I've said before and I'll say it again, you can achieve the pinup or vintage look without actually having to shop vintage or break the bank looking for retro reproduction pieces. Its quite easy to pull a vintage inspired look together with completely modern pieces and no one will ever know that it's not vintage. Sticking to classic pieces like pencil skirts, high waist pants, pedal pushers, cardigans, crop tops, turtlenecks and classic prints like polka dots, strips, plaids, and geometric prints, can carry over from any decade giving you a timeless and not specifically period look.
Clothing:
Skirt: Suspender pencil skirt ( H&M $9.99)
Top: Nautical strip key hole top ( Marshalls $20.00)
Shoes: Sam Edelman Combat Boots (HSN)
Accessories:
Pearl & button Necklace & Earring (Unexpected Things) *Unexpected Things is my own jewelry and accessories line
Palm Gloves ( EBay $4.50)
Studded cat eye sunglasses (my own DIY instructions available in DIY section)
I
think it’s about that time we talk foundations Dolls…and I don’t mean makeup. I
mean the dreaded girdle. I know that no woman wants to talk about or face
that moment when she needs a girdle because for some reason we associate them with 'letting ourselves go'. But let me just put your mind at ease right
now. You are not the only one that needs a girdle in fact its a staple undergarment for the young adult and adult woman! Every woman no matter what her size, shape, or
weight needs a proper foundation which means she need the correct undergarments under her clothing. This
is even more of a necessity if you’re a Pinup/Rockabilly/Vintage Doll. With
those crop tops, pencil skirts and wiggle dresses we all love some much it’s
even more important to actually look as good as we feel.
The dreaded word
girdle can have a lot of negative connotations (believe me I know), they tend
to be thought of as an old lady thing, or something you wear only if you're fat. Well that’s completely outdated, off base and untrue. Women’s underwear has come a long way
since the “old days” with all the options and styles out now out there its safe to saw it's
truly something for everyone. You no longer have to worry about being embarrassed
if someone sees what’s underneath your clothing. However anyway you look at it
not many of us are six feet tall and a hundred pounds, and with the average
American woman starting at a size 14 the reality is that most of us have
curves, pouches, etc… and if you are choosing to dress in form fitting clothing
you need to make sure your foundation is taken care of. Nothing ruins an outfit
more than a visible muffin top, or rolls. You don’t want to be THAT GIRL! None
of us do.
Though a lot of people were obsessed and running rampant over
the fact that Valentine’s Day was this week, if you’re anything like me V-day definitely
took a backseat to the start of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week! For all you New
Yorkers out there and the New Yorkers at heart…it doesn’t get better than
Fashion Week. The excitement, competition, anticipation, the fashion…the street
fashions alone will have your eyes bulging. Everyone waits with baited breath
to see what the new fashion styles for fall/14 will be, what will be the next
greatest trend, or what the new it piece for the season will be. This year they
did not disappoint designers and everyone from Anna Sui, and Betsy Johnson to
The Blonds and Zac Posen came out to show their much anticipated collections to
the world of fashion.
This year’s fashion week we saw a
lot of nudes, pastels and whites along with great pops of color. The fabrics
lent towards cashmere, wool, jerseys, a lot of shiny fabrics, and leather and
cotton to name a few…furs continued to play a prominent roll as well as fur,
leather and feather accents, and shearling. We also saw a lot of beading and
sequence. We saw a lot of loose flowing pants and dresses, midi length skirts,
double breasted coats, abstract prints and vintage inspired silhouettes. Many
kept with the formula that’s been working the past few years therefore we saw a
lot of interpretation of the skinny pants, skater dresses and skirts, and also
bra and crop tops. I loved the minimalist tone to a lot of the collections as
well as the ultra femme, gender neutral and edgy tones of others. There weren’t
very many innovative or out of the box collections. Overall many of the
collections from NYFW seemed to be repetitive, designers stuck to the same
styles and formulas that have seemed to be working the past few seasons
Styling was amazing this year and
for many shows were actually wearable, dewy, clean skin was seen in just about
every show as well as the min. The smoky eye was given a new twistinstead of heavy black models sported wet
bronzed, as well as soft purple and neutral shades. One new trend introduced
was the black eye and while not for everyone, if worn in a toned down manner I think
it has the potential to be rather pretty. The brows were full and arched, smudged
up cat eye liner, white eyeliner, one show even sported models with liner only
on the lower lid. The dark lip was very popular, as well as the bold lip. DKNY
sported ‘Orange Crush’ while Berrardi showed us ‘Tomato Red’, some other shades
used for shows ranged from ‘Pepto Pink’ to Vivid Violet’. As far as hair saw a
lot of side parts and hair accessories with hair worn straight as well as in
soft curls or waves and messy low buns and ponytails. Hats made a strong showing the bucket hat, berets
and caps were seen in multiple shows. Boots also remained popular especially
flat over the knee boots which was seen in a few shows.
I know all of this sounds fine
but when we get down to it what we really want to know is what the key pieces will
be for next fall. Overall it seems that there are 3 major trends:
1.Relaxed
fitting flowing and wide legged pants (so for all of you Dolls that hate all these
tight pants, you can rest in knowing that you can soon put them away).
2.Anything
shiny (I know that’s vague but its true). Sequin, beading, and shiny metallic
colors.
3.Outer
wear. Sweaters, furs (real and faux), and capes have made a big resurgence.
People often forget that outerwear can also be fashionable, but great pieces like
boxy shawl collar coats, shearling jackets and wool fur accented capes will
show people otherwise.
You don’t have to be in NY to enjoy fashion week, they’re plenty
of websites that are giving excellent coverage as well as YouTube channels like
‘Fashion TV’ and ‘Fatal Fashion’ who post the full shows and backstage access.
So if you haven’t checked out 2014 fall MBFW you need to cause this year is not
to be missed. Here a few of my favorite shows for you to check out.
One thing is for
certain if nothing else us Dolls love our shades, and this year there are some
great new trends as well as some revivals of some of our old favorites giving
us endless options to pic from. From the giant round eye sunglass to the sleek cat
eye and everywhere in between there seems to be something for everyone this
year. However just because trends change or the seasons change doesn’t mean
that it’s required to hit the store and start shopping cause let’s be honest
Dolls not all of us can afford it.
Well it just so
happens that one of the best places to shop is right in your very own closet.
You can even make a day of it with your girlfriends, have them all bring their
stuff over. Have a few cups of wine and some snacks put on a fashion show for each
other, make a game out of what’s in the keep pile, the charity pile then make a
third pile for pieces you’d like to use to swap with each other. I’m telling
you it’s a fun time. Once you’re done and you’re looking at your keep pile all
by your lonesome be opened minded. Don’t limit yourself by being afraid to make
changes to your clothing and accessories, especially when they are inexpensive pieces.
This is your way to add your own personal flare and touch to your wardrobe, and
show your own personal artistic expression. And before you start to say I’m not
artistic stop right now I don’t want to hear it. Everyone has an inner artist
and if you truly think you don’t then in the beginning keep your DIY projects
simple and as your confidence grows you move on from there.
So here’s a great
DIY for all levels its supper simple and I’ll take you through it. Remember you
don’t have to do it exactly like I did this is just an idea. As I said go
online check out the trends, Google style pics of your favorite classic Hollywood
star, and also latest fashion news for inspiration and go from there. You may find
yourself copying a DIY project or doing your own take on a designer pair of
shades like me. But whatever you do remember to have fun…
Kate Spade
Inspired Cat Eye Glasses
BEFORE:
Tools:
·Glue (I recommend E6000 Crafters glue it is the best
you will never have to worry about anything falling off. I use this brand all
the time.)
·Rhinestones, flowers, spikes, etc… (Whatever you
choose to use. I purchased my box of flat back rhinestones from the jewelry
section of Michaels)
·Sunglasses (Duh!)
·Trash bag (the glue can get messy and ruin
things so you’ll want to lay the trash bags out on the surface of wherever you
work)
So this is going to be really simple just three steps and that’s
it. See I told you anyone could do it ;)
Step One:
First thing you want to do is go through your box of
rhinestones and lay out your supplies. Whatever style of glasses you use (round,
square, cat eye, etc…) you want to play around with the style and placement of
your stones, flowers or spikes. Keep in mind the shape and size of the glasses,
as well as how much rim space you have in which to place your decorations on.
You don’t want to put anything to big or small, nor make it look too cluttered.
So take this time to play around a bit before you commit.
Step Two:
Now that you have your design together and know what you’re
doing it’s time to move over to your glue. Now you don’t need a lot this stuff
is really potent, just a small drop on the back of your rhinestone and a drop
on the frame where you are placing the item. Lightly press the rhinestone down
into the frame and count for 30 seconds. Then repeat.
Step Three:
Place your completed sunglasses in a clear space and allow
them to dry thoroughly. The packaging on the glue will tell you that it only
takes about 3 hours to set however I highly recommend you give it at least 24 hrs.
before wearing your newly revamped glasses.
Tips:
ØKeep the tube of E6000 horizontal even once you’re
finished. That keeps it from clogging up.
ØPlace tape everywhere on the frame that’s not
going to be getting glued to prevent having to cleanup spills.
And that’s it, all that’s left is to enjoy the fruits of
your labor.
Dolls let me tell you something if I never see snow again it
will be too soon, it is COLD, COLD, and COLD! My goodness it just makes you
want to crawl under the covers with a cup of Joe and not come out again until
the first robin is seen. But alas… it’s not possible just cause mother nature
saw fit pop us one good doesn’t mean that life will be deterred (at least not
for long, those 3 days off were divine J)
and as we are trying our best to continue on with our everyday lives alongside
the bitter cold I know more than anyone how tempting it can be to sacrifice your
style in favor of staying warm.Well I’m
going give you a great list and some great ideas that will prove to you that
cold weather and style do mix, in fact snow can make a great background accessory.
I know a lot of fashionable people especially us Pinup and
Vintage Dolls that once winter comes around they are almost completely unrecognizable
and when ask why the answer is always the same “I’d rather be warm than cute”.Well to be honest that’s common sense but if
you could have both why not? That tends be a big concern with us Pinup and
Vintage Dolls especially since most people equate our style with summer and
spring only …though they’d like to keep their look up they just don’t know
how.
Well never fear I have compiled a list of what I think every
Doll should need in the colder months. I guarantee that you will be fabulously vintage,
and more importantly warm!
The Vintage Dolls Guide to Winter!
1.TIGHTS:
Okay let’s start with the basics, it’s cold
outside yes but we Dolls will always wear those pencil skirts and full
dresses.So the first thing you need is
tights, tights, and more tights. See that wasn’t complicated, but it can be
fun. There are some great companies now that make all kinds of tights with
designs, artwork, decals and more anything you can think of. It’s a great and
unexpected way to add some flare to a black pencil skirt and a cute sweater.
For those of that don’t know let me start
off by explaining what a muff is. The muff has been around since the 1400’s it’s
basically a hand warmer, it comes in all kinds of fabrics (ex: minx, velvet…)
but the inside is usually silk. These things in my opinion are the epitome of
glamour. And besides being unique they are one of those things that will make
you feel pretty (and we all love that don’t we).
Yes I know a coat is a common sense item
and shouldn’t even be on the list, but let me explain myself. What’s important
here is the style, the cut, color and print, even if you can’t necessarily get
yourself a vintage coat you can get away with something modern if you look for
something along these lines.As far as
cut you want clean, classic lines (car coat, pea coat, ¾ length coat, and
dinner coat). For example A-line coats are beautiful coat at any price point
and flattering on all figures, also look out for coats with fitted waistlines
and that flare out. In the color department you want to stick to black, camel,
red, white, blue, yellow if you’re going to be true to the era you wouldn’t
have been stepping out in anything crazier than that. When thinking about
prints your best bet is anything in polka dot, or our favorite leopard print,
plaid, or geometric print. Also look for things will fur accents, belts,
collarless coats or wide lapels.
The Cardigan is going to be one of the most important
items in your arsenal it’s a great go-to piece, perfect for transitioning and
can even work for all year round. For you Dolls that hate to give your full
skirt dresses with you crinoline slip, this is the perfect way to do it. Also
cardigans are a great way to start off into the world of vintage.You can get a great vintage cardi for just
about any price point; even score some great finds at your local thrift or
Goodwill shop. You can also surprisingly use a cardi to add the unexpected they’re
some great online stores that sell some really unique pieces for fair prices.
I know cheesy Hitchcock music is now
playing in the background cause God forbid someone wears a fur in our overly PC
world. Well if you are one of those people that are extremely environmentally conscious
there is still no need to omit this category.Most people don’t realize that faux fur was actually quite popular in
the 40-50’s. With some searching you are very capable of getting yourself a
very fabulous, very warm, vintage faux-fur that is still in keeping with your
political views. However, a little known fact that I’d like to share with you
and keep yourself open. Furs made in the 1940’s were done so under a different
process than that of today, so in a nutshell they are Animal-Cruelty Free! While
many people that vehemently oppose to wearing furs made today will wear vintage
furs because of this reason. Which there is nothing in the world like, I know
more than one person (myself included) that is a collector of furs, and the craftsmanship,
quality, and uniqueness will make you stand out every time. But more
importantly as stylish as they are I promise you nothing will keep you warmer
than a fur (I know I have 3).
This is a touchy subject for me, because
nothing makes me cringe more than seeing a dame with a man’s black beanie over
her head (shudders), or one of those baseball caps. Yes I know that in the
winter you need to do all you can to keep all body heat in and not out, but
that doesn’t mean that one has to sacrifice style to do it. Why not discover a
love of vintage hat? I think women tend to be so terrified of looking silly
that they never give themselves a change. I am a firm believer that there is a
hat out there for everyone it’s just a matter of knowing the shape and size of
your face, as well as how you wear it. Now they’re some hats that look great on
everyone and from there you can play around with them, those are: The Pillbox,
The Tilt Hat, The Beret, The Half/Headband Hat, and Turban Hat.
Scarfs are one of the most flexible and interchangeable
accessories around. You can do just about anything your imagination can come up
with “necklace, hair tie, hand bag, scarf, hat, skirt, top, belt…). You can get
a scarf in just about any print, color, etc. , you can think of and vintage
scarfs are especially beautiful. They are all extremely unique and they tend to
be one of the easier vintage items to look for and purchase.
Bet you didn’t expect that lol…but come on its
winter a Doll can’t possibly wear a skirt when its 5 degrees outside. A lot of
Dolls think they can’t pull off their look while wearing jeans, well I’m
telling you that’s just not true it’s a matter of finding a jean with the right
style, material, and cut. It’s a little harder to find vintage jeans from the
30’s and 40’s eras but they are some great vintage reproduction companies that
include jeans in with their look book. If the 60’s is what you’re going for try
a nice pair of high-waisted jeans, or trouser jeans, or wide leg jeans. Of
course the 70’s is famous for it’s bell bottoms, but you can also do capris or
flood plants and where them with tights.
Boots are not just for the winter; actually
they can be worn all year round. But in the winter time they are a God send for
helping to transition all those pencil & full skirts into your winter
wardrobe. You can have fun with this too, be unexpected wear a pair of combat
boots with a vintage shirt dress and a cardi, or a maybe a pair of red slouchy
kitten ankle boots with your vintage red minx, jeans and red pillbox hat
w/attached scarf.
Look there’s no official formula to
transitioning any wardrobe into the winter month’s especially this type. There
is no wrong way, and the key is to have fun and don’t be afraid to be
unexpected. Think out of the box; don’t put away all your spring/summer items.
You’ll be surprised what a great response you’ll get wearing that full skirt Hawaiian
dress with a blazer and boots in January. When it’s all said and done, hell do
and wear what you want Dolls ;) .
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