Birmingham Rouge - Bon Ton Hatters

Step inside Bon Ton Hatters on 20th downtown, and it's like stepping back in time.  You can get your shoes shined by some really nice guys or repaired by owner Jimmy Callis.  I would venture it's the only place left in town that cleans and refurbishes hats.  The hat shelf is my favorite, for obvious reasons.

Bon Ton Hatters

219 20th Street North

Tough Guy?

Not so much!  I spotted this sweet girl with her daddy at ArtWalk 2011.  When she's a teenager can't you just hear her saying, "DAD! I can't believe you're going to wear that hat. I'm humiliated!"  Or maybe she'll still know she has a VERY cool dad!

Tom's Chapeau

  My friend Tom is one of the few men I know who still wears a hat.  No, he's the ONLY man I know that still wears a hat.   He left his here on the table Saturday at the Pepper Place, while he went in search of iced coffee for Carol and her dad. They gather religiously in the same spot,  and I love stopping by for a chat while I'm shooting and shopping.  Later I begged him to pose for me.  He consented. Très debonair...as always!

Pepper Place Hats

Well I've been quietly collecting hat photos at the Pepper Place Market for the last few months. It's been so hot, more and more are showing up. I decided to show you a few of them today.

Le Chapeau Trés Chic

It's almost Easter, so I thought this gorgeous chapeau that I found at Christine's in Mountain Brook Village, would be just the thing. I think it looks like it could very well be in the window of Marie Mercié in Paris.

Caps For Sale

A visit to Bon Ton Hatters on 20th Street North, is like stepping back in time.  You are greeted by several of the most personable shoeshine guys you will ever want to meet.   In addition to shines and shoe repairs, Bon Ton has been in business for as long as I can remember cleaning, steaming,  and blocking hats.  These days, I am surprised that they get many calls for that service,  but apparently there are quite a few dapper men running around Birmingham in some mighty fine chapeaus!  This case with its unusual array of headgear caught my eye.  Wouldn't you just love to meet the gentlemen that wear these ?    Isn't it refreshing to know that these long standing businesses are still providing the services that made them a Birmingham tradition.  So which hat is your favorite?