Business & Tech

Murrieta Boutique Attracts Red Hatters

Following their annual parade celebration in Old Town Temecula, many Red Hatters continued on by gathering at Mary's Hats & Things in Murrieta Springs Plaza. The local boutique is filled with gala fashion tempting even the most conservative to check it ou

When Murrieta resident Mary Robinson opened her local endeavor in August 2010, she never dreamed her little shop would be so popular with the Red Hat Society, attracting Red Hatters from all over Southern California.

“We attract many local ladies from the various community churches who come in to take a look at what we call ‘our Sunday best,'” said Diane Reed, employee and Robinson's sister. Reed works closely with Robinson, along with Robinson's daughter, Liz, at the shop.

“This was a dream of my sister's; she is very creative. She sews, makes hats and even designs her own personal clothing. I call her a real fashion-ique,” Reed said.

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According to Reed, they both joined the Sassy Sistahs chapter of the Red Hat Society together nearly six years ago. Robinson, now the chapter's Queen--or leader--opened the shop to give local Red Hatters a place to buy their clothing and accessories. Typically, the specialty items can only be bought online or from a catalog. 

In eight short months, seems to have successfully provided that–with nearly 100 Red Hatters shopping there alll at once on a recent weekday. Robinson’s little shop was filled to the brim with Red Hatters April 25 as they continued on with their annual celebration following a parade through Old Town Temecula. Robinson waited on customers for hours while the fun-loving group shopped, mingled and swapped stories.

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Each year on April 25, the society holds a celebration. This year's celebration was exceptionally meaningful as they also celebrated having that very first original red hat inducted into the Smithsonian Institute, leaving their lasting indelible mark in history.

"The Red Hats are a great group for anyone who wants to socialize with no demands or expectations placed on them to participate–a support group in times of crisis," Robinson said.

Queen Bee, Betty Painter of San Marcos, leader of the Dazzling Darlings chapter, was a wealth of information as she explained how much she enjoys being part of this international sisterhood.

According to Painter, the group originated 13 years ago when founder Sue Ellen Cooper purchased a colorful bright red fedora at a thrift store for $7.50 and later gave it to one of her dear friends, Linda Murphy for her birthday, along with the pensive poem by Jenny Joseph, "Warning: When I Grow Old."

The poem begins: “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat which doesn't go…," and goes on to tell of the many freedoms enjoyed in old age.

Murphy in turn gave a red hat and copy of the poem to one of her friends, who gave them to other friends. Within five years, the sisterhood grew to more than 40,000 chapters worldwide.

Red Hatters over 50 wear purple and red, while those under 50, known as Pink Hatters, wear lavender and pink. The society has many events and charities worldwide in keeping with its founding principles of fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment and fitness. Red Hatters all share a common bond and belief that life during their mid- and golden years should be embraced and lived to the fullest.

“We have lots of get togethers and mostly we just have lots of fun. It gets many women involved and busy and out of the house," Painter said. “We get together and have teas or make jewelry, but mostly we just enjoy each others company."

“We just love this store and come quite often, but not near as often as we would like to,” Painter said.

In keeping with their love of life, one Red Hat patron in her 80s showed off a recent butterfly tattoo on her leg, explaining that she "just had to do it," so she could take it off her bucket list.

“I did it just in time for my 65th class reunion,” said Betty Witty of Fallbrook,  a frequent customer of the shop. Although Witty walks with the aid of a walker she doesn’t let that slow her down or keep her from joining in the fun.

“I just love all this stuff, don’t you?” she said as she modeled one the many charming hats in the shop.

For Robinson, it's her life's work.

She began sewing and designing her own clothes and a very young age, later designing her own children's clothes by always making changes to the patterns so she ended up with something just a little different.

"Even as a young girl I always wanted to wear things that were different," Robinson confessed.

Her aspiration was to open a children's store but over the years, she said she came to have a heart for providing nice upscale clothes at a reasonable price for larger, more mature women. After opening, she has also included a section for smaller sizes with stylish denim jackets and jeans in hopes of providing something for everyone.

"In my mind I picture the mature woman–both by age and size–dressed to kill in nice, fancy upscale clothes, affordable styles that people will wear," Robinson said. "I'm looking to provide that here at the store."

If the success of her shop was measured in terms of money, Robinson said things may fall a little short right now. In terms of relationships formed and learning her customers' needs and wants, however, she said it has been insurmountable.

Shoppers can visit Mary’s Hats & Things at 25285 Madison Ave. in Murrieta or on their colorful website at Maryshatsandthings.com.

To find out more about The Red Hat Society visit Redhatsociety.com or contact Mary Robinson at 951-696-7711.


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