Charleston Promenade '19

The Hat Ladies of Charleston look forward to this event all year. It is an opportunity to put on our finest duds, and for me, my most over-the-top hat. The Promenade in Charleston, South Carolina is a traditional Easter parade and proceeds from Washington Square, down Broad Street. Locals and tourists line the sidewalks and we are joined by family, dignitaries, and media favorites.

This year was extra special for me because my bestie Joelle was in town from Dallas and joined us for the fun. She deserves an award for being the most mellow, easiest-to-get-along-with, enthusiastic, supportive friend. She is up for going anywhere, trying anything, and tirelessly takes photos of me for blogs and grams, while I ham it up like a drunken B movie actress.

We are a contrast in stripey-ness. 

The Top Hat of The Hat Ladies of Charleston, Archie Burkel

Rosie shows us how to do The Charleston, as the Dixieland jazz band plays.

This fabulous feather chapeau was custom made by local milliner, and Hat Lady, Suzanne Hardie.

This exquisite headpiece was found at the Salvation Army.

• The fabulous creation on my head is far too artistic to be merely described as a hat. It is a couture sculpture by Romer Millinery, purchased at The Hat Shop in Soho.
• The jumper is going to be my summer go-to, J for Justify, Ross. $13.99
• Blue suede purse, Salvation Army, Maryland, $1.99
• Fawn suede shoes, Gentle Souls, South Carolina Goodwill, $5.99
• Earrings are upcycled antique crystal prisms from a French chandelier,  Antiques & Things, St. Augustine, Florida. $6 each