Pick Up Something Pretty, Funky for Less Than $20 . . .
CHEAPO FASHION FIND OF THE WEEK--We adore pretty, funky hats, but the trouble is the great ones usually start at about $100, a lot of bucks for a hat that’s a bit on the silly side.
So we were pleasantly startled to find a glorious, flower-trimmed chapeau (pictured) made of smooth white straw for $18 at Jay Jacobs. It reminds us of far more costly styles by San Francisco-based designer Laurel Fenenga or Los Angeles hat meister Lori Henle of Il Tetto. Jay Jacobs stores are in most major shopping centers in Southern California.
DEAR HOT: I read your story on wedding gift blues, and it seemed pretty comprehensive except for one thing.
When a couple specifies “no gifts,” is that to be believed? Friends of mine who are getting married say they don’t want any gifts, but I know they could use some household items.
Should I get them a gift anyway?
DEAR HOT SHOPPER: When a couple makes a point of saying they don’t want gifts, they’re usually serious about it.
It would be pretty bizarre if they insisted on no gifts but, when pressed, said “Well, if you twist my arm, we could use a microwave, a complete set of bone china, some sterling and a new sofa.”
Wedding expert Beverly Clark, author of “Planning a Wedding to Remember,” says the reason many people specify no gifts is that they don’t want their friends and family to feel obligated. “Sometimes it’s a case where people are getting married for the second or third time and they really don’t need gifts, but they do want to share the day with their friends,” she explains.
“But it’s certainly OK to give a gift anyway, especially if you’re close to them. It should be sent to the home, not taken to the wedding. And couples who receive a gift should write a thank-you note, accepting it very graciously and not mentioning that they didn’t want a gift.”
DEAR HOT SHOPPERS: It is with deep regret--even more than missing one of Neiman Marcus’ Last Call sales--that we report an imminent change in Hot to Shop. As of next week, Miss Stein is leaving Hot to concentrate on her assignments as a society writer for The Times. (That’s her modeling the hat, above). She says the problem with doing Hot as well as hanging with the rich and famous on society gigs was major: It didn’t leave her enough time to shop! Miss Krier begs to differ but will continue shopping and writing Hot on her own. It’s a wonderful job and somebody’s got to do it.
