Fall always feels like a whirlwind. Summers are busy but more relaxed. Once September rolls around, back-to-school and holiday prep sneak up faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte.” Time is cyclical like that; in some ways, this blog is a full-circle moment too.
You may know that I started my career as a journalist, and writing has always been near and dear to my heart. It’s been a while since Flea Style had a blog, and it’s such a natural thing to bring back with our website relaunch. I’m so excited to share more of my world with you here, and there’s so much to share! Life feels very full right now, but in the best possible way.
Between Barrett’s football schedule (go Titans!) and Landry’s jam-packed social calendar (so many tween parties), I’m doing my best to juggle work and mom life, while reminding myself to slow down and be fully present no matter what I’m doing. Some days I nail it; some days not so much. But I’m never too hard on myself. I know I’m doing my best (and always have my dad in my ear saying, “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.”).
Fall to summer isn’t the only transition that’s been underway. I’m absolutely loving our new Design District headquarters. The team moved into the new space in June, and the creative energy here is off the charts. I think we’ve all been surprised by the big boost of joy, collaboration and productivity sparked by the new office. It just goes to show that sometimes a change of scenery can really spice things up. Selling our Deep Ellum digs was bittersweet — that’s where I opened our first retail shop, where our hat bar concept was born, where I really cut my business chops — but this next chapter feels so right. I’m grateful every day for the fresh start.
Speaking of fresh starts! Now’s the time for me to let you in on some new news. We’ve got so many good things happening here.
First, we’re planning not one but two new Flea Style locations. I’m heading out tomorrow to visit the site for one of them. Space planning a new store is one of my most favorite things to do, and I can’t wait to share all the delicious details about these spots when the time is right. I will give you a hint now, though: They’re both in Texas.
Before I could dash off on yet another trip, I had to get the final edits for my book back to the publisher. It’s been more than a year from getting the call that Abrams wanted to publish How to Style a Hat to seeing presale go live. The process has been a lot, and I can hardly believe it’s real. But when I look at the gorgeous page proofs, it’s so real! Now I’m diving into planning a book tour. I’d love to hear from you (you can comment below or always send me a DM on our Instagram): Where should I stop? Which city needs a little Flea Style love? Does anyone have an email address for Jenna Bush Hagar?
While I’ve been head down working on that, the team has never been busier — with our new website, the fall and winter collections, our holiday store plans. We have something super special up our sleeves. I won’t spill the beans just yet, but if you love vintage and you love hats, you’re going to go bananas!
And finally, as if that’s not enough: The Original Hat Bar will officially launch a wholesale business later this month. We’ll debut our own line of hats at the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market and start taking orders from boutiques from all across the country, just in time for their own holiday season. This side of things has been a long time in the making, and I have just two words for how I feel after many months of considering every detail of the dreamy hats we want to spread far and wide: Pinch me!
Whew! That’s the latest from my little corner of the world. It’s messy, magical, busy and beautiful. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and it wouldn’t be possible without you. Thanks for following along, for cheering us on and for being part of this wild ride. Hats off to you!
Love,
Brittany
