Life is a Cabaret

Liza as Sally Bowles

"Start by admitting, from cradle to tomb, it isn't that long a stay...."

I happened to come across the 1972 film  adaptation of Cabaret the other night.  Cabaret is one of my favourite musicals.  It's the early 30s  story of 19 year old Sally Bowles who has escaped her British upbringing to work at Berlin's Kit Kat Klub, eventually falling for a young, aspiring author from America - all this among the growing presence of the Nazi party in pre-war Germany.  It's sultry, seductive, humorous and heart-wrenching.

The Flapper Style

Unfortunately, the film version, starring a young Liza Minnelli, comes nowhere near to living up to the stage production.  Nonetheless, it reminded me of how much I love the show and how inspiring some the fashion is that came out of the 1930s and 40s.  

The Bias Cut

Although the flapper style of the 1920s brought on a new fashion era for women, it was in the 1930s that women's bodies began to be reacquainted with curve-hugging, form-accentuating attire.  While the flapper style tended to be loose-fitting, with sac dresses and wide-leg slacks, 1930s fashion began to create pieces that accentuated the waist and shoulders.  The bias cut was introduced - a deep v in the back of a long dress - as well as  new and easily produced materials such as rayon.  Women's day dresses were often just below knee-length, taken in at the waist and topped off with shoulder detailing such as gathers or ruffles. I really love this style, but they just don't seem to make 'em like they used to!


Long gloves, fur-collared coats and hats were all in vogue for outer-wear and women kept their hair short.  It was certainly a simple yet glamorous  era in fashion history.


Here are a few pieces of Cabaret-inspired and 1930s vintage that I think are just the bees knees:

Cafe Au Lait Gloves
Recently featured in my etsy shop

Long and lovely for the demure 30s lady.

Bowler Hat by All Down But Nine

Simple, yet stylish. The hint of colour with that pink feather is just the perfect touch to make this a sexy cabaret accessory.

Black Crystal Choker by Little Women Vintage

The perfect match to your little bowler hat.  Like Liza demonstrates in the photo above, chokers were must-have for the sultry seductress.

WWII Swing Style Heels by Frocks n Frills Vintage

This peep-toe style has recently come back in vogue, but these are true vintage!  Even the lovely, earthy tones make me think of war-brides waving white handkerchiefs at rushing trains.

Columbia Cabaret Bustier by btb Vintage

So fun and flirty, this colourful bustier is a variation on a theme.  Not quite what Sally Bowles would have worn on stage, but certainly a piece worthy of a Cabaret somewhere in the world.

1930s Technicolor Dress by fabgabs

Quite possibly, no definitely,  my favourite in this collection.  This dress demonstrates the distinctive style of the 30s era dress.  And look at that pattern! Oh, to have a time-machine and travel back to the days when the shops were filled with these.

In conclusion:

Put down the knitting, the book and the broom,

Come hear the music play.

Life is a Cabaret old chum,

It's only a Cabaret old chum,

Life is a Cabaret old chum

And I love the Cabaret.

Breaker High and The Aloha Shirt

Does anyone remember the show "Breaker High"?  For those of you who don't, let me fill you in. Breaker High was a Canadian comedy featuring a cast of wholesome, yet quirky, teens working through the pubescent years of highschool...on a boat! Wasn't it a collective fantasy of every 90s youth to be shipped off to sea with their entire student body with no hope of escape? Well, with such a limited and unlikely premise, it's no wonder this little piece of canadiana didn't last long. But, I sure did enjoy it at the time.

That's why I had a little surge of excitement today when I spotted Tyler Labine - otherwise known as Jimmy Farrell - the wise-cracking joker of Breaker High.  Paired up with lame-but-lovable best friend Sean Hanlon (played by Ryan Gosling - that's right, Breaker High produced an Oscar Nominee!), the two kept the so-called hilarity coming amidst corny gender battles and boo-hooing.

The Boys of Breaker High
Guess which one is Jimmy!
courtesy of www.vidiot.com 

The most memorable thing about Jimmy though was his fashion sense. I'm not sure where the Breaker High boat was anchored, but judging by the consistent sunny weather, it was somewhere tropical.  And Jimmy was always decked out in the best and brightest of warm weather gear - the Aloha Shirt.

Elvis from Blue Hawaii
courtesy of
everyhit.com

The Aloha shirt (or simply the Hawaiian shirt to us mainlanders)  originated sometime around 1930s and was invented by a Japanese immigrant who sewed together scraps of kimonos to create a colourful and lightweight garment.  The Aloha shirt exploded in popularity post WWII with celebrity endorsements from the likes of John Wayne and The King himself, Elvis Presley.  

Magnum in all his glory
courtesy of
tvguide.com

Today, mainlanders wear a toned-down version of the Aloha shirt, saving the bright and floral versions for tourists. But, vintage Hawaiian gear is quite the collectors item - the most desirable pieces coming from the 1930s - 1960s.  Vintage pieces tend to have unique patterns and a distinct retro style.  But, the quintessential Hawaiian shirt is short-sleeved, collared and features a colourful design of anything from flowers and palm trees to traditional Polynesian art. If you you're seeking a genuine vintage piece, be sure to look for the "Made in Hawaii" label.

So, whether you enjoy the airy feel of rayon on a hot summer day, you like to stand out with that Magnum P.I. look or you are an avid Aloha enthusiast - this vintage classic is guaranteed to put a pineapple-sized grin on your face.

Here are some great example of this classic trend:

POLLYWANNA Hawaiian Shirt by Honey Pie Vintage

A recent listing in my etsy shop

Big Kahuna Hawaiian Shirt by Allison Bean

Practically the same shirt Jimmy is wearing in the above picture. Clearly a popular style.

Nautical Hawaiian Shirt by Pillager

More subdued colours and a nautical pattern add some class to this Aloha shirt.

Tiki Lounge Shirt by Box Top Vintage

This style is very popular with the Rockabilly set. Plus, you can see from the label this is authentic vintage!

Okay, so it's not exactly Hawaiian shirt weather here in Vancouver, but I hope, wherever you are, this collection has brought you a little sunshine.

Let Me Introduce Myself

Simply put, I am a vintage addict. Not only do I love vintage fashion because it is eco-friendly, but also because shopping for vintage takes patience, cunning and rewards with the thrill of the hunt.

Now I live in Vancouver, B.C, but growing up I lived just outside Toronto, where my passion for vintage was born.

Back then, my 13-year old sense of style was just beginning to bloom, but I found no greater pleasure than scouring the stores of Queen West in search of the coolest and kitschiest vintage wears.  Coming upon these stores was like discovering some secret tomb. Spin, one of my favourites, was tucked between two big name shops with fancy front windows and was easy to miss if you weren't looking for it. I'd climb the dimly lit staircase with a sense of growing excitement, opening the door to the smell of dust and incense, the sound of strange music and the sight of racks ridden with old clothes - my little fashion paradise.

Today, it seems there is a "vintage" store on every corner in major cities.  Over the years, as shopping at stores calling themselves "vintage" became more expensive, I've gravitated toward second-hand and consignment clothing shops. Not only are they cheaper, but they offer a more gratifying shopping experience for a treasure hunter like myself!

Nonetheless, shopping at stores like Spin and The Black Market, did yield me some gems.  My style then consisted of an eclectic array of funky 70s blouses, super flared jeans and quirky t-shirts - and there certainly was no shortage of these in my shopping adventures.

Here are some pieces that resurface the sentiments of my youthful introduction to the world of vintage:

Sheer Striped Blouse by Cositas Serias Vintage

I had one very similar to this, but in lovely blue hues. I wore it on my first day of highschool.  

Renoir Print Blouse by Starlet Vintage

Oh, how I loved my 70s print blouse! With the over-sized collar and amazing pattern (mine was of a delightful couple, Donny and Marie types, smiling from all angles). I wore that baby until it disintegrated and went to vintage heaven.

Spiegel Jeans by the VINTAGE gene

I probably would have died to have these when I was 14. 

EXPO 86 T-Shirt by Cairo Vintage

Not only was I huge fan of the ringer style, but I also loved shirts with rare and quirky designs or phrases. I often went for men's shirts, as they seemed to be much more interesting than women's. Plus, this shirt really appeals to me now that I live in Vancouver.

Sheer Secretary Dress by Faithful Vintage

Ah yes, the sheer floral dress. A 70s classic and one of my favourite pieces that I picked from Spin. Mine was a short sleeve and made of the airiest fabric known to man. In fact, I still have it!

 Black Market Vintage is still around: http://www.blackmarkettoronto.com/home/home.php

But, alas, I fear Spin is no more.

I hope you've enjoyed this little trip down memory lane. I don't know about you, but I feel like listening to some Bush X and eating a Passion Flaky.