Marjae Hicks is busy adorning Baltimore area heads with feathers, jewels, bows, sequins, flowers and all the bling that is associated with a Preakness hat.
The Preakness Stakes is one of Baltimore's historical sports events, offering tradition and excitement.
And big hats.
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According to Hicks, owner of in Westminster, MD, Preakness-worthy hats are big and whimsical and will get people talking.
"You have to wear your hat with confidence. If you don't, it will show," she said. "You have to have confidence in your hat. Even if it's the most whimsical, crazy-looking hat, it will be beautiful."
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Black-Eyed Susan-inspired hats are always popular, she said. The Black-Eyed Susan, a flower with a black button in the middle and yellow petals, is the Maryland state flower, and many Preakness hats will carry those elements into their hat design.
Hicks designed Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's hat last year and she said she has created another stunning masterpiece for her this year.
Hicks said the mayor's hat will be revealed when Rawlings-Blake wears it to Preakness. She said she took into account the mayor's skin tone and eye color in designing the hat.
In addition to the style and colors of a hat fitting the person, Hicks said the price has to fit, too. Hats in her store start as low as $20 for a floppy beach hat and can go up to several hundred dollars for one of her custom designs.
Check out the accompanying video to get more tips from Hicks on choosing a Preakness-worthy hat.
Visit her website to see more styles or order hats online, http://www.marjaehats.com.
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