Susan Hayward in a Vintage 1946 Two Piece Bathing Suit

This is the fabulous Susan Hayward. The photo is from 1946. Whats not to love about this lovely image? The two piece swimsuit has a cut to the fabric that enhances the figure. I'd love to have this swimsuit in my collection. And check out those shoes! Sweet!

1930s Swimwear - Black Lance

This ad for Black Lance is from 1936.


And here we share a favorite photo from 1930. I can image this maybe was for Independence Day. I would love to see the front of this suit as it looks like one of the pieces from the above ad on the far right. Lovely no?

1930s Black Lance Water Fashions Photo

BIG in 1987

This is what the 80s looked like. 1987 to be more specific. Big hair, big jewelry, big sunglasses. And check out the technology of the large watch on her wrist in the Catalina ad. Fun no? Enjoy!

Helanca in Swimwear

Helanca was a popular elaticized yarn that is made of nylon and polyester, is somewhat slow at water absorbsion and was used quite readily in swimwear beginning in the 1950s. It hugs the body and enhances all the curves. Helanca was also used extensively in lingerie, including corsets and girdles. Even ski pants and snow trousers used the fiber to much success. In fact, Helanca is still being used today.

1957 ad from Jantzen featuring the Varadero sheath made of Helanca.

An ad from 1958 featuring Helanca fabric.

This is a Jantzen suit from the International set that is also made of Helanca. The fabric has two way stretch and is very sturdy. I've always loved these suits. If youever find one, don't hesitate to pick it up. it will last you a life time.

Drooling for all the Wrong Reasons

It's out! The annual Neiman Marcus catalogue with an array of absolutely stunning styling and photography and the interface to view items is also very clean and nice. You can zoom in on the info, move all around the page, and if you hover just a bit the actual order page comes up complete with all your options. You must check it out. Lots of poses with models and animals. There is truly a LOT of eye candy to look at. A few of our favorites, but for absolutely different selfish reasons than to buy them.

This page is for Roberto Coin jewelry. Gorgeous right? But what catches my interest are the flowers in the models hair. I find them stunning. They would be beautiful works of art in themselves to be made out of paper or perhaps silk. I've seen small Hawaiian flowers like these on my travels but no lilies or peonies. Swoon.

Ah yes, designer Alexander McQueen dress and belt. But, but, but for me it's those handsome Great Danes that I want under my tree at Christmas. Santa, are you listening? I'd settle for one, and I'd love a rescue one at that.

Or how about a handmade Ukulele by Danny Ferrington? He's built stringed instruments for the likes of Keith Richards, so why not you? These are beautiful, we've been seeing a resurgence of interest in the Ukulele and visited a small shop this weekend in Japantown where they had nothing but Ukulele's. For moi? I like the mandolin, but I can appreciate these small stringed instruments.

Or how about this Burberry Prorsum Shearling coat? It's only $4995.00! Criminy, look at the cut on that cute little, er lama? I don't ever think I've seen one look so cute!

images: Neiman Marcus

We've recently added a suede and shearling coat on our Glamoursurf EBAY site recently. It's a steal, get the look for less. What are you wishing for under your Christmas tree this year?

The Fine Art Photography of Kim Taylor Reese

This past weekend DH and I went to a nieces birthday party in San Jose's Japantown. Admittedly I haven't visited this part of town in quite some time and since we had arrived a bit early we decided to walk around and explore for a bit. We were pleasantly surprised when we walked into a new shop called Island Sol. We met the owner Jesse, who had just opened the place a mere two weeks ago. Jesse stocks all things Hawaiian but what caught my eye were the pieces he had adorning the walls by artist Kim Taylor Resse. Kims' work focuses on the art and style of Hula Kahiko and his work is absolutely stunning. You can see more of his work and read about him on his website.


A couple of blocks up we walked into the San Jose Tofu Company and purchased two blocks of fresh handmade tofu. YUM! The place was very small but inviting. It reminded me of my days when I used to make paper. There was a big vat in the back corner with a fire under it where I'm sure they were making tofu or cooking the beans. One of the workers was scrubbing clean on of the fine screens with water and a brush. The floor was all tiles but there was water everywhere. Very reasonable, just $2.00 a block and they have been in business since 1948! They must be doing something right!

We also visited a Ukulele shop and a couple of galleries. All in all a very good day. And the best part was at the end, seeing all the youngsters at the birthday party dressed up in their Halloween costumes.

The birthday girl.

D & G Fall 2010 Collection

I am in love with this cable knit bodysuit from the Fall 2010 collection of Dolce & Gabbana.

Not so much the boots but the rest of the line is quite fabulous.

There are pairing of fur and sheers throughout the collection.

Very inventive pairing of materials.

I'd wear this in a heartbeat!

Whats not to love?

Images: style.com

Synchronized Swimming

This is a photo of my mother, Nancy King, when she was in nursing school. She went on to marry my father William Flanders.

This is another photo of my mom in Wesleyan college in Macon, Georgia from 1950 as a Sophomore. Isn't she pretty?

She was part of the synchronized swim team called the Naiads. She is 6th for the right on the top row. She also participated in the choir at school and still has a lovely singing voice today. Love you mom!

Brigitte Nielsen in a White Bikini

Brigitte Nielsen poses in Michael Cruz's shapely white tied spandex bandeau top and matching diaper wrap bikini with tie. Cost $162.00 in 1987, that's $311.00 in today's dollar. Wow!

Family Swimwear Shots

Dad & Jody 2010

My sister Jody was here last week for a visit to California. While she was here we went down to visit our parents on the central coast and shared lots of memories while looking at family pictures and reminiscing our youth. Ahh, the good old days.

1954 William Alexander Flanders

I took some photos home with me so I could have them but I'll share a few with you. This is my dapper father back in the day.

Nancy & Bill Flanders, June 1954

This is mom and dad, pre-children, and less than one year married. Mom is so cute in her romper.

Jody, Dad, Pam 1958

Mom always loved to dress her children in matching outfits, even swimsuits though? Ugh, this is Jody and me with Dad on Tybee Island in Savannah Georgia.

Jody & Pam 1958

Sisters, Pam Becky & Barb

Three sisters and friends, sometime in the 1960s.

The creme de la creme of photo finds this weekend. This is moi on lake Michigan. I had those glasses up until about 10 years ago when they finally broke. That's what I call a pin-up doll for sure.