In the past, wearing hats was associated with wealth, status, and power. Today, we wear hats to accessorize an outfit, protect us from sun exposure, or as part of our uniform. Since hats are a noticeable accessory, they will in fact catch an onlooker’s attention. At Uno Alla Volta, we carry a variety of hats that are handmade from different materials. Learning how to properly take care of your handmade hats will for sure make them last for a lifetime.

Felted Wool

Felted wool will require some careful handling to maintain its longevity. This material needs to be gently hand washed in warm water with a small amount of dissolved soap or shampoo. Once washed, shake off the excess water and reshape your hat. Let the hat air dry and then lightly brush it. For maintenance, use a lint roller to remove lint and dust.

Natural Fiber

To keep your natural fiber hat lasting for ages, you need to avoid abrasive detergent. Hand wash the material in cool water with mild shampoo and add a small amount of vinegar to restore acidity. Do not bend or strain the hat because doing so could potentially deform it.

Packable Straw

Over time, you may have to deep clean your straw hat. You can do so by gently using a damp cloth. You can use an everyday home product like window cleaner for tougher stains. Straw hats should not be worn in the rain. If your straw hat does get wet, gently wipe it with a dry cloth and let the rest of the material dry in a shaded area. If necessary, steam your hat to reshape.

Storing your Hat

Store your hat inside a box or hang it from a peg to help it retain its shape and condition. This Vintage Style Hat Box will keep your favorite hat in pristine condition and safe from being misshaped.

If you are not familiar with the Kentucky Derby, it’s a horse race event that happens annually. At this event, a woman’s hat adds the final touch to her look. This is not just any simple hat though, we are talking about an over the top, eye-catching hat because it is all about making the biggest statement! If you plan to attend this event, here is a guide to finding the perfect Kentucky Derby hat to celebrate this true southern occasion.

The Wide-Brimmed Hat

The ”MaryAnn” Sun Hat With Striped Bow

The wide-brimmed hat is the most popular and traditional accessory in the history of Kentucky Derby fashion. This particular style is associated with the “Southern Belle”. This style brings both fashion and function on a beautiful, sunny day. If wide-brimmed hats reflect your personal style, then give it a go! Handcrafted from woven straw, this hat is accented with a striped pastel bow for a playful touch.

The Cloche

The Sharon Natural Straw Hat With Flowers

Cloche hats are a classic flapper style hat. This style of hat is fitted and bell-shaped in a feminine way. Hand-pressed and shaped out of straw, this hat has a medium brim with a rounded crown. The floral accent adds a lovely touch and is finished with an earthy green ribbon for embellishment.

The Lampshade Hat

The ”Stella” Lavender And Fuchsia Derby Hat

A lampshade hat has a small circular crown and flares outward similar to a bucket hat. Handcrafted from sinamay straw, this dark lavender color will complement most skin tones. The silk fuchsia flowers adds a bold and elegant touch.

Hat Wearing Tips

It’s important to choose a hat that complements the shape of your face. The right hat will balance out your facial structure, which will then enhance your appearance. Follow our guidelines to help you choose the perfect hat for you:

Round Shaped face

Choose a hat with high brims, tall crowns, and sharp lines. Wear your hat slanted to flatter your facial structure. The crown of your hat should also be as wide as or wider than your face to balance it.

Heart Shaped Face

Any style hat will complement a heart shaped face. However, medium brimmed hats are a better choice because your chin may appear too narrow if the brim is too wide.

Oval Shaped Face

Oval faces can wear almost any style as long as the brim is no wider than the width of your shoulders.

Square Shaped Face

Wide brimmed hats worn on an angle will complement your facial structure. A hat with a rounded crown will help soften a strong square jawline.

Diamond Shaped Face

You can try a variety of styles since the widest part of your face is your cheekbones.

Rectangular Face Shape

Floppy hats with a short crown work best on this facial structure.

Is your home due for an update? Adding bursts of color to your home will bring life to any space. Colorful decorative accents are a great way to transition from winter to spring and summer. Bring a rainbow of hues into your home with these one-of-a-kind treasures.

Hand-Woven Fuchsia Spring Basket

Baskets are great for storage; you can organize your blankets, magazines, towels, and other essentials in them. This hand-woven basket is a fun accent for the home as it features bright colors of red, orange, and fuchsia. Derek of Atlanta, Georgia handcrafts this vibrant basket from grapevine and rattan, which are dyed by hand one at a time.

”Just Looking” Watercolor Wall Art

Watercolor art has a luminous effect; this technique comes to life when a variety of paints mixes in a water-based solution. Our duo of artisans, Jen and Phyllis from Ventura, California, print this artwork onto a piece of aluminum to bring it to life. This whimsical cat wall art will for sure add character and illuminate any room with its vibrant colors.

Marks Iridescent Feather Vase

This extraordinary vase gives off an iridescent effect. It reflects a rainbow of color from every angle you turn. Whether this vase is placed on your entry table or mantel with or without flowers, all of your guests will take notice of this impressive piece.

Lucky Elephant Kaleidoscope

Display this spectacular piece in your bedroom, office, or living room to liven up the space. Our artisan Sue Rioux of Maine creates each detailed kaleidoscope that shifts and changes colors when you peer through the hole. Children and even adults will enjoy every bit of this intricate design.

Easter is one of the most special times of the year. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This wonderful holiday is also associated with the Easter bunny, jelly beans, egg hunts, and chocolate. If you are planning to host an Easter gathering or send a gift to a loved one, we have the perfect Polish pottery springtime collection that you will absolutely adore. This wonderful pottery is glazed and fired at high temperatures for high durability. Continue reading to explore our Polish Pottery Easter treasures.

2019 Springtime Polish Pottery Bunny Deviled Egg Dish

Deviled eggs are the perfect appetizer for Easter. These treats are truly delicious and easy to make.  If you are looking for something adorable to display your scrumptious deviled eggs this year, our Polish artisans in Boleslawiec, Poland skillfully handcraft each dish using local white clay.

Polish Pottery Gia Easter Egg

Make the most of your Easter baskets and add some home décor goodies in there! This floral Easter egg is handcrafted from ceramic and hand-painted with carved sponges and fine brushwork. Featuring vibrant floral patterns, this egg can be placed on your mantel, dining room table, or coffee table for a festive touch.

2019 Springtime Polish Pottery Vase

There is nothing like a richly colored vase filled with spring flowers. This decorative vase is the perfect flower arrangement to celebrate Easter, making it a beautiful treasure to have for many years to come. Displaying a vase full of flowers will for sure liven up your space for you and your guests to enjoy.

2019 Springtime Polish Pottery Bunny Salt And Pepper Shakers

Salt and pepper shakers are a must-have for any dining table since it is a big essential for parties and everyday use. These cute ceramic bunnies are bursting with life in vibrant colors and floral patterns. Get festive for the big day with these everlasting seasonal treasures.

2019 Springtime Polish Pottery Coffee Mug And Cake Set

Have your morning coffee with a plate to hold your breakfast, too! This mug and plate set is perfect for Easter morning and generally the spring season. It is beautifully handmade by our master artisans who hand-paint springtime flowers to signal the time of renewal.

There is something about spring in New England that signals a time of gathering with friends and family. It’s also a time of renewal because everything seems to come to life again. The temperature rises, the flowers bloom, and the kids go outside to play. If you are planning to host an outdoor get together to maintain the meaningful connections in your life, here are 4 essentials for your spring gathering that will bring a beautiful pop of color around and on the picnic table for all of your guests to see.

Have your guests listen to the music of the wind by hanging a whimsical wind chime on a tree. Wind chimes are an ideal way to reflect your style whether it is classic or coastal. If you are looking for outdoor décor to go with your sea-inspired theme party, this seahorse wind chime features a copper alloy nana bell and colorful glass beads.

Springtime Slate Coasters Set Of 4

When hosting a party, we all want to serve our beverages on beautiful tabletop accessories. Coasters are a great way to do that while keeping our tables clear from condensation. These vibrant and unique coasters are handmade using alcohol inks and natural slate. Each coaster features either a bird or an insect, which symbolizes springtime.

Murano Style Tumbler Glasses

Entertain your guests in style by serving your drinks in colorful glasses. These Murano-style glasses will for sure catch your guests’ eyes; the bold colors of blue, yellow, orange, and red are perfect for the warm season. Each patterned glass is formed by rolling molten glass in vibrant glass chips before it’s hand-blown one at a time.

Hand Painted Sunflower Serving Bowl From Italy

Are you looking to bring the Italian countryside to your picnic party? Bowls are perfect for serving refreshing fruit or potato salad for picnics. This hand-painted sunflower mosaic pattern is an attractive piece for the springtime. Handmade skillfully from ceramic, it will bring sunflowers to your tablescape for a joyful ambiance.