Fashion trends come and go, but one accessory has stood the test of time: the hat. Brittany Cobb, owner and founder of the Flea Style lifestyle brand, understands this better than most. A longtime hat lover, Brittany has always considered a hat her signature accessory. She wanted others to experience the same confidence and creativity that comes from finding the perfect hat, so she created one of the first hat bar experiences in Frisco at her Flea Style store.
So, what exactly is a hat bar? Inside Flea Style, customers will find a dedicated space where they can design and customize a hat that reflects their personal style. Guests choose from custom designs and one-of-a-kind accessories, many of which Brittany discovers during her own flea market adventures.
The hat bar features a variety of cowboy hats, including straw, felt, wool, short-brim, and wide-brim styles, along with made-to-order trucker hats. While Brittany had incorporated smaller custom hat sections in previous store locations, she recognized an opportunity after COVID to create something more interactive: an experience.
“I saw the need for people to decorate hats as a fun experience,” says Brittany. “In 2020 and 2021, people were only seen from the waist up during Zoom meetings. I thought having a festive, unique hat to wear online could at least make things a little more fun.”
With available space in the Frisco store, Flea Style launched the Original Hat Bar on National Hat Day in January 2021. Today, men and women alike can find a hat they love and personalize it however they choose. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments with a stylist are recommended. Corporate events, wedding parties, sporting events, and special celebrations are all perfect opportunities to reserve a private hat-making experience.
“I have always worn hats and can’t remember a time when I didn’t,” says Brittany. “As a hat lover, I always carried hats in my businesses.” Her mantra is simple: “Life is too short to wear a boring hat.”
As a former writer, Brittany had always dreamed of writing a book. Recognizing that many people aren’t sure how to wear or style a hat, she knew exactly what she wanted to create. The result was How to Style a Hat, a guide designed to help everyone embrace their personal style.
Released last April, the book features a foreword by Grammy-winning country music artist Miranda Lambert. Brittany knew Miranda would be the perfect choice because of her signature style and love of hats.
“She always wears a hat with her own personal, unique style,” Brittany says.
“The book is for the hat curious—for those who may not think they look good in a hat,” explains Brittany. “It’s a guide in so many ways to help you find what might be the best hat for you.”
She believes a hat can transform more than just an outfit.
“A hat can change the course of the day,” says Brittany. “The confidence a crisp-brimmed hat can give you, or how a trucker hat can completely change the vibe for your kid’s soccer game. It is the oldest accessory of all time. We have worn them since the beginning of time. Why not have fun with that?”
Beyond the hat bar, Flea Style is a lifestyle boutique featuring bohemian and vintage-inspired fashion, accessories, gifts, jewelry, and home goods. The store showcases one-of-a-kind pieces with influences ranging from western and southern flair to nature-inspired and rocker styles.
Originally from Southern California, Brittany is a graduate of Southern Methodist University. After earning her degree, she spent years as a writer covering fashion and décor for publications including The Dallas Morning News and DailyCandy. Drawing from that experience, she launched Flea Style as a pop-up shop, which quickly gained popularity and expanded to Houston, with the first flagship Dallas location opening in 2018.
Flea Style expanded and opened at The Star in Frisco in the fall of 2019. The brand also has a location in Prosper at The Gates of Prosper. Both the Frisco and Prosper stores feature Heirloom Haul, a modern tearoom and coffee shop located inside the boutique. Guests can enjoy salads, sandwiches, shareable bites, and classic tea service, making it the perfect place to relax after shopping or creating a custom hat.
Flea Style’s success in Texas has helped the brand expand nationwide, with 10 locations across four states. Additional stores include locations in Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and Laguna Beach, California. For Brittany, opening a Laguna Beach location was especially meaningful, as she was born and raised in Orange County and spent many summers there.
“My goal is for people to walk into our stores and enjoy a special experience in retail,” says Brittany. “Retail is hard, especially with all the opportunities available online, but we want customers to walk away with a memorable experience.”
“I want you to not just shop but have fun, make memories, and create special hats that last a lifetime,” she continues. “It could be art in your home, a piece that you love, or a future heirloom for your family.”
Brittany describes Flea Style as being similar to “a cool friend’s home that you walk into and don’t want to leave.”
With plans for additional Texas locations potentially being announced soon, Brittany knows the Flea Style brand continues to grow because it offers something shoppers crave: connection, creativity, and a little fun.
How to Style a Hat is available at all Flea Style locations and online, with signed copies available in stores.
FleaStyle.com