I’ve never been a hat person. I went through a phase when I was 22 where I regularly wore visors, and that only lasted for about 3 months. But, for some reason, this winter I’ve become hat obsessed.

I’m not sure when it started, but I decided to indulge the obsession when on vacation in December. I was in Washington, D.C., and found a really loud plaid hot pink newsboy cap at the Eastern Market. It was $20, which is a little pricy, but I had to have it, and it turned out to be the best purchase I’ve made in the last year.

I didn’t realize how great of a purchase it was until I wore it out to the bar one night. Just add glasses and you have yourself an alter-ego. Several acquaintances actually asked one of my friends who I was while I was standing right next to them. And the best part, I was able to avoid one of my exes (no small talk for me thanks).

Despite being very social, I also hate running into people when I’m running errands (especially grocery shopping). Toss on the hat, and I’m ready hide without actually having to hide. I’ve also used it to hide bad hair days.

Unfortunately, a newsboy cap isn’t completely practical when it’s cold or snowing, but have no worries, I also added a faux-fur lined Ushanka complete with ear flaps to my closet.

Although, it’s not the right time for hat shopping (most stores have already rolled out the bathing suits), I was able to find a few places around Nashua with some decent deals.

Burlington Coat Factory is still a gold mine as far as hats go. They have everything from newsboy caps to faux-fir lined winter hats. My favorite is this equestrian inspired cap for $16.99.

Some of the hats at Burlington Coat Factory cost as little as $3.99.

Other places to stop in include Kohl’s (although their selection was running on the thin side) for the Nine & Co. line, which is 50 percent off. 

And Target has a decent selection of newsboy caps for $10. 

P.S. For those of you who haven’t voted for which outfit I should wear to NEPA, what are you waiting for? There’s only eight days left. Go here and scroll to the bottom.