As winter begins to wind up and we’re past all of the holiday planning and fatigue, it’s been customary to think about spending a week or two overseas – probably in a place which is warm and sunny, and maybe just a little bit exotic. Back in the day, it was possible to find specialty shops and private seamstresses in those locations who would custom-tailor a traditional outfit in the local style. What better way for our investigating heroine to blend in with the tourists and locals in the Hawaii of the 1950’s?

In beautiful printed fabric with exceptional drape, this dress is well-tailored but also casual and perfect for daytime wear (just always be careful of the train . . . . . . . .). OK, a bit impractical but just right for enjoying the island life while visiting Honolulu. Adding a hint of mystery is the fact that this frock has no maker’s label. Truly, that could have been removed for comfort reasons, but I suspect that the dress was made specifically for the agent who wore it and possibly by a private tailor. Makes you wonder what she was up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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