10/19/09

My hats off to you!

by monica behan

I have walked by Ellen Christine's shop for years when I have come into NY from LA. I would say to myself " One day I am going to buy one of those hats! " Well just last month I did. (why the hell did I wait so long!) I bought a lovely creme cloche with 3 diamond shaped vintage swarovski crystals ascending on an angle along the side. I have been stopped by people everywhere wearing this hat from 13 year olds to more seasoned lady's (if you will :) Where diid you get that hat? I love your hat! I love your look! A hat alone can simply create a "look" for any outfit. Its the decoration on the cake and you are the cake :) My experience with Ellen in picking out just the right hat for me was such a part of the charm of it all. Having the designer onsight with all her knowledge of fashion and its history is a treasure! I am a singer/songwriter and performer who loves fashion, especially vintage. Ellen has married the classic styles from the past, that should never be left behind, with the contemporary styles that are contextual with todays culture. I have only just begun to build my collection of hats and that's the shop!!!

• Pros: the most beautiful hats by the most stylish woman

07/14/09

Your Hat Awaits You

by SunnyMTripon

As far back as I can remember, I was always “the girl in the hat” or “the lady in the hat” and I guess pretty soon I’ll be “that old lady in the hat”. It must have started out when I wore them to keep my too-curly hair somewhat in control and then it just became a habit (obsession, signature style, constant need, etc, etc, etc—I probably have a bald spot on my head that I’ve never seen…). So why wouldn’t I swoon with delight upon walking into Ellen Christine Millinery and be in need of CPR to be revived? This designer of extraordinary hats can change the fashion world through hats alone.

What’s your hat-wearing pleasure? Formal? Business? Casual? There’s a hat for every occasion, you know. Ellen’s cocktail hats can make an evening-look unforgettable. Her straws and felts can ratchet-up a business or day-look, and the same are stellar for casual wear. REALLY NOW, WHO WANTS TO LOOK LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE???? Everyday fashion can get so boring. A creative dresser who thinks outside-the-box would be able to work any hat into a memorable look!

Ellen Christine has been in Chelsea for over 14 years. (WHAT??!!) In this city, that is a feat in itself. This speaks volumes in regard to her passion, hard work and unforgettable designs.

Ellen designs her versions of the basic fedora, cloche, beret, etc., but she doesn’t just stop there. A visit to her elegantly-turned-out shop on 18th and 8th will also yield many designs that are exclusively hers. True hat-lovers will weep with delight (…or swoon, like I did…).

Ellen also offers exquisitely-restored clothing from the 20’s and 30’s, by appointment only. Highly recommended for those who just do not want to look like everyone else (can you tell I’m not a fan of looking like everyone else?). I can’t even count how many pieces of vintage clothing I own that came from her shop.

I have at LEAST three Ellen Christine hats that I will always treasure as favorites and it’ll never be enough. I am dreaming of an occasion where I have an excuse to get one of her top hats covered in tulle with the trailing veils!

• Pros: Too many to list
• Cons: I hate living so far away

06/09/09

sheer magic

by jennifer920

Walking into Ellen Christine's boutique is like walking into dreamland.... Yes I love hats, and these hats are most definitely in a league of their own. Gorgeous, unique, bold and daring... classic, elegant and chic. Simply stunning - all of them. And so is Ellen! She is the most charming, lovely salesperson I've come into contact with in any boutique setting, and I've been living in New York City for 10 years now. The first day I was there, I did not buy a hat at all and she was gracious enough to let me try on every hat in the store - I was in heaven and she seemed to enjoy herself as much as I did! What's more, she even stitched a ribbon on my own hat that day that was falling loose - as a kind gesture. I went back a few months later and made a purchase and she was the same delightful woman... she was creating things as we spoke, ideas popping into her head and mine... different ribbons were tried on various hats, silk flowers placed on others... until a perfect creation emerged. Go and allow your imagination and hers to make friends and create something beautiful together... you will not be sorry!

• Pros: Exquisite, daring designs; lovely, personal 1:1 interaction