Still Moar Pinup: I’m on a cover for Retro Lovely’s 2022 Tiki Special Edition Volume 2!

Catherine Morland, Tiki pin up girl by Marilee Caruso

Tiki pinup incoming! I’m super-thrilled to share that I got one of the Retro Lovely Tiki special edition covers this year (Volume 2)! Marilee Caruso shot me at an amazing home tiki bar in the Sacramento area (Danger Island!). I’m so happy with these images and also grateful to see a few friends in the issue with me, including Miss Melody Noir!

Catherine Morland cover for Retro Lovely Tiki Volume 2
My Retro Lovely Tiki cover, shot by Marilee Caruso!

You can get signed copies of the issue and/or a 12×18″ poster of the cover art direct from me! Prices include USPS Priority shipping to US addresses. If you need international shipping, contact me! Buying these from me doesn’t make me much money, but it does help me defray the cost of bringing you pinup (which I love to do!)…

More images from the shoot (that do not appear in the issue) after the jump…

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Unique Vintage Kamehameha reproduction Hawaiian dresses

I collect vintage midcentury “Hawaiian label” clothing from brands like Alfred Shaheen and Kamehameha. Unfortunately, none of my real vintage fits at the moment due to health issue-related weight gain. Fortunately, Unique Vintage has licensed the Kamehameha and Shaheen names, labels, clothing designs, and fabric prints to bring us reproductions of some of these great labels’ most popular styles (swing and sarong). Even better, everything in these lines is on closeout, so if you can find your favorite style and print in your size, you’ll get a deal.

Kamehameha UV Dress
Bolero by UV/Kamehameha, vintage bakelite necklace and earrings, and hairflowers by Nicoco Creations.

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Tiki, vintage Shaheen, and pinup with Holly West

So I have fun tiki-themed pinup photos by Holly West Photography to share, this time from Skipper World Headquarters.

The Skippers have added a beautiful tiki lounge to their home, complete with huts, outrigger canoes, a bar, and a swanky seating area. It went perfectly with my vintage Alfred Shaheen bombax print dress, bakelite tribal necklace, and Dixiefried leopard-print Glamor swimsuit. The lovely and talented Rockwell DeVil did my makeup and hair.

Kali in Shaheen, with parasol. This sounds like one of those super-literal impressionist painting titles.

More photos after the jump!

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New Trashy Diva: Ashley and Lena sarong dresses in gorgeous prints!

Trashy Diva Ashley Dress in Crepe Myrtle
Trashy Diva Ashley Dress in Crepe Myrtle print.

You guys know I love Trashy Diva. It’s my favorite mid-century reproduction clothing brand for three reasons: Great fit, unique designs with excellent period details, and lush repro fabrics! Two of their latest Spring offerings – the Ashley dress in Crepe Myrtle print and the new Lena sarong dress in Blue Hawaii print – fulfill each of these requirements, and more!

I come from a region that’s known for its crepe myrtle bushes and trees. At one time, we were the world’s commercial crepe myrtle capital! These hot weather beauties still proliferate here, with lacy blooms ranging the color gamut from white to lavender to hot pink to deep red. As a huge fan of the crepe myrtle, I had to buy this Ashley dress! Continue reading “New Trashy Diva: Ashley and Lena sarong dresses in gorgeous prints!”

Outfit of the Day: More vintage Alfred Shaheen

I love kitschy, tiki things and my favorite fashions are mid century designs inspired by Polynesian and Asian art. After falling in love with a pretty blue Alfred Shaheen last year, I recently obtained another, very different Shaheen style this month!

Vintage Alfred Shaheen Dress
Vintage Alfred Shaheen Dress.

This one’s a strapless mid-1950s dress with a pleated shelf bust and full skirt. I’m not usually a fan of brown, but the fabric on this one is gorgeous! It’s a rich, cool brown Polynesian texture with gorgeous, creamy white blossoms. The pleated upper bodice is a nice, sharp white that contrasts nicely with the brown texture of the main dress.

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Vintage Milestones: Emma Domb, Alfred Shaheen, and FUZZY SWEATERS

Emma Domb Dress Label
Emma Domb Dress label.

I’m at this really transitional point, bodywise. I’ve been too small for most dedicated plus lines for years, and yet, I’m only just now finding awesome designer vintage that really fits me ( at 42-32-48″). Luckily, I managed to find two beautiful late ’50s/early ’60s designer pieces that fit me perfectly!

First is a gorgeous coral lace Emma Domb gown, vintage size 16. It’s floor-length with a crossover bodice.

Most people are familiar with Emma Domb’s famous mid century prom dresses and elegant evening wear, but I was a little surprised to learn that the Domb label came out of San Francisco, which essentially makes this dress local to me!

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