{Style} by Lori Delisle

My mother-in-love and I were in Nordstoms the other day doing a little shoe shopping… or should I say, shoe browsing.  We were heading out when I was stopped dead in my tracks by a black and white blouse that looked exactly like the muʻumuʻu my sister got from my grandmother.  It was a  black full tunic with a gathered open neckline and 3/4 length sleeves.  It had a white eyelet pattern that dotted the top and then decorated the hemline and sleeves, finished off by a scalloped pattern along the bottom of the hem.  Basically take my sisters dress, and shorten it to a top and that’s what you’d get.  I literally started cracking up when I saw it.  All of the sales women were staring at me, but I could not help it.  Maybe we were fashion slaves and we did not know it! 

If you are wondering what I am talking about before I go any further, check out this recent post I wrote: 

"No Fashion Slaves Here" http://delisledesigns.com/blog/2008/02/no_fashion_slaves_here.html

Once I saw that top, it peaked my curiosity.  I thought, am I seeing a trend here?  Are we acctually seeing  muʻumuʻu’s?  Well, I’ve concluded the answer is YES!  My evidence is below, all found from www.Nordstroms.com

TUNIC TOPS —

These tunic tops are basically a cropped muʻumuʻu.  They have the same full sleeve, loose fit, and gathered neckline.  They also demonstrate the bright colors and bold patterns that the muʻumuʻu is known for.

  MICHAEL Michael Kors Tie Neck Dotted Top  $89.50

  Karen Kane Printed Mesh Shirt  $74.00

  Karen Kane Lace Trim Floral Tunic  $138.00

DRESSES–

Most of these dresses are shorter than the traditional muʻumuʻu but they have elements to look for.  The first dress by Diane von Furstenberg has the kimono sleeve that I had on my muʻumuʻu.  It is difficult to see in my picture, but my dress has exactly the same sleeve as this one.  The second dress is not exactly the same, but it has the feel of a contemporary verson with the bright bold print, neckline and puffy sleeves.  The third is basically a longer version of the tunic tops, and the last, well, if that print does not scream muʻumuʻu I don’t know what does!

  Badgley Mischka Printed Silk Dress  $398.00

  Nine West Trapeze Silk Dress  $160.00

  Mary L Couture Print X-Back Gown  $318.00

Aloha Everyone!