Tag Archives: Devil-Ettes

Real Life :: Summer Flashback at Tiki Oasis

Hey good lookin’, whatcha got cookin’ this summer?? Wolfie is at summer camps while Greg and I are busy with work, but we always try and take a trip or two: a visit to the grandparents and then something a little more local. One of the things we’re looking forward to in August is Tiki Oasis. If you’ve never been, you must! It’s a sun and fun-filled weekender down in San Diego celebrating the magic of classic 50s/60s Tiki culture. Hosted by premier Tiki expert Otto von Stroheim and his ultra lovely wife Doe (who happens to be one of my bestest pals!) it’s truly a super cool experience. For one crazy weekend they take over the historic Hanalei hotel and fill it with amazing bands, DJs, dancers, loads of tiki mugs brimming with tasty cocktails and unique symposiums on the history of tiki.

Greg, Wolfie and I hit the Tiki extravaganza two years ago and it was the ultimate in hip family fun. By day you could lounge poolside to the soothing tunes of exotica bands and DJs spinning vintage vinyl—OR you could check out the bazaar of fun goodies for sale. Because it’s in San Diego you can even sneak away to things like the San Diego Zoo or Lego Land.

The main reason we went last time was because I was performing with The Devil-Ettes. All my girlies came down and we had a total blast. Here’s me and some of my perty pals:

Aww, just look how little Wolfie was!  He’s making this hilarious expression he does sometimes in photos where his eye brows go up and he looks a teensy bit crazy. You know, in a cute way. I guess I shouldn’t talk. I look kind of crazy too. Let’s focus on my outfit instead, mmmkay??

Last year I was unable to go, but my adorable friend Stephanie went and took tons of photos. She has started a children’s clothing line called Pineapple Princess and makes the most fabulous little rompers out of vintage barkcloth. We’ll be profiling her soon. I think Wolfie is going to get to model some of her boy’s clothes this year!


One of my favorite things about the weekend were the fine vintage tiki fashions that most everyone was sporting. So colorful and fun!

It really is fun for all ages—there were loads of kids, and Wolfie was able to dance and enjoy the music that started at dusk (including seeing mama and The Devil-Ettes dance). Once the sun went down,  the party kicked into high gear with bands and other live performances.

OK. I know it looks like it’s midnight and I’m boozin’ and carousin’ while my kiddo is still up. Pinkie swear this wasn’t the case!  I think it’s around 7:30 or 8:00 in this picture. Greg was kind enough to let me stay out with the ladies while he put Wolfie to bed. The show stopped around 10:00, but the party went on all night for those singletons who were up for it (not to mention the after hours “room crawl” featuring different tropical libations!) Mama Alix was deep asleep by this time, folks. I’m a total light weight.

By the way, this is the gorgeous Doe and her handsome hubs Otto, the master minds behind all this genius:

There are still a handful of tickets left if you don’t have plans this August! Check out the Tiki Oasis site or Flickr group for even more awesome photos and think about booking yerself a room. I guarantee it will be a weekend you won’t forget!


Images: My own, Stephanie’s, Tiki Oasis, Jim Fereirra

Vintage Kiddo Retro Roundup!

Happy Monday everyone! Did you have a fab weekend? I sure did, dancing with the Peach at the Devil-Ette’s PipSqueak A Go-Go event Saturday which was also a benefit for JM. The Peach danced her little self into a tizzy–oh, it was so much fun! But even with all of that shaking and a shimmying, I still found time to track down some of the sassiest sweetest vintage finds for you all! You know I can’t say no to a good hour spent e-thrifting!

So, on with the show!

Why stop at two tone shoes when you can have three lovely shades of suede to dapper up any ensemble, like these sixties kiddo shoes?

I’ll step into those sassy shoes eBay seller, ByDenise!

This dress screams U.S. of Yay!  It has that Betsy-Ross-bi-centenial-Yankee-Doodle-Dandy je ne sais quoi to it doesn’t it?!

Does it come with fireworks, ebay seller, Fashion Chic 7000?

You know we love our Health Tex here at Modern Kiddo. And who could blame us when the pickings are as adorably cute as this striped polo style onesie from eBay seller, Auctionnut45?

I think this might be my favorite item of the week–a sweet western inspired bright orange raincoat from Ebay seller,  Great Lake  Outfitters.

I really like this eBay seller! She also has this lovely violet gingham dress in a big girl size 12. Perfect for summer, doncha think?

What with Tiki-Oasis just a few months away, how could you not indulge in buying this great fifties  vintage Hawaiian shirt for your little man. And for ten clams, how could you not?

You are killing me with your awesomeness, Fast Eddie’s Retro Rags!

Now Tiki’s influence on fashion went beyond the fifties into the seventies. And this is a prime specimen of Tiki with this great matching swim trunks and cover-up combo. It’s like it was pillaged from Bobby Brady’s luggage during the gang’s infamous trip to Hawaii.

Let’s hope this one doesn’t come with a cursed Tiki idol, Etsy Seller Natural Pond Vintage!

Who doesn’t love a carousel? And gingham carousel horsies? Well this is a triple threat because it is also a Nanette dress!

Color me sold Etsy seller the FancyTail!

Awesome things come in three–so I had to feature one more item of gingham in this retro round-up and I think it’s a surefire cutie! Check out this jonjon romper in gingham. But let’s kick it up a notch and add an industrious piglet who is holding an apple.  Makes sense to me!

Pure Genius, Etsy seller Stellabluz?

I adore this blue sweater with its dandy nautical accents on the button placket from Etsy Seller, Our Retro Toybox!  Sweetly understated!

OK, I said no more gingham, right. Well, I’m a liar. Here’s one more gingham. But I saved the best for last.  Gingham plus embroidery, plus that good heavy polyester from the seventies.  It all equals one of the cutest little jumpers around! It just had to be included. And bonus points for use of ric-rac and embroidery. If this one isn’t bought up, I might just sneak back in and get it myself!

Again from Our Retro Toybox.

What a fun round up! Alix will be along shortly with a retro daydream that will surely make you smile, so please come back this afternoon for more vintage fun!

Oh, and if you haven’t had a chance to enter our most marvelous giveaway–a $50 gift certificate to Simply Silhouettes–don’t worry, there is still time. And you can get an extra chance if you join us on Facebook, Google Connect or Twitter. And if you mention the giveaway either on Facebook of Twitter, we’ll add you once again. Whoohoo!

Happy Monday!