THE GAP GOES GAGA OVER ACCESSORIES: The Gap has just opened a free standing accessory store called “LOVE.” We noticed this sliver thin retailer on 5th Avenue (between 43rd and 44 Street) in NYC. The shop was selling canvas totes and bags with lots of hardware, as well as funky colorful pins to dress up the bags. It seems that jewelry is the new accessory for our accessories.

INDEPENDENT RETAILERS GET A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FROM SHOPPERS: Linda Pagan’s Soho NY Hat Shop was the subject of an article in a Scottish publication (Scotsman.com). “The stars' milliner of choice, the willowy and elegant Pagan, stocks zany cocktail hats, titfers for men, trilbies for boys and girls, flat caps "for that Jay Gatsby look" and gorgeous Ascot-style cartwheels with vintage trims. Pagan is so entertaining you could talk to her for hours. "For me, independent designer boutiques like Linda Pagan's Hat Shop are quintessential New York. Most of the shops I like best are owned by people who live in the neighborhood and who started their businesses to fulfill a creative passion. These little shops are 100 per cent independent, and that's what makes them really special."

This spirited fashion guide, Merritt says she likes a relaxed, friendly approach to design and business. "They all have a bohemian, rather romantic feel, and an individual style that's developed over time. It's all in direct contrast to the corporate nature of the world I used to operate in.” This shopping service and guide can be found at: Shop Gotham on 001 201 795 4200, or visit www.shopgotham.com (written by Jackie McGlone) News@scotsman.com

* If you talk to any large retailers, pass along this message. On second thought, please pass along this newsletter.

NEWSPAPERS KEEP PROFILING HATTERS: Husband and wife hatters, Larry and Merrill Matthews of Flatbush NY, got a glowing review from a reporter at the New York Daily News (Hats helped couple get ahead). “The hats were glorious in traditional styles and styles of their own invention. According to owner Larry: “Once you come to us, you'll come back." Their home-based salon caters to entertainers like Ben Vereen, reggae artist Burning Spear, former City Councilwoman Una Clarke and several entertainers with the Black Entertainment Television's 125th & Park hip-hop show. "The last hat we sold Ben Vereen, he took off my head," Larry said. "He said it was already broken in."

The couple employs four part-time workers and produce Matthew's Hats in their basement. Their fedoras, porkpies and caps are hand stitched and come in unique styles like their "Funnel Hat," which unfolds and can be worn in a variety of configurations. "The hat grows with your hair.” The creative twosome keep some a few of their designs under wraps due to their fear of them being copied. Their Stretch Crown, an elastic cap of soft nylon, can be worn outside or to bed and is for people who want to protect their hairstyles at night. For information call Matthew's Hat (718) 856-4683.

HENRY THE HATTER WAS ALSO IN THE NEWS: The Detroit Free Press recently profiled Henry the Hatter. This is what they said: “Established in 1893 and at its current location since 1952, Henry the Hatter is the place where people who are serious about hats shop for fedoras, bowlers, even caps suitable for a skipper. Brands include Borsalino, Dobbs, Stetson, Kangol and Giorgio Cellini. They're all here on glassed-in shelves that reach almost to the ceiling. Vintage signs from the 1960s tell shoppers not to touch and that a clerk will be happy to help. Clients include Steve Harvey and Kid Rock. Jack White of the White Stripes buys his hats at Henry the Hatter's Hamtramck location. The store also has a location in Southfield. But it's the Detroit store that's the heart of the chain. "I could very easily spend my time in Southfield, but ... I like downtown," says Paul Wasserman, who owns Henry the Hatter and is waiting eagerly for construction on Woodward Avenue loft projects to finish. "For a while, there just wasn't a lot going on ... but once the smoke clears, it's going to be an exciting place to be."

We know being an independent hatter is not easy, but we applaud Wasserman for his generational heritage in the hat business.