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.

Surprises oh the Surprises!

I'm Back!

After a lot of illness, technical difficulties, and work, I am glad to say I am back. Well in this interim of yuckiness I have got to learn more about knitting and more about the compassion of my significant other. However, he would blush from here till Tuesday if I gave out details so this doll shall not kiss and tell. His clothes are another story. 

Apparently before he met me he was also into vintage, and still is as far as music, movies etc, that's what was so charming about him in the first place but dressing vintage I had no idea!

 While visiting his family this Thanksgiving week, he was digging out some of his old clothes and he showed me these two vintage pieces, the only remains of his collection. This was all after getting a 50's comb over cut, which I was really happy about but didn't give it a second thought as it's in style, then he tells me he wants to go to the Cicada. The Cicada really requires it's own post, but it's THE vintage night club in Los Angeles. Needless to say this doll is smiling from ear to ear at all these new developments.

 Anyway I deeply digress the shirt to the right is a Mr. California button up, and the one to the left is an unknown long sleeve button up. He said neither cost more than $20 seven years ago at a vintage store. My have the times changed.  

  They are both in traditional 1950's button down "sporty" style.  The short sleeve is burgandy with white trim, pearl buttons and two large breast pockets. While the long sleeve differs a little with no pockets and is more of a "Jacket Shirt" bottom. 

On top of this lovely realization that I may have the pleasure of vintage hunting for someone else too, I was gifted a laptop. You heard me right, gifted, by that amazing gal I took a photo with from my Halloween post . I was so grateful, it brought tears to my eyes. Hopefully now I will be able to post more frequently and better quality stuff in the future.

This dame has a lot to be grateful for that's for sure. Till next time lovelies!

Light and Noir: Visited

The flu and work really got me this week but I am determined to share the visit I had last Thursday to the Skirball Cultural Center. 

The Skirball's focus is Jewish Culture. So the main theme of the "Light and Noir" exhibit I went to was an homage to the actors, directors, writers, and composers who fled Nazi persecution in Europe from 1933-1950.

It started off showcasing how Noir has shaped American pop culture. 

For instance movies like "who framed roger rabbit" is deeply influenced by classic Noir.

There were plenty of movie posters but I had great fun looking at the props they had displayed.

I even became apart of the scene for a second. 

The props and costumes shown below are from Casablanca. 

There was even theater seats set up with a movie screen showing clips of Casablanca.

This whole room was just a beautiful exhibit of props and costume, with clip screenings of various movies. 

(It says no photos but shhh don't tell) 

This dress belonged to Joan Crawford,

And this was a costuming sketch for Sunset Boulevard.

Then I found this displayed and it looks like an antique parchment of declaration but its Max Factor's Scroll of fame. Upon opening, 900 guests signed this sheet, and everyone received an engraved compact. The idea of Giveaways have been around a long time.

As things got tough politically for Hollywood, and people started to get questioned about their party status, it was nice to find a relaxed social setting without the worry of angering the wrong person. So the Skirball set up a nice vintage living room at the end of the exhibit to relax in.

It had artifacts and a flurry of family photos from 1933-1950

It was a great exhibit and one that if in the area no one should miss. It's going on till March 1st and its free on Thursdays, so no excuses.

Although if you thought that, that was all there was, you were mistaken. After this great display there was a vintage pop up shop.

It had about four racks of close and wonderful vintage jewelry. 

I didn't have a photographer for this portion but wanted to show you my outfit for the day and the pretty dressing room they made with the vintage furniture. Two birds one snap.

They had lipstick brushes, water activated eyeliner and cream rouge in cute vintage-esque packaging. 

There were books about vintage and so much more!

All in all it was a great visit, I didn't get to buy anything but just getting to see the exhibit and the vintage pop up made me a happy Dolly indeed!

This exhibit is going till March 1st at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The pop up shop by Uniquely Vintage will only be going till December 3rd but On the 7th they will be doing another pop up on the same grounds. There will also be a talk about Fashion during WWII with Gabriela Hernandez and Kimberly Truhler that day. If you want more details go to the Skirball website.

Accessories!

Accessories!

Now here is a little tip I learned straight from the ladies in the 40's.

If you don't have a lot in the way of attire for whatever reason, be it, space, money, time, a war (much of these styles were created during a war) etc. accessories are the way to go to glamorize your look without sacrificing any of the above.

As a working gal my outfits can't always be too glamorous, however you can see at least three accessories here; Bangles, earrings, and a brooch I made from a broken headband.

Now here are some of the different things a vintage gal might have to glamorize even her nightgown.

Brooches are a cute way to personalize any outfit, let's say if you found a vintage inspired top on sale at Target. A few people may have the same top but only you can give it that vintage vibe with a cute brooch. 

You can make your own, with back pins from Michael's. Stick those things on anything your imagination will allow, or if you would rather buy some pre-made etsy is flooded with cute handmade brooches (wackytuna on etsy has some cute ones). Also there are the thrift stores and vintage shops of course.

Bangles are a great way to bring a little life to any outfit and they are fun to hunt for too. Specifically Bakelite as those are the most sought after for their vintage appeal. Women of the late 30's and 40's liked Bakelite for the same accessorize to  glamorize idea we're talking about here. 

This bangle is Moonglow a product released after Bakelite but still pretty as the light appears as if coming from within. A whole article about Bakelite and various reproductions to come soon. 

Anyway I digress...

Necklaces offer the ultimate glamour. This area though can be tricky, because its a fine line between a vintage vibe and costumey when buying necklaces on the cheap. 

 However if you are able to try it on and it feels right, looks right on you, like anything else, the confidence you feel will exude  and turn your cheap find into the finest of pearls. Even those black little ball looking things have their place when I feel great in my outfit.

Earrings are a great addition, especially if like me you tend to feel a bit insecure about the roundness of your face from time to time. Hey it happens and I am glad that when my hair is up in some nice victory rolls my earrings are there to say its okay doll you look peachy!

Fun hair clips are a great accessories for a vintage gal not only do they cover a rogue roll end or a naughty wave, certain ones like these flowers bring an elegance to your everyday look.

Last but certainly not least...

Purses, bags, or a nice clutch to carry your modern day accessories like phones and such pull an outfit together. I bought this one in unison with my Moonglow bangle for a whopping $5 at the thrift store. So never fear they can be just as cheap as the rest of the accessories. 

As far as space is concerned you really only need two. One for daytime and one for going out. If you are really savvy or find a great purse you could pull off just having one.

Now none of my accessories cost more than $4 a piece accept the necklace in the middle of that picture above which cost me $12. So by adding to your collection a little at a time it is doable with the smallest of budgets. 

You may be asking what about scarves? No vintage doll can be without scarves.

Again we have come to a subject that requires its own post. At least I love them so much it does, along with snoods, hats, and shoes. So stay tuned for that chickadees!

Thank you for reading and remember vintage isn't scary it's fun and doable for everyone.