What I bought this week: hats, sunglasses & jewelry
We’ve had a busy week with some home projects and family visits, which has put me a bit behind on posting. But I did want to share a few summer accessories that made it into my shopping cart this week…
Summer accessories update
Raffia hats are on trend this summer (and a perfect accompaniment to a Coastal Grandmother look). I have a hard time finding hats that fit my small head, so was happy this one was also offered in a smaller Petite size. The adjustable band assures a perfect fit.
Summer is the perfect time to have some fun with your accessories, and I love the darling fruit embroidery on this cotton canvas bucket hat. Madewell is currently running a 30% off your purchase promotion with code HEATWAVE.
A sunny outlook…
I haven’t updated my sunglasses in a couple of years, and it’s time.
I’m loving the current trend toward bolder sunglasses, but so many styles are too large for my narrow face. I just tried this style in a tortoiseshell color and the fit was perfect, but this yellow pair is calling my name. I have them on order and fingers crossed the yellow will be compatible with my Spring palette…
Here’s a more budget-friendly style with a similar look, and it’s 30% off with code HEATWAVE.
And speaking of yellow…
long necklace | short necklace | cuff bracelet
French Kande just dropped a new collection, “Cité,” and it’s one of my favorites yet! I love the new “Butterscotch” stone mix, as shown on the necklace on the left with a lock charm. I’m also smitten with those gold baroque pearls (necklace on top right). And I have a couple of these cuff bracelets, which are so easy and comfortable to wear. The crystals on this one add a nice bit of sparkle.
I have a few pieces from this collection on order, so look for those soon. If you prefer silver-toned jewelry, there are plenty of choices for you in this new collection too!
This week’s sales
Madewell – 30% off your purchase with code HEATWAVE
Net-a-Porter – up to 60% off
Talbot’s – extra 50% off markdowns
J.Jill – extra 40% off sale accessories
Lands’ End – up to 70% off order with code FRESH
Saks Fifth Avenue – designer sale, up to 60% off
More hats & sunglasses to update your summer wardrobe…
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I have had the identical Wallaroo hat for many years and I love it! The brim provides good shade but isn’t too wide or cumbersome. With the adjustable inner band it stays on tight at the beach even when a sudden gust of wind comes your way!
A plus of the Madewell hat is that it comes in two sizes.
I seem to have a bigger head and need the M/L size.
One thing to note is do not wash the hat. I had one that had gotten dusty colored after a beach walk on a windy day -all that dust from the sand- and foolishly threw it into the washer. Bad idea, it shrank.
I got another one and sprayed it with scotchguard so I could clean it off without a full immersion.
I have much better luck with my hair and sun screen on my face when I keep a hat on my head!
Hats at Target are lovely and large enough!
There are wide brim hats at a ~24$ price point (really good for sun protection and also packable).
I got compliments on my recent purchase just walking down the street!
Last summer in Paso Robles, I forgot my hat and Target saved me!
I’m in the vocal minority who hate hats! No matter what style I try, I find them tight, uncomfortable, and pretty much pointless. On you, Susan, hats are adorable, and I’m sure most of your readers enjoy hats. I think I’m going to resuscitate the parasol trend, LOL.
I need another summer hat, but I have some concerns about the ones you recommended. First, they are WAY too expensive. $250 is just too much. Second, none of them appear to have a lanyard to keep them on your head. Third, there’s no indication that these provide any protection from the sun.
Hi, regarding prices, the two hats I recommended in the post are $51 and $23.80 (after 30% discount) respectively. It’s easy enough to add a lanyard or strap to a raffia hat. As far as sun protection, any hat with a brim will provide more than nothing, but if you want something with an SPF rating, here are some options: https://bit.ly/3y0fD1O
My apologies. I looked at your list and thought one of them was a $250 hat. I stand corrected.
“Small head” Yes! I thought I was alone in a sea of big heads. I will look into Wallaroo.
Do women wear hats in France in the summer? I usually travel in cooler weather when wool watch hats are fine. When it warms up, I am usually stuck in my Columbia baseball/fishing cap. (On the plus side, it’s easy to pack.)
I’m more than a bit put off by the whole Coastal Grandmother thing. For one, I live nowhere near a coast and for another I’ve arrived at a place in life where all this “trending” stuff sounds like utter nonsense. It’s one thing for 20 year olds to get caught up in the marketing scam du jour, but at 63 I’m happy to decide for myself what I want to wear, whether or not it’s trending. Subsequently, I’ve backed away from most of the bloggers I used to read with enthusiasm (now known as influencers and content creators – good lord!), mostly because I feel pandered to and I’m not having it. I do appreciate your perspective, Susan, and I truly hope to hear no more about Coastal Granny, or whatever she’s called. And yes, I’m a tad grumpy.
Big headed person here. “One size fits all” hats absolutely don’t fit my head! I’ve had good luck with Banana Republic and J Crew, since their hats tend to come in both S/M and M/L sizes. The prices are also reasonable. I got a very nice packable straw fedora a couple of years ago from J Crew, which was great for a summer Europe trip; it was stylish and fit my head!
I have the same issue. I could never buy a hat online as it would likely be too small!
Just looked on the J Crew website and they have a lot of hats, including the packable one I have, and they also come in size L/XL! Also have several hats with lanyards for those who wanted that.
Nice post, Susan. I love the Wallaroo hats, and the sunglasses you showed are very chic. Do you have any suggestions for stylish prescription sunglasses? I have ordered one pair from Warby Parker but would like a second, and wonder if there are other sources I could consider.
Thanks, Amy. You can usually have your prescription lenses added to almost any quality sunglasses or even “optical” frames. A good optician can also match the lens color, or you can switch it up. (I can’t see squat without my prescription lenses, so always have them added.) My suggestion is to go with sturdier frames…since you’re making the investment in lenses, you’ll want them to last.
Thank you, Susan, that’s brilliant advice! I didn’t know I could have my prescription added to any pair of sunglasses like that. You’ve opened up a new world of sunglasses to me today! 🙂 I do love reading your blog, and get so much great information from it. Wishing you a very happy summer!
Hi Amy, that’s what I’ve done too. I have 2 pairs of RayBan New Wayfarers (think that’s what they’re called) and have had prescription lenses put in both pairs. Did the same for my other half’s sunnies too. I live in France and there are a few websites where you can enter the prescription details, choose the frame, and they send you the sunnies a few days later. Less expensive than the opticians here 🙂 Maybe you can find a similar service where you live.
Thanks for the tip, Liz! I will look for a website like that here in the US. Enjoy your beautiful summer over there!
I have discovered Gigipip hats. I also have a small head and they are sized so perfect for. Also great quality, great style and very fun company.