Buying vintage clothing is becoming ever popular and more mainstream by the day. And we don’t all live in uber cool cities with bags of vintage shops to choose from. So most of us, through choice or not, are looking to buy vintage clothing online. So lets embrace this, put our feet up, make a cuppa and take a look at what vintage clothing the world wide web has to offer.

A good vintage clothing company will be run by people who are as passionate about their business as you are about buying their clothing. Such high feelings for vintage are great because any questions you have will be easily answered. You should also feel free to contact these companies if you would like advice on particular styles of vintage clothing or how to put certain items and outfits together. Most of these sellers have a real eye for fashion, cut and style as well as heaps of knowledge and experience of many decades of clothing.

The real bonus of using an online vintage clothes shop is that all the available stock is clearly laid out in relevant sections, with multiple photographs and descriptions, giving you the chance to browse in detail at your leisure. Most vintage clothing websites will sell a combination of mens vintage clothing and girlss vintage clothing and many now also sell a range of retro clothing too. Another good tip is to search all sections of the website – as there may be hidden gems throughout. Bargain, clearance and sale sections are also bursting with vintage clothing – check these areas particularly if you are very petite or plus size.

Buying online is fantastic if you are the kind of buyer who likes to mix vintage clothing with high street pieces. Whether it’s vintage dresses teamed with killer high street heels, or designer denim combined with vintage knitwear – you can easily cross reference between a whole array of different websites. Much more fun than trailing from one side of town to another in four inch stacks!

Vintage clothing websites are available twenty-four hours a day giving you access whenever it suits you. Once you have then found your desired piece(s) of vintage clothing, simply purchase online and let them do all the hard work! Orders can easily be tracked and within days, your fabulous new vintage clothing will be delivered directly to your door.

Vintage websites can also save you a packet! Internet only boutiques have lower overheads (no shop rent, rates, utilities etc) and therefore can afford to offer top quality vintage clothing for even less money! There will probably be a small postage charge but even this tends to be wavered if you spend over a certain amount.

Always check the terms of your chosen vintage clothing website, but most will have easy to understand policies for returns and exchanges and are happy to help if you come across any problems.

Related articles

• Vintage PinUp Clothing’s Holiday Wish List 2011 (vintagepinupclothing.com)
• Vintage Clothing for the Holidays (gloriabconsign.wordpress.com)
• Goldmine: vintage clothing curiosities (lostateminor.com)

Image via Wikipedia

Pin up girl tattoos have long been an expression of beauty, sensuality and occasionally even a sign of female empowerment. Classic pin up models were often seen as the “ideal” of feminine beauty, and no matter what they did, they were always shown put perfectly together and never without sex appeal. So how do we keep them from fading fast?

Many pin up girl tattoos feature a realistic depiction of some of the most famous models. Some people like to go as far back as the 1920’s for their pin up girl tattoos. These pictures were done in black and white, or sepia tones and often showed a wavy-haired girl in a variety of poses, often sheathed in lace or exotic costumes, or even almost entirely nude. Some, however, had props thrown in such as bubbles, parasols and feather boas. In the 1950’s, these images became more colorful, and the props wilder. Bettie Page is without a doubt the most well known and most often used pin up models. She was often shown in bold animal prints, or dark leather, and was placed in many scenes; lounging on a beach, posing in a theme park, or being tied up by another scantily clad model.

Most pin up girl tattoos, however, are illustrations. They are usually either recreations of the work of some of the better known pin up artists, or highly exaggerated cartoons. One of the most recognizable examples is the Varga Girl. Artist Alberto Vargas dedicated himself to glorifying a sensual image of womanhood. Pin up girl tattoos featuring this style show a long limbed, heavily hipped and bosomed woman in a variety of flouncy lingerie or costumes. Most of these women are seen simply posing; hands on one bent knee, with the other stretched out; lounging with her arms behind her head, or laying on her side with a smoldering look in her eyes and a hand framing her face. On the cartoon-ish side, these models tend to be of more outrageous bodily proportions, and are shown in a multitude of styles; angels and devils, robots, fairies and gunslingers, amongst others.

Pin up girls seem to have a multifold nature. They can be sweet and unassuming, sassy, smart and totally capable of whatever they do (as they are regularly shown doing a great number of things). But however they may be styled; they will always be an enduring symbol of beauty, lustiness and grace.

Already heavily requested by makeup artists in the music and film industry who need a product that gives immediate results while holding up under studio lights or during long shoots, Tattoo Brite is the perfect solution for anyone who needs to brighten, enhance, and deepen tattoo colors.

Tattoo Brite extends the life of your tattoo while also giving your ink a definite “wow” factor. It recharges the ink at the dermal level, to make the ink colors richer, even black. In addition, it leaves a light catching polymer on the surface of the skin that highlights the tattoo and won’t rub off.

Tattoo Brite makes your tattoo look fantastic and stand out – whether you’re out at night or standing under direct sunlight.

Tattoo Brite

Also great to use before tanning! Not only does Tattoo Brite have completely photostable UV protection, but it’s unique anti-inflammatory InkBrite complex protects your tattoo whether you tan in a professional salon or outdoors, the old fashioned way.

These images are from this exciting site!

Related articles

• Would You Get a Crafty Tattoo? (casasugar.com)
• Amy Winehouse “Ultimate Pinup” (vintagepinupclothing.com)
• Sailor girl tattoos, beer, taxis, and Social Distortion (sharroncaudill.co.uk)

This is nothing more than adding a modern pin-up photo to this site. When I see something that looks well done I would like to pimp it out.

Free Photos Glitter Graphics

http://stock-photos-graphics-flash-animation.blogspot.com/

FOR SUMMER BRIDES

If you’re getting married during the summer, rain and humidity can cause your worst wedding day hair nightmare — attack of the frizz! And it can strike when you least expect it — like right before your photo shoot begins. (Yikes!) To help keep your ‘do in place before, during, and after the ceremony, keep these spring hair tips in mind:

OFFBEAT WEDDING

Try a decorative headband or tiara. Not only is it a chance to buy a great accent piece for your gown, but strategically placed headgear can also keep an updo in place and long hair under wraps so that your look stays put throughout your wedding day. (Plus, did we mention that headbands are back in a big way?)

Apply generous amounts of moisturizer products to your hair. It can way down your hair initially, but in the long run, it will be your hair’s biggest ally.

Pin up a playful ponytail or braid. Big hair and rainy, humid weather just don’t match. If you use a light moisturizer gel to create a sleek half-ponytail or a neat front braid, you’re less likely to have height issues. In addition, you’re giving your hair a mold to follow as opposed to giving it too much freedom. Twist your ponytail to the side (’80s style) for added style, or use a decorative pin to hold wispy bangs in place.

Stay away from curls. Your gorgeous, bouncy curls (which probably took hours to create) don’t stand a chance of winning the war against an unexpected downpour. When you’re brainstorming style ideas for spring, think softly pinned buns or sleek updos.

FOR SUMMER BRIDES

The most popular season to marry can also bring the worst hair horrors if you don’t plan your style carefully. With sunny days comes a lot of heat, which isn’t always hair-friendly. Before you tell your stylist what look you’d like, here are some things to think about:

Just say no to gel. Any style that requires a good amount of heavy hair gel is not ideal for a summer bride. Heat will loosen the gel and cause it to liquefy, which can be a messy (and sticky) situation for you and your groom. Gel also has a high concentration of alcohol which can cause your hair to dry out under hot conditions. If you must use gel, pick a very light formula and have your stylist use a hair dryer (set on warm — not high!) to make sure it’s fully dry and will hold throughout the day.

Keep you hair off your face and neck. If you’re going to have an outdoor wedding during a rather hot part of the day, make sure you’re not going to sweat your hairstyle out. If you plan on getting down to your favorite tunes at the reception, low buns, neat bangs, and sleek, long styles are a bad idea. They will get messy and start to come apart after they react to the sweat on your neck and forehead.

Consider a short ‘do. If you’ve ever wanted to go for that great, short style you’ve been eyeing on your favorite movie star, this could be the time. Shorter hair will behave better in the summer heat and will help you feel cooler and more comfortable. Just remember to try the cut you’re interested in well before your wedding day just in case you’re not happy with the new look, or you’d prefer to style your new locks a different way.

FOR FALL & WINTER BRIDES

You can say bye-bye to heat and humidity as the autumn and winter months roll in, but you’ll have some other seasonal elements to worry about, like wind, heavy rain, and snow. This can lead to dry, static-prone hair, so try on these harsh-weather hair tips and tricks for size:

Pick a flexible hairstyle. A good example of this would be to choose a style that involves big, luscious curls and uses a light spritz, with the understanding that by the time the wind has its way with your hair, you’ll have looser, wavier curls for your reception. Both looks can work well and you’ll enjoy them much more if you planned it that way.

Avoid heat-styling devices. Overusing hair styling tools like hot rollers, curling irons, or flat irons on your wedding day can lead to rough, over-processed, split ends that are much more likely to respond (negatively) to static.

Stick to a pomade. Get extra hold without worrying about a hair spray or gel drying out your hair. Pomade or styling cream will finish off your look and fight static cling (veils are notorious for this!).

Use a deep-conditioning treatment. Beginning to do this weekly about a month or so before the wedding day will help keep your hair from drying out when you need it to look its best. And if your hair is processed or colored, doing so is a definite must!

Retro Hair styles are back! If you have not noticed,  a return is happening to the Retro hairstyle look of the past. Lets take Marilyn Monroe as an example. Marilyn Monroe, actually wore what is called a graduated bob hair style, that was anywhere between jaw level and shoulder length.  The 2008 version has longer layers with fringe in the front and shorter layers in the back.  Although Marilyn Monroe’s hair was roller set, it can be worn smooth, even straightened, or wavy and tousled.  One of the reasons we are seeing a repeat of this hair style I believe, is that medium length hair styles can be quicker and easier to care for than long hair styles and more versatile than most short hair styles.

Marilyn Monroe and her hair stylist tried 9 different shades of blonde before settling on her famous platinum blonde.  It is not recommended trying 9 different shades of any hair color.  If you are curious about trying anything drastic, there are some online hair style programs (like Barb’s customized virtual hair style makeover) that allow you to try different hair colors and hair styles on your image.  It’s much safer for your hair and a lot of fun too! Take a look at this page for more info.

Temporary Tattoo

If you ever were thinking about a tattoo but were too afraid to get one. Here is a possible solution.

Dating from the 1940s, this temporary tattoo allows you to wear this fantastic femme fatale for just a few days before breaking off the relationship.

Their tattoo transfers are designed to look very realistic on the skin and feature authentic tattoo ink colors.

Click to Enlarge

This girl will look as if you’ve had her on your arm forever but she’ll wear off in around 3-5 days.

• 14cm tall and 4cm wide.
• Not suitable for sensitive skin.
• Not to be applied near eyes.
• Easily removed with baby oil.

Also available:
Forces Sweetheart, Vintage Tattoo Sleeves cover your arms in reusable vintage tattoos, Amy Winehouse Cynthia Pin-Up Girl Tattoo

Vintage Jewelry

Vintage Religious metals by Mary Jo Pane designs make wonderful modern, yet vintage,  jewelry pieces.

Vintage Necklace

All the Miracle Icons medals used in these pieces are antique or vintage, mostly found in European flea markets, with the characteristic softened edges and patinas accumulated over many generations and lifetimes.  As a result, every Vintage Religious piece is unique and can never be exactly duplicated.

Vintage Necklace

Mary Jo Pane explains how her Miracle Icons resonate with an evolved world view, an openness to possibilities beyond intellectual understanding and with a sense of spirit that transcends specific religious beliefs.

Vintage Necklace

I’d say these Vintage Religious necklaces would illuminate any pin up clothing outfit.

Pinup as we know it today is radically different to its humble origins which can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century, a time when sexuality was both scrutinized and suppressed. For instance a woman showing a bare ankle was considered risqué and the word “sex” itself was not even used publicly.

As ever people find a way round even the most stringent of rules and the desire for images of an erotic nature was overcome by the birth of portraying scantily clad ladies as an art form.

As art such images were deemed acceptable by the society of the time and many of these early drawings and illustrations that are considered the roots of the pinup genre used imagery of the burlesque striptease routines as their starting point.

Additionally magazines such as ‘The Police Gazette’ illustrated stories of murder and mayhem by showing the leading ladies in various states of undress, which was considered to be completely legitimate by the general populous as they were considered newsworthy.

During the 1920′s society began to rebel against the repression of the previous decades with the energetic dancing, partying and fashions such as flap skirts that showed more leg than ever before.

It was at this time that underground ‘pulp’ detective magazines appeared using drawings and paintings of bondage and nudity to illustrate their stories of murder and kidnap.

Meanwhile a new genre of nudist publications also surfaced linking sex and humor again using drawings to illustrate their stories and jokes. It was from such publications that what we think of as pinup art began to evolve during the early 1930′s.

Artists such as George Petty and Alberto Vargas created calendar girls that very soon adorned the walls of garages and workshops everywhere.

Additionally Esquire magazine was initially published in this decade and very soon it was regularly carrying pinup art and illustrations from many different artists.

However it was the 1940′s and World War II that really saw pinup art explode into the phenomenon we know today.

There wasn’t a G.I. who didn’t have a painting of his favorite movie star such as Rita Hayworth or Bettie Grable on his locker door or stuffed somewhere in his kitbag so that he could be reminded of home during the long hours spent away from his family and loved ones.

Add to that the girls so painstakingly painted on to the side of military aircraft in order to bring them luck on their numerous missions and it was easy to see that pinup art had found a footing in mainstream society.

Post WWII artists such as Elvgren emerged as failing magazines and publishers tried to woo the public with risqué imagery. By this time the original artwork from the more popular artists was becoming much sought after by certain collectors and it was finally accepted that pinup had a place in the art world which was somewhat ironic considering it’s origins.

During the late 1950′s and early 1960′s pinup began to surface in the form of photography as well as the now traditional art. Magazines such as the famous Playboy were published blending pinup style photography with well written lifestyle articles and the response was huge.

The magazines ripped through any remaining repression gaining acceptability in most parts of society in a matter of a few years.

At this time different models and artists began to mutate pinup across and into different genres such as fetish and even bondage, the most famous of these being the partnership between Bettie Page and Irving Claws.

Although some of this imagery could be considered much darker in style than that of the early pinup artists it was still invariably done with a sense of fun, tease and innocence that typifies the pinup genre.

During the 1960′s Playboy and other magazines gained a huge circulation all the while moving pinup style imagery into the psyche of mainstream America.

Unfortunately by the 1970′s photography had just about taken over from art and most of the original pinup artists had retired from the genre they had so lovingly created.

With the advent of video the demand for adult material began to move towards far more lewd and graphic imagery depicting all manner of sex acts and it seemed that the playful innocence of pinup was lost forever.

However during the 1980′s new artists such as Dave Stevens kept the genre going and with the arrival of the Internet in the late 1990′s it soon became apparent that interest in classic pinup art and photography was still very much alive.

In the last few years there has been a real rekindling of mainstream interest in the genre with new art appearing from modern artists such as Olivia and many of the original Playboy pinup models using the Internet to sell their classic prints and images.

From this a new breed of Internet pinup models has emerged and although many of them cross over into other genres they owe at least part of their style to the classic pinup era.

Amongst them are several models who have attempted to solely recreate the classic pinup look with varying degrees of success.

All in all it seems strange that it should be something as modern as the Internet that will help ensure that classic pinup will be with us long into the 21st century.

Fortunately it seems that at least some people out there still enjoy the beauty and tease of the pinup genre over the much stronger and more explicit material that is now so freely available.

This is somewhat ironic when you consider that the latter in part way only exists due to pinup art and photography helping to make images with an erotic leaning more and more acceptable to American culture throughout the 20th century.

The main thing is that pinup lives …

Long may it continue …

Reprint from Wally Adams

May Pinup of the Month – Candace Campbell

May 13, 2009 by pikesan

I saw Ms. Candace at the Pinupalooza show during Viva Las Vegas, but I didn’t know it since she didn’t have the stunning red hair in the picture below. Plus, when flanked by hotties like Sabina Kelly, Dayna Delux and Heidi Van Horne, it’s easy to get distracted. None the less we’re friends now and here’s some info about May’s Pinup of the Month: Candace Campbell.

I was born in a small Louisiana parish. You’re looking at a genuine born and raised southern belle.

Since I was little I’ve been amazed by the mysterious blues lounge singers of new Orleans and fascinated with the glamorous vintage Hollywood and retro pin up style of the 40s. This explains why I am able to capture that classic essence so comfortably. I am a mix of the two worlds.

I was inspired by the bravery of elegance of Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn to name a few. I began collecting vintage clothes from the 1920’s through the 1950’s and learned about the details of dressing vintage from head to toe. I found out that not only were women dressed perfectly, but the underlying fashion was so much more interesting than today! In fact, it led to my first shoot.

I decided to take some classic pinup shots in 40’s lingerie as a present for my loves birthday. Soon after, by chance an important lady saw those pictures and I was asked to test shoot for Playboy Magazine. This was the start of my modeling career. I now specialize in Pinup and high fashion modeling. My love for the vintage style also led me to be a hairstylist so I’m now a celebrity stylist specializing in pinup and Hollywood glamor styles. I been blessed to work with some of the best models, celebrities, photographers, make up artist, hair and wardrobe stylists, magazines and burlesque dancers in the world.

I live in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I have been taking Sin City by storm with my sexy pictures. I am available for shoots and willing to travel anywhere with expenses paid. Please just let us know!

What about Pinupalooza?

Phantom Entertainment’s behind PINUPALOOZA at the Harmon Theater during every Viva Las Vegas car show. With Celebrity Hosts and Pinup Girls “Sabina Kelley”, “Dayna Delux” and “Candace Campbell”. The 2009 event featured 2 very special burlesque performances by the lovely “Anabel Of The Ball” along with musical stylings of DJ Slick. Dayna, Sabina and Candace were also signing prints and calandars. Us 3 girls host it every year but for 2009, we had rockabilly band “Will and the High Rollers”.

For 2010 we plan on making it even bigger by having more burlesque includind a special performance by Sabina Kelley and 3 additional guest pinup appearances as well. We might have another rockabilly band. Everything’s falling into place now, but we’re keeping the models and burlesque ladies a secret as of now… We promise its gonna be the best pinupalooza yet!

If you’d like to find Candace, here’s where to look… she’s busy!

my website: www.pinupordie.com

My model page: www.myspace.com/misscandee

twitter: http://twitter.com/candacecampbell

pinupalooza: www.myspace.com/pinupalooza

Photo above is by pinup photography Lesley Slenning at http://www.hotroddolls.com/

Lots of pictures here

Reprint from My Ride Is Me