Field Trip: Optimo Chicago

Remember when I shared the video of Optimo Chicago? You know, the hand crafted artisan hats from their workshop on the south side?  Well, I finally visited.

Long-haired beaver felt. No, seriously.

And the hats were unbelievable.

They start with felt base shapes of hats, the work them into the precisely shaped and deliberately crafted goods that are made to order.

When I spoke to one of the people in the shop, she mentioned that it takes about 1 month to received a hat upon ordering. After watching them in action, it's definitely worth the wait to have something made special and just for you.

Classic production, done the old-fashion way. There are signs of quality in goods like this that you just can't find when you buy off the rack. While the price is steep, you definitely can't buy the experience.

I've got my eyes on a new hat, and hopefully it'll be an Optimo.

Made In Chicago: Optimo

A while back, when the weather was cold before, I shared my secret love of my dad's old fedora hats.  I recently learned about Optimo, a Chicago brand that makes hats by hand.  They understand the importance of craftsmanship, of handmade goods, and sharing it with the world. 

I'm not sure if it's just my fascination with luxury contemporary menswear, but it seems like the guys labels are really working hard to produce smart, individually crafted, classically branded, American produced goods that will last a  lifetime (or 2 or 3).

We've seen so much digital and production innovation in the past years, and I'm sure efficiency innovation is off the charts.  However, I'm so happy that brands and consumers are taking to product innovation and evolving to appreciate the art of apparel, and the story that has built it.

Handmade luxury is the new status symbol. There. I said it.

Something for the Weekend

I'm a big fan of using accessories and small loveliness to upgrade an outfit.  A crazy little belt or a perfectly sculpted hat can mean the difference between having a plain look from having something stand out in all the right ways.

As the long holiday weekend approaches think casual, fun, and practicality.  Here's one item to add to the closet collection for men and women that will look great while outside on the go.

I'm a total die-hard TOMS Shoes fan, this you may know.  TOMS will help you look good as you do good.  The boat style makes it fantastically appropriate for that barbecue or time at the pier.  This shoe is the cooler version of the boat shoe your dad will probably has, and it's a great way to make a classic feel less... classic.

I hope your weekend is full of sun, but don't let sunglasses be your only option while out and about (but please don't wear together).  These two hats are the beautiful and more refined version of those straw fedoras everyone wears now.  If you're not a hat person, the flat version perches on the top of your head and doesn't frame your face in the same way.  That's code for: Give it another try.

Have a beautiful and safe holiday guys!  More to come in a few days.

Furry Finds

First and foremost: Hi, I'm Rachel. I used to blog regularly. Now, I slack.

Now that that's out of the way... Hello! Let's chat.

Most mornings I ride the bus along Lake Shore Dr. to get downtown. As the weather is cooling down, more and more of the little old ladies who live on the lake are breaking out their shearling hats. One lady today was sporting an excellent fur hat that made her look both luxe and entirely old-school chic.

via Refinery 29

This got me thinking about the art of hats, and the fact that beautifully designed hats are such a rarity these days.

And the people who wear them well... nearly extinct.

by Garance Dore