Summer heat & humidity seems to be lingering in the "Sunshine State" this year, so I've had plenty of opportunities to wear vintage dress both from - & inspired by - that other beach-side paradise, Hawaii, where my dear friend Alice resides with her family... & from whence she sends me so many hand-picked, boho goodies...
It may seem bizarre to have such an enduring love for a place I have never had the pleasure of visiting in person (yet!) & I suppose the Hawaii that I am daydreaming about is the one of vintage films - Blue Hawaii, Gidget Goes Hawaiian - & retro television shows - Hawaii 5-0, The Brady Bunch (Hawaiian episodes), Magnum P.I - I love so much, but who could fail to be inspired by images like the ones below?!?
www.retromovieposters.com
www,elvis_fan@wordpress.com
www.retroposters.com
www.retrofanclub.co.uk
www.retrotvbuff.com
www.retrotvbuff.com
www.tv1.com.au
The first part of this series, imaginatively titled Aloha Summer, showcases 3 of my favourite island-inspired ensembles:
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LOOK #1: MUU-MUU MAVEN
Dress: Tiffany poly-blend
Wedges: Soft Soul @ Myer patent, leather & rope
Bag: Bluebird @ Strandbags vinyl
Cuff: Wallace Bishop silver
Hinged Bangle: Heathergems silver & heather (from Pitlochry, Scotland)
Headpiece: Gift, fabric flower
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This gorgeous, late 1960s maxi with its pink "floral burst" on a cobalt blue background print, slightly puffed sleeves & scooped drawstring neckline detail with little bow was just perfect for balmy days & nights, especially when mixed with small beige handbag & a pair of retro-style beige wedges with rope heels & a pop of neon pink patent to match the muu-muu's pattern & style.
Jewellery was kept simple & minimal with such a bold look, merely a plain silver cuff on one arm & a silver & pink Heathergems hinged bangle on the other. Scroll down for a closer look at this amazing piece, created by artisans in a little town in the Scottish Highlands called Pitlochry from dried & dyed heather. Simply stunning... & available here (with shipping to Australia!) in a myriad of different colours & styles.
Finishing the look is this amazing fabric flower headpiece - a gift from a dear friend - that adds that extra "boho" touch...
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LOOK #2: SIMPLE SUNNY STUNNER
Dress: Vintage, 1980s linen blend
Sandals: Bare Traps @ Simona Ricci leather & embellishment
Bag: LouenHide leather
Hat: Vintage, straw
Bangles: Oxfam polished pine
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This sky-blue linen shift with white palm tree outlines - clearly a remnant of the 1980s - was a classic choice for hot summer & early-autumn days due to its simple shape & design, particularly striking when mixed with white & beige accessories such as the embellished white leather sandals with stacked heel, slouchy white leather shoulder bag, vintage beige straw sunhat with white woven band & polished pine bangles depicted.
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LOOK #3: MRS MAGNUM
Dress: Vintage, poly-blend
Wedges: Novo suede & rattan
Bag: Vintage rattan
Belt: Heathers Accessories @ Booval Shopping Centre
Bangle & Bracelet Selection: Gift (from Louise's trip to China)
Ring: Gift (from Louise's trip to China)
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This busily-printed poly-blend shift with shallow v-neckline is, to my mind, the female equivalent of Magnum's beloved Hawaiian shirts - bright, bold & unashamedly so! Taking kitsch to a new level, I added a thick, elasticated waist belt with oversized leather flower buckle & diamante button centre. I loved the look of the nipped-in middle, slightly higher than my natural waist to create more of an "empire line" effect, particularly when mixed with a pair of suede & rattan wedges with leather ankle strap & small, circular, vintage woven rattan handbag. The play on proportions really creates visual interest.
Completing the eclectic ensemble was a jumble of funky bracelets & bangles - in a pleasing palette of beige, gold & peach - that Louise brought back from her latest trip to China, topped off with a large gold cocktail ring in the shape of a bullock head. Keep scrolling for a closer view:
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