A New Hat Acquisition

In just a little under two weeks I'll have my chance to attend, for the first time, the 3rd Annual Ravenwood Gothic Reunion. In my mind, this is the big one. It's an event that I have heard about and long believed was somehow central to the local Goth subculture, but always managed to miss the boat on in previous years. I suppose I can lay the blame for missing out on my somewhat introverted nature, but this time I was invited and I'm planning to attend. 

When someone, in reference to such an event says, "get your Goth on," the question that first comes to mind is, okay, what am I going to wear. And even though I have some neat stuff to choose from, I usually end up thinking that I need to find something new anyway. 

That was my dilemma this past week when I developed this nagging feeling that I should go to the mall. So Wednesday, I did just that and my intuition payed off; for no sooner did I pass through the entrance of one of the stores I frequent there, than I saw a top hat sitting on a shelf to the right. I tried it on and it fit--perfectly!  This is something that I have needed for awhile, so I was very glad to take that fine specimen of a hat home. It will most definitely have its debut at the reunion on the fourteenth. 

The truth of the matter is, I've been wanting another head piece for awhile; not a replacement for what I generally wear, but more of an "in addition to" type accessory. I have long coveted the Van Helsing Hat, which is a replica of the one worn by Hugh Jackman in the movie of the same title. I have found one company that manufactures and sells this item, but their price of $1,400-plus is a bit steep for me. More recently, I have found another outfit that sells a similar Witch Hunter Hat. Its appearance is a bit more western, but I have been assured that if I request this item with a wire inside of it, I'll be able to shape it to my liking. Although the price is still a bit above what I think it's wise to spend at the moment, it's much more affordable than the Van Helsing Hat and is still on my list of must haves. 

I'm happy with the top hat though, because it's something that I have needed for a while--and the price was right. Like so many others, I do indeed enjoy the Victorian look and I've at least taken a step in that direction. Sometimes the wheels of progress turn a bit slowly, but they continue to turn. 

I have no hat photos for you tonight, but more likely than not, I'll be able to cajole someone into taking one or two at the reunion. I'll likely post a picture or two after that. It may not be my typical hat style, but I don't think it looks too bad and I'm happy with it. That's what counts.