Aloha Summer #2

Perhaps I may have mentioned, in yesterday's post for example, that Queensland is suffering through a particularly sticky Endless Summer at present? I did? For the hundredth time? Well, it is one of the single biggest conversation topics in the Sunshine State at present...

One of the ONLY good aspects of this weather, as far as I'm concerned, has been the chance to wear some gorgeous vintage threads both from - & inspired by - another warm-weather haven that is girt-by-sea, Hawaii. The disclaimer here, of course, would be that the Hawaii I am fantasizing about packing my bags & running away to is the one of such retro films & television shows as Gidget Goes Hawaiian (& not just because we share a first & middle name), Blue Hawaii, The Brady Bunch, Magnum P.I & the original Hawaii 5-0 starring the follicularly-challenged Jack Lord... See yesterday's post for inspirational flashback pictures.

But I digress.

The second part of this Aloha Summer series showcases another 3 tropical ensembles:

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LOOK #1: Hibiscus Honey

Dress: Vintage, cotton

Sandals: Bare Traps @ Simona Ricci leather & embellishment

Bag: Gift, vintage straw

Cuff: Creative Waves beaded

Wrap Bracelet: Swarovski leather & crystals

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This light cotton, hibiscus & bird-of-paradise patterned, midi-length muu-muu was the perfect casual choice for hot & steamy days. The fact that the 1960s fabric is slightly faded by the sun only adds to its "summers past" vibe, particularly when mixed with embellished white leather sandals with stacked heels. 

Jewellery was kept to a couple of carefully-chosen pieces: a burnished silver beaded cuff for that nod to rustic bohemia, as well as a white leather & crystal wrap-around bracelet for a blinged-out, modern touch that matches the comfortable Soft Soul sandals. 

Finishing the look is an ah-mazing woven "beach basket" from the 1960s, given to me by a dear friend who carried it all the way to Brisbane from Melbourne on HIS LAP as carry-on luggage. It's very Brady-Bunch-visit-Hawaii & I absolutely adore it! For a closer look at the woven fruit & leaves on the sides & lid, see below:

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LOOK #2: Kitschy Creation

Dress: Vintage, poly-blend

Sandals: Bare Traps @ Simona Ricci leather & embellishment

Bag: Gift, vintage plastic, paper & cotton

Cuff: Creative Waves silver, shell & faux pearls

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This brightly-patterned shift dress with key-hole neckline & toggle is something a little bit different for me. Sure, I wear green & yellow tones often, but brown is something I tend to stay away from. This has made me reconsider my stance, particularly when I can mix it with a pair of bronze leather sandals with blinged-out embellishment & a funky one-of-a-kind, hand-made wrapping paper, cardboard & clear plastic handbag with bronze embroidery.

Completing the bold look is a thin silver cuff covered with "flowers" fashioned from pieces of shell & faux pearls. Check it out:

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LOOK #3: Beach Blue

Dress: Vintage, cotton

Sandals: Betts for Her patent

Bag: Novo patent

Cuff: Wallace Bishop silver

Bangle: Tree of Life polished silver

Bracelet: Spirit's Gift @ Coolangatta silver

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This "beachy blue" print cotton hand-made kaftan with slight v-neckline & side splits is stereotypically 1970s & that's what I love most about it! It's clearly handmade by someone unknown to me, but has stood the test of time, with each seam as strong as it was 40+ years ago. What I particularly adore is the way the pattern's palm trees, waves & hibiscus flowers are printed in every direction, creating visual interest, evidenced below: 

Rather than mix this 70s relic with retro-themed accessories, I decided to go completely modern with a pair of trendy black patent gladiator wedges & matching boxy handbag, the juxtaposition working due, in part, to the dark patches in the print, helped along by the fact that kaftans are enjoying a resurgence this year among many beach-going bright-young-things. Rather than a garment inspired by the era, however, this garment is OF the era; the real deal. 

Modern silver accessories were also chosen to pull the look together - a plain, thick silver cuff from Wallace Bishop that was gift from my friend Alice a few years ago & has "All You Need is Love" engraved on the inside, a polished silver bangle from Tree of Life & a chunky silver hibiscus bracelet - found in a little tiny store called Spirit's Gift by the beach in Coolangatta & given to me for my birthday a few months later by my parents - that matches the bright blue beauties dotted all over the pattern. Voila! Instant cohesion.

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