Ditch the hat this winter and opt for a Babushka instead! This unique new headpiece (kind of a cross between a headband and a hat) is fun, flattering, and fully functional.

What's more, the Babushka, a chic accessory designed to accent any outfit, is made by a local company which was founded by two South Shore women.

 Rebecca Pimentel and Danae Fuller are the dynamic duo behind BabushkaStyle. Rebecca, a Scituate resident, is a businesswoman with a knack for launching new products. A true entrepreneur, Rebecca is constantly coming up with new ideas and bringing them to market. Danae, a Kansas native who now calls Marshfield her home, is a photographer and busy mom. They teamed up to bring BabushkaStyle to life, which in reality all started with Rebecca's mother.

"My mom starting knitting them for me years ago," Rebecca told South Shore Woman.  "When I opened my boutique I began selling them." But her mother--the one and only knitter at the time-- couldn't keep up with demand. That's when Rebecca decided to outsource. "Now we have five local knitters, and they are all made on the South Shore," she said.

The Babushkas are made with 100% Merino wool and come in 10 fabulous colors (like Red Haute Hippie, Geek Chic Green, Purple Preppie, and Brown Bohemian). Each has the company's signature leopard print button in the back, which actually never needs to be 'unbuttoned'.  A simple quick stretch and the Babushka easily slides over your head and pulls back to keep your ears warm. Or, wear it in the fall or spring (ears exposed) for a splash of extra style!

BabushkaStyle also offers two specialty lines: BabushkaSport made from Polartec fabric; and BabushkaBaby designed for children ages 2 and over. The product line may soon be extending as Rebecca and Danae are considering making a Babushka for the beach! (Stay tuned!)

While not currently sold in any South Shore stores, you can buy them online ($40) from the  BabushkaStyle website.

The best thing about the Babushka: No more hat-head. Love that!!!!

By Stephanie Neil

Stephanie Neil is a journalist. Her business, technology, and human interest stories have appeared in a variety of print and online newspapers and magazines including eWeek, Managing Automation, The Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Huggies Baby Network, South Shore Woman, and The Boston Globe.  She lives on the South Shore with her two kids, two cats, and a dog. Contact info: stephanieneil@comcast.net  or 781-378-1652. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieNeil