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

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"

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.

Retro Beauty Queen - Margarita Bloom

I love Twitter. Because of Twitter I stumbled upon this amazingly gorgeous, richly retro, beauty and skin care line called Margarita Bloom. I instantly fell in love with the design, wit and details of every inch of this website. Every bottle, every label, every word is filled with nostalgic kitsch, wit and glamour.

Category names like Martinis in Manhattan, Old Hollywood Glam and Beach Bonita add to the fun and flirty product lines. This website is so well designed that I could just spend all day clicking, oohing and ahhing over the black and white photos posted on each product page. Lip balm, foot scrub, lotions and cleansers take on a retro twist with this incredibly creative, beautifully designed vintage-inspired beauty line!

And here's a special coupon just for RGG readers: Type in coupon RetroGirlsRule at checkout and get 20% off your $50+ order at www.Margarita-Bloom.com through the end of September!

Let's Get Cookin'

I admit it. I’m not much of a cook. My talents fall flat in the kitchen and honestly I generally find the whole cooking process to be a painful one. I tend to “cook” (or try to anyway) more often these days since I have a four-year-old who requires nutrients for growth and her general well-being. I would like her to grow up with family recipes and remember yummy meals that “mom used to make,” but I fear that I completely fail in that department. I may not be much of a cook, but I can however handle looking cute in my attempts.

I recently discovered these retro-inspired, handmade aprons by Etsy seller, Boojiboo. You can almost hear, “Oh Luuu-cy! I’m home!” just by entering this adorable store.  Each vintage inspired apron has a special name such as the Bella,  the Sophia, the Maggie and the Chloe. They are full coverage halter aprons in fun, vibrant colors and pleasing patterns. They also offer plus size and skirt-only options along with matching minis for the kiddos. I’m actually looking forward to testing my culinary skills again after discovering this delightful shop. While my pint-sized picky-pants may not remember my meatloaf, if I'm lucky she might remember mom’s style.

www.Boojiboo.etsy.com