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!*

Why I Love PUG

As a retro loving girl, PinUpGirlClothing.com is an obvious choice for vintage inspired reproductions. Their styles range from bombshell-vavavoom to the charming girl-next-door. Their sizes fit sweet petites and the most voluptuous of vixens. Their fabrics are top quality and their clothes actually fit the provided measurements. Their shipping is lightning fast and their return policy is fair and quick. They are great. But these are not the only reasons why I admire PUG so much. Here’s a list of what makes PinUpGirlClothing a stand-out company:

Laura Byrnes - Supreme Overlord:  Laura Byrnes is the founder and creator of PUG. She has cultivated not just a retro clothing line, but an amazing brand. She has launched models into retro stardom and has given every girl who wears a PUG design that feeling of ultimate glamour, acceptance and beauty. She embraces and celebrates differences and truly provides something beautiful for everyone. And she does this with ease, openness and down-to-earth approachability. She abolishes stereotypes, speaks her mind and allows friends and fans of PUG to feel they are not only wearing something glamorous, but are a part of something glamorous. I don’t even know if she realizes she is doing this. She’s just that real. And it’s brilliant. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned her photography. Amazing.

The PUG Models: Micheline Pitt, La Cholita, Masuimi Max, Doris MayDay... ring a bell? These gorgeous girls are the faces and backbone of PinUpGirlClothing. They are beautiful, they are talented and they are giving the modern bombshell a whole new meaning. What they aren’t: Just bodies for the clothes. They are personalities with big ideas that come to life through PUG. They are PUG yet they have also become their own brand, cultivating their own images and identities which have fostered and grown through this unique clothing line. There is no “cookie-cutter” PUG model. Their beauty varies in body shape, size, ethnicity, hair color and overall look. They are all different and they are all beautiful. There is a PUG girl for every shopper out there to imagine looking like. And again, it all seems so natural for this company as if none of it is planned. And it probably isn't. Or maybe it is. Either way, it works and works well.

Friendliness of PUG: The voice of PinUpGirlClothing is consistent and friendly. They truly embrace their fans and speak to them through their Facebook pages as if a friend is telling you what neat thing they just discovered. They are not just about constant self-promotion. They share interesting news with their customers. They promote their models and partners. They support other businesses. They even sometimes share their frustrations as an old pal venting after a bad day. Again, it’s very real, very relatable and they make the customer feel as if they are a part of something bigger. And then they take it one step further like their upcoming Day at Disneyland or meet-and-greets at various festivals. And let’s not forget their rockin’ yard sales. All of these events gives the retro girl a chance to be the PUG model for a day... Dress the part, wear the fabulous outfits, really do up the hair and make-up. And for some that’s just what is needed - an outting to put all this vintage glamour to good use. Afterwards fans will eagerly share their dolled up pictures in their PUG ensembles and PinUpGirl loves it.

Bottom Line: PinUpGirlClothing is much more than just a clothing line. They are a branded family of gorgeous, inspirational gals who have cultivated a glamorous club that the everyday-girl can join. Oh, and their clothing rocks too. ♥
www.PinUpGirlClothing.com

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.

Fluff n’ Doodles - Modern Retro Art

Wild Thing by FLUFF

I love the classic pin-up artists of long ago. Elvgren, Vargas and Runci are some of the original creators of the beautiful artwork that cultivated the glamorous and kitschy images of pin-ups that we all love today. Flash forward to present day... We have some wonderful modern artists who take inspiration from the greats of yesteryear and put their own spin on pin-up beauty and retro style. Here are a few of my favorites:

Olivia

• Olivia De Berardinis: Olivia is a modern day pin-up master. She has a gift of glorifying, glamorizing and celebrating femininity, sexuality and beauty of the female body. She has created numerous masterpieces of the iconic bombshells such as Betty Page and Marilyn Monroe and also beautiful art inspired by today’s pin-ups like Dita Von Teese and Bernie Dexter. My computer desk sits under a gorgeous, signed Olivia (lucky me!) and I look up at it every day for inspiration.

 Devilette by FLUFF - Claudette Barjoud

• FLUFF: I’ve recently fallen in love with the cutesy-meets-glamour artwork of Claudette Barjoud, also known as Fluff. Actually, that’s not true. I’ve been in love with her artwork for quite a while now and have purchased numerous note cards with her sassy-sexy images for various holidays and thank-yous. I repeatedly fell in love her retro, pin-up cartoons and graphic imagery, yet never knew who was behind the pen until recently. And now I love her all the more. Fluff combines a bit of rockabilly, a bit of tattoo art, a bit of 60’s mod and a whole-lotta adorable pin-up goodness! My favorite (for obvious reasons *wink*) are her brunette girls. She sells cards, apparel, totes, bags and other fun items in her store Fluffshop.com.

• Maly Siri’s Pin-Up Art & Doodles: Maly Siri is an artist from Montreal who creates illustrations of beautiful glamour girls with nostalgic flare. Even her basic rough pencil sketches are works of art before they magically transform into vintage inspired masterpieces. Her illustrations have an elegance and style reminiscent of the 1940s and like Olivia, she has featured some of today’s top pin-ups in her work. Maly is a not only an amazing artist, but has pin-up beauty herself. Check Maly Siri out on Facebook.

• Shag: What can I say about Shag (aka Josh Agle)? He’s a pioneer in lounge art and brings the cocktail to a whole new level of kitsch. He is Shag. You know his work when you see it and while others have tried to imitate his style, no one comes close to capturing the cool that he has cultivated. I have been a huge fan of his since I published Modern Lounge Magazine many moons ago when we featured him in our second issue (he’s a nice guy too!). He continues to remain the king of swank and has gone on to put his 50s swinger touch on beloved Disneyland attraction art such as the Haunted Mansion, Small World and the Enchanted Tiki Room. Shag not only draws his dreams, but he lives it. And he’s fabulous. www.Shagmart.com

The cool kids at the Haunted Mansion by Shag

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?

www.Unique-Vintage.com

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!

www.SpAZooiE.etsy.com 

www.HeartbreakerFashion.com

www.2SwansNext.etsy.com

Becoming Marilyn - Niagara

This week the much anticipated movie, My Week With Marilyn, debuts in theaters. It’s a true-life tale about one man’s memorable week spent with the iconic bombshell during her filming of The Prince and the Showgirl. In honor of the movie’s launch, they are hosting a sweepstakes to “Become Marilyn” (to enter, visit the official Becoming Marilyn Sweepstakes Facebook page).There’s only one big winner to the contest, but we retro girls can “become” Marilyn right now! All this week I will be featuring something special in honor of the beautiful woman that we all love, admire and miss. 

To start the week off here is a gorgeous dress by Dixiefried on PinUpGirlClothing.com that is directly inspired by Marilyn’s sultry outfit from the movie Niagara. They offer the dress in several colors - red, black, hot pink and white as shown here by the always stunning, Doris MayDay. You’ll wiggle your way into the hearts of many with this number!

www.PinUpGirlClothing.com

www.MyWeekWithMarilynMovie.com

Unique-Vintage Boutique

Vintage fashion trends come and go with mainstream designers like the tides on a summer beach. And if you’re a retro girl, that often means that brick-and-mortar shopping (aka - the mall) isn’t always your first choice - or even an option - when it comes to finding a fabulous bit of modern nostalgia.  Don’t get me wrong, I love online shopping and I love the amazing independent designers who are providing us with glamorous, reinvented ensembles.  But sometimes I want to browse in person. Sometimes I want to feel the fabric and see the color. Sometimes I want to try it on.  I recently stumbled upon the most amazing place - a shop dedicated to all things modern retro. A big shop. With beautiful clothes. And handbags. And shoes. By our favorite indie designers. All there to touch and feel (and drool over). I felt like I had died and gone to retro heaven.

Unique-Vintage is beautiful boutique on the quaint and trendy Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank, California. Divided into three sections, this unique shop offers glamorous designs for retro girls of all ages. If you’re looking for the perfect prom dress in the style of Audrey Hepburn, this is your shop. If you are oogling over the latest dresses from modern designers such as Lolita Girl or Heartbreaker Fashion, this is your opportunity to try them on and feel just how luxurious they are in person. The third section of Unique-Vintage is dedicated to the retro bride. They offer the most beautiful wedding dresses that even Grace Kelly would be proud to wear.  I want to renew my vows just to shop in this section and wear a gorgeous 50s inspired gown.  

Unique-Vintage also has their own line of clothes designed and inspired by nostalgic fashion. Halter swing dresses, wiggle dresses, swimsuits and separates are offered  in a wide variety of colors and designs. The owner and creator even uses metal zippers for an extra authentic touch. I recently purchased a tiki-sarong dress from their custom line and I fell in love with the fit to my curves, the fabric, the colors and the feel. And then... the best part... I walked out with my purchase that same day. I love online shopping, but that impatient part of me often wants it now.  

• On Saturday, October 29th they are hosting a Halloween Costume Haunt with The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Day LA.  It’s from 1-5 pm and includes Halloween costume ideas from the 20s-60s.

If you aren’t a Southern California girl, you can still experience Unique-Vintage online. And if you ever get a chance to vacation out west, skip the theme parks and put U-V on your must see list!  

www.Unique-Vintage.com
2013 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
818-742-6210

Bombshell Swimwear

I will gladly admit it... I’m not the biggest fan of summer. I’m not wild about the sun and I’m probably the only gal in Southern California who actually avoids getting a tan at all costs. And bathing suit shopping? Who enjoys that?? Thankfully this year a lot of vintage-inspired swimsuits are making a comeback. So if you have to lounge by a pool, why not do it in retro style? Cocktails are optional, but definitely encouraged.

PinUpGirlClothing.com has three, full pages of goddesses modeling their bombshell swimwear. Elegant one-pieces, adorable bikinis and mix-and-match tops and bottoms allow for oodles of glamorous configurations. I have ordered several items from PUG and their quality is top-notch, their shipping is fast and return policy is generous. Their average price is around $85-$100 (pictured here is the stunning Doris MayDay modeling PUG's gorgeous Marilyn swimsuit).

To my surprise, Target (of all places) also carries some really cute vintage-looking suits this year. I lucked out on a retro-red, convertible strapless-to-halter one-piece. And best of all it was on sale for only $34.  The suit comes in a variety of colors such as black and white polka dots. Add a big hat, Jackie-O sunglasses and loads of sunscreen... Voila! Retro ready for a day at the pool. Now go get that cocktail. ♥ ♥ ♥