Blog

How to Plan a Tropical Staycation
For those of you who read my post last week about spring travel destinations…
- Weaving School in Pileby StaffOne of the most exciting new projects undertaken by the Montecristi Foundation, Inc. is the weaving school in Pile which opened this January.
Read More » - September is National Hat Month!by StaffPerhaps a different hat for every day? Treating yourself to a new Brent Black Panama hat? Telling everyone.
Read More » - Designer Ashish showcases flower power and Panama hatsby StaffLondon-based designer Ashish showcased Panama hats as part of his Spring 2012 collection during his runway show earlier this week.
Read More » - Think you can fill this hat?by StaffSaddle up and get ready to ride into LA: John Wayne memorabilia is set to be auctioned off October 6-7 by Heritage Auctions. Among the items to be auctioned? The hat shown at left. That’s right, you could own The Duke’s hat.
Read More » - Old News: Johnny Depp 2011′s “Hat Person of the Year”by StaffAdmittedly we hadn’t launched yet back in March, but I’m still not sure how I missed this story: The Headwear Association named Johnny Depp their “Hat Person of the Year.”
Read More » - 2012 Headwear Hall of Fame Inducteesby StaffThe Headwear Association has announced their 2012 “Headwear Hall of Fame” inductees, “stylish individuals renowned for wearing hats.”
Read More » - Is “Pan Am” the next “Mad Men”?by StaffIf the ratings are any sign, probably not, but Pan Am promises to bring more 60s fashion to the small screen. There’s a nice interview in TV Guide with Ane Crabtree, fashion designer for the series. I especially liked this quote about the hats.
Read More » - Touring hat exhibitby StaffOoh! Ooh! The V&A exhibit “Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones” is going to be touring the US! The schedule isn’t finalized yet, but I know I’ll be keeping tabs on this story to see if this will be anywhere near me.
Read More » - Hawaii’s Most Expensive Homeby StaffClick for video
Read More » - Lanai Luxuryby StaffLanai is a tiny, beautiful, and rustic Hawaiian island — it features tropical weather, very few people, and no traffic lights.
Read More » - International Millinery Forumby StaffThe International Millinery Forum is taking place through Saturday in Wagga Wagga, Australia. According to an article in Monday’s Daily Advertiser, this forum is a gathering of ” the who’s who of hat designers from across the world.”
Read More » - Kate Middleton Named “Hat Person of the Year”
by StaffI just read that the Duchess of Cambridge was named Hat Person of the Year by the Headwear Association. Is it just me, or would this make more sense if the title were Fascinator Person of the Year?
Read More » - Rum Drink of the Week: Cuba Libre
by StaffIt’s Friday and it’s cold here, so I want tropical cocktails. One of my absolute favorite rum drinks of all time is the Cuba Libre — it’s simple.
Read More » - Rum Drink of the Week: The Black Mojitoby StaffApparently I’m still in the mood for tiki drinks, probably having something to do with it being Thursday and me desperately wanting it to be Friday.
Read More » - It’s what’s on the inside that countsby StaffSome Swiss watchmakers are moving away from “just” decorating the outside of watches with precious stones and metals and started upgrading the actual watch components with high-tech, high-functioning materials. Increasingly…
Read More » - Warm Weather Cocktail of the Week: the Gingersnapby StaffNot a rum drink this week, I hope you’ll forgive me. I’m still aching for better weather, though, and trying to capture the spirit of a nicer season through festive cocktails…
Read More » - Featured Style: Keeneland
by StaffThe Keeneland was created for a client who lives on a tropical island off the coast of China. He didn’t say whether he has it all to himself. He did say the sun is strong…
Read More » - Havana Style in the Cold Northby StaffYou know you can read all the descriptions, look at all the pictures and analyze all of the customer reviews, but only when you have the hat in hand can you appreciate the uniqueness and allure of the Panama…
Read More » - Rum Punch Recipe Showdown, Entry 1by StaffDid you know that there are a truly absurd number of recipes for rum punch? Go ahead and do a Google search, I’ll wait…
Read More » - For everyone who has ever dreamed of swimming in a pile of money
by StaffAt last, someone has answered the question on all of our minds: exactly how much money do you need to have to be able to swim around in your own personal ocean of gold coins, just like Scrooge McDuck?…
Read More » - Rum Punch Recipe Showdown, Entry 2
by StaffThis week’s entry is a Planter’s Punch recipe originally from Beachbum Berry Remixed found at Serious Eats…
Read More » - Derby Day Tipsby StaffTomorrow is the first Saturday of May, which means only one thing: It’s the Kentucky Derby! When I was a kid we always had a party — it is, as far as my dad (and I imagine any Kentuckian) is concerned, one of the most important days of the year — and I have fond memories of the occasion. Here’s your guide to throwing a great Derby Day event…
Read More » - My Favorite Places on Kauaiby StaffKauai has always been my favorite Hawaiian island. When I was a kid, Kauai and Maui were where we would go for vacations (I know, rough life, huh?)…
Read More » - Rum Drink of the Week: Navy Grogby StaffThe Navy Grog is a simple and delicious classic cocktail combining multiple rums, crushed ice, citrus juice, and a hint of sweetness…
Read More » - Tropical Eats: Taro with Coconut Milk
by StaffTaro is a staple food across Polynesia. The starchy corms are prepared in an incredible variety of ways, from traditional Hawaiian fermented poi to modern fried chips. I’m generally a fan of baked or boiled taro — once cooked.
Read More » - Recommended Read: Travel News You Can Useby StaffThere are a lot of reasons to take just a carry-on, from charges for checked bags, to wanting to avoid waiting at the baggage claim, to fear of lost luggage…
Read More » - Menswear Dog: The Culmination of all the Best Things on the Internet
by StaffTumblr is a silly thing, and this is a silly Tumblr, but it made me squeal with delight. A dapper dog donning daring duds?…
Read More » - Christmas in Pile
by StaffComplete success on Christmas in Pile. Maria and Simon were near tears over Carlos’ commissions; they are tired of their son working night shifts. Carmen could not even speak! She plans to buy a washing machine. She and her kids hugged each other, and all of them gave thanks for you. Patricia and Fausto send you their best wishes…
Read More » - Rum Drink of the Week: Dark and Stormy
by StaffIt’s Friday! Time for a rum drink to jump start your weekend, no? We’ve been having pretty icky weather…
Read More » - Five Ridiculous-in-a-Good-Way Hats I Found on Pinterestby StaffI like hats. I like Pinterest. Sometimes the things we like lead us strange places. Hat Cupcakes, originally from…
Read More » - Top Spring Travel Destinations
by StaffThe weather is finally starting to warm up in the Northern hemisphere. As everything comes back to life after…
Read More » - Rum Drink of the Week:Piña Colada
by StaffThe piña colada is often frowned on by “serious” rum drink enthusiasts, but I think this is unfair. A…
Read More » - How to Plan a Tropical Staycation
by StaffFor those of you who read my post last week about spring travel destinations and felt a little sad that a tropical getaway isn’t in your near future, I’m in the same boat. I thought I’d share some tips from BBB about enjoying your Montecristi Fino despite cold weather. How to create a tropical…
Read More » - Man Caves
by StaffTraditional Family Room design by Grand Rapids Architect Visbeen Associates Inc.I enjoyed reading this piece on the Cigar Aficionado blog about man caves, specifically about retreats centered around smoking cigars. I realized while I was reading it that in spite of the fact that I’m not actually a man, I apparently have a
Read More » - Easter hats in NYC
by StaffThe Easter bonnet tradition, revised and expanded for a new era! Hats featured prominently in the Easter parade in New York City today. You can read about it and see some of the spectacular examples here…
Read More »
