Tartan and a Dream Hat

Sometimes things are just meant to be, this red hat had to come home with me recently. I had spied this
hat at a local store way back in March before we headed overseas but as I was saving my pennies I
resisted temptation.To cut a long story short , I peeked inside the store recently and not only was the
hat still waiting for me , the owner offered it to me at a reduced price, I was one happy hat lover.

A short tartan jacket worn over a a fine black wool jumper and paired with black Moyuru pants seemed
the perfect foil for my hat. Black studded gloves and black patent leather brogues complete the outfit.

Later this week I am flying to Noosa in Queensland to join my husband, John, who is driving up , to
celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Where have all those years gone? Our marriage has celebrated
many joyous times together but also endured the sadness of the loss of our daughter, India , from a brain
tumour fifteen years ago. We learned to accept our different ways of grieving and this has made our
marriage stronger as the years have passed.
We share a love of travel and history , although I must admit I am more a fan of busy cities , art galleries,
museums and fashion , while John enjoys outdoor pursuits and is happier in the bush. Embracing our differences and sharing our common interests works for us, well most of the time.
We are planning some more travel in the future and will see where the next path leads.

I had to include this close up showing the details of my hat. It is made by Tasmanian milliner ,
Susan McArthur, who is based in Burnie on our state’s Northwest Coast.

Joining Patti for Visible Monday

and

Jess for Turning Heads Tuesday

and 

Judith , Style Crone

for

Hat Attack

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32 Comments

  1. Tiina L
    September 5, 2016 / 7:58 am

    Another fabulous hat, another great outfit… Clearly, the hat was meant for you and was just waiting for the right moment. And what a great story of your 40-year marriage! For better or worse, you have made it. Have a great anniversary!

    • Jill James
      September 6, 2016 / 7:31 am

      Thank you for your kind words Tiina, they mean a lot to me. I am so pleased with the hat and also feel it was meant to be.

  2. Patti
    September 5, 2016 / 12:32 pm

    Happy anniversary! You seem to have worked out the "secrets" of a good marriage – acceptance, forgiveness and shared experiences. So sorry about the loss of your daughter India, a heartbreak to be sure. Many thanks for sharing on Vis Monday, xox-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.comP.S. – well done on the hat!!

    • Jill James
      September 6, 2016 / 7:35 am

      Thank you so very much Patti , I guess after all these years we must be doing something right.I always enjoy joining Visible Monday.

  3. Julia @ When the Girls Rule
    September 5, 2016 / 1:02 pm

    The hat looks so fun! I don't wear hats much but I do know they add so much style to an outfit. Had to laugh about your travel style compared to your husband's. Sounds like me and my husband. So, I take girls weekends to do the museums and big cities and when it's just me and him we do a mix of what I like and he likes. Compromise. The real secret to a happy marriage!Juliawww.whenthegirlsrule.com

    • Jill James
      September 6, 2016 / 7:39 am

      Thankyou Julia glad you liked the outfit and I am so very glad the hat waited for me. I'm glad I am not alone in the differences in our travel style, yours sounds like the perfect answer.

  4. Olga Rani
    September 5, 2016 / 1:22 pm

    Nice that you got this hat into your collection Jill, it is such a beauty! You pose like a model, so relaxed and comfortable and pretty! Congratulations on your marriage anniversary, 40 years, wow!

    • Jill James
      September 6, 2016 / 7:42 am

      Thank you for your kind words Olga.I will let you in on a secret , until I started the blog I hated having my photo taken.

  5. Laurie Duncan
    September 5, 2016 / 2:39 pm

    Love the hat! So unique! Happy Anniversary! I have the same feeling about my marriage, as we have been through some rough times too and yet our marriage is even stronger. 🙂

    • Jill James
      September 6, 2016 / 7:43 am

      Thank you Laurie , I am so pleased the hat waited for me. I firmly believe the tough times make us stronger.

  6. Lisa M
    September 5, 2016 / 4:34 pm

    What an amazing hat! You always look so smart and stylish. Happy Anniversary! Hope you have a lovely trip. xo

    • Jill James
      September 6, 2016 / 7:45 am

      Thank you so much Lisa for your kind comments and Anniversary wishes. I am looking forward to the trip as the weather will be warmer.

  7. Elizabeth g. Arthur
    September 6, 2016 / 7:58 am

    Happy Anniversary Jill, hope you have a wonderful (warm) holiday together in Noosa – 40 years of life…and the passing of India who must always be close to your hearts. Thank you for sharing this. Love and best wishes for much health and happiness. xx

  8. Jill James
    September 6, 2016 / 9:33 am

    Thank you so much Elizabeth for your kind words and warm wishes. I am sure we will enjoy Noosa again and yes some warm weather will be good.

    • Elizabeth g. Arthur
      September 9, 2016 / 7:59 am

      Jill, I was very moved by your story that I forgot to mention your fabulous hat!!So very unique and stylish. Suits you so well. And the tartan jacket is gorgeous – and more of your wonderful glove collection. xx

  9. The Style Crone
    September 6, 2016 / 1:35 pm

    How wonderful that this glorious hat was waiting for you upon your return. You composed the perfect outfit to mirror its beauty. Wishing you a happy 40th anniversary and many more to come. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!

    • Jill James
      September 7, 2016 / 7:43 am

      Thank you Judith I was so pleased the hat waited for me and I could add it to the other glorious hats for Hat Attack.

  10. Jessica Jannenga
    September 6, 2016 / 11:19 pm

    Oh my! That had would go perfectly with my red coat! hehe. Jill you are the master of winter accessories! Love the gloves and the plaid is a perfect match for this look. You are making me itch for fall!Thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesdayjess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Jill James
      September 7, 2016 / 7:45 am

      Thank you Jess , I will be so interested to see your outfits come Fall and Winter. I do enjoy finding and wearing Winter accesories.Always enjoy Turning Heads Tuesday.

  11. Connie
    September 7, 2016 / 2:45 am

    I'm so happy to see a close up of the hat so I can admire the Rick rack. Gosh I love Rick rack. And plaid. And brogues. The neckline of the jacket is so sweet. I love Everything about this outfit. You are a Bonnie Scottish lass.

    • Jill James
      September 7, 2016 / 7:47 am

      Must be a Scot lurking in me somewhere Connie.I am also a big fan of Rick rac and the finish it gives. Thank you.

  12. Pull Your Socks Up!
    September 8, 2016 / 4:50 am

    It's heartening to learn that there are people out there who have learned to cope with grief (loss of a child is bound to be the worst) and go on to accept that each relationship/marriage is unique. Very much like the hat and fabulous gloves (which sadly for the locals you won't be needing in Noosa).

  13. Jill James
    September 8, 2016 / 10:59 am

    Thank you for your kind words they are most appreciated. As much as I enjoy Winter clothes I also will enjoy some warmer weather in Noosa.

  14. dan
    September 16, 2016 / 8:13 pm

    Happy anniversary, Jill! 40 years together are a long time … when I think that I have been married for nearly 30 years now!! It sounds unbeliable! Time really flies …Your hat is a piece of art ! It has been at the store waiting for your coming back!! 🙂

    • Jill James
      September 17, 2016 / 5:55 am

      So true Dan , where have all those years gone I find I ask myself this question often. Glad you liked the hat , yes I believe it was waiting for me too.

  15. Petite Silver Vixen
    September 18, 2016 / 10:37 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you both. What an achievement. Congratulations.And then we have a jaunty hat and tartan. Superb combination, Jill!https://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk

  16. Jill James
    September 20, 2016 / 7:50 am

    Thank you so much Jacqueline, it is indeed an achievement.Glad the hat and tartan touched a cord.

    • Jill James
      September 26, 2016 / 5:44 am

      Thankyou so much Regine.

  17. Jessica Cangiano
    September 23, 2016 / 3:49 pm

    Officially fabulous from (incredibly chic chapeau adorned) head to toe, sweet Jill. You're so putting me in mood for layers and tartan – good thing we're welcoming fall back into our lives here (officially) this week. xoxo ♥ Jessica

    • Jill James
      September 26, 2016 / 5:46 am

      Praise indeed dear Jessica, I must admit as much as I welcome some Spring weather and the flowers blooming, I am a Fall and Winter lover, especially as regards clothing.I will look forward to those delights through my Northern Hemisphere friends.

  18. Albert Ross
    July 26, 2017 / 10:39 am

    Thank you for the helpful post. I found your blog with Google and I will start following. Hope to see new blogs soon Visit: tartan hat

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