Foam roller fun!

I love change. I like to try new things. And foam rollers don't intimidate me. I snagged some foam rollers at the grocery store in hopes of an experiment. A little volumizing spray and smoothing serum after a shampoo prepped the hair. Starting at the front, I rolled tiny sections of hair. I made sure to tuck the ends so they wouldn't frizz. Sleeping was a little awkward, but not as terrible as hot rollers, Mom informed me. I think it resulted in a smoother finish! 

Practice makes perfect!

I had such a fun time transforming my sister and friend into pin-ups this month! 

For my sister, it was simple. She has navel-length hair, which equaled instant volume when rolled. 

I didn't have my arsenal of Bobby pins, so we used hair pins. I needed my smoothing pomade to tame fly-always, but it turned out well! A rockabilly look complimented Alexis' tattoos. She needs to do this more often!

For a 1940s feel, I added some victory rolls. 

And for the final change, all the way up.

She loves to wear retro, high waisted two-piece swimsuits. How adorable would this hair be this summer? Thanks to my sister for letting me pretend to be a hairstylist!

I also asked my dear friend Martha if I could practice a wet-set of pin-curls on someone else. It is so much easier to do this to myself! Martha has shoulder-length, fine hair. She says hairstylists have always likened her hair to corn silk. After 10 frustrating minutes of trying to make that first curl, I gave up. The hair was slipping out of my fingers, and I was afraid it was too wet.  There was no need to be perfect, so I just went for it. Looks like text-book pin-curls to me! Yay!

I did preface Martha's pin-up adventure with an understanding. I told her if the style was not her favorite, she could wash it out. I had no idea how the set would take to her smooth hair, or what the product would do. I'm no Paul Mitchell, but bless Martha for letting me play. 

I used setting lotion in a spray-bottle for each curl, then wrapped the set in a scarf. Her daughter sported one, too.

The next day, Martha combed out her set, and was transformed to a 1950s darling. I think it looked marvelous! Here's her first step after taking out tons of pins. Such volume!

She did a wonderful job brushing and smoothing for that retro shape. Pin-curls can add volume and that famed curve at the neck. So pretty and perfect for every occasion. Thank you, Martha!

Estate sale haul!

I'm not sure I've been to an estate sale on a Thursday. But that is the day to go! Tables filled with cocktail shakers and bar glass, bristle hairbrushes and hand mirrors and retro kitchen appliances excited me! I was given a box to load up my treasures, and immediately picked up a red 1950s ice crusher. It would have been mine had the dealer not taken off the price tag, and the paint came with it;( There was only one good side to the item, and the tag was on it. I declined the item and will try to get it for much less tomorrow. I did get a neato ice bucket.

 I loved the look on the outside, but was delighted by a surprise on the inside!

Classic recipes for Manhattan, Tom Collins and Daiquiri cocktails line the chrome inside. But I've never heard of the Bronx, Clover Club or Alexander cocktail. Can't wait to research the origin of these libations! And make them of course! Only $6!

The seller had many gorgeous hairbrushes and hand mirror sets, but I fell in love with this comb. Perhaps it's lucite. I love the color and the detail in the middle. $4!

I also fell in love with this little Art-deco clock. The seller had a collection of about 25 timepieces. I really wanted a different clock, a little bigger... But someone had used white-out around the number 9. So I chose this handsome guy.

Even though I told my mother to not plug it in, she did anyway. I heard a pop, the lights flickered and she jumped. So this is display only. I will set it to 2.26, my wedding anniversary. $9 only! 

If you've seen this blog before, you know I love anything with orange print. So this cute plaster wall-hanging was coming home with me. 

It came in a set with bananas and cherries, but I wasn't interested. I'm surprised the seller let me take just the one, seeing as they might not sell the other two. Just $1!

Will be back tomorrow. The seller said she has boxes and boxes of items, as her father-law collected for 45 years. Wow!

No better brand- Pin-up Girl Clothing

Pin-up Girl Clothing is the gold standard for clothes with an unmistakable 1950s silhouette. Everything is made in the United States and the brand carries xs-4x. Plus when you order, you get a 10% coupon for life!

https://www.pinupgirlclothing.com

They have a store-front in LA, which seems like Mecca to this modern pin-up.

There's even a beauty parlor attached... Swoon. 

My favorite Pin-up girl (PUG) shirt is the Doris. With a sharp Queen Anne neckline and cuffed 3/4 length sleeves, this top screams retro. 

Their Jenny skirts and dresses can sell out so fast! This Italian print slipped away from me before I could order it:(

I originally wanted the Jenny orange skirt rather than the dress. I don't like to wear white, but this print was so charming, this Florida girl couldn't resist!

The straps are thicker than spaghetti, and orange. A cute touch. But what most women will love is the built in shape. There is boning in the bust and down to the waist. Since I don't own any hard-core retro corsets or shape wear, I'm thankful for the structure! 

The Jenny dress comes in so many adorable patterns and colors. 

This January, PUG started #jennyjanuary on Instagram. A great way for retro gals to share their love of this fabulous frock! Miss Amy May, a modern pinup blogger and fashionista, is wearing their Paris print. I love this one!

What a beautiful spring and summer staple!

 

A Jenny dress deserves retro hair! I did my first pin curl wetset on my shortened hair. Very fun!

Xoxo,

Erica

New favorite! Tatyana

Since my hair has been cut a tad longer than the typical ‘50s lady, I have been wanting to dress vintage every day. But all dressed up and nowhere to go is terrible! Or you can be like me…and when I go to a meeting or event, I am dressed to the 9’s and others are dressed to the 4’s. I’m NOT knocking yoga pants. I live in them at home! But when I go out amongst the lovely people of my little town, I like to look my best. And these days, that means full-on hair that has seen a pin-curl, a puffy crinoline and some pumps. 

I felt spectacular in the Chess dress by Tatyana. I love the plaid contrast details with the faux buttons. And functional pockets make me swoon. 

I support my favorite local store, PinupParlor, as much as I can. But I was able to visit Tatyana’s storefront in Nashville. I found out about the pin-up store through Instagram...and was tickled to actually try on dresses rather than guess sizes online. Right on Broadway, Tatyana had an adorable neon sign that drew me in like a moth to the flame.

What a gorgeous store! I could have spent a good 3 hours combing through circle skirts, wiggle dresses and rompers. I left with 3 dresses and a pair of shoes. Plus there was a super sale, so I think I floated out of the store. I was also given a free parasol... Not sure if I will ever use it.

I bought the Chess dress back in December, and only just slipped it on for a spin. I did have the length hemmed to fit my 5-foot frame…so it was even better than in the store. 

Th Chess dress is now on super sale for $85! 

I paired it with some new Antonio Melani kitten heels, and my vintage bag and rhinestone earrings. Such a fun outfit..already can’t wait to wear it again!

Check out http://www.tatyana.com 

They have a huge sale section, about 10 pages. Tonight, I bought a dress for $8!! Wow! It will be my first wiggle dress so next mission: shape wear!

Xoxo

Erica