Yesterday, I lost my Chadstone virginity. (Yes, I know its shameful I have never been before!) I spent hours at the Fashion Capital with my fabulous Onya Magazine editor (and tour guide) browsing and trying things on. It was heaven. As you all know my income stream has halted somewhat, so it truly was a day of window shopping but the experience was fun and a welcome respite from hours on the computer job hunting.

We perused the David Downton fashion illustration exhibit, the wonderful window displays making up part of a current promotion Chadstone is running and enjoyed trying on the many wares the centre has to offer – then walking away.

We dined – twice – at Capital Kitchen opposite GAP, having lunch and returning mid-afternoon for cupcakes and juice. We visited Chanel – twice – talking away advertising material I will cherish (current season poster and postcards now adorn my inspiration wall).

But my discovery of the day was the hat. The straw hat. Trilby or Fedora to be exact. Nothing spring racing or fancy, just a simple, summer hat that seems to suit my face shape, colouring and hair length.

I have always been a fan of the hat, I have just never been able to pull it off all that well. A cute felt bucket style hat I wore to work one day had co-workers calling me Inspector Gadget while a blue beret never seemed to sit right. A floppy wide brimmed beach number left a mark on my forehead and while I managed to pick up wearing an Irish cap, the guy never called so I blame the hat.

But the simple summer straw hat could be my saviour. I envisage myself in a strappy summer frock, walking down Collins Street in fabulous shoes and my casual hat, the envy of passers-by.

I am now on the lookout for the perfect one to suit me. Yesterday’s visit to Chaddy did throw out a few to try, but at $50 are perhaps slightly out of my unemployed price range. The search continues. Where have you seen awesome straw trilbies and fedoras?

Image One: David Downton Illustration, courtesy of Chadstone
Image Two: Straw Trilby by Quicksilver