The Beret Love Hair Clip: Decoding the Store p131 Tag from 1960s Britain

The small paper tag, yellowed with age, reads 'Store p131 Beret Love HTML'. It is barely larger than a postage stamp, yet it holds the key to a charming piece of 1960s British hair accessory history. The clip itself is a dainty beret shape, perhaps no more than 4 cm across, crafted from stiff felt in a muted navy or a soft dove grey, with a single stitched heart in cherry red or dusty rose. To the uninitiated, it is a sweet little nothing. To the collector, it is a coded message from the Swinging Sixties, waiting to be decoded.

This guide is written for those who have found such a tag tucked inside a vintage clip, or who are curious about the 'Store p131' series. We will explore the origins, materials, identification, styling, and care of this specific accessory, helping you to appreciate and preserve a small but significant piece of British fashion heritage.

The Origins of the Beret Love Hair Clip

The beret, a soft, flat, round cap, became a potent symbol of 1960s British style. It was adopted by the Mod subculture, worn by French New Wave muses, and later embraced by the hippie movement. Translating that silhouette into a hair accessory was a natural step for London’s accessory makers. The Beret Love clip combined the iconic cap shape with a heart motif, embodying the playful, optimistic spirit of the era. The 'Love' in the name likely references the peace-and-love ethos that permeated youth culture from the mid-1960s onward.

These clips were not couture items; they were affordable, mass-produced accessories sold in department stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, and countless independent boutiques. The 'Store' prefix on the tag suggests a wholesale or retail stock code, possibly from a manufacturer that supplied multiple outlets. The 'p131' is a product code, and 'Beret Love HTML' is the descriptive name—where 'HTML' is a puzzling remnant of an inventory system, not a web markup language (a decade before the internet existed). It may be an abbreviation for 'Hat, Trim, Metal, Lining' or a simple internal reference number.

Materials and Construction

The Beret Love clip is typically constructed from a stiff felt base, often wool or wool-blend, which holds the beret shape. The felt is sometimes trimmed with a narrow ric rac braid or a fine cord around the edge. The heart is appliquéd or embroidered in a contrasting colour; occasionally it is a small felt patch. The hair clip mechanism is a metal spring clip, similar to the classic 'bobby pin' or 'snap clip' style, riveted to the underside of the felt. The interior of the clip is often lined with a thin plastic or fabric to protect the hair.

Variations exist: some examples use velvet instead of felt, offering a plusher texture. The colours most commonly seen are navy, black, grey, burgundy, and forest green, with hearts in red, pink, or white. The clip itself may be gold-coloured or silver-toned metal, depending on the era. The quality of the felt and the precision of the stitching can help date the piece—earlier examples (circa 1963–1966) tend to have finer craftsmanship, while later ones (1967–1970) show more economical construction.

Decoding the 'p131' Tag

The tag is your primary clue to authenticity. It is usually a small, rectangular piece of card, cream or light beige, with black or red ink. The text is printed or stamped, often with a slightly uneven alignment. The full inscription reads 'Store p131 Beret Love HTML' in a sans-serif typeface. The word 'Store' may be followed by a faint line number or a small logo—sometimes a crown or a stylised 'S'. The 'p131' is the most important part: it indicates the specific model within the 'Beret Love' line.

Collectors sometimes encounter similar tags with 'p130' or 'p129', which refer to different beret shapes or colourways. The 'HTML' suffix is unique to this series and is not found on later clips. It is believed to be a internal warehouse code, perhaps standing for 'Hair Trim Metal Lining' or 'Hair Touch Metal Link'. Over time, the tag may become brittle and fade; storing it in a clear archival sleeve is recommended.

For collectors, the colour palette of these clips often echoes the shades documented in The Lost Colours of British Spring: A Vintage Hair Clip Collector's Guide, which can help date a piece based on the precise hues used by manufacturers in different years.

Collecting and Identifying Authentic Pieces

When hunting for a Beret Love clip, look for these key features:

• Shape: A distinct beret silhouette—circular or slightly oval, with a flattened top and a slight brim.
• Heart motif: A single appliquéd or embroidered heart, usually centred on the beret. The stitching should be neat and even.
• Clip mechanism: A metal spring clip with a small hinge. The clip should open and close smoothly without excessive force.
• Tag condition: The original tag is often missing or damaged. If present, it should match the 'Store p131 Beret Love HTML' format.
• Size: Typically 3.5–5 cm in diameter. Larger clips are rarer and often from later runs.
• Material: Felt or velvet; avoid anything that feels like modern craft foam.

Be wary of reproductions: modern copies often use synthetic felt, poorly printed tags, and plastic clips. The metal of the original clip is slightly heavier and has a duller finish than cheap contemporary equivalents. If a tag looks too crisp or uses a different font, it is likely a reproduction.

Styling a Beret Love Clip Today

The charm of the Beret Love clip lies in its understated whimsy. It is not a statement piece but a delicate accent, perfect for adding a touch of 1960s romance to a modern outfit. Here are a few ways to wear it:

• Side part: Secure the clip just above the ear, sweeping hair to one side. This works well with a low ponytail or a simple bob.
• Chignon accent: Place the clip at the nape of the neck, over a loose bun or a French twist. The beret shape peeks out from behind the hair.
• Headband addition: Slide the clip onto a wide velvet headband for a layered look.
• Modern mix: Pair with a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, and a pair of vintage-inspired sunglasses. The clip adds a playful note without looking costumed.

Because the Beret Love clip is small, it works well for those with fine or medium hair. For thicker hair, choose a clip with a strong spring—some later examples have a reinforced metal hinge. Avoid overloading the clip; it is designed for a light hold only.

Caring for Your Vintage Beret Clip

Preserving a Beret Love clip requires gentle handling. The felt is susceptible to dust, moths, and moisture. Follow these care tips:

• Storage: Keep the clip flat in a lined box or a drawer, wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. Do not hang it, as the clip may stretch the felt.
• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry brush (a clean makeup brush works well) to remove dust. For stains, spot-clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap—test on an inconspicuous area first. Never soak the felt or submerge the clip.
• Metal care: If the clip shows tarnish, gently buff with a soft cloth. Avoid using liquid metal polish, which can seep into the felt.
• Moth prevention: Add a small sachet of lavender or cedar to your storage box. Check the clip periodically for signs of insect damage.
• Handling: Always handle the clip by the edges, not the felt centre, to avoid crushing the beret shape.

If you spot a neat little beret clip with a heart at a flea market or online, check the tag for the p131 code – it is a small piece of 1960s British fashion history worth preserving. The 'Store p131 Beret Love HTML' is more than a curiosity; it is a tangible link to the era when hair accessories were crafted with care, and a tiny beret could carry the spirit of a generation.