The Missing Piece

A diamond in the rough. I was visiting Kansas City with my family and we stayed at the the Westin at Crown Center. We were just goofing around walking through the mall that is attached to the hotel and we came across ‘The Missing Piece’. A very nice gentleman worked/​owned the store. He was very knowledgeable about the hats and he was not pushy. He answered any/​all questions without feeling pesty. I’ve been to several hat stores in NOLA which are very highly thought of and in my opinion the selection at this establishment was second to none. I’ll definitely go back when traveling through Kansas City.
FYI: It sounds like Halls Department store will be taking over the entire 3^rd floor of the mall displacing the hat store. The owner wasn’t sure where the new store would be located…

The missing Piece is no more. We went to Westport Saturday to shop and it been closed up not sure if they have moved to a new location Called the # list and nothing

Even if you’re not a hat guy or gal, Mike at The Missing Piece is ready and waiting to convert you. I mean really, why don’t we wear hats anymore? They’re sophisticated and wonderful. Go get a hat. Or three.
I stopped to look for a fedora for my husband, but quickly realized I needed him there to try the hat on. I started to leave, but Mike put me in an orange linen cloche (which I LOVED), and then several sunny day and beach-​worthy numbers. In the end, I bought a winter cloche that I stumbled upon and loved, but I’ll be visiting Westport soon to see if I can find that orange cloche in another color. This was a fantastic shopping experience. As a bonus, I now know that this shop has a hat stretcher — something I need access to about once a year. See you soon, Mike!

Other than the panama hat I bought in Charleston, all of my other hats come from this or the Crown Center location. Both men are personable as can be and will help even the most sartorially challenged find the right «look» at the right price.
Come here if you want to look natty and if you actually think before getting dressed.

When I was an impressionable little girl, my parents would have the Honeymooners repeats on all the time. I think you know where this is going. That Ed Norton and his pork pie hat. OH yes. So adorable. I fantasized about knocking out Trixie’s teeth and becoming Ed’s new wife.
Pork pie hats have been my favorite since before I knew what they were even called. But, then there was Gilligan. Shut up. Hence, my undying love for sailors (I don’t exaggerate. Look at the tattoo on my inner right arm). That’s not for Gilligan, though. That’s for the curses that come out of my mouth. OK and the many years spent ogling the boys down by the pier on Fleet Week. *Hello* Sailor!
So you’re privy to my love affair with men and their hats. I don’t think Jude Law has ever looked so adorable as he did wearing a pork pie in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Is it so wrong that I play that one scene when he’s leaving the post office over and over again? Don’t judge! I die when Don Draper puts on his fedora and trench coat. Talk about debonair.
What it comes down to is, a man is only as good as the hat on his head. Say your man is hatless (or is prone to wearing trucker caps). Don’t despair! You’ll find his missing piece, guess where?! At The Missing Piece. You’ll find pork pies, fedoras, panamas, aviators, newsboy caps, cowboy hats and if you must, ski caps. There are all kinds of ladies’ hats, too (I’m partial to the cloche).
Needless to say, I am in love with a man who gets the whole hat thing. I found him yet another here for Christmas. They boxed it up in a darling old fashioned hat box, too. Nice touch.
What sort of hat did I buy him? Guess…

I was not much of a hat person, the occasional baseball cap, but decided that I wanted to try a Kangol 504 style cap. To determine if I truly would wear one I purchased a clearance cap at WM for $ 5. My wife liked it so I was good to go. I looked on-​line for the 504 but decided that I wanted to try one on first. By coincidence in one of the ad supplements put out at the end of the year had an ad for The Missing Piece and their holiday sale so I ventured to Westport. I was immediately greeted my Michael Miller who was busy helping another customer. I looked around until after the other customer made his purchase. Michael then assisted me as I selected a black Kangol 504. He even listened to my stupid WM story. As I was leaving I noticed a Baily «Curtis» style hat. Michael encouraged me to try it on before leaving. My wife was with me and said she liked it but I decided to think about it for a while. About a month passed and I went back to The Missing Piece to purchase the Baily hat. As soon as I walked into the store Michael recognized me and greeted me by my first name. Wow — where does this happen anymore? Especially after only being in the store one time prior. I made my purchase and again scanned the displays, I was getting hooked. Needless to say I went back again in February and purchased a Scala Panama summer hat. Now I am anxiously awaiting May 15. If you need a new hat, think you would like to experiment with a hat or just want to meet a very nice person that truly understands the meaning of customer service I highly encourage you to visit The Missing Piece.

What a cute hat store!
They had everything from fedoras, cabbie hats, beach straw hats, and knit caps. Only thing missing was cowboy or baseball hats, but honestly, those hats are pretty boring. For those wanting stylish caps, this is the place to buy.
The lady behind the counter was sporting a cute antique hat with flowers, and let me try on whatever caught my eye. They sold kangol, and other brands (they escape me right now), and were moderately priced. I loved their selection of different kinds of hats, but I need something practical for the winter months ahead. Their collection of knit caps was on the smallish side, but considering the store wasn’t that big to begin with, it seemed appropriate. Plus, knit caps aren’t as much fun as what else they sold.
I would definitely come here if you’re a hat afficionado, or if you’re looking for something specific, or if you just want a fun hat to brighten your day.