May 20

Cher

born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946

Never one to say she isn’t a “hat person”

DENISHE HATS

It seems sometimes like all the amazing hatters are from the Europe or Australia. Miss Janey is always excited to find milliners here in America who are doing wonderful headwear. It's important to support our own artists and economy.

Lately Miss J has been oggling the fabulous hats created by Denise Shea of DENISHE HATS. Not only are they glorious, but most are reasonably priced. And she's right outside of Boston. All you nor'eastern hat-lovers should take a look at her site. Of course, there are hats and more hats, but also a schedule of up-coming shows.

Oh, and PS- she does commissions, too. Check out the last hat. Some lucky lady had it specially made for herself. What a lovely indulgence, no?

For more info, go to Denishe Hats Blogspot or DENISHE HATS.

On Sunday the Janeys and friends S and G went to the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, CA.
















It was a hot, sunny day and people took their "sun screens" very seriously. Hats in every style and size abounded.

These foam strawberry visors were given away gratis to all who wanted one. They are no doubt destined for landfills but people want something for their $12 entry fee.

























There were even a number of parasols.









Miss J loooves this look - hat and parasol....







By far, this was Miss J's favorite look of the afternoon









Of course, Miss J couldn't resist getting a new hat for herself.

Crown Jewels

Maria Callas' jewelry in 'Tosca' revival

The sparkling three-piece set worn by the opera diva for her Metropolitan Opera debut is being enlisted for the demanding Act 2.

from the Los Angeles Times

By David Ng, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

May 16, 2008

HOW DO you add sparkle to a fatigued operatic war horse? Bring out the jewelry and let it shine under the spotlight.

But not just any old jewelry. For its latest revival of "Tosca," opening Saturday, Los Angeles Opera has obtained a rare stage artifact -- the jewelry worn by Maria Callas in 1956 for her Metropolitan Opera debut as Giacomo Puccini's tragic heroine.

Made of nearly 200 tear-shaped Swarovski crystals, the jewelry was created specifically for Callas by the Atelier Marangoni in Milan, Italy.

The three-piece set, which consists of a tiara, earrings and a fanned-out necklace, is worth approximately $85,000, according to Swarovski, the current owner.

"To wear this talisman -- I have to pinch myself," says soprano Adrianne Pieczonka, who shares the role of Tosca in this revival with Georgina Lukacs. "People were taken aback by how bright they were during rehearsals. It doesn't bother me, but I hope it won't be a distraction for the audience."



story here


Miss J would be pinching herself, too. What a fabulous set... Miss J loves herself a tiara.

Kate Bishop

Aurora



Lily Pad



Full Bloom



Swirl Hat





Playgirl Glory

Elizabeth Parker

Elizabeth Parker Hats

Thanks to Thombeau of Fabulon to bringing these gorgeous toppers to our attention.

May 14

Cate Blanchett

14 May 1969, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

A gorgeous and gifted actress, All Hail Queen Cate.

Romneya

Miss Janey's Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) is blooming. Miss J adores this California native: the tall stems (over 6 feet tall), the silver green foliage, the huge fried egg bloom. What a stunning plant.

In fact, Miss J would love to have this hat...




with this flower.

SJP's hat: Philip Treacy

Miss Janey loves this Philip Treacy hat Miss Sarah is sporting at the SATC International premiere. Now everyone will want fabulous hats!

But ps- what gives? The SATC international premiere was in London? Not NYC???

Anne Sawyer Fabulous Hats

As Miss Janey stated previously, she is now on the look out for a fascinator. Google “fascinator” and what you get is a bunch of companies in the UK and Australia where one supposes ladies are more prone to wear fascinators, hats and the like. Miss J is now searching through all her hats links seeking fascinators. Not only does Miss J want one, she wants to see many more of these whimsical and dramatic adornments when she’s out and about.

Here in America we have Anne Sawyer, Official Hat Designer for the Kentucky Derby Festival. Not only is Miss Anne making lovely toppers for weddings, horse races and other special occassions, she also does fascinators. And smart cookie that she is, she offers guidelines for wearing her items. According to her website:

“The fascinator collection is perfect for a late afternoon wedding, that my run into the early evening. They are a perfect accessory for a hotel wedding and are less formal than a hat. Mostly worn by close friends and guests to a special occasion.”

The more Miss Janey checks out fascinators, the more she wants one.