Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts

October 18, 2012

Becoming Marilyn - Four Eyes


Whoever came up with the old phrase, “Men don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses,” obviously didn’t see Marilyn in her spectacles. In How to Marry A Millionaire, Marilyn played beautiful bombshell on the hunt for a man with money who felt her bad vision and need for glasses took away her sex appeal. So wrong... Look how gorgeous she is in her cat-eyes! As a glasses-wearing-gal, I’m always on the look-out for retro style frames, so here are a couple of places to visit to fine-tune your four-eyed Marilyn.

I usually just write about modern day reproductions here on Retro Girl, but I couldn’t pass up sharing this amazing vintage shop called Collectable Spectacle on Etsy. They carry an incredible assortment of cat-eyes, rhinestone trimmed colored frames and vintage sunglasses from the 50s and 60s. If you are looking for something truly authentic, this is the place to visit.

Collectable Spectacle on Etsy

And here is a modern company with a line of vintage-inspired frames called Warby Parker. I have not ordered from them yet, however I really like their affordable policy - $95 for frame and lens and they also “give a pair” to organizations such as VisionSpring.org to help those in need who are not able to pay the high price tag for good vision. While they may not be as dramatic as authentic vintage frames, these 60s-era inspired glasses are a clean, updated look with a retro flavor.
Warby Parker: "Wiloughby Tennessee Whiskey"

August 8, 2012

PinUp Girl Boutique

If you’ve read Retro Girl’s Guide, then you know how much I love PinUpGirlClothing.com (PUG). You know that I respect this business run by strong, beautiful women and you know more than anything else that I love their clothing styles and quality. Needless to say, I was giddy like a child waiting for Santa in anticipation for the opening of the Pinup Girl Boutique that just launched in Burbank, California.  Sadly, I missed the grand opening event, but the pictures and stories look just as fabulous as you can imagine.  I couldn’t however, let the first week go by without stopping in... And when my friend asked for my help today in shopping for a new dress, I knew right where we were heading.  

The shop is located on the charming Magnolia Boulevard and is a perfect addition to the vintage shops, eclectic boutiques and retro flavor that paves this trendy Burbank area.  The windows of the store are lined with mannequins staged in vintage-style settings all wearing PUG ensembles. It was the website brought to life.  A decadent, crystal chandelier dangles above the cash register which is surrounded by walls of gorgeous retro creations. The dresses, skirts, tops and accessories that I have bookmarked dozens of times are displayed beautifully to touch, feel and best of all try on. Online is nice, but nothing compares to experiencing it in person. It was heaven.

We were greeted by the lovely Margarita who was friendly, helpful and beautiful. She guided us through the store and told us about upcoming outfits that were soon to be arriving. She was warm and welcoming and made it feel as if we were shopping with another girlfriend. And then my style crush walked in - Doris MayDay. Whenever I fall in love with an outfit or a special look online, it inevitably is modeled by Doris. She has a special authenticity of a bygone era that is rarely captured by modern-day pinups. Most girls try to mimic “the look” and several come close, but Doris MayDay IS the look. And on top of all that retro gorgeousness, she is the biggest sweetheart. It was just as much fun chatting with her as it was seeing all of the beautiful PUG-wear in person. It truly was the website brought to life.


My girlfriend walked away with two knock-out dresses - including this adorable black-and-pink "pink elephant" dress modeled by Doris - (I’m such a bad influence - or good one depending on how you look at it) and I’m bringing her back for a Michiline Pitt makeover. I can’t wait to see the make-up diva in action and the transformation of my friend into a vintage vixen. I’ll be sure to document the event and share it here. The PUG gals also plan to have other events and parties at this fabulous boutique so be sure to “like” them on Facebook and visit their new PUG community, Pinup Girl Style.  All this glamour... on a Wednesday!  *Swoon!*

June 25, 2012

Retro Kitchens with Big Chill


If you have always wanted your kitchen to take a step back in time, but desire the modern conveniences of today’s appliances then check out the beautifully retro Big Chill.  Powder pink, retro red, baby blue... it’s a 50s dream kitchen come true for today’s vintage lover.

Big Chill is based out of Boulder, Colorado and their 50s inspired kitchen appliances are created by an uncle and nephew team who brought their dream of retro living to life with these very modern and unique reproductions.  They began their business designing retro refrigerators and now have grown to offer their fridges in several sizes and styles along with coordinating stoves and matching dishwashers. But unlike the vintage versions, these current interpretations offer the modern conveniences that we rely on today in a fridge - such as self defrost and an ice maker. All of their appliances are trimmed with chrome and are offered in a wide variety of popular colors associated with 50s nostalgia.

Big Chill was recently featured on The Rachael Ray Show and has also been seen on numerous design programs, magazines and blogs. These appliance are gorgeous, glamorous and perfect for today’s modern Retro Girl.

March 13, 2012

Glam in the Shower with Dry Divas


www.DryDivas.com
In the fifties women would sleep in curlers or spend a day at the beauty salon each week to get their signature hair-dos. To keep their look fresh and their curls in tact for the week ahead, shower caps were an essential part of the beauty regimen.

Flash forward... it’s 2012 and while most women don’t sleep in curlers anymore (although some retro girls still use them!) sometimes you want to keep your hair pristine for an extra day and that means skipping a wash. I squealed like a little girl when I saw these gorgeous shower caps by Dry Divas. Colorful patterns and a beautiful jeweled adornment makes showering a glamorous affair. And while they are meant for the bath, this just might be the perfect solution for maintaining dry hair while lounging in the pool or the relaxing for the day at the spa.

This is also ideal for my young daughter. She is blessed a mound of gorgeous hair that naturally looks like we put hot rollers in it and some days we skip the hassle of a wash. Dry Divas offer their caps in three sizes - Bouffant for women with long, thick hair; Ladies for us gals with cute, shorter dos; and Kids for, as they put it, darling little divas.  And for all you pin-up girls out there... how cute would these caps look in a photo shoot? I’m in love... they are different, adorable and oh-so retro. 



January 3, 2012

Faux Collars


Faux Leopard from Plasticland
I recently discovered a magical accessory - the faux fur, faux collar. It’s a furry little number that wraps around your neck turning any plain ol’ sweater into a fabulous, glamorous ensemble. Ahh-mazing! No wonder they were popular accessories in the 1960s.

I stumbled upon a variety of these interesting collars one day strolling by an Ann Taylor of all places. I spotted them from the window and instantly fell in love. It was difficult to decide on one since they were all so stunning. The transformation from ordinary to gorgeous was incredible... and incredibly easy. I ended up leaving with two - a medium grey, that ties into a bow and a dramatic, black collar that makes any top evening-wear ready. I’m addicted to them. (I would put links to the Ann Taylor collars I purchased, but I can’t seem to find them online. This one is similar).

I just received this beautiful, faux leopard collar in the mail today from Plasticland.com. I can’t wait to wear it! It lays so beautifully and feels so luxurious. And for only $15 it gives the perfect touch of retro glamour to any outfit. I’m also really impressed with Plasticland’s customer service. I had made an error over the holidays and they quickly fixed it for me with a pleasant email. They have speedy shipping and their product is high quality. Needless to say, I’m thrilled with this fabulous find!

December 28, 2011

New Year's Fashion Picks

2012 is just around the corner, but the gorgeous fashions inspired from the 1940s, 50s and 60s are always a glamorous choice to celebrate any new year. Here are my top picks for this New Year's Eve. Enjoy!


I'm in love with the new Juliet cocktail dress by Heartbreaker Fashion. It's feminine, sexy, yet very elegant in a classic black satin draped with lace. The cut is ultra-flattering and the lace adds the prefect touch of drama. 


www.HeartbreakerFashion.com


Here's another black satin dress, but this one wiggles and hugs every curve and strategically covers one shoulder leaving the other one with just a peek of black velvet. It's a sexy siren dress by the glamorous Stop Staring Clothing line. 


www.StopStaringClothing.com




Another gorgeous, wiggly number is this purple Masuimi Max Dress by Pinup Couture. The deep plum color is rich and the black lace bust-line frame gives added style and glamour. You'll definitely turn heads in this figure hugging dress!


www.PinUpGirlClothing.com

Let's not forget about shoes! Here is a fabulous pointed red stiletto found at Unique-Vintage with a large bow accessory hugging the heel. Who wouldn't want to dance the night away in this?








December 18, 2011

December 14, 2011

RGG Holiday Gift Guide


Kitsch Bitsch on Zazzle
Here are some of fun retro finds for the holidays to give either as gifts or keep for your fabulous self. Enjoy!


  • Dry Divas Shower Caps: If you are looking for a unique gift to give the retro girl who wants to keep her curls fresh, check out the very vintage looking shower caps by Dry Divas. www.DryDivas.com
  • Bettie Page Calendar by Olivia: Who wouldn’t love see beautiful Betty every month? The perfect gift for the Bettie fan in your life by the ultimate pin-up artist. Olivia's Calendar
  • Faux Fur Glamour Coat: Wrap yourself up this holiday season in luxury with Stop Staring’s gorgeous retro inspired coat! Faux fur cuffs, black patent leather belt... swoon! StopStaringClothing.com
  • Incoco Nail Polish: I haven’t used traditional, wet polish since I discovered the wonder of Incoco dry, press on nail polish. No mess, no fuss, and it actually lasts for two full weeks. Incoco gives you the perfect French tip, fun patterns and beautiful colors. It’s a gift that any retro girl will appreciate. www.Incoco.com
  • Ritual Bath: Retro girls love being pampered. Why not give a bath line filled with “a little spirit?” Ritual Bath is a natural product line that’s illuminating, refreshing and best of all it works. I use this line religiously and can’t say enough good things about it. www.RitualBath.etsy.com
  • Lolita Girl Clothing: If you are wondering what to wear this holiday season, stop on over at LolitaGirlClothing.com for gorgeous bombshell dresses (and psst! She's having a 50% off sale on Friday, December 16th!) www.LolitaGirlClothing.com
  • Besame Cosmetics: The ultimate glamour girl gift... red lips! The beautiful, vintage packaging of Besame is enough to make any retro girl swoon. Fill their stockings with a kiss. Visit Besame or shop at PinUpGirlClothing.com
  • Tiki Farm: If you are looking for a unique gift for the guy in your life, how about a little island love in the form of a tiki god? Tiki mugs add the perfect amount of kitsch and whimsy to any bar. www.TikiFarm.com for all things tiki.
  • Dungaree Dolly Handbags: Girls love handbags and retro girls will love a bag by Dungaree Dolly! Polka dots, leopard, bows...  All stitched by hand by designer, Dolly! www.dungareedolly.com
  • Plasticland: There’s something for every retro girl and guy over at the kitschy shop, Plasticland. From dresses, to accessories, to home decor and everything else in between, you’re sure to find a unique gift for even the most difficult to shop for. My favorites: this adorable, pink cuckoo clock and these kissing poodles salt and pepper shakers. www.shopplasticland.com
  • Cards & Accessories: Send a little bit of elegantly designed kitschy snark this holiday season and visit the Kitsch Bitsch on Zazzle for all of your retro needs. Neck ties, thank you cards, party invitations, mouse pads, holiday greetings and even postage stamps are just some of the fun things you'll find by the clever Kitsch Bitsch.
  • Cocktail Rings: Give the gift of glamour this holiday season with a vintage inspired, granny chic cocktail ring from Ginger's Jewelry Box. These hand-beaded rings are full of personality - like "Helen on Wheels" and "Margie Takes Manhattan." Visit www.GingersJewelryBox.com or Etsy shop, www.GingersJewelBox.etsy.com
  • Hostess Aprons: The holidays are a time for parties and celebrating. Hostess aprons are the perfect touch for your festive soiree. HeavenlyHostess.com has a beautiful selection of half aprons, full aprons and matching mits. Also visit, Suburban50s on Etsy for more retro aprons and vintage patterns.
  • Retro Lingerie by Voluscious: If you are looking for a bit of retro inspired spice with a side order of kitsch, check out indie designer Kayla Rich-Martin and her line, Voluscious. Sexy ensembles in fun patterns such as comic book heroes, leopard, tiki, cherries, classic monsters and much more. www.Voluscious.etsy.com
  • Retro Sunglasses: Keep the sun out of your eyes in style with retro sunglasses found at Unique-Vintage.com. (And go ahead and check out the dresses... you know you want to!)
  • Lucky Lou Tiki Shoes: Gorgeous, retro inspired and completely hand-carved, you’re walking on art in Lucky Lou’s. The perfect one-of-a-kind gift. Visit www.luckyloushoes.com
  • The Flower Tiki: And to go along with the new, tiki shoes how about tiki hair accessories? These custom, handmade hair pieces are perfect for the pin-up in your life. Visit The Flower Tiki on Etsy: www.TheFlowerTiki.etsy.com
  • Vintage Inspired Wall Clock: If you are looking to turn back the hands of time, why not look up (on your wall, that is)? This starburst wall clock by Chaney is a retro find.
  • Vintage Hair Styling Book: If your pin-up girl is looking for a how-to book on vintage styles, get her this book, Vintage Hair Styling, by Lauren Rennells for step-by-step techniques.
  • Sew Retro: If you know a DIYer (Do It Yourself-er), then this retro sewing book is just thing to make their spirits bright this season. www.sewretrothebook.com

November 28, 2011

Ginger’s Jewelry Box - Cocktail Rings


I am so excited and pleased to announce that Retro Girl’s Guide has teamed up with jewelry designer, Laura Cornelius, to bring you a fabulous line of vintage inspired cocktail rings called Ginger’s Jewelry Box. GingersJewelryBox.com has dazzling hand-beaded jewels that you might have found in your grandmother’s jewelry box. They are glamorous, sparkling works of art that will turn heads and make a statement when you sip your luscious cocktails.

Remember going through your grandmother’s jewelry box and playing dress-up in her fabulous costume jewels? Did you ever wonder where they were worn on her big nights out on the town? Was she sipping a martini or taking in a show or hosting a soiree? Sparkly, dazzling statement rings had a life and story of their own.

www.GingersJewelryBox.com
With names like “Margie Takes Manhattan” and “Gertrude’s Gimlet,” GingersJewelryBox.com’s modern reproductions have new stories to tell, new martinis to sip and new memories to create. And best of all they make me happy. Just looking at them sparkle on my finger makes me feel like I have stepped back in time to attend an elegant affair. They are fun, kitschy beautiful pieces of nostalgic jewelry that recapture a bit of grandma’s glamour. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

As a Grand Opening special, we are offering a 20% off coupon code this week. Enter FABULOUS20 at check out for your discount.  XOXO

November 22, 2011

Becoming Marilyn - Leopard



Lorelei Lee
My favorite Marilyn movie (and possibly one of my favorite all time movies) is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I love the gal-pal loyalty, the perfectly timed lines and last but not certainly not least, the incredible clothing. My favorite outfit from the movie is the one Lorelei struts onto the cruise ship in - a tight, black wiggle dress. A leopard scarf strategically drapes backwards over her neck and the fabulous matching leopard muff takes this basic black dress to over-the-top amazing.  Why not recreate this glamorous look today?


SpAZooie, found on the handmade shopping site Etsy, features beautiful, modern day muffs. How luxurious, sophisticated and oh-so-snuggly on a cold night out! They have leopard like our girl, Lorelei, but they also have so many other gorgeous colors - Marilyn would be proud!

SpAZooiE on Etsy
Heartbreaker Shrug

Here’s another easy, instant-glamour piece by Heartbreaker Fashion aptly named - the Glamour Shrug. I own this cute little number and it’s the perfect way to transform an ordinary outfit into a Marilyn-worthy ensemble. I ordered it just because it reminded me of that memorable moment in the movie!

And here's one more Etsy shop recreating iconic, vintage looks by hand. This leopard capelet by 2SwansNest is a beautiful recreation of a 1960s pattern. Stunning!

2SwansNest on Etsy
The best thing about about shrugs, scarves, muffs and capelets is how they work for everyone. It doesn’t matter what size or shape you are, these accessories add instant glamour to anyone. And they are very Marilyn!




October 29, 2011

Unique Vintage Halloween Event

I'll be here today! Come by and say hello... I'll be in a bright yellow and blue Heartbreaker dress 



October 19, 2011

Noteworthy Retro Happenings

Haunts and happenings and sales, oh my! There are several fabulous things happening over the next few weeks that are worth marking down on your calendars. 
♥ 
And since there are so many amazing modern-retro designers, events, sales, websites and much, much more happening out there, I created a Newsletter to showcase a regular listing of these special items and occasions. If you subscribe to the new Retro Girl’s Guide Newsletter, you’ll get future listings delivered right to your inbox. And if you have a special event or a retro news nugget worth sharing, please submit it and chances are it will be included. How cool is that? Now on to a sampling of the fun... 


Bob’s Big Boy 2nd Annual Car & Bike Show 
Vintage cars, pin-up girls and Bob’s burgers! Enjoy an afternoon hosted by The Pin-Up Magazine and all of the lovelies in their pin-up pageant. 
Where: Bob’s Big Boy Broiler - Downey, CA 
When: Saturday, October 22nd 
Time: 11 am - 4 pm 
Cost: $5 entry 
Contact: The Pin-Up Magazine on Facebook 


Audrey K’s Halloween Costume Contest & Girl’s Night Out 
Show off your cute costumes for a chance to win a $25 gift card to this fabulous boutique! 
Where: Audrey K Boutique - 3414 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 
When: Friday, October 28th 
Time: 6 - 9 pm 
Contact: www.AudreyK.com 


Lolita Girl Clothing Extravaganza Sale 
Gorgeous clothes on sale, swingin’ tunes, munchie foods and drinks to sip... sounds like a perfect Saturday! 
Where: Lolita Girl’s Showroom - 8 Whatney, Irvine CA 
When: Saturday, October 29th 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm 
Contact: www.LolitaGirlClothing.com 


Unique Vintage Halloween Haunt
Get your vintage-inspired Halloween look with costumes from the roaring 20s through the swingin’ 60s at this event hosted by The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Day L.A. 
Where: Unique Vintage Boutique - 2013 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank CA 
When: Saturday October 29th 
Time: 1pm - 5pm 
Contact: www.Unique-Vintage.com 


Cicada Club's Swingin’ 60s Halloween Costume Party 
Come dance the night away as your favorite 60s character at the art deco Cicada Club in downtown Los Angeles. 
Where: Cicada Club - 617 South Olive Street, Los Angeles CA 
When: Sunday, October 30th 
Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm. Showtime at 8pm 
Cost: $50 a ticket presale by Sunday, October 23rd. $60 after or at the door. 
Contact: www.CicadaClub.com


PinUpGirlClothing.com’s Autumn Garage Sale 
PinUpGirlClothing.com’s gorgeous goods are deeply discounted at this one day event. Enjoy the sounds of rockin’ performers such as La Cholita and say hello to your favorite PUG beauties while shopping your glamorous little heart away! 
Where: Courtyard Marriott - 700 West Huntington Drive, Monrovia CA 
When: Saturday, November 5th 
Time: 10 - 4 pm 
Contact: PinUpGirlClothing

October 12, 2011

The British Retro Invasion


Dolly Dagger
England is a beautiful place known for its rich history, poetic authors and royal family. But did you know there is a retro scene happening in full swing there? The UK is home to incredible vintage inspired clothing designers, gorgeous retro websites and fantastic events that make me want to grab my passport. I thought I’d take some time and share a sample of the fabulous from overseas:

Vivien of Holloway: Check out this UK designer's flare for the 50s with her signature halter dresses, bombshell bridal wear, and swing dresses with a cinched waist.
Dolly Dagger: This online boutique carries some of the US favorites such as Bettie Page Clothing, but they also have a wide variety of adorable swing dresses unique to any other sites. Accessories, shoes and plenty more retro goodness can be found here.
Tara Starlet
Tara Starlet: I’m in love with this mother/daughter design team who truly knows how to bring the glamour and sophistication of the 40s and 50s to life with their unique, starlet creations.
    Glamour Bunny: A little wiggle goes a long way and that’s just what you’ll find when you visit this designer’s website! Their selection is still small, but the girls are gorgeous - just like the wiggle dresses they model.
    Vintage Life Magazine: A vintage Vogue style magazine for lovers of style, fashion, hair and makeup from the 1920s up through the 70s all in one beautiful layout.

    Milkcow Magazine: Rockabilly, pin-up, music, cars, burlesque... Milkcow is a glossy mag that covers the grassroots lifestyle of the retro scene in the UK. Their website is rich and detailed with a directory of events, hip happenings, tattoo artists, bands, music and much, much more. If you are heading to the UK and retro fun is on the itinerary, this is definitely the magazine and website to visit.
      The Vintage Mafia: With the tagline,  “Always well dressed, but not always well-behaved,” the Vintage Mafia is a group of six lovely ladies out to liven up London’s vintage nightlife. Beginning on November 5th, they’ll have their own night club evening at The Ric Rac Club with over two floors of dancing to music from the 30s through 60s!
        Are you ready to board the plane yet? If only we could take Pan Am...

        September 22, 2011

        Every Day Retro Glamour Tips

        Yesterday I had the pleasure of returning as a guest on the Vintage Life Radio program hosted on Women’s View Radio Network. We chatted about retro Fall Fashion, some of the new television shows coming out that help influence this growing subculture and my favorite topic - retro glamour. The hosts, Louise and Deb, are hoot to chat with and I thought it would be fun to create a post today about some of the tips and tricks we discussed on the program. You can listen to the full interview here:



        Retro glamour doesn’t have to be saved for the weekend or a big night out. If you love and live retro style every day like I do, or would like to incorporate some easy tips into your regular routine, here are some quick glamour tricks to bring the classic beauty out of you every day.
        • Think Technicolor!: A pop of color is an easy way to brighten up your outfit and pull a look together. Bright turquoise, ruby reds, sunny yellows, emerald greens... Whether it’s a sweater, skirt or accessory, a pop of color adds a lot of 50s flavor. Carry the color all the way through your outfit. Don’t be afraid of vibrant color combinations: Right now I’m loving shades of yellow, deep reds or fuchsia pinks paired with aqua blue. It’s dramatic, it’s different and it’s brings your outfit to life!
        • Eyes & Lips: I never leave the house with grooming my eyebrows and putting on lipstick or gloss. It makes me more "put together." I tend to favor red hues because it's lively and bright (and red is classic retro), but during the day I try to tone it down a bit or soften my reds with other shades and/or gloss depending on what I’m wearing. A nice, arched brow and colored lip is the frame and foundation for your face. I use an old school Maybelline eye-brow pencil for my everyday, out-the-door look. Nothing fancy to it. There are also plenty of “stay all day” colored lipsticks on the market now that truly have lasting power. They will help you keep your color on your lips and not on your coffee cup. Don't forget to keep your smile white and bright too!
        • Accessories: A colorful headband, a flower hair clip, earrings, vintage-style eye glass frames, a colorful scarf... all of these little things can add just the right pop of retro, class and glamour to any outfit. 
        • Shoes & Handbags: It doesn’t matter what you wear - from denim jeans to a cute sundress - the perfect vintage-inspired bag can take whatever you are wearing and turn it up a few fabulous notches. I love a pop of red in a cute sandal to liven up jeans and a t-shirt, and a leopard handbag can add excitement to any plain, black dress. 
        • OWN IT! The best advice of all is to own your look and your style. Wear it with confidence. Find the styles that work for you and wear it proudly! You don’t have to go to extremes to have that classic, glamour look of a time long ago everyday!

        Here’s a special treat... Some Fall Fashion advice from the retro beauty Jessica Lynn Gahring of the hit reality show, NY Ink (she loves teal too!):
        "So we are on set here at NY INK and are on Day 2 of filming for our 2nd Season! NYC weather is getting cooler and the colors in the Subways are definitely changing... in terms of fashion, well of course! :) My favorite transitional color from Summer into Fall is teal... it is not only a vintage fashion MUST HAVE but it is coming back in FULL SWING! Teal looked bright and vibrant in the summer and is easily paired with all of your Fall browns & grays! There is no doubt you'll find me wearing plenty of teal in the airing of our 2nd season.
        I also have a tendency to embrace the faux furs which is even easier in the Fall when the weather gets cooler. It is likely that you'll scope me wearing a vintage sweater paired with some fun fur boots, either wearing a tight pencil skirt or high waisted capri on the bottom! Pack your heels up for the indoor weather and change into those sexy fur boots that will make heads turn! ;) Plan ahead for the colder weather but DO NOT let your fashion & sexiness slip away just because it gets a little "nippy" outside... if you will! xx"