Yesterday the town was tarring the Main St and all the traffic was re-routed by my house!  I sat and watched and people tooted their horns to me to say hello!  Keep tooting!!! 

xo Dixie

The Biscuit's a Star!!!

The Biscuit's a Star!!!  He was featured on yesterday's post of the Lucky Pup Rescue Blog!  

Dog Play

Mom brought The Biscuit and me to the tennis courts to run and play last Monday.  My favorite picture of me is the last one where my ears are flapping like bird's wings!  As you can see I run faster than The Biscuit - and mom had treats for us when we did our training exercises...

Mom and Dad's Anniversary...

Today is my mom and dad's 28th wedding anniversary... And here are 2 of my favorite pictures of them! 

Love My Dad...

I'm not allowed on the bed... but I love to cuddle with my dad!

The Biscuit's Birthday!!!

It's The Biscuit's birthday today!!!  He's 4 years old!  We were pampered at Lebel's Dog Grooming earlier today and tonight we'll have special treats with our supper!  Happy Birthday Biscuit!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms...

The Biscuit and I are love'n our mom!

The Little Things...

Today I was walking in the backyard with The Biscuit and mom.  It had rained earlier and water droplets were glistening in the longer blades of grass.  I gently licked the water from them - such a simple thing and humans don't experience it.  I'm sure it kept me alive when I was lost and wandering in Missouri, before I was rescued and found my forever home in Maine.