Helmet, lid, straw, bucket, bonnet, sailor, fedora, headgear, raspberry beret, Stetson, Panama, chapeau, bowler, boater, derby, sombrero, rapper, tam, headpiece, fascinator, stove pipe, ten-gallon, tam o’shanter, turban, visor and last but not least and my personal fave, the babushka.
When we lived in Baltimore, one of the many things that was new for us besides figuring out how to pick apart a crab, was celebrating Derby season. We lived a few blocks from Pimlico race track and this was where the second leg of the Triple Crown took place. (Yes, people in our neighborhood DID put chairs in front of their houses during race weekend) Although we never attended the infield parties, we did celebrate this weekend with back yard gatherings that included friends and family, crabs and beer and bets. What does this have to do with hats?
One of the things I love about Derby season is not so much the horse racing. For me, it is about my love of hats. I don’t run around wearing vintage hats because it’s just not practical in my every day life. However, I do appreciate the care and work that went into making a fine hat back in the day when our grandma’s and grandpa’s wore hats. I still remember when I was in elementary school and my grandmother and I would go to the Heights Plaza every spring for new hats. How I loved doing that with her. I still wear hats although they are more practical. Warmth in the winter and shade in the summer.
Speaking of hats, my hat’s off to Melania (if I was wearing a hat) for that awesome white hat she wore recently. It did get mixed reviews but I say, smart move gurl. (I think she wore it to keep that thing she knows is not an honorable husband from possibly trying to give her a kiss on the cheek). She looked terrific and from what I saw, mission truly accomplished .
So, if you enjoy hats…vintage hats, you need look no further than Diamond Antiques & Gifts. Beautiful selections are available throughout the shop and the prices are truly fabulous. Vintage hats were mostly made in the USA by union workers back in the day. Diamond Antiques & Gifts carries hats that came from Hornes to Macy’s department stores and we have hat boxes too!
Prom, Derby season, Mother’s Day lunch, Royal Wedding (like Frankie Heck) or maybe you are just a cool chick that enjoys spiffing up your wardrobe with a fine lid.
We have a terrific selection of vintage hats, gloves and purses. Although I think stove pipe hats are out of stock at the moment.
New at The Stillroom (located right inside of Diamond Antiques & Gifts) this month you will find the awesome new flavors of tea from Stash and they are really good. Two of the new teas are Asian Pear and Sweet Honeydew. Ermygawd. That is all I can say. These are must haves to add to your tea collection!
THIS JUST IN…Diamond Antiques and Gifts was just voted with the Gold Award from the local readers poll! Six years in a row, not too shabby (chic)! We’re number one, we’re number one, we’re number one!
Many, many thanks to all who have graced our doors!
Diamond Antiques & Gifts
Wednesday through Saturday from 10-5
Sunday from 12-5
closed Monday and Tuesday to dust and restock inventory
311 East Sixth Avenue
Tarentum, PA
next to Massarts, up the street from Gatto’s and Seita Jewelers, across the tracks from Tarentum Station Restaurant.
The Stillroom 
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