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I was lucky today, to find myself wandering the rows upon rows of antiques at the Roadshow Antiques Mall at the 400 Flea Market in Innisfil. It's a wonderful place to browse, and I always find myself drawn to the fashion of yesterday - especially the hats. I'm not sure if it is because I have a "good face for hats" according to my grandmother, at least - or simply because I've always loved trying them on. Hats are an easy way to change your look in an instant, and it helps that you don't have to go into a dressing room to try them on! Whether as an accessory or purely functional the styles and fashions of hats have changed dramatically over the years centuries. With that in mind I thought I would share some of my favourite historic hats from the Innisfil Historical Society's vast collection of digital photos shared through Our Stories Innisfil.

1. Georgina McDonald, 1880. It's the flowers that jump out for me.

2. Catharine Frizzell, 1924. I love everything about this photo.

3. Zella and Eva, 1913. They look like they are best friends with each other, and best friends with style AND function.

4. Captain Frederick MacKay, 1900. Captain of Lake Simcoe boats, clearly loved his career. I love his uniform.

5. Annie Wallace, 1888. Annie knew her style, with birds fashioned from feathers for her chapeau. 

6. Connie Wisker & Friends, 1930. These girls knew that short brimmed hats offered many style options. What's your fave?

7. Quantz Family, 1885. Again another instance of great variety in design. And a spectacular bonus beard to boot!

8. George Sawyer, 1900. This list could not possibly be complete without this classic bowler.

9. Elizabeth Cowan, 1857. This is what glamour looks like.

10. Jean Cowan, 1911. Fashion must run in the Cowan family. This is just adorable.