Tiki shirts at Hell Bop
I’m fortunate to live within easy driving distance (although, alas, not stumbling distance) of Tiki-Ti, one of the best of the handful of remaining classic Tiki bars in the U.S. (Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge in Alameda, CA is by all accounts a great place, and the newly opened Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco looks like it’ll be well worth a visit.) I’ve tried working my way through the menu at Tiki-Ti—not all in one night!—but I keep forgetting where I left off and having to start over. Dark and Stormy! Space Pilot! Ray’s Mistake! Ooga Booga!
No matter how you look at it, there’s a lot of rum going on. A boatload, even.
I have a soft spot in my heart for all things Tiki—when my sister and I were kids, our parents used to take us to eat at Bahooka. This was before I could step up to the bar and order a Scorpion for myself, but still for us that was a big night out! So it was with no small delight that I found a small treasure trove of Tiki-inspired shirts at Floatie Hock’s shop of retro designs, Hell Bop. I had browsed at Hell Bop before, and taken home one or two things here and there, but I guess I had somehow never dug deeply enough to find these. Shame on me! Well, that error of omission is now rectified, and you are witness.
I really like “Kevin” (L$95), with its beautiful retro design that features bold color panels, button front and small embroidered Tiki masks. Sculpted collar and cuffs look comfortable and realistic rather than crisply perfect. Simple but classic.
Everybody needs at least one good luau shirt. In RL, I brought back my favorite ones from Maui, but in SL there’s no need to take an expensive vacation–teleport is your friend, mostly. I’ve always liked the imagery of the pineapple (it is, after all, often recognized as a traditional symbol of welcome), and the “Talis” Hawaiian shirt (L$95) showcases a bold, stylized pineapple design right up front. The prim collar spreads wide and low, adding depth without screaming for attention. The “Don” Tikkiman shirt (L$85) is perhaps a bit more subtle, even restrained, but no less tropically island-themed. Did I say subtle? Hmm, well, I’m not sure a band of spear-carrying island warriors splashed across your chest is especially subtle, but it is quite striking. No prim collar or cuffs here, but you do get tribal masks on each sleeve. Very spiff and sporty.
My favorite, though, might just be “Bob” (L$85). Although it doesn’t include prim cuffs or collar, the design is classic lounge shirt, the fabric texture is nicely detailed with realistic weave, and the embroidered figure could be shouting “Ooga booga!”
Although it’s not Tiki styled, I can’t help mentioning the Hell Bop Bar Shirt (L$30). The one I’m wearing is actually Version 2, and I love the redhead Bettie Page skullgirl on the back. Oh, and you read that price right: L$30. There are four different store-branded bar shirts, and they’re all bargain priced.
All shirts are provided on various layers, for flexible wear. Most come in a variety of color options, and many can be purchased both individually and in style packs.
Available at Hell Bop (The Wash 90, 73, 22).
The redhead Bettie Page skullgirl is great! And a store that doesn’t want to charge you 500L$ to put on their Brand Name?!? Priceless!!
Rhys – I’m with you 100%. There’s not much I find more annoying than obviously branded designs, that clearly serve as advertising, sold at full price. Floatie’s branded bar shirts are easily as high in quality as any of the non-branded designs, but priced essentially as a gift, although not actually a freebie. I approve.