Let's just pretend it hasn't been like five months since my last post and get down to the business at hand- my burning desire for a tropical vaycay. I would sell an egg for a trip to Kauai right now (and believe me I'm putting some serious thought into it). White sand, waterfalls, clear aqua water, lush rainforests- all I need is a convertible and some place clean to crash after a long day of lounging. Unfortunately I am broke as a joke right now, kickin' it old school at my parents house, so a ticket across the Pacific is pretty much out of the question. In order to fill the void in my soul created by my cash deficit, I've been indulging in the tropics-themed trends all over the place for spring. It makes me like really happy. I'm dying to try this trend out and embarrass the shit out of my poor mother with some totally bitchin' Hawaii-in-the-1960s inspired duds. I think that this particular look requires some serious cajones, man. The vibrant colors and loud prints mean that you can't be afraid of a little extra attention.
Blumarine S/S 2012
Dries Van Noten S/S 2012
Imma let you finish every other designer that showed for Spring 2012, but Blumarine had one of the most entertaining runway shows of all time. Fringe, plastic flowers, florals galore and classic shapes updated with neon colors all made for a truly delightful show to behold. So freaking cute I couldn't pick just one. Now, as I mentioned in my 1920s post (go read it, I'll wait here) Alberta Ferretti didn't have the most cohesive collection this season, but lo and behold, I was able to squeeze her in to this trend too. My favorite look from her collection was probably the most wearable look, and reminded me of something I would wear getting sunset drinks at some beach tiki bar. Full disclosure-I'm wasn't a fan of Dries Van Noten's collection for spring. However, I must commend the use of photographic prints on the garments. The most wearable, yet tropical look I found incorporated the idyllic waters I long for on an oversized blazer of all things. It's all very Alfred Shaheen and I'm terribly obsessed.
Blumarine S/S 2012
Alberta Ferretti S/S 2012
Because I've been such a fail as of late, I actually noticed this trend thanks to my email updates from the fantabulous Who What Wear. When I was finally bored enough to write this post I actually had to do some searching to find scholarly sources to support for my claims. My new fave site Stylelist and a variety of shopping sites all spotlight this potentially tacktastic trend. Let me just say that I do not fear the tacky. Ask anyone who knows me well enough and they will fully attest to my penchant for stripper heels, yoga pants and tattered band shirts. (Only occasionally are all three worn together...) Moving on from my own personal style issues, Lucky Magazine had a whole segment on shopping the trend that I found spectacularly helpful. But I've decided to go thrifting to find my perf tropical paradise get up, since I'm poor. So, sorry, no online shopping roundup this time; I've provided you with some pretty awesome slideshows filled with excellent shopportunities. If you can take the time to sift through the crap, I would recommend hitting up some flea markets or yard sales for vintage tropical goodies. Otherwise, check out the gems over at Hilo Hattie. And Zara has super cute shiz too, so get off my back yo!
The King werkin dem shorts
The Waikiki Circle Hotel circa 1960
Lumahai Beach in Kauai, I wanna get all up in you.
Here. Buy something cute, listen to this and have four or so mai tais. Full disclosure: I did not make this craptastic video, but kinda wish I had. Also, I will not be held responsible for the drunken karaoke this post will most likely inspire. I've considered making drinking excessively, tanning and karaoke a daily ritual, but alcoholism wasn't really a goal I had for the summer. Mahalo and see you on the flip side bitches!
