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!*

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 - 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

Step Back in Time at the Cicada Club

Photo by the talented Katie Reihman

If you love to pull out your finest vintagey frocks, display your biggest baubles and take your fancy footwear for a twirl, you must visit Maxwell DeMille’s Cicada Club in downtown Los Angeles.  

The Cicada Club is a retro girl’s dream. From the moment you walk through the grand entryway of the 1928 art deco Oviatt Building, it feels as if you have been transported back in time. An opulent chandelier dangles over the dance floor setting the perfect ambiance of dazzle and mystery. The sweeping staircase frames the sides of the orchestra stage whisking you up to another level of drama from a time long ago. The upstairs walls are draped in a golden fabric leading you back to swank, cozy bar, smaller dance area, lush seating and a beautiful grand piano that you can imagine Louis Armstrong sitting down at to play a tune.

We had the pleasure of attending their special Swingin’ 60s Halloween Party and it was unlike anything I had experienced before. The guests were authentic to the period - from dressing in 60s attire to mimicking favorite characters from that classic era. And there was no real median age. Twenty, thirty and forty-somethings were swinging away to Dean Mora’s Orchestra on the dance floor right next to couples in their 70s and 80s - everyone dressed for the event and all appreciating the moment. It was magical.

The Cicada Club is open most Sunday evenings. Dinner reservations secure you a table around the main dance floor and near the band - usually a 40s style swing band. If you are just in the mood to sip cocktails, it’s generally a $10 cover charge with seating available on the second level.

www.cicadaclub.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

A Very Retro Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching and it's the perfect time to play up the retro by recreating a favorite character from an iconic era. Here is a list of fun and flirty retro costume ideas to bring forth your vintage vixen. If you have more ideas to add to the list, leave your comments below. ♥

• Marilyn Monroe:  Of course I have to start with Marilyn! Instead of going for the common 7 Year Itch dress, why not grab your BFF and go as the gal pals from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? Couple’s Tip: Have your guy dress as JFK or Joe DiMaggio.
• Ginger Grant: The sultry movie star from Giligan’s Island is the ultimate TV bombshell. A red wig, a slinky dress and a life preserver and you're all set. Couple’s Tip: Have your first mate dress as Gilligan or the Professor.
• MaryAnn: You know the ol’ question... Are you a Ginger or a MaryAnn? If your sweet n’ sexy, this other castaway is the costume for you! Here’s an adorable, checkered romper by Bernie Dexter to channel your inner “good girl.” Couple’s Tip: See Ginger.
• Bewitched: A retro miniskirt and a long, blonde flipped ‘do is just the trick to magically transform you into the sexiest witch of the 60s - Samantha Stevens.  Couple’s Tip: Have your guy dress as hubby Darren (you choose the version)  Family Tip: If you have little sweetie like I do, she’d make the perfect Tabitha.
• Lucy Ricardo: We all love Lucy. And while funny lady Lucille Ball, kept us laughing, we often forget what a gorgeous bombshell she truly was. Here’s the perfect polka dotted dress from Daddy O’s designed by Stop Starring. Couple’s Tip: Ricky! Don't forget the bongos.
• Morticia Addams: The ultimate goth queen is truly a fabulous bombshell in her long, velvet wiggle dress. Couple’s Tip: Let your guy romance the night away as the loving Gomez Addams. Family Tip: Pugsley and Wednesday!

• Pan Am Stewardess: The new television show on ABC is launching next week and so are the cute costumes like this sexy flight attendant to go along with it! Don't forget the best part... Handbags! Couple’s Tip: Have your guy dress as a pilot. Gal Pal Tip: Gather up the BFFs and go as a group. Fasten your seat belts!
• 60’s Star Trek Babe: Go-go boots and a sexy, long sleeved mini dress will beam you up as an intergalactic goddess. Couple’s Tip: Give your guy some pointy ears and transform him into Mr. Spock or ladies man, Captain Kirk.
• Vintage Sailor Girl: Last year I went as a vintage sailor girl with a dress purchased from PinUpGirlClothing. It was my favorite costume so far - especially because my handsome hubby and adorable daughter dressed up too!
• Jessica Rabbit: No other cartoon bombshell can compare to this racy Rabbit! Here's a gorgeous, red mermaid gown found at Unique-Vintage designed by Stop Starring that puts the voom in va-va-voom! (Thank you to FB fan, Ashley, for this suggestion!) Couple’s Tip: Have your date dress as a 1940s detective.
• Cigarette Girls: Vintage cigarette girls dolled up any formal event, and now you can be a doll for a night too! Check out MrsBellasDolls.com to see how real life Cigarette Girls work their magic. Bella creates all of her costumes and she is the perfect source for glamour inspiration (to learn more about Bella and her fabulous dolls, click here). Couple’s Tip: Have your date dress as an vintage usher or bell hop.
• Tiki/Hawaiian Girl: If you love a good luau, why not be a Hawaiian inspired goddess for Halloween? Hula, tiki, flowered sundress... Don’t forge your lei! Couple’s Tip: Dress your date white shorts and a Hawaiian shirt for a Blue Hawaii Elvis. Don’t forget the ukulele.

• Liz Taylor’s Cleopatra: I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Elizabeth Taylor’s version of Cleopatra on the big screen and seeing her glorious costumes come to life in vibrant technicolor. The drama and beauty of her ensembles are fit for a queen! Check out this wonderful blog Digs, Frocks & Books for images and inspiration. Couple’s Tip: dress your Richard Burton as Cleo’s love, Mark Antony. 
• Bettie Page: We all love Bettie. How about recreating one of her iconic looks and pulling out the 6” stilettos this Halloween? Couple’s Tip: The queen of pinup needs a photographer. Arm your guy with a vintage camera!
• Playboy Bunny: Take inspiration from the new television show, The Playboy Club, and wiggle your tail as a glamorous 60s bunny. Couple’s Tip: Get a smoking jacket and some silk jammies for your Hugh Heffner.

Fabulous Fun!

RGG Directory

We have been busy over here working on getting RGG in shape for all of the fun things coming our way just around the corner. The newest addition is the Retro Girl’s Guide Directory which is an ongoing list of the best of modern retro - from designers to online boutiques to models and photographers and much, much more. The Directory is in its infancy stage and will grow regularly. If you have any suggestions or would like to be considered to be added, please drop us a note.

Next up... Do you see the shop to the left that says “Retro Girl Recommends”? We have hand selected some of our favorite dresses, outfits and accessories from ModCloth.com to showcase here. It was so much fun picking each item - almost as fun as shopping itself! We hope you enjoy the selections!

And last but most certainly not least... Can you say CONTESTS? Make sure you follow RGG on both Facebook and Twitter for information on some exciting give-aways and opportunties! Next week we’re having our first contest for an amazing (and I mean AMAZING) make-up give-away. It’s by an incredible brand that every retro glamour girl will LOVE. You won’t want to miss it! Retro Girl's Guide will be featured on Vintage Life Radio on Wednesday, August 17th and we'll be talking about the upcoming contests and fun things planned for RGG.

And also coming soon you’ll have a chance to channel your inner pin-up and enter to become one of Mrs. Bella’s Dolls famous cigarette girls! To learn more and start preparing for this incredible job opportunity, read up on Bella here and visit www.MrsBellasDolls.com.  More exciting, retro goodness coming soon!

XOXO,
Retro Girl

The Pretty Peasant

Pattern on Etsy

There is something so charming about a peasant blouse. Showing off a bit of shoulder with an innocent puff of ruffle is a winning combination for sweet-meets-sultry. The peasant blouse has been a fashion statement for centuries, but the 1950s took it to new heights by pairing this princess-y top with wiggly pencil skirts or full circle dresses. 

I was thrilled to discover Mode Merr’s online boutique and their lovely assortment of peasant tops, matching skirts and vamp dresses. Their figure-flattering ensembles accentuate the waistline and celebrate the feminine form - with  sizes ranging from XXS to XXXL. Most pieces seem to mix and match creating a wide variety of different looks. I love their off-the-shoulder leopard with slimming black bodice, or their adorable red-gingham blouse that’s perfect for an afternoon picnic. However this lacy, green “fancy vamp” peasant dress (pictured here) has my name all over it! So whether you wish to channel your inner gypsy or pretend you're a modern princess, Mode Merr makes the prettiest peasants!

Mode Merr's Lace Fancy Vamp Dress
www.ModeMerr.com

Cook Like a Mad Man

PinUpGirlClothing.com Evelyn Dress

Mad Men on AMC has swept the nation by revisiting the 1960s advertising world with colorful characters, provocative situations and of course their fabulous outfits. Wouldn’t you love to throw a party like Betty Draper? And if you’re like me and cooking isn’t your most fabulous talent, help has arrived in hosting your 60s soiree.

The Let’s Get Cookin’ cooking school in Westlake Village, California presents a Mad Men Retro Cocktail Party. Enjoy martinis and Mustangs while learning to prepare culinary cuisine that’s sure to please the Don Drapers in your life.  The menu includes:

• Betty Draper’s Vodka Collins with Spicy Deviled Eggs and Crabmeat Stuffed Tomatoes
• Don Draper’s Old Fashioned Macaroni & Cheese Bites
• Roger Sterling’s Black Russian Beef Stroganoff Meatballs
• Peggy Olson’s Brandy Alexander with Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

And now for the most important question... What are you going to wear? To bring out your inner Mad Man (or woman!), check out these beautiful dresses from PinUpGirlClothing.com to channel your inner Betty or evoke your inner Joan. You’ll be cookin’ in and out of the kitchen!

PinUpGirlClothing Joanie Dress

Let’s Get Cookin’ Mad Men Retro Cocktail Party
by Phyllis Vaccerelli & JoAnn Hecht

Friday, September 9, 2011
6:30 p.m.
$85 per person (couples & friends special: 2 for $150)

Gorgeous dresses by www.PinUpGirlClothing.com

Bubble Betties

Have you seen the new dresses out by Bettie Page Clothing? They immediately made me think of a picture I had of the Original Retro Girl aka - my mom.  I dug out some old photographs and sure enough, there stood my mother as a beautiful bridesmaid in none other than a bubble dress.  It’s one of my favorite pictures of her. She is flawless from her veil-covered head to her pointy-stilettoed toes. But back to the bubbles...

The fabrics used in this new version of the bubble dress looks rich and impressive and the geometric pattern gives it a slightly updated edge. It’s sexy in a very unique way with a classic, wide, 50s V-neckline and a tight fitted bodice that accentuates the hourglass figure especially when paired with the pleated bubble skirt. If there is ever a time to pull out a corset, it would be for this dress. What I like about both my mother’s and the Bettie Page dress is that they do not gather up at the bottom like most bubble dresses you see today. The BP dress tapers down instead of widening out for a more dramatic effect, but it is just as charming as the first time around.

If you have one of the Bettie Page Bubble Up dresses, I’d love to see it on you! Strike a pose and I’ll post your pictures here.  The dresses are offered in sizes ranging from XS to 4XLG and can be found in their retail stores and online at www.BettiePageClothing.com.

The top photo is the Original Retro Girl (Mom) and the bottom is the BP dress modeled by Doris MayDay. ♥