Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Where to get Pippa Middleton’s australian leather bush hat





It’s generally well known that Kate Middleton is a fan of the leather bush hat but did you know that Pippa Middleton is too? The younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, famed for her perfectly-formed bottom, is seen here with a group of friends, also partial to an aussie bush hat, presumably out on a hunt.


Pippa's hat is a soft suede hat in a light brown colour. The nearest model we have is the oiled suede leather hat in stone (£29.99). To view the full range of Wombat Leather bush hats please visit Just4Leather or D2D.




Image source:  pippa-middleton.co.uk

Monday, 2 May 2011

What to wear with a leather bush hat

The leather bush hat may be a practical item that outdoorsy types have sworn by for decades but it’s also one of this summer’s most versatile fashion accessories. Here’s what to wear with your leather bush hat to look right on trend this season.

 
Look 1 : The English Rose


 
Wombat Outback bush hat £29.99; Barbour utility polarquilt jacket in olive £129, tweed mini skirt, Joules £45.50; Ashbury Boyfriend shirt, Jack Wills £59; Gallway boots, Dubarry £125.

Leather bush hats are a wardrobe staple of the aristocracy. When attending hunts or horse trials a leather bush hat is an absolute must. Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge is a particular fan and ever since she stepped into the spotlight as the bride of the future King of England, young women all over the world are striving to emulate her classic, well-groomed look.

To get the English Rose look, pair your leather bush hat with a Barbour (another of the posh girl’s wardrobe basics) and a pair of knee-high boots or Hunter wellies if particularly wet. Tweed is another English countryside essential, also often sported by Kate Middleton. Kate likes to keep her tweed skirts short for a young fresh look. Don’t forget to turn your shirt collar up and accessorise with pearls!

Look 2: All-American Girl


 
Hat (as before); American fringe flag vest, Topshop £30; light wash stud denim shorts, Miss Selfridge £35; Deena & Ozzy Khaki Suede Relaxed Boot, Urban Outfitters £68.

A leather bush hat is a great way to add a touch of the Wild West to an outfit. Slip on some Daisy Dukes, a vintage-inspired Tee (fringing optional) and a pair of suede desert boots. Finish the look by piling on bracelets and necklaces with earthy details such as stone and leather embellishments and add a pair of aviator shades. This is a really cool festival look.

 
Look 3: Safari chic


 
Hat (as before); khaki belted shirt dress, Marlene Birger £177; KG Lokesh sandals, Kurt Geiger £85; Sahara beaded necklace, Monsoon £15.

The key element to this look is a cotton shirt dress in brown, camel or khaki. Add a touch of Africa with some statement jewellery and strappy sandals featuring animal prints, beads and silver embellishments. This is a really easy look to pull off and can be worn by women of all ages.

To purchase Wombat Leather bush hats online please visit Just4Leather or D2D.

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

How to look like Kate Middleton for less

Royal bride Kate Middleton may not be a fashion victim but many of her sartorial choices are definitely out of the average woman’s price range. However, with just two key pieces you too can channel the Kate Middleton look.

1. The leather hat



Kate’s leather cowboy hat has become an iconic look even inspiring Ralph Lauren for spring/summer 2011. While there are numerous leather bush hats out there on the market, the most affordable ones that are still made from quality hide leather are those by new accessories brand Wombat Leather. All Wombat Leather hats are available for under £30.



2. Italian Leather handbag





Kate’s new favourite handbag is the Tod’s D-bag, named after the late Princess Diana. While the D-bag would set you back between $1,665 and £28,000 this lookalike by Kenneth Brownne comes in at only £95.




With these classy accessories, all you need now is a bouncy blow-dry, slick of black eyeliner and mascara and a casual jeans and blazer combo to look like Kate Middleton!




Source: http://www.justloveleather.com/?p=2282

Saturday, 19 February 2011

Caring for your leather bush hat


Hugh Jackmann and Nicole Kidman in the movie 'Australia'

Quality leather bush hats are a great all-weather hat. They will keep you comfortable come rain or shine and will stand up to any amount of abuse. However, here are a few tips to keep your leather bush hat looking as new as the day you bought it.

Take care how you put it on

Make sure you don’t squeeze the front of your hat when putting it on. This will push your hat out of shape, causing a sharp point in the leather and exposing it to damage. Tugging the brim to make sure your hat is secure will also change the distinct Aussie shaped style of the brim.

Take care how you store it

We recommend storing your hat on a peg or resting upside down on the crown to avoid it being pushed out of shape. Also, make sure that it is kept out of any direct sunlight. Just as overexposure to ultraviolet rays can be harmful to our skin, leather is also susceptible to damage. Extreme sunlight can cause the surface to become fragile and crack or the colour to fade. By all means, wear your hat in hot and sunny weather. That is after all what it was made for but do not leave it out on a sun lounger or on the dashboard of your car for example.

Keep your hat clean

Although your hat will have been treated, it may still stain if you are not careful and these stains can be quite difficult to remove. Try to keep your hat away from makeup food or any oil-based products. If you do accidentally spill something on your hat wipe it with a soft damp cloth. If a stain is particularly persistent you could try a leather cleanser. This is readily available from your local shoe shop or department store. After using a leather cleanser, we recommend replenishing your hat’s protective layer with an additional leather protector spray. This is also readily available from shoe shops and department stores. If your hat does become soaked through, leave it to dry naturally. If you use heat to dry it, the leather may shrink and the hat might not fit you anymore!

Repair any tears

Scratches are the most frequent kind of damage found on leather bush hats. You can cover them up with a leather dye if they are light. However, you might see these as a feature of the hat, adding a certain rustic worn-in edge. To repair any tears you will need a leather repair kit. These typically contain a liquid adhesive in several colours. Give your hat a through clean with a leather cleanser and allow it to dry. This is necessary because any dirt or oil on the surface may prevent the glue from sticking properly. Choose a glue in an appropriate colour and apply it to the area where the leather is torn. You may need someone to hold the leather taught while you apply the glue. When the glue has dried, take a piece of fine sandpaper and remove any excess glue. You will need to be very careful when doing this; otherwise you may scratch the leather. Clean the area again with a leather cleanser to ensure all excess glue has been removed then allow to dry.

Sunday, 13 February 2011

Bush hats - the ultimate all-weather hat


Australian cattle drovers have sworn by these hats for years and it’s no wonder. The wide shaped brim is ideal for shading your face from the blazing sun out in the bush. However, Australian bush hats are just as great for wearing in unpredictable British weather. This rabbit fur felt one, modelled by the lovely Stacey Solomon above in a publicity shot for I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!, might not be able to stand up to our tough wet weather but a quality leather one certainly can!

Wombat Leather bush hats are made from the highest grade cattle hide. We take great care in sourcing our leathers as good quality leather will make a world of difference in wetter climes. The patterns are then cut and sewn with precision by experienced craftsmen to create a product that we can be proud of. Unlike the cheap imitations that are often seen on sale at game and country fairs, we are confident that our genuine leather bush hats will not let you down.

As well as being sturdy and functional, Wombat hats are also a thing of beauty. This beauty derives not only from the smooth curve of the shaped brim but also in the surface of the leather itself. The unique grains and marks on the hide mean that each individual hat is different.

A Wombat Leather bush hat is the ideal hat for anyone who enjoys outdoor pursuits no matter the weather. Whether you are hunting, fishing, hiking or simply walking the dog, a Wombat Leather hat will keep you comfortable and protected from the wind, rain or sun.

Wednesday, 9 February 2011

How to fit your leather bush hat


You might not think you need to be told how to put on a bush hat and which size is right for you. These are things you should know instinctively, right? However, after years of experience, Aussie cattle drovers have developed a certain knack, which ensures that the hat stays firmly on and suffers minimal wear and tear.

 
When trying on a leather bush hat, you may occasionally find that one size is too small but the next size up is too large. We recommend you take the smaller size. Leather is a natural material that will breathe and change shape over time. You might like to give it a head start by pulling it over your knee to stretch it. Soon your bush hat will mould to the shape of your head for ultimate comfort.

To put your hat on, smooth any hair away from your forehead and place the front of the hat on your head. The ribbon always goes at the back. Then, using the palm of your hand, push the hat down from the back of the crown. You can wear your hat with the brim level with your eyes or you can wear it pushed back in the typical laid-back Aussie style.

Take care not to pinch the front of your hat when putting it on your head. This will cause a sharp point which will be likely to wear. Tugging the brim to ensure the hat is on properly can also cause damage. By putting it on this way, your bush hat should stay firmly on your head, even on the windiest of days and you can maintain the iconic Australian shape of your hat and avoid any unnecessary wear and tear. When not being worn, we recommend that you rest the hat upside down on the crown or hang it from a peg.


Friday, 4 February 2011

Canned Wombat

If only you could can everything that makes wombats so cute and loveable....Hang on a minute. You can!

NB: We don't advise trying this with real wombats.