Hello and happy Friday! I just returned from a glorious trip to the Bahamas with my family, and let me just say, the week *after* everyone else vacations is the perfect time to vacation. I did a pretty good job unplugging (and started a new book!), so I’m keeping this week’s Our Tiny Rebellions light and breezy.
But right before my travels, I learned that Memoir Monday shared my essay, The most important lesson for my American Jewish children, in its weekly newsletter. I am thrilled to be highlighted in the company of such amazing writers. If you missed this important piece, please consider reading it. Also, subscribe to Memoir Monday if you’d like to increase your exposure to more seasoned and emerging writers.
Anyway, hats.
Hats are the most consistent part of my wardrobe. They protect my face, display my style, and most of all, conceal my hair when it looks like a bird’s nest. With curls like mine (not displayed below), you need an insurance policy for the uncooperative moments, and I recognized early in life I’d have many of those. The custom bucket hats from my bat mitzvah prove it: I’ve been making statements on my head for years.
Today, I am an advocate, a believer that hats are as much a staple in your closet as handbags and jackets. Allow me to share with you eight of my current favorites in hopes of converting you into a believer. I really hope I can, so we can tip our hats toward each other like two men from the 19th Century. It’ll all be very stately.
Camp High Beanie. I’m pretty sure tie-dye was the Pantone Color of the Year in 2020, and Camp High creates the most elite tie-dye. Any time I am cold, tired, or about to declare hibernation as my best option, I slide this emotional security sweater onto my head.
Tula Laurel Lattice Sun Hat. Early in the pandemic, when our whole lives were outside, I started to look like Tom Hanks in Castaway from walking around my neighborhood all day; until I made a purchase to preserve my face. With UPF 50+ protection, an under-the-chin pull-tie, and a wide enough brim to go fully incognito, this sun hat is perfect in every way. From April to August, I wear it everywhere. Belong to my pool? Look for the hat, because you won’t find me otherwise.
Isabel Marant Tyron Hat. Not all the time, but sometimes, I can be a bit of a brand ho. Sorry. Take me for who I am (who I was meant to beeeee). When Isabel Marant began slapping its logo on sportswear, I was all like, “Would I?” but in preparation for Disney last November, I needed some luxe to counterbalance those character shirts. I snagged mine on sale through Revolve and recommend you wait for a deal, too.
Goorin Bros. Fedora. This hat chose me—I didn’t chose it. On a work trip in Nashville, I was 18 weeks into a complicated pregnancy when an Uber dumped me off in front of a little hat store where I hit it off with a nice lady who upsold me this expensive wool fedora I barely wanted but felt bad putting back. Little did I know that was just the start of our relationship, a protective one that captured my style even as my belly grew and warmed me up for winters to come.
Rag & Bone Addison Denim Baseball Cap. What’s the best life hack for wearing denim? Put it on your head. This Rag & Bone hat elevates weekday sweats more than you’d expect. Like the Marant hat, I also scored a deal on this one, so keep your eyes peeled for sales.
Nike Beanie. Not much to report here. Nike’s beanies are timeless and cost-effective. You can’t go wrong. I couldn’t find mine but linked to another I liked.
Lululemon Women’s Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat. Lulu created the ultimate athletic hat that form fits to your head in breathable dry-fit material, which washes as well as any of the brand’s clothing. I love that even though it’s stretchy, it’s adjustable for big heads like mine, and has a giant ponytail hole that accommodates any hairstyle. I own three but can’t promise I won’t buy more.
Amazon Teddy Fleece Hat. Alright, hear me out: this cap might be made from the poorest synthetic fibers in the bowels of a factory we shouldn’t know about. But for a mere $8.99, you too can enjoy the sherpa trend in many colors. My husband, mom, and best friend all bought one, so I guess that makes me a tiny mini niche micro influencer.
Show me YOUR hats! Tag me on social or email me: averagejoelle3@gmail.com.
The little things
We had a wonderful long weekend in the Bahamas with my husband, kids, dad, and stepmom. The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar had a little bit of everything for everyone. We set up a meet and greet with the resort’s flamingos to give the kids an experience to remember. They were quite nice, except for the one that attacked my husband. We think he was triggered by Doug’s swim trunks. Oh well.
Also
I read:
The return of the going-out top – The Washington Post
Yes, Your Job is Important. But It’s Not All-Important. – The New York Times
Hey, new mom, have you considered relaxing? – The New Yorker
I watched:
The Menu, and holy clap, WTF. I give this fine-dining hellscape three Michelin stars!
I ate (well, I always eat):
Banza pasta, mac and cheese, and pizza. What started as a health choice became a health must for me last year when I went gluten free for good. Banza products just get it right with their consistency, ingredients, and flavor. I’m excited to offer you 15% off any purchase on Banza’s website now through the end of March. Just use the code “OTR23” at checkout. We also might run a fun giveaway soon, so stay tuned!
Your wins
Sonya celebrated one year of her business, Choir, which aims to elevate diverse voices in industries historically run by white men, starting with finance. Choir intends to expand into more business lines this year (and I can certainly think of some that could use help). In addition to reaching this exciting milestone this week, Sonya made it to evening yoga with friends and started a ceramics class just for her. So much to be proud of here! I love seeing you continue to shine, my friend!