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

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

Kickstart Some Retro Projects

Being a project starter, business owner and overall creative person, I like to lend a hand to other hopeful endeavors whenever possible. Here are two projects from the entrepreneurial fundraising site, Kickstarter, filled with retro flare that I would love to see blossom and come to life.  One is a hard-cover book about two of my favorite subjects, Halloween and pin-ups featuring photography by amazing artists such as Miss Missy. And the other is an independent film set in the 1940s with a guest feature from the beautiful Mrs. Bella. Both projects have a lot of heart, soul and retro flavor.

Halloween and Spook Pinups - Book

Here’s what they have to say about their project:

photo by Miss Missy

Combining commissioned and submitted photography, we will blend cheesecake pinups and cheesy costumes, horror and beauty, vampires and zombies, ghosts, ghouls, and more devil-may-care ladies of darkness and delight! We are breaking the mold of ultra-glossy, paper back books that you keep hidden under your bed. We are creating something vividly beautiful that will be richly printed on thick, luscious paper and hardbound. Our book will be an 8.5" x 11" book so richly detailed, it becomes a part of your annual Halloween decorations. We will be exploring the range of Halloween from cheesy to gore. We will be exploring the range of pinups from colorful seamless backdrops to detailed sets to outdoor scenes.

Visit their Kickstarter Funding Page


Curse of the Phantom Shadow - Film

The Dick Tracy style Plot:

Curse of the Phantom Shadow Cast

The year is 1948 and the United States has a new enemy, The Phantom Shadow. This dark figure has diabolical plans for captured scientist, Dr. Hammond, and his War Department weapons of mass destruction. Upon the Phantom Shadow launching a treacherous missile attack on key locations in the United States, the government takes action. There is only one man to call, Agent 236, an elite government agent. Agent 236 has been dispatched to launch a rescue.

Visit their Kickstarter Funding Page

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