Summer is here!

Yes, it hit over 100 degrees this last week so guess it's officially summer. Not being someone who loves to bathe in the sun, it definately means it's time to finish all those partially started projects.

Last minute panic calls for next week's wedding must be the norm for some. Reminding everyone 60-90 days out is preferred so that there is plenty of "creative time" and time to order special embellishments if necessary.

Derby season was filled with lovely hats, happy customers, and new friendships.  Thanks to all who contacted me about either making them a special hat or adding a few quick touches to an already fabricated one that I have here at the shop.

This is the first year in a couple of years that I didn't go to the Kentucky Derby. It was a good thing however, as I was able to be available to take care of my customers requests. We participated in the Omaha International Equestrian event by providing models wearing my hats during the Kentucky Derby Party.  They did a wonderful job and were also great marketers (a real plus).

Will share a couple of images of some of my hats at the Derby. It's very rewarding to see those happy faces and to hear about their experiences in Louisville. We were not represented in the Longines Fashion Contest at the Kentucky Oaks this year except by one of my customers, and I did miss being there in person. Maybe next yeat at least my selected hat will be there.

A Nebraska young woman will be the featured majorette starting next year for the University of Louisville. She was invited to be with the band when they played "My Old Kentucky Home." I am so proud of her. She too was sporting a Margie Trembley Chapeaux when she wasn't performing with the band. Katie Cole, the Iowa young woman who is the Miss Nationwide pageant winner just informed me that she too won another national pageant and she wore my hat I made for her for her Miss Nationwide pageant at that winning pageant too. That's special!

Think I could write a book about Derby hat experiences. It was fun seeing my hatboxes walk out the door with their new chapeau tucked neatly inside.

Springfield Days 2016 just happened last weekend.  That always brings in new people who have never been to our studio and shop. Always  a fun time.

Don't forget. We do Weddings! Bridesmaids, Mothers of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, and of course the bride herself. If you have a wedding coming up later this summer or next summer, feel free to make an appointment with us. We are eager to assist you.
Margie
Ps The photoshoot was completed in March. Still awaiting the lookbook from the printer. Anxious!!! Here are a few photos that were taken at that photoshoot. Credits are given to the fabulous team that I worked with on this project.

                                                      Photo Credits for first five photos:

 Hat Designer Margie Trembley Chapeaux

Model: HaleyM Develop Model Management

Photographer: Heather and Jameson

Dress Designer: Leah Kareen Studios

Hair and Makeup: Kali Rahder

Stylist: Margaret Jow

                                                                                          

Hat Designer: Margie Trembley Chapeaux

Model: HaleyM Develop Model Management

Photographer: Heather and Jameson

Dress Designer: Leah Kareen Studios

Hair & Makeup: Kali Rahder

Stylist: Margaret Jow

                                                                           Hat Designer: Margie Trembley Chapeaux

Model: HaleyM Develop Model Management

Photographer: Heather and Jameson

Dress Designer: Leah Kareen Studios

Hair & Makeup: Kali Rahder

Stylist: Margaret Jow

                                                                            Hat Designer: Margie Trembley Chapeaux

Model: HaleyM Develop Model Management

Photographer: Heather and Jameson

Dress Designer: Leah Kareen Studios

Hair & Makeup: Kali Rahder

Stylist: Margaret Jow

 caption

Hat Designer: Margie Trembley Chapeaux

Model: HaleyM Develop Model Management

Photographer: Heather and Jameson

Dress Designer: Leah Kareen Studios

Hair & Makeup: Kali Rahder

Stylist: Margaret Jow

                                            Hat Designer: Margie Trembley Chapeaux

Model: HaleyM Develop Model Management

Photographer: Heather and Jameson

Dress Designer: Leah Kareen Studios

Hair & Makeup: Kali Rahder

Stylist: Margaret Jow

Two lovely couples at this years Derby and the ladies wore a MargieTrembleyChapeaux. Great seats!

Easter, Derby, Oaks, Tea Parties, Garden Parties, Weddings, Oh my, Are You Ready?

 We have had a very busy schedule and have been a bit negligent in keeping up with our blog. Sorry.

A couple of weeks ago we had a re-do of our gallery, Springfield Artworks, and my millinery studio and shop. Glenn and I are both really excited about the new look. If you have not been in since the re-do, please stop by to see it and just maybe you'll find something special to take home with you.

In January Glenn and I went to Elko, NV to the Cowboy Poetry Gathering.  We really didn't know what to expect as we are not necessarily into poetry.  We went so that I could take a cowboy (or other men's hat) class from a master "hatter" Roy Jackson and his assistant.  I had seen info on this event in the past and had visited with Meg Glaser from Elko at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival.  We were both impressed with her documenting history of the people near Sun Valley, ID and decided this was the year to go to Elko so that I could take a class on learning how to make men's hats.  The lucky recipient was Glenn who is now sporting a 100% Beaver camel colored hat with dark brown features. Hopefully I will be able to get some tools in the not too distant future so that I can also make men's hats. They are frequently requested.

The festival was wonderful.  We got to hear a professor who has researched thoroughly the disappearance of the buffalo and other animals from the US.  How they disappeared was not what we all have been lead to believe.  We also got to hear some very fine singing and poetry of course from some very talented storytellers.  We met a Nebraska ranchers wife whose knack for writing is top notch. We now carry her music in our store.  On a side note, her hats are pretty cool too.

In the last month, a long awaited photo shoot took place near Omaha, fences, stable, horses, model, photographer, designer and all. It is the first time I have been "on site" when my hats are photographed outside. Loved every minute of it.  Can hardly wait to see my new look book. This came about by a generous donation from Alyssa Dilts of Develop Model Management and the Fashion Institute Midwest. Without that support, this would not have happened. I will definitely share the pictures when they are approved for publication.

It's Kentucky Derby time right around the corner. Several of my hats will be there on their new owners and you may just see one of them in the Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest just like they were the last two years.

We still have some hats in our gallery/boutique so if you are going to the Derby or other Spring or Summer events or Derby parties.We would love to set you up with a Margie Trembley Chapeaux hat.

Inside Glenn's hat, all hand sewn.

Handsome guy sporting his new hat.

Please stop in to see our new digs and enjoy browsing around the gallery and who knows, maybe you will find something you can't live without.
Margie
402-301-9162

Avalon Huddleston sporting a Margie Trembley Chapeaux hat at last years Kentucky Oaks Fahion Contest at Churchill Downs. Photo by LymanDVM Photography

Where Did the Summer Go?

Wow, I find myself heading out to find the prettiest mums for the front of the store and I think I got lucky.  While wondering through Sam's Club on s Saturday (G was minding the store) I found the most gorgeous yellow mums to plant in our planters out front of the studio/gallery/boutique./hat shop. We also have some great willow that we retrieved from our willow at home.  We decided we would just put it out in front and put a for sale sign on the branches....Who knows? Someone may see the beauty of those gorgeous twists and turns of the willow branches and decide they should make a purchase.

Now to hats. It has been a whirlwind of a summer...from a TV interview in Lincoln,NE to providing hats for models for the fundraising event for the Fashion Institute Guild event and finding just the right clothes and accessories to match the fur felt safari hat and the aubergene velour hat that were featured there. It was quite fun putting it all together.  I must say the models from Develop Model Management look fabulous in my hats.  Thanks to all the hard working members of the guild who put this fabulous fund raising event on to assist designers with some of their needs, like educational opportunities, etc.  I was one of the recipients this last year and eternally grateful for their help.

The big news is that our hats have been selected to be in a Louisville,KY store prior to the Kentucky Derby.  A visit there earlier was delightful and I was so happy that they loved my hats.  This will be the only place in Louisville where my hats can be purchased. The high end store is called Rodes for Him, for Her.  If in the area, check them out.  They carry fine merchandise.

Finally, the finishing touches are being added to the blue hat that was pictured in the Omaha World Herald article about our Derby hats, back in April. You may not recognize it. When it's 100% finished I will post pictures...for now, you will have to wait.

Oops, guess that isn't finally. Yours truly signed up for a cowboy hat making class in Elko, NV to be held in conjunction with the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held yearly in Elko.  Having met Meg Glaser, Artistic Director of Programs for the Western Folklife Center, at The Trailing of the Sheep Festival, held yearly in Hailey and Ketchum, Id. and seen her involvement in preserving the stories of the West, I am sure it will be a fabulous event.  Here's hoping the snow will be light and the wind calm during that time. Not sure who will get the hat, Glenn or me....Seems like a long way off.  I have plenty of time to think about it.

If you are thinking of going to the Kentucky Derby next May, now would be the perfect time to come in so we can plan for that perfect hat, just for you.  Appointments are necessary for measuring, etc. Hope to see you soon.

Margie

August has arrived

With August arriving it seems so quickly, it's time to enjoy the beautiful sky we are seeing all around us. My I-phone is always close at hand to snap those pictures of what I think are unusual cloud formations. The last few I took were so awe inspiring.  I saw a nativity pattern in one, and just plain beauty in the other.  They help keep the creativity flowing as I think of new designs for my hats.

It's been a busy summer. I delivered six hats to Arkansas, four for great nieces of a client and two for her historic home decor.  Am anxious to see how they are displayed next time I go through there.  Also, we got to stop at Crystal Bridges near Bentonville, AR to see their amazing collection of art.

Now back to hats. A hat collector from Phoenix was sent the article that appeared in the Omaha World Herald about me and my hats. It was a real thrill to meet someone who loves collecting hats from all over the world and to watch the excitement that she showed as she tried to decide which one is the one to take home. She picked the first one she spotted. It was one I had just completed. She'll be back for more some day she chimed in.

Heading to Louisville,KY soon to spend some time with another milliner and to pick up a few hat making hints from her.....can hardly wait.

When you find yourself needing a hat for a special event or just a pick-me-up, give me a call and we can set up some personal time to help you select that perfect hat just for you. See you next time.

Margie

August has slipped up on us really quickly

Get Ready for Summer

Get ready for Summer

It's now time for hat wearing to protect your face from the hot summer sun.  We have been busy working on new hats and have been doing some unique things for the college crowd.

Of course the NCAA College World Series has been in Omaha and it got me thinking. I need to make hats representing team colors....

My original (hometown) teams colors were a bit difficult to accomplish so I combined colors and it worked perfectly.  Arkansas seems to be changing their university colors so when that is all settled,  we will be using their new color for sun hats.

Springfield Days was held last weekend and we met lots of new area residents. Summer is always a busy time but we love seeing you. If you have been thinking about a hat, please make an appointment and we can help you find a hat from our selection on hand or measure your head, determine your needs including date desired and we will start designing & creating.  That's exciting for both of us.

We were able to cooperate with another Omaha designer Wayne "Fella" Vaughn in providing the fashions and hats for two contestants for the Miss Nationwide pageant held last weekend in Houston.  Both of the contestants, Miss Nebraska Nationwide and Miss Iowa Nationwide were  in the top five and Miss Iowa Nationwide was crowned the winner.  Miss Nebraska Nationwide was the third runner-up.  It was so exciting working with these lovely young ladies and look forward to seeing them when they return.  They looked gorgeous in the personal style part of the competition wearing our designs.

Please stop in to our studio and say Hi.  Our address is 183 Main Street, Springfield, NE inside Springfield Artworks.  402-301-9162

 

Spring has Sprung and we are one busy place

        It's been a whirlwind at the Margie Trembley Chapeaux studio, preparing for the Kentucky Derby, Omaha Fashion and Styling events, Press releases, classes and on and on....It's exciting being a part of all of this whirlwind of activities. Hat boxes have arrived to hold the large hats that are in demand for the Kentucky Derby and Steeplechases around the country.

        We had a great photo shot with Christian Behr of two identical twins wearing small cocktail type hats that would work for little girls or Moms. Easter hats were also created this year for little ones but they also would work for weddings, First Communions or other little girl events (teas, etc)

Tea Anyone?

Baby It's Cold Outside!

In My Easter Bonnett

 Getting ready to go to the Kentucky Derby is always fun... x hat, x dress,
x shoes, x hat packed in hat box for ease in travel, x hotel, x rental car, x Derby ticket, x Directions to Churchill Downs, x Parking info....whew, guess we are ready. We will have a great time wearing our hats, being in the Fashion Contest at the Kentucky Oaks on the day before the Derby....Remember Margie Trembley, look for the PINK CARPET!

We have had a couple of press visits at our studio in the last several months. USA Today Journalists and photographers who write for the Atlanta Constitution, Denver Post, etc and of course the local press.  That is always exciting and makes us straighten the studio up a bit....you know how artists are......Watch the local press for a couple of photos that were taken both at our studio and off-site. It's exciting.

We have been asked to have three or four of our hats in the Fashion Show Fundraiser for the Omaha Law League coming up on April 24. Members of that group will be modeling our hats.  Can hardly wait.

A group within the AkSsrben Foundation is having a Kentucky Derby Party and have asked me to provide the presentation that I did at Omaha Fashion Week.  We will have a professional musician, dressed like the "real thing"  play "Call to the Post" on a long horn, 8 models from Develop Model Management wear their "jockey outfits" and our hats, carrying crops provided by the Paddock in Omaha.  The boots and bugler outfits will be provided by Dehner Boot Company in Omaha as well. We couldn't do it without these wonderful suppliers....hats off to them! (Is that a pun or what? :)

The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner....are you ready?