Wanderboomer gals need the perfect hat for summer getaways, don’t we? You know the kind I’m talking about. One that looks fabulous no matter how many times we scrunch it up in our carry-on bags. One that shades our fair complexions on sunny days spent cruising or at the beach. One that doesn’t fly off in a sudden gust of wind.
Good news, ladies: I’ve found it! My top pick for the perfect summer sun hat was waiting for me at Chapel Hats, a boutique on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki Beach. Not heading to Hawaii any time soon? No problem. Chapel Hats can be found in several locations: Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, Roseville and Santa Clara, California, Las Vegas, and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Still not in your neighborhood? Of course, there’s always the on-line option, though you owe it to yourself to visit one of the site locations if you can. What a fun shop when you’re looking for just the right hat for a special need or event. After all, can we Wanderboomer gals ever have too many hats?
Three features of this black-striped de Lux hat make it a stand-out: first, the wide-brim provides plenty of protection for hair and face, a definite plus; second, the brim is supported with a wire insert that keeps the hat from flopping or drooping and makes it easy to re-shape after having it crushed in your carry-on bag; third, pulling down the inside band over your head prevents it from blowing off when the wind picks up, a benefit that I failed to notice the first two days I wore the hat. Who knew?
Chapel Hats Kalakaua
2356 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815
808-931-4984
Have you found your perfect summer hat, Wanderboomers? Tell us where you found it.
Lynne Favreau says
It’s adorable Nancy!
Beth Shepherd - Pampers and Pakhlava says
Tres chic. Very French-looking…in a Hawaiian sort of way 😉
Nancy Hinchliff says
Nancy, Love your post…very fun. I used to wear hats all the time…then they sort of went out of style. Seems they’re coming back But I don’t go anywhere to wear one now. I love the little ones with veils categorized as Afternoon Tea hats.
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
I hadn’t thought of my new hat in a multicultural way, but now that you mention it . . . I love your perspective, Beth ~
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Thanks, Nancy! The afternoon tea hats on display were my absolute favorites, though sadly, I only came away with my sun hat on this trip. Next time!
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
So glad you like my new hat, too, Lynne! It’s me – and it could be yours for the right price (but not from me because I’m holding onto mine :-)).
Carrie Culpepper says
I was on the same mission. Here’s the great hat I found. Very similar to yours but I love the orange color.
http://culturefix.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/packing-list-sun-hat-to-go/
Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says
Looks cute, Carrie! Thanks for the tip. Orange/tangerine is THE color this season, so I’m told.