The influence of all things "sailor" must go way back further than this humble blog can cover, but I realize I have enjoyed the "sailor" theme since.... was it the first time I watched South Pacific? What a musical!
Or does my first memory go back to the movie, There's No Business Like Show Business, with Ethel Merman and Mitzi Gaynor singing the catchy tune below? My double-digit-pre-teen who doesn't like to admit something Momma likes might be very good, had to giggle at this kitschy song.
The sailor influence can be seen on all kinds of items through the years. How about on a vintage greeting card? Isn't this a cutie?
You can wear jewelry with a nautical theme...
How many of us had a little sailor dress when we were little, or dressed our children in at least one sailor outfit before they got old enough to commit mutiny? JakeandJoshKids offers a custom sailor outfit for your baby. Look at this Lil' Captain.
I have owned at least two sailor-type dresses as an adult. Both of them were proudly worn during the eighties, but you can still find wardrobe pieces from nearly any decade you choose with a nautical theme.
Take a peek at this adorable rockabilly vintage 1950s playsuit from jumblelaya on Etsy. it looks like something a dancing girl on a beach in an Elvis movie might wear.
Here is a great example of 1960's-does-the-sailor-dress presented by thrush on Etsy.
The 1970s brought this Simplicity pattern along and made it "easy" for everyone to sew their own personalized sailor look!
Here is the 1980's version of the sailor dress I listed today in my Whimsy Daisy Etsy Shop. It is less revealing, shall we say, than what the 1970's sailor girls are wearing above and covers a multitude of sins...even allowing one to eat a nautical meal at Red Lobster without busting out of one's pants.
If I owned an anchor brooch, I would have accessorized with it instead of cherries. Wouldn't this be cute? The anchor brooch is listed for only five dollars in becaruns Etsy Shop!
Just add some red shoes or a purse and you are ready to sail the seven seas or get a new tattoo...because after all...a sailor's not a sailor till a sailor's been tattooed!
Wishing you smooth sailing!
I love that pin! Did yo paint the cherries or is it a water decal?
Thanks, Katharine
P.S. Natalie is excited about getting the dress by Easter. :)
Posted by: Katharine | April 14, 2011 at 04:08 AM
I'm always looking for vintage cherry pins! They are fun to discover at flea markets and I always look at garage sales, but I have found lots of pretty ones on Etsy and ebay. Sometimes they are way out of my price range, but it's fun to look at all the variations. I have my cherry pins displayed on a shelf in my house. They are a cheerful lot! I hope Natalie loves her dress!
Posted by: Melony at Whimsy Daisy! | April 14, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Great piece!! I love that blue striped dress!! :)
Posted by: Brandi | April 14, 2011 at 10:53 AM
I'm a big fan of sailors! My dad was a sailor and yes he had a tattoo! I love that dress I actually have that in my favorites!
Posted by: Karen | April 14, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Great blog Melony enjoyed reading that. I have always loved Sailor collars;(especially in my youth)and nautical stripes and pea jackets. Love the anchorand the cherries brooch /pins.
Great touch!
Posted by: susan | April 14, 2011 at 04:46 PM
Hello Melony thank for dropping in and commenting on my blog I also like what I see here so shall be your newest follower
Posted by: janelle | April 15, 2011 at 12:19 AM
What a fun, light hearted, and spiritedly written post on a classic theme. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you, too, for leaving such an uplifting comment on my colorful tea cart. I really appreciated hearing from you.
Pam
Posted by: BeColorful | April 16, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Hehe what cute blogs you post....I'm adoring them. I also don't mind my sailor with a beard....xx
Posted by: LouLou | April 17, 2011 at 10:29 PM
I have always been a nautical fan. I love that cute little necklace. Thanks so much for dropping by Beach Vintage. Hope to see you again soon.
Posted by: Beach Vintage | April 18, 2011 at 11:20 PM