Plaid is not just for winter nor for men, it's for summer!

I supposed if you asked me what pattern I wear the least (besides paisley) I'd probably say plaid. Now, if you asked B what his favorite pattern is you'd hear a resounding "do I wear anything but plaid??" There are plenty of feminine plaid pieces available this summer which tempt me to rethink plaid's versatility. Here are some of my favorite plaid for under $100.

The shape, pattern, and frilly bottoms are too cute and kind of remind me of middle school (in a good way).

Bandeau top $8.99 (clearance!)
via Victoria Secret
Now, you're probably thinking, "Christina-you silly, silly, girl, that's not plaid." I am going to stand my ground here...I like to call this modern plaid.
Margo Checkers Dress $58 (and by "checkers" they mean abstract plaid).
via Nasty Gal
I'm really liking the one piece dress that looks like a skirt and top connected (not sure if there's a term for it). Either way, they're really comfortable and people get confused, which is kind of fun, when they're trying to compliment it.
Potluck Picnic Dress in Chocolate $47.99 (Modcloth describes this as gingham "plaid" thank you very much)
via ModCloth
I know it's bright, but don't look away...this is an awesome top. And I want it, a lot. The decorative buttom down bib put me over the edge.
Technicolor Dream Top $54.99
via ModCloth
If you're worried about over doing it with the plaid, mix it up with another pattern. This tunic/mini dress is perfect on hot summer days.
Sheer plaid fenced garden mini dress $27.99
via Ruche
I still haven't found a fedora that fits comfortably on my big ole' head but I like the cheekiness of this plaid one.
Plaid Straw Fedora $24
via Arden B.
Forever 21 has a plethora of inexpensive plaid options in feminine, easy to wear cuts. The one plaid top I have is actually from Forever 21 and I love it. This one is a classic western cut, but with short sleeves, oh and it's pink. (Guaranteed you won't look like a boy).
Patricia Plaid Top $17.90
via Forever 21
So are you friend or foe of plaid print? How do you wear plaid?

Finding a fedora

I don't know where my distaste for hats began, but I never wear them. I think part of the problem is that I think they look funny on me and perhaps my head it too big or misshapen, or something. A few weeks ago, while in the car with some friends, I tried on someone's fedora. I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only was it comfortable, it actually looked kind of cute. I could see myself wearing it at a picnic, the beach, or doing errands. There are plenty of options out there, but I've narrowed them down to affordable ones that would work with most outfits. The problem is finding one that will fit my big head.

This one might be a good "starter" to see if I would actually wear one.
Pinstripe Fedora $8.80
source: Forever 21
A good shape is going to be key for me. I like the lighter color with the contrasting black band.
Spillane Straw Fedora $28
source: Urban Outfitters
I feel like I should have a cigar in my mouth with this one.
Cafe Habana fedora $24
source: Fredflare
The striped detailing makes this fedora a bit more interesting and the price is just right.
Straw Fedora $12.50
source: Wet Seal
This one is a nicer quality and it's on a major sale, but it's not exactly the shape I'm wanting.
Canvas fedora $19.99 (from $59)
source: Banana Republic
I enjoy the color scheme with this hat. It seems like it would be easy to wear. It's just a bit more than I'm wanting to pay.
Straw Trilby hat $34.50
source: J. Crew

This would be perfect for the beach and it's hard to tell from the picture, but it might be too big for everyday wear.
AE Straw Fedora
source: AE
So I really like the shape of the UO and Wet Seal styles, but I like the femininity of the J.Crew hat. What do you think? Do you wear hats?
{One more day to enter the giveaway! Click on the bracelet to the right for more info.}