Avant Garb: Mad for Millinery

By Elizabeth Massing

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year because it’s filled with some of the best outdoor events. And what could be better for your next outdoor event than a super fun, whimsical hat?

I was so excited when I ran into the hat designer, Eileen Bleyer that I’m starting this column with FOUND.
I was rushing to a meeting at the Lord Baltimore Hotel downtown when I saw that she had her hats on display in the lobby. She is a truly incredible woman.
She makes these hats out of her own home; truly some of the most unique creations I’ve ever come across. They’ve been featured in major publications AND she even has some high-end clients like Janet Jackson.
Just take a look at some of these incredible designs. Each hat is different from the last. They feature feathers, ornamental flowers, beads, stones, lace – you name it. And they are so versatile.
While some would be great for costume…
…others would be amazing for church…
…and others would be perfect for a horse race or a picnic on a beautiful spring day.
If you’d like to add a one-of-a- kind piece to your wardrobe, I’d highly recommend these!
In fact, I snagged one for myself. I’m planning to wear it to my next gala and maybe even a horse race.
The hats are going to be on display at New York Fashion week. How incredible!
Next up! At one of those aforementioned charity events, I ran into Jessica Fox and I knew I had to stop her to learn more about her outfit. It was just too cute for me to pass up. Since she’s in either work attire or yoga gear during the week, Jessica told me she likes to play with a more “boho chic” style on the weekend. “My favorite places to shop are Nordstrom, Saks Off 5th, Aritzia.com, Anthropologie…and I love when I can score a good deal at a place like T.J. Maxx,” she said.
The first thing that caught my attention was her circle basket straw bag by Marbelle. I love the leather buckle details.
I am also totally obsessed with this Hemant & Nandita dress! The color is wonderful – perfect for summer. And the colorful tassels are to die for. The pink floral pattern mixed with the lace embellishments takes this otherwise plain dress and turns it into a piece that looks high end, well designed, and unique.
Her sandals are adorable too! These are Sam Edelman and look like they could easily become a staple in your closet for all summer looks. They look great paired with this dress and would also look great with jeans or shorts.
Jessica said she grabbed her entire look from Sax Off 5th!
Overall, her look is perfect for an outdoor event. It’s casual, yet sophisticated, modern, and has the perfect bit of elegance and quaintness.
Sloane Brown

Baltimore's longtime fashion and social scene reporter, Sloane is the founder/managing editor of Baltimore Snap.

X