Pin-up Beauty Jessica Lynn Gahring

Makeup: Genn Shaughnessy
Photographer: Lorraine Murphy
www.pinupmakeover.com

I’m excited to have one of my favorite retro girls here today - the beautiful Jessica Lynn Gahring of the hit reality show, NY Ink on TLC. She’s a smart, funny, completely down-to-earth gal who loves vintage pin-up and old world glamour. She lights up NY Ink with her gorgeous style and sweet-meets-spunky personality. Here are some of Jessica’s best kept pin-up secrets for the modern retro girl!



RGG:  Hi Jessica! You have such a great style. Who are your glamour inspirations?

• JLG: I wouldn’t really say that my glamour inspirations were a specific “who” but more of a ‘what’. I am completely inspired by anything retro, vintage and glamour. I enjoy taking little pieces of a million different images and tying them together to create something that resembles a “Modern Pinup”. To be specific, I love soft curls in the hair, make up that says “I’m sexy enough to refuse you dinner if you don’t kiss me once you walk in the door from work”, clothes that cover enough of the female form but leave enough open to the imagination where a male can linger in thought at what may lay behind her concealed walls. I find glamour inspiration in classic films, pinup magazines and models, fashion blogs catered to the beautiful pinup and friends that I meet along the way... such as you, my beautiful vintage friend, Rosina! <3  

RGG: If you could go back in time and meet one famous bombshell, who would it be and what would you ask her?

• JLG: I feel like it goes without saying that I’d want to meet Marilyn and have endless deep conversations with her. I wouldn’t be content asking her just one question and my ability to converse with people would get her to open up comfortably with all of her deepest secrets (which of course I’d keep hush hush!). Specifically, I’d want to know how she dealt with that moment in time when she went from your everyday unknown pretty face to one that was recognized nationally. I would love to know what went through her mind in those moments and who she relied on for trust and inspiration.

RGG:  You have done pin-up modeling and you are on film all the time. Do you have any tips for getting comfortable in front of the camera?

Photo by Steve Prue

• JLG: There is no possible way to prepare yourself to become comfortable in front of the camera other than just becoming comfortable in front of the camera. You can practice those pinup faces in the mirror all evening long but when you start working with those photographers who have their own ideas of pinup beauty then you realize that it has to be a dual effort. I watch every episode of our show and make mental notes consisting of things like, “Ohhh, those pants are exceptionally flattering” or “Damn, I look great in that dress!” or “Do not EVER wear my hair like that again!” and then I just laugh at myself! You learn by trial and error and then improve upon that process. There is no true 360 degree mirror that gives you a complete sense of yourself like that of being on film and in front of the camera!

RGG:  Your outfits on NY Ink are gorgeous! Where do you find most of your ensembles?

• JLG: I compile my outfits from a number of locations, including my closest friends vintage businesses. However, my favorite pinup retailer is Pin Up Girl Clothing (www.pinupgirlclothing.com). They have a high-end pin up line that can be made professional or ‘dressed down’ for a naughtier look. The clothes are cut in all the right locations and are meant to flatter a curvy woman’s figure. Dear Pin Up Girl Clothing, I truly love you! <3

RGG: If you were stranded on an island, what is the one beauty item you could not live without?

• JLG: If I was stranded on an island I would never wear makeup! I’d give my face the chance to breathe and revel in the beauty of my island which I would of course rename “Dixie Island” (laughs). However, if I had to chose one item that I could not live without then it would most definitely be a bandanna. How else could I grab coconuts from the tree tops and keep my hair out of my face?! Bandannas are by far my favorite retro accessory (wig wearing or not!).

RGG: What is/are your favorite shade(s) of Red lipstick? (Every retro girl wants to know!)

• JLG: I am VERY picky about my favorite red lipsticks! I need my reds to have a hint of frost while also matching my skin tone. If the red is a matte then I apply a little bit of frost gloss just on my bottom lip to perk up the color. Currently, I have two (2) favorite reds and I choose which one I wear based on my clothing & wig choices. Enough of the tease, here are the color names: MAC VIVA GLAM III & MAC VIVA GLAM IV. Sadly, these are limited edition colors so I may have to eventually find others that grab my attention.  

RGG: I love listening to Marilyn Monroe and Anne Margaret when I’m getting ready for a night out on the town. What music do you listen to when you are channeling your inner bombshell?

• JLG: I absolutely love listening to strong female voices with a hint of rasp and blues living somewhere deep within there. To be honest, I could listen to Etta James, Imelda May and the blues side of Eric Clapton all day long. The sound is so deep and sultry that it makes me apply my lipsticks with even a hint of sexy (winks).

RGG: What is/are your favorite vintage/classic movie(s)?

• JLB: My top two (2) favorite classic films are Some Like It Hot (for it’s humorous story line) & It’s a Wonderful Life (for it’s strong focus on the devoted family)!

RGG: My personal style tends to resonate the early 60s. Do you have one particular decade that you draw your style from?

• JLG: I definitely draw a lot of my style tastes from the late 50s into the early 60s so I’m right there with you hot mama! <3

RGG: I won’t leave the house without my red lips and groomed eye-brows. What is your out-the-door must have?

• JLG: I can absolutely go without a bright red lip but I cannot go anywhere without my eyebrows groomed! My hair is so light blonde naturally that if I don’t pencil in my brows then they look as if they aren’t even there. All retro ladies know that a beautiful brow arch is cornerstone to that beautiful vintage look! I will leave the house with no other makeup on then just my brow pencil, eyeliner and mascara... but those are absolute must-haves!

RGG: Jessica, thank you so much for visiting with Retro Girl’s Guide today! You truly have a special spirit and beauty that shines both inside and out! XOXO

Jessica's beautiful artwork

• JLG: You are very welcome, Rosina! Thank you for having me! You know that I always jump at the opportunity to feel the beauty of your spirit, as well. Thank you again for my beautiful Ginger’s Jewelry Box ring and for naming that ring after me. I can’t tell you how many compliments I receive on that ring! Kisses to you, beautiful, and to all of those beautiful retro divas out there! XO

You can watch Jessica on NY Ink Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. on TLC. Be sure to visit her website www.jessicalynngahring.com, Facebook page and follow @MsRetroDixie on Twitter.

Spotlight Series: Miss Missy Photography

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Miss Missy - a gorgeous and gifted pin-up, vintage glamour and fashion photographer who knows how to truly bring out your inner beauty in every girl. From lighting to styling to provocative positioning, Miss Missy can channel the inner bombshell and transform ordinary to extraordinary.  Her work has graced the covers of numerous magazines and she has photographed some of the most beautiful pin-up models of today.  We’re excited to talk with her and showcase some of her gorgeous images. 


Enjoy this video of Miss Missy's amazing work:


RGG: Hi Missy! Thank you for visiting with us today. I am truly a big fan of your work. How long have you been a photographer and where did you get your start?
Missy: Professionally, only a little over 3 years, but I was playing with the idea for quite some time. I guess I just didn’t  realize you could make a living off something you found exciting and fun. I’m totally in love with what I do. I guess I got my start when MySpace came out. I would look at all these pin-up girls and think to myself, "I want awesome photos like they have!" So I got myself a second hand digital camera and would doll myself up and put it on a timer. My friends loved my photos and I loved how awesome I was making myself look (hehehe)! I was super excited when my friends would ask me to make them over and take their photos. It can be a very vulnerable experience, but I seem to make everyone feel at ease. I think getting photos taken can be really great for your self esteem!
   
RGG: What is your inspiration and what draws you to 50s pinup and vintage glamour? Do you have a favorite/s vintage movie star?
Missy: I've been in love with 50's glamour since I was a little girl looking at my mothers old photos. At the time I didn't really know who any famous pin-ups were and my mom was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen! I would always ask her questions about her clothing and hair. My mom wasn't always very happy, but when she talked about being young she was. Also growing up in the 80's when all those amazing movies about the 1950's came out made me more curious about this time period. I was totally in love with the movie Dirty Dancing, tried to do the dances, learned the lyrics to these old songs and even got myself a pair of Keds.  


As far as vintage movie stars go, I probably have to say Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe are my favorites. Then when I discovered No Doubt and Gwen Stefani rocking all these old hair dos - I HAD to learn them - and I've been hooked ever since.


RGG: You’ve worked with some incredible models, but what about the average girl who wants to be a starlet for a day? How do bring out the bombshell in them and create such amazing pieces?
Missy: Hanging around the internet for so long you become "fans" of some of these models, so I had and still have a model wish list, I think it's super important to work with models, they can teach you so much just by watching them pose and you can take that and show it to your every day girl. So many "average" women have the model in them, I think it's all about making them feel beautiful before you put the camera on them. I do 90% of the hair and makeup for my photo shoots, during this time I get to know the girl so when we do start shooting she is way more at ease with me than she was when she walked in the door. As of right now, I do not have a time limit on my photo shoots because it just takes some people longer to warm up than others. If you rush people in and out I don't think you can get good photos. I see so many women getting pin-up photos taken and you can see in their face they weren't comfortable, but all the props tend to distract you from that.   


RGG: Do you have any tips/advice for newbies who want to be a pin-up model or regular gals who want glamour photos?
Missy: Don't try to get everything for free; you get what you pay for. Study images that inspire you, pose and practice facial expressions in the mirror. I can pose your body, but not your face. I can tell you where to look, but you should know what faces look good and don't. If you have one facial expression that works stay with it. I can work around it.


YouTube some old Bettie Page footage, she was the QUEEN! She wasn't scared of her face or her body and when you are able to let go, that's when the magic happens! :)
For the girls who want a new "pin-up name" stay away from things that are kind of silly. I much rather hear a somewhat normal name than something ridiculous. I think what you name yourself can have a HUGE impact on people. 


RGG: Tell us how to schedule a photoshoot with you. 
Missy: If you'd like to book a photo shoot with me just please email me at miSSSmissy@aol.com. I live in Los Angeles.


RGG: And now for a little bit of fun... If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
Missy: My little girl...and my camera! :)


RGG: Chocolate or vanilla? 
Missy: Chocolate! :)


Thank you so much for joining us today! For more information and to book your session, visit Miss Missy Photography!

Website: www.MissMissyPhotography.net
Miss Missy on Facebook
Follow Missy on Twitter
Email: miSSSmissy@aol.com

Spotlight Series: Mrs. Bella's Dolls

I’m excited to present the first interview in the RGG Spotlight Series - the beautiful Bella Vlasis, creator and owner of Mrs. Bella’s Dolls and her world famous cigarette girls and also owner of celebrity impersonator talent agency, Tribute Productions.

(Do you have what it takes to be the next Mrs. Bella’s Doll? Retro Girl’s Guide and MBD will be teaming up soon for a contest to find the next Mrs. Bella’s Doll! Be sure to follow us both on Facebook for exciting updates!) 

♥ ♥ ♥

RGG: Hi Bella! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today about your gorgeous Mrs. Bella’s Dolls (MBD).  Tell us, what is a Doll and what inspired you to create your very pin-up infused company?
MBD: Hello Retro Girls, thank you so much for having me here. I am honored to share with your readers about Mrs. Bella’s Dolls Classic Cigarette Girls. I have always been inspired by the 1930s & 1940s and these eras seem to follow me throughout my life. I was very influenced by my parents, I loved looking and admiring their photos as a young girl. Mom also introduced me to Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe, and other beautiful actors so I have always felt a strong connection to this time in history. My Grandfather would always tell me I looked like “Lana Turner” or “Betty Grable” and its not until now that I “get” what he was seeing.

About ten years ago I had a casting agent cast me as a cigarette girl in a film and I immediately fell in love with the part (I had always wanted to be an adorable cigarette girl!). It was at that time I realized I wanted to blossom my love for vintage cigarette girls into its own professional company. There was no one else at that time doing anything like it and I wanted to be the first and create it with absolute love and integrity. I was fortunate enough to work hundreds of jobs myself, and eventually began auditioning other beautiful performers to work along side of me to learn the ropes of becoming a Mrs. Bella’s Doll.

RGG: You live out every little girl's dream of dressing up in gorgeous costumes (I don’t think we ever outgrow it!). Where do you find your beautiful ensembles?
MBD: Thank you so much! I LOVE the idea of helping all women discover and find their own “inner pin-up girl” each of us have this within us and I believe there is something liberating and empowering about it. My collection of costumes has taken years to create. I am on a forever hunt for the perfect pin-up look and I am constantly looking in thrift stores, Ebay or collaborating with seamstresses and sewers to bring a vision to life.

RGG: What do you think about this blooming trend of vintage inspired designs in clothing, accessories, decor, etc.? Do you have a favorite brand?
MBD: I love fashion and especially classic couture. I feel the creation of garments in the 40’s had a quality to them that today’s fashion some times lacks. But there are some amazing places to find retro inspired fashion and PinUpGirlClothing.com (PUG) is one of my current favorites.

One of the reasons I feel so many people are drawn to the 1940s is the fashion and elegance of style and how people loved to get dressed up (men and women). I feel it is a time in history where fashion was a statement about life. Women looked impeccable with their clothes, hats, shoes, hair and accessories so naturally the 40s are a time that fashion will always come back to. The 1950s brought in curves which I am a big fan of, as well as amazing color pallets and more form fitted styles.

I love when current fashion borrows from these classic years for inspiration, and love seeing new generations of people finding the love for these classic styles. I am a person who definitely wears a certain style no matter what is in “fashion.” Create your own rules and your own trends as long as it makes you feel alive!

RGG: What kinds of events can you find a Mrs. Bella’s Doll performing at? 
MBD: We have worked The Emmys, (getting ready to work them again Sept 2011), MTV Awards, The Golden Globes, The Young Hollywood Awards, Spirit Awards, Fashion Week (getting ready to work that again as well in Sept 2011), Mad Men Premier, Celebrity Private parties, Corporate Events, Film Festivals, Mitzvah’s, Movie Premiers, Hotel V.I.P Events are the majority of events you will see my Dolls.

RGG: You are based in Los Angeles, but do you have Dolls in other parts of the country?
MBD: Yes we are based here in LA but have beautiful Dolls in NYC, Florida, Georgia, DC, San Diego, Las Vegas and soon we will be on the look for Dolls in every State (stay tuned).

RGG: What does it take to be a Doll? Do you need special modeling, acting or dancing skills?
MBD: I like to hire all kinds of women (need to be at least 21 years since many job assignments require this) but all shapes of body type as long as you have nice legs, the Dolls that really understand “people skills” are my most requested girls. You have to understand how to conduct yourself in a professional manner as many events are celebrity parties so knowing how to always maintain a professional disposition while working is a must! I love a pretty girl with a great sense of humor as most of the job requires speaking to people; learning product information; being warm and friendly; knowing how to be “on” in a moments notice; how to handle stressful situations with grace; how to deal with a not so easy client or guest; and mostly how to be your own best, beautiful pin-up girl. Acting is a huge plus as well as dance.

RGG: Tell us a little about your other company, Tribute Productions. I also see that you have written several books on being a look-a-like. Where can we find them?

MBD: Tribute Productions is my Production Company where myself and husband produce talent, shows, and music for events, film, TV, print and live shows. I am a specialty casting person, in where I am able to connect the talent to a casting director or producers specific need (and many times “hard to find talent”). I worked as a professional double for Madonna for 25 years and that helped me learn the business and industry from the inside and allowed me to eventually become and work as a show producer myself. My husband takes care of the music, musicians and I do the dancers, models, actors, shows & acts. I have also written 2 industry books you can find on Amazon.com or from the publishers (you can see on our web site).

RGG: And now for silly fun.... If you could be one animal, what would it be?

MBD: Oh, hmmmm... as much as I adore cats, I think I would say bird so I could fly far above the world and take in all its beauty! :)

RGG: Give us one quote from a favorite movie or book:

MBD: “Remember honey, it’s alright to say YES on your wedding day!”  (from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes)

RGG: Chocolate or vanilla?

MBD: I like to mix em!! Mmmm a little French vanilla with some deep, dark delicious chocolate!!! Darn now I’m hungry!!

RGG: Thank you again for speaking with us today, Bella! You are incredible and so are your amazing businesses - truly inspirational!

MBD: Thank you so much for having me here on RGG - I am honored and flattered!

www.MrsBellasDolls.com
www.TributeProductions.com

Be sure to follow us both on Facebook for exciting updates!

Fan Bella on Facebook through Tribute Productions

RGG on Facebook