Style Bo ok
By Gina Ahn • p hoto graphy by Susan McCon n ell
SOLISQ owner Gina Ahn wears a favorite hat of her customers in the store’s new location on Station Street. She started her love of hats as a teen while growing up in the towns of
Pireaus and Kalithea in Greece. Ahn shopped the markets near the Acropolis in Athens, at travel destinations, and at a favorite men’s shop where she learned the art of hats.
Effortless Hat Wearing
H
ats are much talked about these days and coming back into style part-
ly because of the publicity surrounding the Royal Family, popular TV shows like
Downton Abbey, as well as the resurfacing of vintage and retro-inspired fashion
trends. Regardless of media and ever-evolving fashion trends, certain events are hat-wearing
staples, such as ladies’ teas or luncheons, attending the Kentucky Derby, or a polo match or
day at the races. Then, there are some truly special occasions such as a wedding, where ladies
are encouraged to wear a hat or fascinator.
But, I am not a “hat person”…
Few of my customers come in looking for a specific hat as they might already know what
works well for them; maybe they are seasoned in wearing hats, or are a serious hat collector. So they will start picking a certain style to try on, maybe pick a different color, maybe
The fascinator on the left with its pillbox shape is a popular choice that is worn year-round. It comes in three colors (black, ivory, and pink) and is worn to church, weddings,
ladies tea, polo events, and the Derby. In front is a disc fascinator in black and white that is made of sinamay. Fascinators are kept in place with a headband as seen here. The
veil can be worn down, or not worn by clipping it up and underneath the hat.
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A
B
C
A. The disc fascinator on the left is a conservative hat that is popular and a good seller at SOLISQ. This model has a modern touch of leopard print. On the right is a boater sylte hat
made of sinamay with embellishments of feather stems, black peacock feathers, and a contrasting band. This is the hat worn by Gina Ahn in StyleBook. B. Jewelry is one of the many
accessories found at SOLISQ. Both samples shown here are handmade in America. These styles showcase asymmetrical patterns with using a variety of textures. C. This charming
boater, perfect for formal events or the Derby, has a silk flower and feather stems. It is made of sinamay and has a larger brim that is slightly turned up at its edges.
ask for help in size alternatives, or make a specific
request.
Well, that is not always the case. Most often, I
meet the customer who is not sure how to select
a hat for what they need, or previously, they were
left alone to decide, then they are often disappointed, turn to the mirror or their friend, and say
Hats can make a distinction
noticing you, you might have thought, “Oh what
between those who are
ing you. Just like when you looked at other people
stylish and those who are
stylish and interesting.
“See, I am not a hat person! Hats look silly on me.”
wearing a cool hat, you also thought they were
cool. This is what others think of you.
Back to the hat fitting and selection process.
Once we find the right hat, almost immediately, I see growth in that person, a sort of “transfor-
That is not a good conversation to have. However,
asymmetry brings out your best features, and that
if (or when) that customer is open to the oppor-
slight tilt may give you more height, or bring more
tunity to receive a proper fitting, suggestions, and
drama.
objective advice, I see a huge surprise coming.
is wrong with me?” but they are actually admir-
Usually, hats come in front of the face, framing
Now, I am not a mind reader. I will ask some
it. Just like a great haircut, it should bring out your
questions first, mostly to get to know my customer
best features: eyes, high cheeks, face, and best of
and their needs, and then offer advice and alterna-
all, your smile!
tives. No, there is no magic recipe for everyone.
Of course there are different ways of wearing a
And no, I do not know more than the person next
hat, and those may vary per style and by occasion.
to me. I just know my hats! I spend a great deal of
Overall, ladies that wear hats do tend to be
time developing my boutique collections, and am
social butterflies, smile more, make eye contact,
constantly learning about fit, fabrics, color, size,
exude confidence (which is always attractive) and,
and proportions.
the best, collect lots of compliments.
If the hat fits
Buyers guilt
If you have a quality hat that fits properly, there
I have seen this scenario so many times:
mation” – shoulders back, big smile, voice goes up
a little, maybe a giggle. Then comes a confirmation: “See, I can do this! And look just as cool as
everyone else.”
Often, I hear “I would never pick this hat” or
“I never thought I could wear a hat so effortlessly.”
Well, that makes it all worth it!
Talk of the town
It is easy find a great dress or a well-fitting suit to
wear. Congratulations! You are just like everyone
else, fully clothed. But, a hat can be a statement,
and it does not always have to be an over-the-top
statement. A hat can also be a conversation. In
should be no room for feeling uncomfortable or
“I love this fashionable hat (at the store) and I
being afraid of “helmet hair.” A great hat frames
am buying it! Then I take it home and somehow, I
your face and adds to your special occasion en-
panic! What was I thinking?”
any setting, and beyond language barriers, your
hat can be an icebreaker and maybe you’ll get to
meet new people, and collect some compliments.
But most of all, now everyone will remember you.
Hats can make a distinction between those
semble or everyday outfit. Feel free to wear your
Remember, it takes more effort to keep your
hat to your favorite restaurant, window-shopping,
guard up and resort back to your non-hat wearing
or everywhere. Ladies’ hat etiquette allows them
days. Let go and give yourself a fabulous chance.
to wear their hat indoors; well, most of the time,
Try wearing the hat and don’t think too much
Gina Ahn is the owner of SOLISQ in Barrington
and if you feel like taking the hat off, you should
about it. When you wear your “special” hat all
and may be reached at 847-382-HATS (4287). For
feel free to do as you wish.
over town, catch a glimpse of your fabulous self,
more information, visit www.solisq.com, or stop by
maybe by your favorite boutique window or by a
Mon. – Sat. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays from
mirror.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. The store is
When you are wearing a brimmed hat, angle
your hat based on your eye shape, brow shape
or jaw line, placing your hat just so. Playing with
When people are looking at you, or they start
who are stylish, and those who are stylish and interesting.
located at 115 E. Station St.
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