Holiday Shop

15 days left to get your holiday shop on! You can check out this "Eye of Mine" Necklace that has
a vintage brooch as the pendant on my website by clicking here.

Hattitude is selling really well!

I updated the website again yesterday with some new winter designs!

It's great people are so in to giving unique one-of-a-kind gifts. Those are always my favourite to receive and GIVE!

We still do not have our Christmas tree yet this year...I can't wait to go get it and make the house smell like Christmas!

I asked for a one piece snowsuit this year for Christmas, yes that is correct I did say a one piece. It's snowing here, and there is a light dusting of snow still coating the ground. Maybe the cat will like to go for a walk in the snow? Probably not, since she hates getting her little paws cold.

I still only have one gift for Christmas. Nothing is speaking to me to buy for anyone this year. I pride myself on being something of a gift whisperer....and so far...nata this year. I gotta get crackin' if I want to get some good stuff for people!

Happy Holidays! And Happy Shopping!

If your lookin' for a good place to get some hot chocolate while your out and about C-mas shopping...I've searched high and low, and STILL the best place to grab a cup is second cup...forget starbucks, or tim hortons...second cup is by far the best place to get hot chocolate!

would you like fries with that? how about a double lung transplant?

I have been MIA these past few months! But with good reason! On July 5th, 2010 I was given a second chance. My life was saved by the generous gift of organ donation. I received a double lung transplant that saved my life. I was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). A genetic disease that is the most common fatal disease in Canada affecting children and young adults. See two posts below to see a video on CF. My health started to fail me with multiple hospitalizations as my lungs filled up with thick sticky mucus making it easy for bacteria to grow and cause infection after infection. I was on oxygen and IV antibiotics 24/7.

My life and jewellery business had to be put on hold as I was in and out of the hospital waiting for new lungs. Thank you donor for giving me the opportunity to live again. To breathe easy for the first time in my life. Thank you for letting me still create jewellery. Still go to fashion shows, (and organize them! check out www.cfforcf.com, me and the 'lady team' raised over 30,000 dollars this summer for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation) You can check out our stories all summer long in the local newspaper at http://www.caledonenterprise.com/caledon/searchresults?r=category:Caledon&q=hattie

After 3 weeks in ICU, 35 days in hospital and 3 months after my successful surgery, I've begun designing again and it feels wonderful. Just in time for Christmas.

Although I missed all the cute summer outfits this season, I am looking forward to pouring in to the fall clothing looks this season with vengeance!

To learn more about organ donation check out Trillium Gift of Life at www.giftoflife.on.ca

Bare Legs.

June is here. It's going to be a great month.

Summer is here.

Flea Markets. Barefeet. Strappy Sandals. Beach Hair. Sun Kissed Lips. Bare legs. Bonfires. Naps in Hammocks. Sand between the toes.

Cystic Fibrosis awareness

May is Cystic Fibrosis awareness month

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. CF is a multi-organ disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. A build-up of thick mucus in the lungs causes severe breathing problems. It may be difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs, leading to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage the delicate lung tissues.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

When you purchase a one-of-a-kind necklace from http://www.GotHattitude.com, 20% of the sale will go towards making CF to help raise funds. With your help we can make CF stand for Cure Found.

Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Toronto, ON (May 4, 2010) – Imagine drowning on the inside. Your lungs fill with fluid as you cough uncontrollably with little relief. This is the fear, and the reality for people with cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common, fatal, genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure.

During May, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, Foundation members and supporters make a special effort to raise awareness of the disease and to let the public know what they can do to help.

When the Foundation was created in 1960, most children with cystic fibrosis did not live long enough to attend kindergarten; today half of all Canadians with cystic fibrosis are expected to live into their 40s and beyond.

In the last 50 years, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has had a remarkable track record of success, but too many young lives are still cut short by CF. Each week in Canada, two children are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and someone dies from the disease.

“We are proud of our progress over the last 50 years, but there is still much to be done,” said Cathleen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation. “This May, we encourage Canadians to support our quest to find a cure or effective control for this devastating disease. Together we can beat cystic fibrosis!”

Hattitude Glam Gal!

Hattitude's Glam Gals!

Hattitude Glam Gal, Christy is in Paris with her Hattitude earrings! Christy is now entered to win the Spring Giveaway Bracelet! http://www.gothattitude.com/product/roses-for-you. Send in a photo of yourself wearing your Hattitude out and about the town, city, province, country, world or universe and you'll be entered to win this one-of-a-kind bracelet!

My current to do list: Organize Cystic Fibrosis Fashion Show Fundraiser, Strip Bathroom Wall Paper, Paint Apartment, Run Jewellery Business......Feed Cat.

I'm currently working away on the Cystic Fibrosis Fashion Show Fundraiser for the end of August! It's a lot of work, but it is going to be a lot of fun. We booked a venue this week, and we've been putting together an amazing committee of girls who are all so keen to help out and raise some money to find a cure for CF.

I've also been working on custom pieces for prom. Prom season is just around the corner. I was looking at all the beautiful dresses online at etsy.com today. They had a feature of a lot of unique dresses. Wouldn't it be great to re-live prom night again? There are not many occasions where you get to dress up in a flirty, fun dress and dance the night away. Although next week I'll get to dress up. I'm going to high tea next week at a hotel downtown. I'm going to wear a vavavoom dress, and vintage hat, perhaps a british accent will transpire as well for the afternoon?

1950's....Men Came Back, Time to Dress to Impress!

With the war over, fashion was able to step up to a more luxurious feminine feeling. Out went the sexless garments worn during the war years. Women were able to have a feeling of euphoria as they flounced and sashayed their silhouettes in two contrasting styles, the full skirt, and the pencil tubular skirt.

My favourite part about the 50's the emphasis on the narrowness of the waist. Check out this bona-fide fashion photo to the left, from the 50's designer Tom Brigance, who stood for making clothes "appropriate for the American woman's mode of living".

I love, love, love the two part pattern to the dress. Strips on bottom full skirt, with a GREAT belt to emphasize her waist, with a floral print halter top above. I love it.

Wouldn't you just love to go out dancing in the outfit to the right? This photo is from a model wearing Christian Dior black tulip-pleat skirt, with a pill box hat, and wrap jacket in 1952. How exquisite does she

look? Again her waist is shown off with a great belt. Why don't we all walk around in pill box hats? Look how fabulous they are.

Another famous fashion designer from this era was Hattie Carnegie...I don't just love her for her name! ha She specialized in creating an entire look. This is such a great colour combo. The photo to the left is a suit by Hattie Carnegie. I love the aquamarine blue suit paired with the mustard yellow green beret!

The photo to the right is just a great photo from the 50's. The 50's had fabulous prints and fabrics, especially after the dull years of the war.

My favourite fashion item from the 1950's era, a belt to emphasize one's waist, which was definitely a must have for this decade!

What's your favourite?

Bring back feminine luxury with my Princess Rose one-of-a-kind necklace from my "Isn't She Lovely" collection. Check it out by clicking here.

Il faut 'skimp' pour etre chic - you must skimp to be chic

That quote was from Vogue in 1941, "referring to the tight, short-skirted silhouette that was ushered in that year and welcomed with horror by the public." The war years brought many changes compared to the "flirty fullness" of the 1930's, instead of womanly curves, the new fashionista's of the 1940's were sporting suits that de-emphasized their waists, and curves, and made them appear slim yet mannish. Some people say I was born into the wrong era. While my favourite time frame is the roaring 1920's, some people say I belong in the 1940's. So here are some my favourite fashion items that transpired from the 1940's.

The 1940's brought about the Siren suit. The original jumpsuit, which by the way is making a huge come back...thank you Tyra Banks?? haha. The Siren Suit performed for practicallity in times of war, with a quick zippered front and of course warmth.

Perhaps Tyra banks is taking a page from the Siren Suits these days on America's Next Top Model...what does everyone think of her jump suits? I think that they are WAY over the top, and if she wasn't a tall, beautiful babe...she could never have rocked those...

Here are my favourite key fashion looks from the 1940's.

I'm a huge fan of the high-waisted trousers. This actress, Lilli Palmer in 1946 is wearing man-tailored grey gabardine slacks. Cute as a button! I really like this look.

The Jersey shift Dress - Simple and Elegant, it was made famous by the designer Norman Norell from New York. It's shortish unstructured dress is made from synthetic jersey, a fabric often used instead of wool, which was being utilize for blankets, and uniforms etc., during the war years.

I actually think I have this dress in my closet from a vintage store... I also love her belt.

My favourite fashion iconic piece that came out of this era though, is the bolero jacket (photographed below on a 1940's mannequin) Since I like my waist the most, this style of jacket is perfect style for emphasizing one's waist. It's short/cropped and the jacket on the model from the 1940's has shoulder pads.

I would rock this style of jacket with high waisted pants, or over a strapless dress. Perfect for the spring. I would pair it with my Xena one-of-a-kind necklace since it gives high-waisted pants, an edgy, updated modern look. Plus this piece is just so unique.

Check it out by clicking here.

Inspire your wardrobe!

Inspire your Wardrobe with a new colour for every day of the week! Check out these accessories to make your outfits pop Sunday through Saturday this Spring!

Pink Sunday

Wear pink on Sunday with this great necklace from my new 'Gorgeous Gal' line. Check out this 'Delicate Delight' necklace by clicking here.

Orange Monday

Pop on monday with a little bit of orange in your wardrobe. Wear this "Risky Business" necklace which I made from an old christmas tree decoration by clicking here.

Blue Tuesday

Rock the colour Blue in your outfit this Tuesday by wearing this "Clouds Disappear" one-of-a-kind necklace. Check it out

by clicking here.

Purple Wednesday

Add some purple punch to your summer dress on wednesday with this "Mere Mortal Magic" one-of-a-kind vintage button necklace. Check it out by clicking here.

Red Thursday

Sport this hot, red, hued fire bracelet with your outfit on thursday! Check it out this "Spices and Herbs" bracelet by clicking here.

Blush Friday

Dress up friday night with this one-of-a-kind necklace. I created it using an antique brooch from Guelph, ON. Check out "Sweetness Hides" necklace by clicking here.

Green Saturday

This great bracelet will brighten up your white t-shirt and jeans on Saturday! Check out this "They'll be Green with Envy" bracelet by clicking here.

Break out the cowboy boots

Spring is kind of an ugly season...aesthetically looking that is. Clothing and fashion wise, it's one of my favourite times of years...but outside, it's just really unfortunate looking out. Spring doesn't have the beautiful gardens that summer does, it doesn't have the amazing leaf colours that fall has, and it doesn't have the crisp whiteness of the snow that winter has. Spring is brown and homely outside at this time of year...BUT it does have one great aspect that none of the other seasons have, it's got fabulous fashion trends that we've been craving all winter long, FLORAL prints! Spring has one of the best euphoric feelings mentally then any other season. We're coming out of winter long dark days, into sunny warm light days...Spring means summer is just around the corner. With the warmer weather here, I'll forgive the Spring season for being one of the more homely looking ones and embrace the fact that tomorrow it's suppose to be 25 degrees, and I'm bustin' out of my closet my purple maxi dress...So here are my

Top ten reasons I love spring….

Acid washed jean jackets

The first blue flower sprouting from the ground

Dreaming of cottage trips

Planning the first ice cream cone lick

Ruffled skirts

Beers on outdoor patios with friends

Breaking out the cowboy boots

Getting your rubber ducky boots muddy

Sunshine in puddles

Margarita weather isn’t far away

Another reason I love spring, discovering new bands, and musicians coming out of hybernation from the winter. Check out a great blog, hearintheattic, by Anna Weisen, where she talks about having a concert in her living room, by an amazing musician Megan Bonnell. What a great idea for spring, A living room concert series! Anna is a witty writer, who is as cute as button, in her vintage clothes, with my favourite dress of hers, named Rosie! ha Check out her blog by clicking here.

Have you done your seasonal closet flip yet?

This weekend I did the spring seasonal closet flip. I got rid of 1 whole bag of clothing to donate to good will. (Now I have more room in my closet for all the cute new spring fashions out!)

On Saturday, I took a look at my clothing rack and purged the big wooly sweaters, and heavy knit dresses into a more suitable place for the coming months. (under my bed folded into a Tupperware container) For Spring, my jean jacket, floral print skirts and cotton dresses traded lives with their counter wool sweaters and cashmere dresses. My seal skin vintage boots, fur trimmed leather knee highs, and snow boots were replaced with their converse opposites, my cowboy boots, ked shoes and brogue flats, soon found life breathed back into them as they were positioned and lovingly looked at onto my shoe rack. Spring….has come…and sprung into my wardrobe.

With every season flip flop that us Canadian girls do, we have to be careful to not have the reversal seasonal flip flop. Now that my wool sweaters are amorously packed away in Tupperware containers surrounded in moth balls, (so next season I won’t have any new surprise holes, I hate that) we have to be careful not to end up wearing our spring dresses with a parka overtop to work, if the weather all of a sudden decides to switch back to the -teens. This is why the seasonal closet flip has always been a delicate one. When is the right time for the seasonal closet flip? Will you jinx the weather by flipping your closet too early, too late? Will the weather hold? Is it like the old saying, “if you take your umbrella on vacation, it won’t rain, but if you leave it at home, it will pour”? If we do the seasonal closet flip just in time, not too early, not too late, when the warm weather has been here for a few weeks, are we now guaranteed to continue to have warm weather, because we took the initiative? Do the Fashion Gods, play a role in the temperature? We changed out our seasonal clothes, so now the weather has to continue to be warm. Right? Right. Let’s pretend and put energy into the idea that this is the case. Maybe the seasons closet flip (which sometimes can be a daunting task, if you collect wool frocks, jumpers, and sweaters like I do) has more of a play in the weather then we think. Perhaps the Fashion Gods have a say in the weather, so ladies, do the seasonal closet flip soon, so the weather will continue to stay warm! Cheers to sunny days, drinks on the patio, and flowers being in ready supply! Spring into Gorgeous!

Vintage Shoes, dresses and purses oh my!

The other day I was wearing some vintage riding shoes I had picked up at my local second hand store...it got me thinking that perhaps I no longer remember what it feels like to purchase or have a brand new pair of shoes on my feet? Maybe all my shoes are a little too big? a little too worn in? a little too roughed up? Have I forgotten what a new shoe should feel like? Am I addicted to buying vintage shoes? They're already worn in. No hard work for me,. No guessing game if they're going to be a good pair of shoes, sturdy and dependable after a few wears. But the question still nagged me...maybe my feet don't remember what it's like to have a pair of shoes that really fit them? Maybe I should try purchasing a new pair of shoes, like these ones that a friend sent me. We Who See Pinstrip boots. J'adore these boots from Urban Outfitters.

So here I was thinking maybe I should purchase some new shoes, but then I came across these fun facts, "Choosing new-to-you leather shoes saves more energy than an average household uses in a day." Well the amount of new-to-me vintage shoes that I have on my shoe rack, means I have saved a lot of households energy. I once got out at a game of "never have I ever" because a friend of mine had never bought vintage shoes, so she named off that...well of course I had to put a finger down, since 90% of my shoes are vintage.

Another fun fact that I came across,"Choosing a previously owned leather clutch saves as much energy as not watching TV for 3 days straight." Well great, previously used purses are more fun to hunt for anyways! AND no one else will have your bag! so win win!

"Buying a pre-loved silk dress saves 95% of the CO2 needed to make a new one." Perfect, keep breathing easy ladies, keep shopping vintage!

So maybe my vintage shoes fit perfectly...maybe they're perfectly worn in, perfectly roughed up, perfectly grand for the enviornment and perfectly fantastically great on my feet!

I wonder how much energy I'm saving by upcyling old vintage jewellery into new, like this "Kissable Lips necklace" All the peices on the necklace are taken from an old antique clip on, or crank earring. Making it truly a one -of-a-kind piece! You can check out my other one-of-a-kind vintage reclaimed and recycled pieces at www.GotHattitude.com!

Where in the World is Hattitude?

Where in the world is Hattitude?! At the Eaton Centre, in Toronto. Brittany was stopped by 'First Impressions' in Toronto because of her rad boots! What a cutie she is! http://ogleto.com/archives/2383 The man soon got to looking at her jewellery and fell in LOVE with her Hattitude fleur de leaf! Here's a photo of her wearing Hattitude in Toronto.

Brittany is now entered to win the Spring Giveaway! http://www.gothattitude.com/product/roses-for-you. Send in a photo of yourself wearing your Hattitude out and about the town, city, province, country, world or universe and you'll be entered to win this one-of-a-kind bracelet! Enjoy the beautiful weather today! Finally no more rain! I'm off to shoot some photographs for the new "Gorgeous Gal" Line...coming sooooon!

I'm super excited for this new line, I love all things flirty and floral with some spring bows thrown in! Gorgeous Gal! check it out soon at www.GotHattitude.com

Cybermaniac?

Twitter, flicker, blogs, etsy, websites, facebook...the online branding and marketing world! So many outlets! If my grandma could see or conceptualize how I'm slowing turning my Jewellery business into the online world for my prime source of customers...her mind would be boggled! Next step...blackberry...or crackberry addiction? I ordered mine on Sunday, I should get it in a couple days. My old ghetto cell phone, kept blinking at me, screen kept going black every few seconds...she was gonna give out really soon.

so I did it...I've entered the blackberry world....for better or for worse?

I've started on my journey of branding Hattitude on the web. I set up a You've Got Hattitude Jewels Twitter account, you can follow me by clicking here and see the latest creations as I post them to etsy or my website to update on my etsy site, new blog posting and keep up with all my other etsy artisans! Who are wonderful by the way!

An amazing store to check out is by Hollie May, you can check out her wicked blog at http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com/, where you can click on her etsy store. I LOVE the cheetah bow. I'm a sucker for animal print!

high fashion

I saw this photo in a magazine and fell in love with it! Spring has hit here! I've been wearing my rubber duckies to avoid the mud! I've also been able to bust out the jean jacket, as the weather is super warm during the day!

I also started organizing a cystic fibrosis fashion fundraiser for september. Lots of work to be done, so that will keep be busy. I'm trying to get a committee going. So far the response has been great, lots of people want to help out, a lot or a little, every bit is going to help!

I also got some uber cute floral vintage earrings and brooches today to add to the new "Gorgeous Gal" spring collection out at the end of this month! I'm super excited.

Get your floral on

Spring has Sprung. It's been raining for the last few days, none stop!

I bought some new rubber duckies this week. Navy cute tall rubber boots with a buckle. I was going to go for some bright red duckies, which were adorable...but the navy won me over in the end. My rain jacket is navy and my other rain jacket is pink and brown, so the navy seemed the right choice....but these red ones were super chic.

I'm also huge into florals for the spring. I can't get enough of tiny dainty prints of floral dresses...but I found these leggings, from modcloth.com, they're a big floral print, yet still uber cute. I love the description that goes with them, "You'll feel like you've been caught in a shower of flowers when you slip into these lovely, lightweight leggings! Boasting a myriad of bright bursting blossoms upon a midnight background, these silky 'petal' pushers will prod any fashionista'swardrobe into full bloom. Wear with T-strap flats, a brightly colored, belted tunic, and a floral barrette for an ensemble that will brighten any day - rain or shine!"

The Cat Walk...

Here are some photos from the Guelph Old Hollywood Fashion show. The show was a huge success. There was over 300 people, and they were able to raise a ton of money in support of the Guelph make a wish foundation! You can check out some of the professional photographers photos at www.fresh-media.ca. A great photo of Hattitude jewels is number 24 photo.

Me and my booth againThe crowdHattitude on the models!The 10 models in my number sporting Hattitude!

Hattitude on the Fashion Cat Walk!

My Jewellery is being featured in the Guelph fashion fundrasier this Saturday March 6th, 2010. The fundraiser is for Guelph Make a Wish Foundation chapter. Come out and support a good cause and see the latest trends for Spring! Local clothing stores from around Guelph as well as my jewellery will be on the run way! See you Saturday!

Etsy!

Finally, I am online with etsy! I have been researching and looking to get on to etsy.com for months now. Last week I put my first 10 necklaces up on their site. I'm still workin' around it, figuring stuff out. It's a really neat community. If you have not heard of etsy, it's huge in the US. They have some amazing artists and unique things on etsy. I have been buying from it for a couple years now. Etsy, is sort of like an ebay, but it's for only handmade things. An artisans website for all things handmade. It's really neat. Check it out by clicking here. You can check out my site on etsy, by clicking here or http://www.etsy.com/shop/hdunstan.

I also am working on a fashion show in Guelph. The CMESA business puts on a fashion show each year, with local artists and stores. This year they are going to have a choreographed number featuring my jewellery. Exciting!

It's snowing today, a lot! I was suppose to go to Guelph today to visit a friend, and get some new running shoes for working out...but the roads were just too bad. I am hoping winter ends soon. I miss the sun!

interview for talentegg.ca

I was asked to do an interview for talentegg.ca

Here it is!

http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2010/02/using-your-education-to-your-advantage-qa-with-a-young-entrepreneur/

Using your education to your advantage: Q&A with a young entrepreneur

By Danielle Lorenz in Entrepreneurship, Q & As on February 08, 2010

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Most of the business majors I’ve known have gone from university into the corporate world, bypassing any ideas of working for themselves.

I wonder why they do not opt to start their own businesses, based on the fact that their education can benefit various facets of the business world.

Guelph University business marketing alumnus Hattie Dunstan is a diamond in the rough. She has applied her formal education to help her business, Got Hattitude, which sells one-of-a-kind jewelry, become more popular.

Q. Did your degree give you the idea to start up your business?
A. I had started my business a few years prior to starting University, but my degree has helped launch my business full time. It has allowed me to market, brand and given me so many more ideas to help organize and infrastructure my business to compete on a full time level.

Q. Have you used your degree to help promote and develop Got Hattitude?
A. I have used my degree to develop Hattitude so much. It is so much fun to see how I started off five years ago, to what I am doing now with marketing Hattitude to the world. It has allowed me to brand my products.

I think marketing is the key to any business. I’ve seen some companies with an okay product, but they have marketed and branded themselves like crazy and are one of the top sellers.

I’m lucky since Hattitude is such a unique and one-of-a-kind product, it’s easy to market it and brand it to make the jewellery popular as well.

Q. What do you want to see from your company in the next year? Five years?
A. I would like to one day open a retail clothing and jewellery store, where Hattitude can be sold with the perfect outfit to match the jewellery. I love fashion, and although I think it would be awesome to create my own clothes, for now I think opening up a retail clothing store with local designers and also having an outlet to sell my own jewellery would be amazing, and is my long term goal.

Q. What words of advice do you have for other students and young grads who want to start their own business?
A. Follow through. Don’t give up. It’s so hard at first, and some people quit when they are not making enough money or things are not working fast enough. Businesses take time and effort and energy, and more hard work then a regular 9-5 job.

Even after a work day is over, I am still working on my business, whether it’s researching fashion on the Internet in my spare time, or imagining new designs, owning and running your own business takes more time and energy then you possibly could think.

Someone once told me that it takes 5 years to finally break even, and 10 years to start making money in your business. I also think it takes 10 years to build a customer and loyalty branding base. So it starts off slow, but when it picks up, it’s so worth being your own boss.

It’s exhilarating knowing that you’ve created all this work. Every new idea and new output that you come up with and implement is so exciting. When it’s a success the feeling is like no other knowing that you are the one that created it!