I have wanted a pair of vintage 40s "souvenir shoes" for years! I found pairs on eBay and Etsy but none have really inspired me. A while back, a vintage friend of mine in San Diego told me about Crafts Hawaii shoes. Crafts Hawaii is a small, company based out of Honolulu that has been making carved wood "souvenir shoes" for many years. My friend went on to say that she has ordered several pairs from them and they are very authentic, very cute, well made, affordable ($79 USD), and super comfortable!
The first generation of souvenir shoes were made in Hawaii and in the Philippines. They became popular during the war era. Navy personnel would often bring them back home to their sweethearts.
Even though summer has only about a month left, I want to get me a pair or two. My family is going on a Caribbean cruise in early October and I think they would be perfect! I do not like flip-flops and I prefer espadrilles and wedges. Flip-flops and flats make my short legs look even dumpier! I am only 5'3 and I need some height!
Here is the online website for Crafts Hawaii:
http://www.craftshawaii.com/
These are so cute! Thanks for sharing the website.
ReplyDeleteI'd also been wanting a pair of 40's WWII souvenir shoes, and managed to find one with a carved heel at an estate sale last year. Yes, just one! But it was so adorable (posted on my blog a few months back) that I had to have it! I display it on my old piano at home like a piece of art...
Sarsaparilla,
ReplyDeleteAren't those shoes just too cute!? I want the red pair and the pair on the site with the hibiscus print fabric!
I can understand about wanting display the souvenir shoe! The older carvings are like works of art!
I can't seem to get on the website :o( They are lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Lucky Lou do them too,
ReplyDeletehttp://www.luckyloushoes.com/
They also have a fabulous range - but the Crafts Hawaii styles are a little cheaper - always a bonus!
These are gorgeous! I love them (unfortunately I only wear secondhand leather...oh well, I can still look ;])
ReplyDelete-Andi x
Straight Talking Mama,
ReplyDeleteI hope you were able to get to the link! If not, here it is again:
http://www.craftshawaii.com/
Clare,
ReplyDeleteI have seen the Lucky Lou shoes and I want the pair with the denim and the cherry heels!
Andi,
ReplyDeleteI totally understand about leather. I try to stick to shoes that are leather free or like you, buy secondhand or vintage. I do sometimes cave and I feel bad about it. I have not eaten meat for 15 years and I try to extend that concept to clothing and shoes. Do not get me started about veal, lamb, or fur! Sick!
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ReplyDeleteLUCKY LOU SHOES OWNS THE COPYRIGHT TO THE ROCKIN' TIKI, SWEET CHERRY, LUCKY CHARMS AND SAILOR'S DREAM DESIGNS. CRAFTS HAWAII IS RE-PRODUCING THESE DESIGNS ILLEGALLY. PLEASE DO NOT PATRONIZE THIS CHEAP CHINESE KNOCK-OFF COMPANY!
ReplyDelete