HOTD/ Review: Joie And The Battle Against The Frizz!

    So I'm sure many of you can understand the ever going fight against frizzy hair. Lol noone probably knows this more than me, it's like my hair frizzes up just to piss me off. We all have our personal hard earned routines. Me included that consists of  wash twice a week , hair mask, serums, blah-blah-blah. But the second I touch a towel to my head and it doesn't matter what it's made of , whoosh! So I went to air drying which is a major gamble in and of itself. Which leaves us finally to this review/ hair of the day.  Finally I've got a good routine down that works for my hair , especially with the issues I have dealing with my Lupus. I'm also going to share my favorite products and top 5youtube vloggers that helped me with the journey.  Lastly we're going to try out my first blow-dry! I've always been a no heat doll but clearly that's not working with my frizz. So I have  the vintage model Conair diffuser dryer for curly hair to to try out.
         So let's get started Dolls and dukes shall we.

     I am a big  believer in natural and do it yourself products. A lot of people don't realize especially if you are a person like me with health issues. But everything you put your body soaks into your skin and blood stream, etc... And with all the unnecessary products that are in basically everything its something to think about. So whatever I don't make myself I make sure to use natural and organic companies.  Its important to say that I'm not a beautician, or expert! I am just Sharing a routine that has has finally worked for me.

   Pre shampoo Treatment 

I know this kind of thing usually takes time so I tend to reserve it for weekend washes.  But if you have the time on a regular basis your hair will be the healthier for it.

MAYO PRE-POO TREATMENT:  

2tbs olive oil
2tbs coconut oil
Spoonful of mayo

Egg white (1)

After mixing all together separate your hair into four sections. Concentrating on your ends distribute the throughout your hair and leave in  for about 10-30 minutes. Then wash, condition, and dry as usual.

Hot oil treatment

This can be done either as a conditioner or a pre-poo treatment. If you find that your hair gets weighed by oils in a negative way, then I suggest using this as an pre shampoo treatment.  You will get the benefits without the negative effects.

1tbs almond oil

1tbs olive oil 

1 the coconut oil 

Warm only enough to for it to soak into your hair. You do not want it to actually be hot or you can be seriously burned. Saturate from roots to ends and cover your hair up. Leave in for 5 - 10 min. and continue the rest of your routine.

AFTER SHAMPOO RINSE 

Apple cider rinse

In a spray bottle take one part water , and one part apple cider vinegar. Shake up then spray your hair hair down liberally. Put on a shower cap and let sit for 5-10 minutes then rinse and condition as usual.

Whats on the web

Found on the Apple store, vina is a girls social network. For expanding your posse 🚺🚺🚺 for we all know you can never have too many awesome chicas in your life.  This one has gotten some great reviews from some awesome sources. So if  you have an iPhone and you have the memory check it out. Us girls have to support each other!

https://vina.io/

FASHIONABLY SPEAKING... JOIE CUENTISTA

HOTD: When all else fails keep it classic

    Hey Dolls & Dukes it's been awhile. I'm sad to feel that nip in the air summer will but over soon; but on the bright side it will soon be time to pull out the furs. So it's time for another hair of the day. I know We're all familiar with those days when nothing  you do to your hair turns out right. Even better than that your hair doesn't even look like it belongs to you. Well when this happens I trust in my good 'ol friend the snood.

   You know the beauty about the snood is that it can hide a multitude of sins. You can dress it up, get creative and some pearls or skull studs. Dress it down , use it just for a bun cover. The point is they are alot more versatile then one may think. You can even tie your fav scarf as a snood. Basically they're just yet another hat for a vintage girl. Here a few of my favorite snood looks to give you some inspiration!

      So get creative and have fun with those snoods dolls,and share your favorite looks with us to share on our Instagram. As always darlings 

Rockabilly Techies Unite! Allons-y!

     Hello Darlings I've missed everyone, I know it's been awhile I've been having some set backs with my lupus but that's just the day in the life of a luppie warrior. Other than that of gotten a good bit of painting done; as those of you know that follow me on Instagram. I'll soon be opening up my online store on Facebook where you can purchase my watercolors, and sketches. Anyway that's enough about me how are all of you?

     Well today is for all my fellow Techies and geeks but I suspect everyone can find something to get excited over about this by now. I'm sure if you haven't already you will soon be hearing about Google's physical web. Its been around for awhile now but i recently went to a place that is a supporter. Which got my attention.

     The concept is is really cool. Which is to make the web/internet more interactive no matter what device or application you find yourself using.  So how we find find ourselves scanning all these URLs with our tablets and phones; only to be disappointed most of the time. This won't happen now. The physical web will turn this into a experience.
    You'll be able to apply it to your practical life. Call AARP more effecently, keep in touch with the neighborhood board. Find out where the yard sales are. Or in our case imagine going to your favourite vintage and consignment boutique. You scan in and next thin you know you get a complete experience. Music, maybe you can get the history of the item you're looking at? Maybe you can even try on you clothes on the app... It's all up to the imagination. But one things for sure it's sure to be exciting!


Fashionably Speaking...Joie Cuentista

Its Not Just Any Friday It's Good Friday !

Hola Dolls and Dukes and happy Good Friday too you all, I hope it was a good one. Already the year is counting down way too fast and we find ourselves at Easter. I feel like yesterday was just new years so if you are anything like me; I'm willing to bet that you were not prepared (meaning very nearly forgot). And had to scramble to get yourself together this morning, but hey I'm a girl we're made to handle last minute situations.   
We all know what it's like when you have to pull something good out of your hat last minute. Me! I'm usually the type the starts panicking but ive been working on  that. (After all it will be what it will be) So for my look of the day I kept it simple with my black dita dress (search for the review in the reviews section) but; I focused all the attention on my 1950s vintage cocktail hat.

LOTD:



Hair:

1. Separate your bang section and pin it up

2. Brush the rest of your hair back, and take some pomade to smooth down flyaways. I like to use Suavecito pomade (https://www.suavecitopomade.com/collections/womens-grooming/hair). Gather hair into a low tail

3. Take out your bang and smooth the front with a bit of pomade after some light teasing. Starting at the tips roll up towards your face.  Pin it with the staple bobbypins, then do your adjustments. 

4. Grab your hat Dolls. Mine is a 1950s  vintage cocktail halfhat. (http://www.ebay.com/usr/wellworn2012?_trksid=p2047675.l2559 ) The flaps of A halfhat are usually always placed at each ear. If you do that you'll almost always know you're hat is perfect (my great aunt taught me that one). 


Fashionably Speaking... Joie Cuentista 

Come Shopping With Me

     I often get asked "what exactly does a shopping trip with you look like?" Well sadly on my recent shopping trip I forgot to turn on the video camera but, I think I did the next best thing. So take a second get some coffee and a sweet (no worries I'll be he Darling) and join me for a good ole fashioned show and tell.

     Shopping is hard work on any day, especially when you're a pinup doll and trolling through the vintage and consignment store isles. You need to be prepared to 1. take the complete day and 2. go to at least three stores minium. I'll tell you right now most of your time will be spent talking to the friends you've made out of the store associates' (which is always smart) and yanking through endless racks for what will seem like a lifetime. But its all worth.

     Before you walk into the store to prevent frustration and a full on tantrum. It's important to decide what your going for before you step foot in the store. Also it's good to keep in mind what's already in your closet if that's something you need to be mindful of. Something to think about, these pieces aren't just another cool outfit they're also art in and of themselves. As a collector myself, I encourage you to consider doing likewise. It will give you a new found respect for these historical artifacts. But if space is an issue or let's say you're there for a skirt or office suit I recommend downloading Stylicious.  A closet organizing app on google play store which allows you to take pictures of your wardrobe  allowing you to take it with you and simplifying planning outfits during the week.

 ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fabu.stylicious&hl=en )

 This app is a lifesaver while you're looking through the isles you can keep your eyes open, and things you may normally not pick up try. Open up your app and go through your wardrobe (see the possibilities!). You'll know if you are buying yet another too similar style and cut dress and save yourself the trouble and so-on.  

          

Sears brand 1960s shear ivory &gold cardi

Mid fifties button up cotton baby blue blouse unknown brand

          For this particular shopping trip my plan was to go out in search of tops. I was really looking for knits not being a fan of button up tops but I surprised myself and found a few. However like I said earlier sometimes you hit the mother load and for me this was a really ,really good haul. I ended up getting some of everything, most to wear and a few to add to my collection.

Khaki sixties swing skirt

Fifties wiggle dress

 

 

Grey 1950s midi skirt

Early sixties Sax Fifth Avenue 2pc Suit

  

 

silver 80s box broach /40s
apple broach

 

I woke up like this: Distractions and Disruptions

  

     Well Darlings we're back with another I.W.U.L.T. Since its Sunday I thought I'd share with you Dolls my church look. I remember going through the closet on Sundays when it was still getting comfortable with myself and how I was choosing to express it. Depending on the church you attend  you can be in front of  the closet for hours wanting to stay true to your style yet being sure to remain respectful. A lot of the times in my early awkward years I found myself going to the complete extreme and wearing a lot of frumpy too old clothing.
    
      I thought this made me inconspicuous, and that I was appropriately dressed. Well it took awhile to be honest with myself. Cause the truth was I was neither of those things. I only drew more attention to myself being a young woman dressed so decrepitly old and that's not what we're going for. Because of this I was a big distraction and disruption. The exact thing I didn't want to be. This story I'm sharing isn't just about church or etc...that's just Just my example. Because the truth is I still go through this very thing all time. As long as you look like this and by that I mean outside of "societies norm" you'll be dealing with  this it if not from one person than another, then in some form or another. What you need to do is decide that, what you think of yourself matters more than any looks or opinions. 

     
       So just like everyone else has their wardrobe staples it's essential that us sassy Pinups have our's as well. Wardrobe staples are in a nutshell lifesavers. This is what you're going to reach for when you have to go to work, or a wedding (and don't want to upstage the bride). As well as the basis on which you'll use to expand you're wardrobe. So here is my list of a few staple items that every Doll needs.

                       

 

The Pinup Dolls Lists of Wardrobe Staples:

 

> Highwaist Pencil skirt: you can never have too many of these, trust me dolls. What a good pencil skirt does for a woman's hips should be illeagal. I reccomend having as many colors as possible, I know we vintage girls tend to gravitate to black but trying out- let's say a hot pink skirt for ex. is a great way to break you out of your comfort zone.

 

> Full skirt: otherwise known as the midi skirt for our modern times; this looks great on everyone. It's Ultra slimming and they're great for all occasions.

 

> Shift dress: Another you can never have too many of. They are super cute and extremely verstile. I have a beloved small collection of late 50's-early 60's shift dresses and they have gotten me through many a emergency.

 

> Wiggle dress: There is never an occasion that doesn't call for a wiggle dress (but thats' just the type of Dame I am)

 

> Cardigan: If you don't know by now you will soon; a Cardigan is your bestfriend. They can completely change a outfit. And never fear if you can't find a vintage one. They're some amazing goth, rock, and reproduction companies that make amazing ones.

 

> Pearl necklace: Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than a set of pearls laying flush against glowing naked skin.

 

> Black MaryJanes: These have got to be one of my favorite pairs of shoes and they are versitile which give you countless Wardrobe  choices.

 

> White button-down blouse: This is a wardrobe classic you can litteally weara white button-down a different way every day of the week. Its that versitile. They go from day to night and even to evening wear if done well.

 

> Leather Skirt: I know this one is unexpected but trust me every doll needs a leather skirt in her closet. 

 

 

> Gloves: I happen to be a big fan of the Phillosiphy that a lady never leaves the house without her gloves. They give you that added something. You'll find yourself walking with an extra bounce.

 

> High-waisted trouser and wideleg pant: A highwaist is a pinups best friend (especially if you're a hourglass figure like me). No matter what you wear with these you'll look great, this is stress-free dressing.

 

> Saddle shoes and creepers: I suggest two pairs one classic. But the second go loco get a color or print something that reflects you.

 

> Vintage Camisole: You can never have too many of these. These are what you'll be wearing with those Pencil skirts and trousers for example.

 

>Vintage Tees: This is up to you you know your style and what will go with your skirts and things.

 

> Sweater chain: These are worn with your cardigans and are a great way of adding your personality in a subtle way. Especially if at work, etc.

 

> Lingere: Foundation is the most important thing your clothing won't look good if the base is haphazard, and unstable. You need a Garter, shaper /girdle/ Corset, longline bra, Strapless Shaper, backless Shaper.

 

> Pillbox hat: It's a vintage staple and its one of the few hat styles that is flattering on all facial shapes.

 

> Vintage Suit: Its my opinion that the 1940's and the 1960's made some of the best suits and 2pc dress ensambles. Every Doll needs to save up and invest in at least one of each of these peices. The wardrobe possibilties are endlessand besides that they're amazing Collectors items.

 

> Swing jacket: these mod classics are a great staple to any wardrobe and are very stylish

 

 

I woke up like this: Look of the Day

 

>> Felt like being made up today for church so here is the result

***Birdcage veil (Brought from PUG years ago, but I altered it to what you see in the picture)

Also wearing oil of Olay Fresh effects BB cream in light to medium mixed with maybelline touch of light face glow

Lipstick is loreal infallble in crimson ***

   

        

 

P.s. come follow me on instagram @borntoolatefashionablyspeaking and join in the fun everyday. 

Yes Kiddies, you too can discover the incomparable world that is... Vintage!

     You know you gotta love children, I don't think there is anyone on this earth more naturally accepting. If no one else you can count on children to love rockabilly, pinup; frankly any chance to be different. I'm sure that's the case for that little tike in your life who would just love (why wouldn't she after all) to look just like you. However with the assumption that vintage ages you most parents (and in my case Aunts lol) shy away from dressing their children likewise. This assumption is completely wrong, especially in the case of children. There are a plethora of both vintage and vintage reproduction shops that are dedicated to only children. I think people assume children's fashions in the 1920-60's basically didn't exist and were just miniature versions of adult fashions.

    

Kiddies Guide to Vintage Discovery

 

     Now buying Vintage for children is a little different than buying for buying for us Dolls. For starters and most importantly! Children are always growing, you can barely keep them in anything for a decent amount of time. So for that alone score one for vintage (high five for team rockabilly woo-hoo!), However like we also know vintage can get really expensive and that especially happens with children's wear. Because in the end you're not going to get your moneys worth like you would with an adult I wouldn't recommend the pricer items until later teens (16+). Also get familiar with your local community children's consignment shops are becoming increasingly popular and you may just find a hidden gem in the mix.

   They're also a lot of great local children's specialty vintage and reproduction shops that are always worth finding out about. As always there's your local Goodwill which you can find some great vintage children's finds if you're willing to take the time to look. The important thing with the places is making sure you go on your local rounds. We all know how hard it is to keep kids in clothing so these places are always getting new stock, you're job is to go and weed through it. Get to know the people working there and exchange numbers and they'll call you when something comes in that you'll like (its always important to establish relationships). 

           The actual selection of pieces is very important because you want something that's going to last. Children aren't like us they don't care what vintage means, they just what to run, play, etc...So you go for the same types of pieces like you would for yourself. When you're going through the rack's or reading the descriptions online you want pieces that are stretchy so that your child can move and not feel constrained by some of the older stiffer fabrics. You're also looking for things with elastic in them so you can get a descent amount of wear out it; kids are constantly growing and you'd hate to get a favorite dress or top only for your child to not be able to wear it in six months. Another thing to help you in selection is to beware of the head opening in shirts, (button downs, or vintage tees) be
sure to make sure there's a bit of stretch there. You want them to be able to dress themselves. It's also good to look for pieces that are or could become convertible; for example a little swing dress could be worn a top with a cute pair of leggings and so on.


     It's inevitable your children will grow out of their clothes; but don't be afraid to keep really memorable pieces. I have a rule in our small little vintage community we have to care then share. When I say that I mean, for as long as we have our pieces we treasure them. Then when its time (have your last dance together) you find a new home to make room for more vintage collectables. Your local consignment shops will always give you a good deal if you want to go that route. If you have a Ruth's Closet in your city they are always taking donations and as you know proceeds go towards House of Ruth. And you can go back to your vintage store and get discounted for next purchase. But we all know they're at least three pieces that hold too much memory to go so what do we do with them if they can't be worn anymore? Well instead of throwing it in a box in the basement turn those
old memories into art.

     The most important thing when shopping vintage for your child is the actual piece the item. Here are a few target questions to ask yourself when shopping that will make you feel more confident about whether you're picking out a quality garment. What's the state of it? How does it look, feel? Is the stitching intact, how do the seams look? Check for runs, tears and rips also get into the light how is the color. Is there any yellowing or discoloration? Think
about what your child is going to be wearing the item for. Obviously we buy vintage because of the character so you'll rarely buy an item with nothing wrong whatsoever. However depending on how bad you want it, where you're wearing the garment to...some of these target questions I've given you can be fixed or covered up creatively (ex: patches, temp. stitching glue etc.) . Always wash clothing before giving to your child to wear a lot of these pieces have been in these stores for a long time ( say no more).

  
  


      I know a lot of parents are afraid to shop for their kids online period let alone vintage but don't be it's a great resources. Once you have your childes measurements, have brought a few pieces and with these rules I've given you should feel sufficiently confident to venture out. Here are a few awesome
companies, now do me proud girls!


Willow's Room


Posh Girl Vintage

The Couture Baby

Ballyhoo Vintage  (this is a favorite of mine)

Dapper Lads

 

OOTD: 'A Day at the Doctor's', With a touch of Gab

 

Art by Joie Cuentista

   Hey there Dolls and Dukes👄. I've missed you all; I know I haven't posted in awhile but there's a reason.  We all know how life can jump up and kick us in the Kobus sometimes. Things haven't been all loco ,First I've had a birthday (on the fourth of march), which was great; an amazing vintage bag was procured during this venture which will be included in a future post. But the other two were not so good. My nana's not doing so well health wise so I've been spending time with her and if you follow me on Facebook (the bane of all our existence) you might have heard me talk about my recent Lupus flare ups (it ain't easy living lupie Dolls).

   Anyway on to happy things Today we've got a supper cute OOTD. Our destination is a trip to the doc's office and nice day out after. I'm sure we all have these days, however I know all too well what that usual Doctor visit go-to consist of. Well I have two things to say to that. One a lady should never walk out in sweats and two there is never a reason not look your best...especially a trip to the doctor.







OOTD:

Dress:
Vintage Asian print shirt waist dress Sorry guys I can't give you a go-to for this one. It's from Asia I brought it from an estate sale.


Accessories:
Grey pashmina Boscov's this place is great you can get a beautiful pashmina in virtually any color or pattern for about $4.99. For you Doll's and Dukes that are fans of Boscov's second level like me lol... they're having a sale soon
Black waist belt: to add some definition to the dress I added every pinups staple a black waist belt. But to give it a little something extra instead of wearing my flower in my hair I clipped it onto the side of my belt. flowergirl belt

Combat Boots:  I got these black combat boot surprisingly from charlotte ruse. Now they don't have these any more. But this pair is super cute Belted Lug Boots

turquoise teardrop: wire wrap earrings by Unexpected Things my own accessory line.

Hair ,Makeup:
Hair:  For this look we're going with side parted victory rolls. With silver bow hairclips from modcloth  as accents.
Makeup: 
I don't wear foundation as you well know so I'm sorry but i can't help you with that department. However, this Dame never leaves la casa without some Red lipstick. For todays look I tried out  Rimmel Alarm . For Bronzer I used ELF Baked Bronzer.

Well that's all for today darlings tell next time...

 

Maryjanes, a Crinoline and a Smile

I think it’s a pretty justifiable fear that many people have of being laughed at. If we’re honest with ourselves we’ll admit that it affects us more that we’re proud of…it’s why for some every item of clothing needs to have a luxury label on it (regardless of if they can truly afford it), or why in spite of that fact others have closets full of clothing they still complain about having nothing to wear, and God forbid the teenager next door be seen wearing the same thing twice in one week. The point I’m making is that the fear of standing out, of not fitting in holds us back from a lot of things we desire to do in life. This topic comes up in the Vintage Community all the time mostly because while many people love the fashions and styles of yesteryear, to bring them into today kind of makes you stand out like a sore thumb doesn’t it. It’s one thing to have that single unique vintage handbag, jacket or really gorgeous piece of jewelry that everyone loves, you may be stepping outside of the box but you’re still controlling it. You get to smile and enjoy the compliments when everyone asks where you got it from and how much thy love it. But when you’re dressing and acting in a manner that is blatantly from another time day in and day out, well; that’s something different. Something that people don’t understand at all. (Lol hell for all the stares you get you mine as well be a Goth) In fact in my personal opinion it takes more than just a “high opinion of yourself”.

                I know what you’re thinking “yeah, yeah, yeah all I want to know it how do I get people to not stare at me? How do I not look like a joke?”

                Well…You can google this question a million times, watch countless pinup/vintage lifestyle gurus that will all have their own formula for this very question. They’re ever a million YouTube posts on the subject but the truth is… It’s all BULL. There’s nothing you can do that will stop people from staring, let’s face it in a world where jeans, and tee-shirts are the extent of the general public’s fashion knowledge you are going to look out of place walking down the street with a pair of black Maryjanes and Cuban heel stocking under a full-skirt day dress with a crinoline slip underneath and your hair in victory rolls (as utterly fabulous as you and I both know you look). It comes with the territory, People either aren’t going to understand or will think you’re in costume, some will love it, some will stare just for the hell of it, and some will hate it. You just need to be strong in your choice because anything that’s different will always invite attention and ridicule at times. However as far as looking like a joke? Well that; I can help you with.

                I personally go by a saying ‘it only becomes a joke when it stops being you’. Like with anything else you need to keep in mind your personality, your body type and your essence per say to help you really determine what’s believable on you.  Keep this in mind when shopping, you don’t want to buy random pieces and just be all over the place. Just like with modern clothing there is a time and place for certain outfits and more importantly certain styles look better on certain people (it’s a fact of life). Also if you don’t feel comfortable in what you have in people can sense and you will invite attention. In the end finding your niche is the key to stopping yourself from looking costumed, which is what we Dolls don’t want. A good way to do this it by narrowing yourself down. Determine which era looks best on you and using your body type is the perfect way to do it. . Throughout history even though the standard of beauty has ever evolved it has consistently always been associated with the body. To help give you a frame of reference these are the classic body type classifications according to how they would have been defined during our mom’s time (or grandma whatever).

OOTD: Feel Like Heading Out / Gab

  

   Sometimes when it's time to go on those endless errands we find ourselves running we fancy dressing up just a bit instead of looking casual day end and day out. You I think it's one of the biggest things that draws us Pinup and Rockabilly Dolls into the lifestyle. It's that you look around and you wonder what happened to those days when people actually dressed? In our modern times we're surrounded by the casual and lazy, no one wants to put in effort, make an impression, or even bother to care. Girls that should be in pigtails and overalls are wearing daisy dukes and halter tops and I've yet to see a man old or young that can seem to grasp that women don't find it sexy to look at their dirty, dingy underwear. 

    There was a time when you didn't leave the house without putting your best foot forward and started with your appearance cause lets face it Dolls you don't get to have a conversation with everyone you see, whether you like it or not your appearance is in fact your first impression. But looking nice is more than that, its showing you feel good about yourself. That you take time out for yourself and therefore will do so with others and most importantly that you set a standard for yourself that you refuse to let be diminished. But all that seems to be lost, in our world of get what you can quick, low self-esteem, and wavering lines...
Anyway on to the Outfit of The Day <insert drumroll please >

Pick A Side Any Side

We all see those two words thrown around all the time. Pinup… Rockabilly, but have you ever wondered what the difference between the two is? If there is even one?

 

                 First a bit of history for all those that like to get all the technicalities out of the wayJ. Rockabilly emerged in the late 30’s early 40’s and began gaining popularity in the 1950’s. Technically it isn’t a style it’s a genre of music. Actually it’s one of the earlier styles of rock n’ roll that blends hillbilly (which at the time was an offensive term), boogie woogie, and rock n’ roll of course. Some of the more popularly known rockabilly artist would be Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bill Haley and His Comets who recorded ‘Rock Around The Clock’. Initially Rockabilly had a lot of negative connotations and was received poorly by not only older and northern Americans but musicians alike. Around the 1960’s Rockabilly music began to die out, so though it had a big impact on American culture it really wasn’t around for very long at least in popular culture. However Rockabilly music did experience resurgences off and on in 1980 and again in the early 1990’s with groups like The Cramps, The Polecats, and Los Lobos.

                 When you talk about Pinup it gets a little tricky. If you want to know when the term Pinup Girl or Pinup was coined? That would be 1941… essentially a Pinup was a model who’s mass produced photos, postcards, drawings, posters, etc… could be found ‘pined up’ on a wall or wherever.  Even though the term Pinup didn’t come about until ’41 we know that women have been posing for this genre of photography since as early as the 1890’s. As before with Rockabilly originally Pinup had nothing to do with a clothing style or subculture instead it referred strictly to a style of photography and the models that posed for them. Some of the more famous Pinup models include Josephine Baker, Joi Lansing and of course the fabulous Bettie Page. Over the years Pinup has always been controversial, it consistently challenged societies views on the role of the women, and challenged women themselves as they argued over what effect these images had on not only society but on themselves.

                Whew *wipes forearm across brow* well we’ve got the history lesson out of the way, and the truth is being a history major I just couldn’t help myselfJ. Okay moving on… the Essence of Rockabilly and Pinup are still alive but now-a-days it’s safe to say that they do have double meanings.

                Today Rockabilly no longer simply refers to music but an entire subculture is the easiest way to explain it. Now-a-days music and style seems to run so closely together and if you pay attention you notice  (of course this doesn’t go for everyone) that people that listen to the same music i.e. hip hop, rock, tend to dress alike and also like similar things. The same thing goes for people that enjoy Rockabilly music. Because the genre came about in the ‘50’s it makes sense that the people that enjoy the music would enjoy not only the culture of that era but the fashions as well.

                 Pinup it tends to have a double meaning now. The original meaning still stands there some great traditional modern pinups today such as Angelique Noire, Cherry Dollface, and Doris Mayday. In addition to the traditional meaning a Pinup is also known as a woman that dresses strictly vintage usually the 40 -60’s eras but a Pinup goes for a more glam look.

                 In reference to whether there’s a difference between Rockabilly and Pinup…well in the end there’s not. The lines between Pinup and Rockabilly cross and blur so much until they are nearly indistinguishable. I think the stereotypical misconception is that when you think Rockabilly you think Leather jacket, white-tee, and cuffed jeans. Whereas the stereotype for Pinup tends to be the black wiggle dress, red lips and Maryjanes. But all us Dolls know these are just what they are, Stereotypes. They are the rare days when I want to be casual and wear my button down shirt and high-waisted pants, then the days I want to bust out that wiggle dress, or off the shoulder top to show off the tattoos.  The point is in the end Pinup is Rockabilly and Rockabilly is Pinup, yes they are actual terms with meanings but style wise…they go hand in hand.  And more importantly it’s what you want it to be.