Aloha

 Aloha!

If you can't already guess today's post is about that hardly discussed fashion/etc. trend of "Tiki". As I will be heading to the Aloha state for my first ever vacation next week I have been running around (well my fingers have been) looking to see how to combine vintage and Hawaii. I felt both a relief and like a big nimrod for not even knowing about this huge vintage trend.  I knew Tiki was a style but was unaware of it's 1950's roots. Also it feels odd calling it a trend, or a style as it's derived from a whole culture of people, though I am guessing, Tiki as it's known now was only a thing here on the mainland.

What is Tiki? you ask. Island, tropical, colorful and floral, would be the best words to describe Tiki. Everything from the pink umbrella in your Mai Tai, to the wrap dress that is covered with purple flowers.

Custom made Tiki dresses on Etsy

Speaking of dresses since the roots of this vintage trend come at the end of WWII there were three main styles of dress that were popular; the usual circle skirt with a halter, a pencil shaped dress that usually came with a matching bolero, during this craze the sarong was made specifically in Tiki colors and patterns, and one must not forget the ever present playsuit.

Anything and everything really can be made into a Tiki style with the right pattern. Though for vintage authenticity and ease the sarong seems like the best bet. Also it would seem that this is a good look on women with curves and that is a big plus for me. So I have one week to find a cute Sarong that won't break the bank.

Can I do it? You will just have to check back to find out. Till next time lovelies Aloha!

PS. I received some lovely Bakelite and Moonglow that I am in love with and must write about as soon I can figure what is going to become a brooch and what will be another accessory of some kind. So look for that as well.

Oh the places you'll go!

As vintage lovers you already know that half the fun is the hunt for great vintage and half the fun are the experiences that come with it.

This past weekend I waggled my tail down to the vintage expo at The Reef in Downtown Los Angeles and let me tell you it was a sensory overload. Unfortunately my budget didn't allow for the splurge I so desperately wanted to do . Still I thought I would have a look see.

You see there were racks and racks and well more racks of dresses and coats from 1930 to I would say 1980 give or take a decade or two.

Www.elsewherevintage.com 

I devised my plan of attack and went at it. Refusing even the thought of buying anything above a dollar. Then though, then I found the deal breaker. The hat I couldn't live without.

It made me so weak in the knees I forgot to capture the moment to share I simply paid as fast as I could and pranced around. The photo above is of me yesterday all dolled up for the sole reason of showing off the hat. 

Okay now I know I said I wouldn't spend over a dollar, mmmm well I did talk the dealer ( whom of which has no website or anything or I would have linked it for everyone) down $15 so I paid $20 which I think is a pretty good price for a vintage hat. Food and rent? been meaning to go on a diet anyway, just joking this really was the last of my fun money though.

Then I took a little break in the waiting area they set up. I think the organizers knew this was going to be a bit much to take in. 

After that I browsed because I couldn't spend anymore, but sometime window shopping and talking can be just as fun. I found this beautiful fur trim coat at the Digs-n-Threads booth. 

   http://etsy.com/shop/digsnthreads

Www.Fabgasvintage.com

Then I headed over to Fab Gabs for the biggest Bakelite collection I've ever seen in person. It was two dames and a gent looking fabulous with Australian accents to boot. 

Although they don't sell the Bakelite on their etsy they do have some great things and were so nice in letting me take pictures. 

Tired yet? I sure was, so that's about the time I decided to head home. It was a great day and I have to thank 

Without them I wouldn't have been able to go they gave out free passes to everyone that came across their website.

I will be posting more vintage events stay tuned!