It is not a cat.
Don’t be catty, now….©
I do not have cat on my head.
(Down, Molly. Down.)
My neighbor hasn’t stopped laughing. He actually choked. But I blame his cigarette.
It’s fashion. The label proves it: RH.
Page 60-61 of their trendy Christmas catalogue. “Ultra Faux Fur Ushanka Hat”
Of course, the image on the left is the dream. The reality….
No, I do not have a cat on my head, Molly.
Tres chic in Restoration Hardware’s 2015 Holiday Catalogue.
People wouldn’t know what to think without labels.
That’s why years ago Neiman-Marcus used to stock so many “moderate” (unusually cheap, for them) scarves, gloves, mens’ handkerchiefs, and such for those holiday shoppers who were ordered to “Buy me something from Neiman’s. Anything from Neiman’s!”
Proud ladies would casually (with practiced precision) drape their coats across chair backs or church pews so everyone so see and envy the coveted store label.
Along with dance lessons, young girls practiced to become expert at that tossing skill before high school.
Wearing any store or brand label on the outside of a garment would have been snickered at as backwoods hick.
Oh, that silky affirmation of worth!©
What was good – what was of value – was obvious (because it had been taught: mother to child)
The quality of material, the high level of complexity of the item which required skilled expert craftsmanship, the ruler-straight seams, patterns matching, with a luxurious lining.
The satin label on the inside was simply the cherry on top. For the unsophisticated. For those so uneducated not see the obvious.
Today people don’t seem to see well.
Or lack time to see. Requiring instant information.
Or maybe it’s lack of interest.
In any case, it’s normal that labels have evolved and morphed into more than they once were.
Now, sign posts. Casually tossed identifiers.
Doesn’t help with dogs, though. Can’t read. Don’t care about symbols.
If it looks like a cat, then it’s probably a cat…or a raccoon.
Even if it’s on my head.
But as mom said as she forced me to wear cowboy boots to school one January in eight grade when it was sleeting and the outdoor walkways between classes were ankle-deep in water, “All that matters is you are warm.”
Anyone owning a Husky/Malamute/any sled-type dog masquerading as a domesticated pet knows these dogs have to be walked – a lot. No matter the weather. Or you’ll be buying a new couch.
And it’s warm, this hat. The label? RH needn’t worry.
It’s hidden on the inside.
The company would be appalled, I’m sure, that it’s coveted by dog walkers, not jet setters.
Does this look like a raccoon to you? Don’t answer that. Fargo. Just think Fargo.©
Besides, if the hat doesn’t work out, Molly has great plans for it.
Win-wind!
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Cheers and thanks for stopping by!
Wishing you a Happy New Year (and that you always know the difference between the cat and the hat.)
“She’s awake. You can’t take her out. It’s frigid.” “What choice do we have? She’s eyeing the ottoman!” (1923.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Discover more from Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
71 Comments
Comments are closed.
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
Cat??? I thought it was a tribble!
LikeLiked by 3 people
HA! You are so right. (Now the neighbors are really worried…) Thanks for the tip of the hat!
LikeLike
Oh, my gosh. You’ve been Trump-ified! It’s the Donald, twenty years down the road and gray!
Actually, I still have a coat in my closet that has THE 1950s/1960s label in it — and, I’ll have you known, my monograms done on silk squares. It’s a loden green chinchilla-like thing that had a mink collar. I cut the collar off, and now it looks just fine. Best of all, it’s warm, and can go dressy or not.
What goes around, comes around.
Your hat would look great with it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey – he might want to buy up all the remaining hats so he can switch off a he needs to? Gads what grim weather. The ear flaps do make a big difference – and of course I can no longer feel the rain when it hits – just like Molly!
You had a fur trimmed green one! No fair – I had the cheap shapeless tan knockoff from Foley’s. I do have the removed raccoon collar still, too. (Maybe I should make a cat bed out of it?). I will allow you to borrow the hat if you have a formal engagement to attend. Perhaps as a muff? (You can flip the label out as needed HA HA) Thanks for the furry remark
LikeLike
Yes, i know the difference between a cat and a hat. And I remember thinking anything from Neiman-Marcus was special but that was then.
LikeLike
It looks like when the family sold the store to the corporation, they insisted the hyphen be taken out of the name. So it’s obviously not the same store to those in the know.
Sad thing was that with a firm leader in the retail industry, other stores tried to reach such elevated heights. Such competition meant so many lovely stores and window displays. A wide range of clothes and price ranges. Now a lot of mass produced poorly made stuff not meant to last. A whole different cat indeed.
Thanks fur stitching in a comment
LikeLike
Put it on RC–she’ll be the cat in the cat hat.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Actually RC has requested the mutant mousie be stuffed and mounted as a trophy. She is quite pleased to lounge across her heated “sheepskin” these grey days…amuses her to stretch out by the window and smirk at the outsiders.
Thanks fur pawsing to leave a comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a very happy new year to you, phil, as you venture into the frigid wilds to keep a great lady happy!
LikeLike
Certainly hope you are snug and warm! 40’s plus wind are frigid to us, but nothing for elsewhere. Thanks for the fun fur comment.
LikeLike
I have to admit I feel pretty uncultured when it comes to brand labels and understanding what makes a product better quality. I didn’t even think to look at the tags when we got our last cat.
LikeLike
Don’t worry about belling or tagging the cat. I think modern cats are into chipping…or was that chirping? Definitely annoying there’s no initials on those thousands of fur strands covering everything – how do you know who to blame. It’s a catastrophic plot. Thanks fur scrambling over to chat
LikeLike
we could be fashion twins… I’ve got a fake fur vest what looks like road kill… I brushed it with easy’s brush but it still looks like something we should bury on a dark place :o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, so funny!
LikeLike
Easy has a good handle on reality of a situation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had one of those vests in college. I think my mom threw it away when I wasn’t looking. Must not have had the right label HA HA
The cat keeps looking at the hat as if it’s a giant mutant mousie although Molly keeps insisting “first dibs” on it as a toy.
Thanks for adding a fine fur comment
LikeLike
.It is very Fargo isn’t it. Bet it’s warm though, even if all round vision is a bit iffy. Molly is probably in love. Happy New Year!
LikeLike
I needed ear flaps for our January-Feb weather which is always cold and wet. Considering the possibility of adding side mirrors to Molly’s harness HA HA. Hope your new year is drier – these El nino winter patterns are always far too soggy around here. Cheers and onward!
LikeLike
Looks like we’re going to have a cold January and February once all this rain stops.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Watch those icy walks! (Some of the dogs here are wearing warm boots – Molly isn’t sure what all the fuss is about: cold is cool for her!) We’ve almost forgotten what sun looks like. Good time for reading!
LikeLike
We invested in some gripper soles for our shoes as the pontoons get quite slippery and going up the gantry can be quite a game. Coming down is even more hazardous as although they put sand down, they can’t use salt because of the water.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grippers are a great idea. Those docks and walkways get scary like glass. Slow and easy – with a hand ready to grab!
LikeLike
Yep, got the gloves for those too so that I don’t stick to the metalwork!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks good for the crazy Texas weather. Hope you’ve been safe!
LikeLike
Considering we are now in mid 40’s (10 degrees below normal) with drizzle and strong winds, the hat is working well. I just have to remember to get Molly harness up before getting hatted up as she starts eyeing the fur if at grab level….it does look a bit like her new raccoon toy. It is wild weather this year, but so far so good…except the Hibiscus plants which put out blooms the day before Christmas during the 80+ degree weather are really freaking out now. Sadly the confused “spring” weeds do not seem bothered at all. UGH. Hope your new year is going great. Thanks for slipping by to chat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weather has me confused too. We had some of your weather but today it’s back to winter for the first time. No snow at all for the fourth quarter of 2015. That’s odd for us. I have to pull out my goofy (but warm) hat. Your Molly would love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least the sweaters are getting some use here this year – almost pitched a bunch over the summer. That old phrase “As soon as you toss it out, you’ll need it”. We may get sun next week….not soon enough. Stay warm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cat in the non-cat hat!
Can we add clothing with a large-zized company name or logo in huge font to the list of clothing snobbery?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Giant logo/brand symbols was actually the cat-a-lyst. (Wearers of those garments should ask for a bit of the advertising money for their participation) Thanks fur jumping over to add a comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I saw a face underneath it I suppose I’d be ok with it…but I am positive if I saw it laying on the ground I would avoid it completely out of great concern it might attack.
LikeLike
It does sort of look like it has crawled out of an underground burrow…nightmarish giant gopher? Mutated beaver…and an angry one at that? You never really know what’s in the water table around here with that power plant glowing over there….Maybe keeping a shovel handy isn’t a bad idea.
Thanks fur sending a cautionary comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And then there’s always the cat in the hat. Changing only one word can make such a difference: The cat is the hat. The cat on the hat. The cat… Well, you get the idea. 🙂
Tres chic, certainly, and so warm. Hard to tie into place, though.
janet
LikeLike
Ah, so you noticed the progression. Cool! This one, unlike my Cossack fur trimmed ski hat, has nice leather string ties which actually work. Good thing with the north wind we have today.Thanks adding a fun fur comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t want to make a catty remark about it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
fur too easy…
LikeLike
Meow!!
LikeLike
Hiss and turn tale.
LikeLike
Turn tail! 🙂
LikeLike
Whisker soft retort
LikeLike
Me fur you and you fur me.
LikeLike
Pawsing….nothing. Got nothing. Cat’s got my tongue.
LikeLike
You would be right in style around here, Phil! I have one made out of rabbit fur. It has to live in a closet most of the time as it is a magnet for Alice and the Skeedles Cat. They are amazingly warm but also make you technically deaf. Be careful crossing the streets!
LikeLike
Such hats appear to attract far too much cat and dog attention, so it must perch on a distant shelf between uses. (RC snarls “It was not invited and there are no cat vacancies. We demand it leave the Realm. Playing demure and quiet does not fool Us!”)
As it is high of 45 today and drizzling, the hat is so wonderful….and with the ties, when you turn to look for traffic, you can actually see…unlike my other hat purchased at a ski slope: black Cossack style with fur all around edge…great for looking straight forward only though.
Thanks for slipping by to chat. Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to love going to stores and playing “how much is this shirt.” The most expensive one I saw on the rack was 4 digits and looked like it was worth one. Maybe.
Happy New Year to you!
PS – the tribble comment above takes all.
LikeLike
Yes, should have seen the Tribble coming. (Now all I can think of is some SF horror movie where the alien jumps on the head and digs in…they don’t come out in cold weather, do they?)
Thanks for gathering up a comment to add. Cheers for your 2016!
LikeLike
I always cut off labels. Any label. All labels. I hate labels.
I won’t say I hate that hat. But I will say…I’d laugh too, if I was your neighbor.
That said, I’d love to be your neighbor – bet you’re fun to live next to. 🙂 Happy New Year!
LikeLike
If there must be labels, please print them discreetly and softly inside. Let the person be the first thing seen walking into the room, not the label…or at least pay the wearer for the advertisement.
Have to admit, there’s a bit of concern that the local neighborhood hawk might mistake the hat for potential dinner….
Thanks for adding a stitched well comment! Cheers and onward for 2016!
LikeLike
LOL, I’d totally forgotten that thing about arranging your coat so the label showed. Thank you for the delightful reminder. As for the hat, it sure would have been useful in Denver this week. Cold and then some! Anything from N-M! I grew up with that. Had a treasured green corduroy jacket from there. Nothing special about it except the N-M label.
LikeLike
Such mannerisms of those times. It was funny.Odd how those little tags made coats warmer. HA HA. I never had anything from there until I was making my own money and learned how to be there quick when the sale started.
Hat great today: high mid 40’s and drizzle/rain. (As a kid we wouldn’t have been caught dead in anything with hunter ear flaps – risking the Elmer Fudd label! As long as you are warm…) Thanks for sledding by to chat
LikeLike
Happy New Year Philosopher to you and yours
LikeLike
Fur sure! Thanks for assisting with the fireworks.
LikeLike
It may not be a cat – but this is definitely a worthwhile post.
LikeLike
Something fur thought. Thanks for trapping a comment to leave
LikeLike
You’re so clever.
I love that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some of us are so easily amused. The pets have trained us well….
LikeLike
I hope it doesn’t walk… 😀 Came by to bring you, RC and Molly Extra fresh Pawkisses for a Happy and Healthy New Year 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like a good candidate for a bathtub cat hockey game. Furry friends are taking much too much interest in it…RC Cat mutter something about “Purrfect for reupholstering my winter bed…”
Hope 2016 brings you much adventures and delight! Thanks for pawsing over here
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s some hat! Now you need a coat to go with it.
LikeLike
If I sit still long enough, enough shed hair will float by and attach. Done…a bit worried about being mistaken for the Abominable Snowman or Big Foot…Thanks for adding a catty comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s cat-egorically splendid, this hat. I ♥ it! Warm! Fuzzy! All-encompassing! And if it does turn out to be a cat (you never know) then you have a cat who’s happy sitting on your head. What’s better than that?
But the Princesses here would have it “padded” (as in “making biscuits?”) down to nothing if they ever got their paws on it.
😉
LikeLike
The hat looking like cat attracts far too much attention if sitting on the table. Warm is warm. Thanks for warming the comment pile with your smile.
LikeLike
Clueless me had no idea Restoration Hardware carried clothing items. 🙂
LikeLike
Me either, but it is so much warmer now when there’s that chilling north wind blowing across the water. Success built. Thanks for observing the fur.
LikeLike
I thought you might have gathered up the bits of fur and done some millinery… many years with 2 cats & a dog with abundant undercoat I considered felting.
LikeLike
I actually knew someone in college who spun dog hair into yarn. A dog hair garment should wash and wear…unless it is malamute/husky hair that seems to just roll water off like a duck. I might use pet hair for art constructs, but wearing it would make me feel itchy, I think…and the cat would hate it. Thanks for brushing out a comment to leave!
LikeLike
I can see where that hat would be warm. Having been raised in northeast Ohio, I can well appreciate such a hat. 🙂 — Suzanne Joshi
LikeLike
Cold doesn’t bother me as long as it’s sunny (and some climates have less humidity, so it feels less cold) But these El nino winters where it rains all the time with a lot of wind…brrrrr. Too chilly. Thanks for breezing in with a comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s cute. My brother’s dog would have a conniption fit over a hat like that. Or he would run from the room out of fear–barking and whining. Man, that would be funny. It does look like a warm hat for dog walkers though.
LikeLike
The hat does look a little like it’s lurking on the top shelf ready to pounce. Winter will be back here in about 4 hours. Hat season!Thanks for warming up a comment
LikeLike
Just stopped in to re-visit this (was here before via my old blog). LOVE that fuzzball hat! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is the ultimate in winter hats! (Although Molly has been growling at it on the shelf.) Spring paw waves to your realm’s princesses
LikeLiked by 1 person