It Takes Courage

Courage is defined as having a quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain without fear and with bravery.
I'm sure that most people would agree that they have had times in their life when they needed to find that courage in themselves to face something or try something.
Now Courage may seem as an over exaggeration in terms of what I am talking about but I believe that it does. To be a Pinup and to wear pinup I see takes courage and takes a step of bravery.
Society as a norm prefers people to wear clothes that are seen as fashionable or 'in' and to wear something that is away from that can be a step of courage and face many things.
I think that is why I took a bit longer to really decide that this was the style that I wanted to wear and  actually commit myself to it.
Some of the obstacles that I felt was that I was too old. Now it can be said that you should wear what you like at any age but there was a voice in my head, that I suspect that was from my Grandma that says - 'Don't be mutton dressed up as lamb'. That took a while to face and see that it was my choice and if I wore it with confidence that any style could be my own.
Another obstacle was of course not knowing where to start. Who do Iask? What do I do? Joining Instagram and some Facebook groups was a godsend. I again drew on Courage and wrote to ladies and asked. I followed them on social media, looked up brands of Pinup clothing and jumped in. I started purchasing a few things and then that gave me more Courage and I then I too felt that I could post some photos of myself and wear Pinup more often.
The last obstacle was cost. Now its not usually the 'done' thing to discuss money but it is a reality and it is something that we all face in some form of another. The Courage I used here was to not always purchase new. Buying a pre loved item is ok, its is no problem and it is quite often the only way that you can actually get some items that are not produced or now considered Vintage. There is a thought that buying something that is not new to yourslef is tacky, ill considered and a touch common. I disagree with all these thoughts. I have purchsed some beautiful things and non of them have had issues. An item that I purcashed pre loved is gloves. I have gathered vintage gloves from many sources such as Ebay, Gumtree, Garage Sales and Pre loved shops. All the gloves I feel are a part of histroy and a sign of times gone past. I wear them with pride.
Did you need Courage to wear Pinup. Have you needed it another part of your life?

Hell Bunny Styling

I am an Organiser and I like to know things ahead of time. Some may call that a control freak, I prefer the term super organised, lol. . When it comes to my Pinup life I am no different. I like to see before hand what co ordinates together and what accessories I need and what I have that I can use. 

What is important to know that you do not have to buy everything new. You can use a lot of non Pinup clothes, shoes, accessories. 

How I start is with my base piece whether it be a Frock or Skirt and work from there. I tend to then try as many as possibles accessories with each base piece. Trying new accessories is a great way of changing a whole outfit and not spending a cent. Use what you have and you can look fabulous. 

I try to use what I have in my wardrobe and also trey to find Vintage pieces when I can. Try Ebay, Gumtree, Op Shops, Garage Sales - a favourite of mine. Don't be afraid to ask if the price is firm and remember to really read the description if buying online. 

Today I'm showing one of my favourite brands Hell Bunny to show you how I style my outfits. 

Follow along and see how with just some small changes you can change the look of you Hell Bunny gorgeous Frocks. 

I've purchased  Hell Bunny from the fabulous Simone at Viva Moss Vegas and online from Gwynnies, you won't be disappointed. Fabulous Australian Stockists. 

http://www.vivamossvegas.com.au

https://gwynnies.com.au

 Here we have the Hell Bunny Charlie Rose Leopard Frock and I'm styling it with Bait Ione Red shoes, Vintage Green clothes, Vintage Green Necklace, Red and White hair flowers and a Vintage Green and straw handbag. You can pick out the Red, Green, Leopard print, Black in this frock and how it pops with style and colour. The Charlie is a gorgeous full skirt with waist detail and halter straps. It so easy to wear and always makes me feel very special. 

 

Here is the Hell Bunny Judy in Red and White. I'm styling it here with the Bait Ione Red shoes, Vintage Red gloves, my Grandma's Vintage Oroton handbag, Vintage Pearl necklace and red and white hair flowers.This frock is gorgeous. It is red with tiny white spots and a white lace insert into the bodice and a full skirt. 

Here I've styled the Vintage White gloves to change the outfit.

Here is the Hell Bunny Mexico Frock. I've styled it with the Bait Ione red shoes, Vintage Red gloves, Red, Green and Yellow hair flowers, Vintage Red necklace and Vintage Green and Straw handbag. The colours in the Frock are so gorgeous and colourful. So many colours to pick out and so many ways to style it. You can pick put the Red, Green, Black, Blue, Yellow and White to accessorise. Hell Bunny have based the style on the Day of the Dead and you will certainly be a show stopper wearing it. 

Here I've made the Green pop by using a Green handbag and Vintage Green necklace to style the Frock differently. 

Here we have the Hell Bunny Larissa Flamingo Frock. I've styled it with Vintage Pink Gloves, Vintage Straw Handbag with Pink ribbon, Wittner Pink shoes and Pink and Green hair flowers. The colours in this Hell Bunny Frock can be styled with so many colours. The Blue, Pink, Green, Red or White. This Frock has such a beautiful neckline trimmed in White and a less full skirt. 

Here I've styled the Hell Bunny Frock with Vintage Darker Pink gloves, Vintage  Green and straw handbag, Beige necklace and Tan Wedges. 

 

Here we have the Hell Bunny Souvenir Frock. I've styled it here with Vintage Green Gloves, Vintage Green Necklace, Vintage Green and straw handbag, Green and White Hair flowers and Tan wedges. I adore this dress, The colours to pick out are Blue, Red, Green, White and many others. The Frock is designed to reminiscent of the Elvis moves, kitsch and playful. A firm favourite.  

Here I've styled it with Vintage Denim handbag, Vintage white gloves, Vintage White Necklace, Gap Navy Wedges, Blue, Green and White hair flowers. 

Here we have Hell Bunny Sassy Tropical in Buttercup. I've styled it with Green Handbag, Vintage Green Gloves, Vintage Green necklace, Blue, Yellow, white hair flowers, and Tan wedges. There are so so many colours to pop with this Frock. The Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, it's a rainbow, The birds are also another way of styling with a brooch. 

Here I've styled it with Vintage Green and straw Handbag, Orange and Green hair flowers, Multi coloured necklace and Tan wedges. 

Here is a favourite style. Vintage Denim handbag, Blue and Yellow hair flowers,  Gap Navy wedges and Blue and Green necklace. Doesn't it change the whole look. 

Interview with Colour Me Bristol

My Pinup journey started a year and half ago and was sealed once I joined Instagram and was able to see the world of Pinup open up to me. Having always loved to look well dressed I now saw other ladies dress and co ordinate outfits of my dreams. 

One of the first ladies I came a cross was Colour Me Bristol. I was mesmerised by her wearing of colour and beautiful outfits combined with fabulous accessories. I was lucky enough to have her say yes to my request of an interview and learn even more about her style and Pinup journey. 

1. What drew you to the Pin up style in the beginning?

I always loved the 1950's clothing style, ever since I was young. I was raised by parents who collect antiques, and my dad almost always had a Cadillac from the 50's, too; so, I grew up with a strong appreciation for that time period. 

I never dressed "normally". I was always drawn to bright colors and prints. 

But, what pushed me into the more "pin up look" was when I started shopping at Modcloth. Modcloth has a Style Gallery, where girls can post pictures of their outfits if they chose to, and some of the girls had links to their blogs. I started reading fashion blogs, and seeing how lovely full skirts looked on these girls who wore them in their blog posts. I found out what other websites they were buying their clothing, shoes, and accessories from, and started browising those sites, and falling more in love with the look, and I haven't looked back since! It's been three and a half years now since I discovered Modcloth. I don't shop there that much anymore, as I discovered shops I love even more. My favorite brands of clothing are: Trashy Diva, Bernie Dexter, Retrospec'd, and Pin Up Girl Clothing. 

2. Do you have a particular pin up look that you prefer?

The look I prefer for myself is: full skirts in either skirt or dress form (I only own one wiggle), red lips, winged liquid black eyeliner, bright colors, lots of jewelry, & fun novelty prints! 

3. What outfit is the one that you wear more often and why?

Hmm...well, I definitely wear dresses more than I wear skirts. The dress I wear the most would have to be my Trashy Diva Annette Sci Fi Rockets dress. I searched for that dress for about a year and a half, before a lovely lady sold it to me! It hasn't been made in years. Luckily, it fit me perfectly, and I wear it A LOT. I wear it to work occassionally, too.

4. Who do you see as pin up icons and style setters?

I don't really have a particular pin up icon or style setter I look up to the most. I get ideas from all sorts of women, but mostly from my online friends who blog and post on Instagram. Those women are to me the best style setters. 

5. Do you think the pin up community has been brought closer by Instagram, FB and blogs?

ABSOLUTELY!! If I never found out about this community online, I may never have found out about it, period! I am from a very rural area, and no one dresses pin up in this area. I can't imagine never having found out about this way of life and style. It feels so completly "me"! 

6. How do we find you and follow you online?

I have a blog: colourmebristol.blogspot.com

My Instagram handle is: bristolelisabeth

Purple Pinup

I have never been a huge fan of Purple. Nothing against Purple, it's just not been a colour I gravitate to. This skirt however did make me stop and re think. It is a Laura Ashley skirt tha came out a few years ago and it has been a go to winter skirt ever since. It is a thick fabric and has layers of lining that gives it a full feeling and look. The black roses are velvet and are so very soft.

To go with the skirt I've teamed a plain black Laura Ashley top, and a gorgeous wool swing coat, Purple hair flower, Vintage back gloves, Vintage handbag, black opaque stockings and Wittner patent leather flats.

You don't have to purchase Pinup only clothing to get a great look. You can use things in your wardrobe and add accessories to make the whole outfit. Our Winter is not as cold as many countries so there is often no need for anything more than a light coat. This swing coat has been a staple for me for many year and will be to come I'm sure.

Patent leather shoes are another great love of mine. I think I go back to being a little girl and having red and black patent leather Mary Janes and feeling like a Princess.

I have started adding gloves to my outfits and you know what, I love it. I can see why people wore them. There is the benefit of warm hands but it adds a little extra style to your outfit.

I popped my hair in a Beehive and did a chignon on the back. Adding the Purple flower just finished it off for me.

Is Purple a go to colour for you? Are gloves something you love? Tell me all about it.

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Bait Footwear Winter Styling

It's mid winter here in Australia and even though we have mild winters in comparison to the rest of the globe it still can get chilly here. 

I'm a lover of stockings and always have been and I love mixing them with Frocks in winter. A way to be warm as well as stylish.

I was thrilled to learn that an Australian online store Velvet Vixens ran by the wonderful Lisa became sellers of the fabulous BAIT Footwear from America. As it can be a challenge both financially with the low Australian Dollar and high postage costs to get BAIT here it was such a joy to find that Velvet Vixens was a stockist. I have purchased 2 pairs of BAIT from Lisa and I love them both. I have the BAIT Ione in the Black and the Red colourway. They are truly divine. They have the shine of Patent leather with the knowledge that they are vegan, a win all round. Now there is the challenge with buying in sizes that are not the same as Australia but I researched and read that the Ione and Ida were a smaller fit so being an Australian 8 I sized up to the 9US and am thrilled. Now the BAIT does take a little breaking in but I have not had an ounce of trouble with them. 

I have 1 outfit showing the versatility of the BAIT Footwear. My trusty Denim Frock and Red top with Black Rose Belt and Stockings. Either Colourway of the BAIT can go easily and looks great and feels fabulous. 

Now if you too would like to have a look at what Lisa stocks, head over to Velvet Vixens, you won't come across a more professional store. Excellent service, fast shopping and an absolute pleasure to deal with. The added bonus is that you can also see the range of Frocks, Shoes, Jewellery and Makeup the store has. 

http://www.velvetvixens.com.au

 

Nautical for Pinups

I've always loved Red, White and Navy together. The lines of navy stripes, the crispness of red, it brings feelings of style and clean lines.

Nautical is no stretch for Pinup wear as so many styles and outfits can be achieved by wearing the 3 colour combination. 

The Pinup look of Red Lipstick, Red hair flowers and Navy Frocks are always a winner. Silk scarves in this combination are easy to find and combined with pearl jewellery you can pull together an outfit with ease. This scarf was my Grandma's. 

Red shoes are also part of the style that can wear in casual flats or heels to dress up your look. 

Two of my favourite pieces are my Pinup Couture Navy Sailor Frock and my Red Ione Bait shoes. You can't go wrong with either piece. 

Pop on some Red Lipstick, grab a scarf and you are set to enjoy the Nautical Pinup Look. 

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To Wiggle or not to Wiggle

One of the very first Pinup Frocks I purchased was the Lindy Bop Heidi Wiggle. I'm still very new to Pinup but I was only just embracing the style and was so attracted to the Colourway and the style of this Frock. 

I think the colour combination of the blue and red, the patent belt, the similarity to a waitress style from the 1950's all have the go ahead to try it out. I was certainly not dissapointed. The colour is so lovely, the style different to anything I've worn before and the red trim a perfect match. 

The only downside for me was that in order to fit my hips I had to up a size which meant the top half had to be taken in. Not too much of a problem but worth noting. 

Lindy Bop is a middle range price in the Pinup Frock market and I would say the quality was about the same. 

I'm yet to try the Lindy Bop swing Frock but would have no hesitation as their colour ways are just so pretty and unlike other brands on offer. 

Next Summer I will style this Frock with a red necklace and hair flower and matching bag and feel very special indeed. 

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