Starting the first post of spring with a colourful tropical look! Having enjoyed a genuinely cold and long enough winter this year (a first, really) I feel like I got a nice break from my summer wardrobe. I had been starting to plan for the warm months ahead when Vivien of Holloway very kindly let me pick out an outfit. The Tea Timer Top in Anthurium print caught my eye for two reasons; I have red Anthurium flowers in my garden, and it just looked really comfortable. While also elegant at the same time. Something that I can pop over my swimsuit for the walk to the beach or with a smart pair of slacks for a nice dinner out. Which is exactly what we ended up doing after snapping these photos – its not quite beach weather yet. Soon though.
I have been admiring Tea Timer tops on the stylish ladies in the vintage community for a while. The origin of these tops goes back to Hawaiian shirts, that first made an appearance in the 1930s when they became popular among American tourists. It is believed the shirts were adapted from Japanese Yakuta cottons and sewn into garments that would appeal to Westerners. By 1939 these shirts became something of a status symbol to show that one had weathered the Great Depression unscathed and could afford a holiday to Hawaai. The shirts had now become known as the Aloha shirts, adorned with patterns of beaches, tropical flowers and hula girls. Wearing one of these was the only time it was considered acceptable for a man to wear a floral print…
But it wasn’t until post war that these styles really took off, with servicemen returning from the pacific theatre being able to buy them cheaply as souvenirs for sweethearts and loved ones back home. The cheerful prints and bright colours were just what was needed in this era. It wasn’t long until a feminine twist was put into the design and the flattering Tea Timer or Hostess Top came about. These were made in the same bold fabrics but featured a modest Mandarin collar and a fit designed to compliment an hour glass figure. Worn with slacks and capris, these looks became an essential part of suburban post war entertaining and relaxation.
To go with the WWII souvenir theme of this post, I embroidered this purse to look like the souvenir purses sold in The Philippines post WWII. When I was trawling Etsy I came across quite a few simple straw purses like this, either painted or embroidered. For my first attempt I did actually try to replicate a painted purse I saw. However that proved to be a disaster because of the texture of the straw. And the fact that I’m not good at drawing. At all. So I went with a very simple embroidery design that wasn’t too far off some of the ones I’ve seen. As a history nerd enthusiast I’m quite happy with how this look came together! Big thank you to Vivien of Holloway for providing me with the gorgeous Tea Timer top in Anthurium Green, and the fabulous pair of Katherine slacks in Sand!
I love your slacks. They really suit you!