I ordered this hat in the original black (with lace band and single flower) because I wanted a black summer cloche for the annual Dardanella Gatsby lawn party.  The black hat arrived quickly, completely undamaged.  The dome is stiff which gives it a very old fashioned silhouette and keeps its shape rather than forming to ones head (and makes it easier to pin hair out of the way under the hat rather than at the neck where it may push the hat forward, despite the smaller brim in the back).  Theres a ribbon tie hidden under the sweatband so it can be adjusted a bit smaller.  I loved this hat so much that this spring, when I saw it came in red, I ordered that as well to go with red and patriotic red, navy, and white ensembles.  I was hoping the hat would be crimson or a cranberry/wine shade.  The hat turned out to be a cranberry/wine shade (think Apple from Davids Bridal).  It doesnt match my crimson pieces as perfectly as Id hoped, but as my husband pointed out:  when all the reds match perfectly you look like a cartoon, slight variations in color look more vintage authentic.  I did notice that the front brim on my red hat is ever so slightly longer than on my black hat, but both are equally flattering  manufacturing variations no doubt.  It really is the perfect summer cloche in either color!

I do wish they offered this style of cloche (with the single flower and lace band) in the mint color  either all mint or with a contrasting white band and flower.  The mint cloche they are currently selling is a little too busy for me and the silhouette doesnt look as flattering.

Please note when ordering:  through good luck when I ordered my black hat it arrived by itself in a box just a little larger than itself gently padded with air-filled bags.  The first time I ordered the red hat, I ordered it with 7 other items (all heavier than a linen hat); it was shipped hardly padded at all in a large box with all of the other items and arrived with the crown crushed in.  Fortunately, with free shipping and free returns I had no trouble returning the hat for a full refund and I re-ordered it and had it shipped by itself.  My second red hat arrived in perfect condition!  I advise everyone to order these hats so that they are shipped by themselves to avoid them being crushed by other items in your order.