Pin Up Girls

Hello All,

I love posters of pin-up girls.  They are so creative! From the vintage photos to the illustrations, I love everything about pin-up girls.  I especially love the clothing, hairstyles, and makeup that is inspired from pin-up girls.  I haven't done this in a while, so I'm about to give you a history lesson on pin-up girls, and how the style came into existence.

Pin-Up Girl- also known as a pin-up model; a model whose mass-produced pictures see wide appeal as popular culture.  Pin-up girls can be glamour models, fashion models, or actresses.  Also known as cheesecake photos.

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Although the term didn't become popular until the 40s, Pin-up girls were actually in existence during the 1890s.  During this time, burlesque dancers and actresses used photographic advertisements to promote themselves.  These dancers and actresses self-constructed their identity to make themselves visible.  During this time, the way society viewed women were also tied to their sexuality, so the more "public' the woman, the more "public" her sexuality.  Because these women were sexually fantasized, famous actresses during the 20th Century film were drawn, photographed, and put on walls for personal entertainment.  These photos became most popular during the World Wars.

The first pin-up girl was Fernande Barrey

via celebrities.top5.com

Barrey was known for her display of ample clevage and full frontal nudity.  Her pictures were cherished by all soldiers during he First World War.

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

The most popular pin-up girl is Bettie Page

via www.bettypagemovie.com

via www.fanpop.com

Other pin-up models include:

Betty Grable

via www.ew.com

Jayne Mansfield

via www.parade.condenast.com

Joan Crawford

via www.fineartamerica.com

Hedy Lamarr

via www.gopixpic.com

Pin-up girls are still popular to this day.  The most popular pin-up girl of the 21st Century is Dita Von Teese, who was inspired by Betty Grable and other popular actresses of the 40s

via www.glamour.com

www.justjared.com

One popular style that has derived from the pin-up girl craze is Rockabilly.

*All pictures are found on Pinterest

In addition to Rockabilly, fashion lines have also been created from the inspiration of pin-up girls.

Well, that is my history lesson for tonight.  Hopefully all of this information was helpful

Until Next Time!

Inspiration

This is my inspiration for the day! Don't give up!

Until Next Time!

Project Beauty: Neiman Marcus Fort Worth

Hello All,

Since I have been in Dallas, I have been so consumed with making my mark in the fashion industry, teaching, and learning my new residence that I have been neglecting my duties to talk with you all about fashion, art, and beauty.  Today, I decided to get out of the house and go to Project Beauty, a beauty event at Neiman Marcus in Fort Worth.

Neiman Marcus Fort Worth is one of the smaller Neiman Marcus stores, but they still have a ton of trendy items, accessories, and beauty products.  Upon my arrival in the store, I was greeted by Ryan, one of the managers at Neiman Marcus.  It was set up like a mini-runway show with programs, notebooks, and gift bags in the chairs.

Many representatives from companies such as Dior, La Mer, Katy Somerville, and many others were in attendance to talk about their new products.  They also had lots of giveaways for the guests.

Jo Malone

Kate Somerville

Trish McEvoy

Dior

BKR

La Prairie

Sisley

I also won two gift bags, one from LaMer, and the other from Kate Somerville!  Afterwards, I had a chat with Chuck Steelman, the Corporate Manager of Special Events at Neiman Marcus in Dallas/Fort Worth.  Besides the gifts, the best part of the event were the take home goodies.  Because MasterCard sponsored the event, we received these cute cookies!

After visiting the makeup counter, I decided to take a picture of inspirational clothing.  This skirt was my favorite item in the store.

Although this event was at 9:30 AM, I had fun.  Afterwards, I came back home and continued my beauty rest, until I woke up to continue my projects.  Today was a wonderful day, and I was glad to experience it.

Until Next Time!

Looks from the Emmys 2014

Hello All,

I'm sorry to say this, but I didn't watch the Emmy Awards on Sunday, August 24, because I was watching another show that aired at the same time, but I did see a few clips.  Even though I didn't get to watch all of the Emmys, I saw some amazing looks from some of the celebrities through social media.  So, even though I am three days late, I will show looks from the Emmys 2014 that I liked and disliked (you have to excuse me b/c there are some people whose names I do not know).

 Favorites

KeKe Palmer

Halle Berry

Heidi Klum

Julia Louis- Dreyfus

Julia Roberts

Girl from Orange is the New Black

Gwen Stefani

Angela Bassett

Unknown Actress

Another Unknown Actress

Amy Poehler

Okay (Something Else Can Be Done)

Kerry Washington- not feeling the details on dress

Unknown Actress- length can be longer

Claire Danes- this dress makes her look frumpy, plus 

she blends in with the red carpet

Unknown Actress- dress is too basic; simple neckline

with mermaid skirt; should have added some type of jewelry

 Not So Favorite

Lena Dunham- a hot mess!!

I want to leave with this picture of Heidi Klum and Zac Posen

Until Next Time!

Take Pride in Yourself!

Hello All,

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of posts and conversations about how women should take pride in their appearance.  My classmate and friend, prophetess Tera Carissa Hodges, had a discussion on her Facebook page that stated the following:

"Ladies, be mindful of how you come out of the house. Have some pride in your appearance. I'm not saying you have to be in full face, but look presentable. Don't look like you just rolled out the bed and couldn't bother to get the lint out your hair or brush your teeth. Appearance is not all about clothes. Snap a picture of your teeth. Do they need whitening? If you are natural, don't confuse that with being unkept. Head over to Youtube for a tutorial. Looking good is not all about looking good for a man, learn to look good because you VALUE how you present yourself to the public."-TCH

When I read this on my news feed, I was so excited to give my opinion on it.  Lately, no matter if I am in my hometown, or my current city, I have seen women, especially young women, come out in public like this:

Wearing too tight/too little clothing in public

(Picture via fashionismyname.com, via justsaynoto.wordpress.com)

Wearing sleeping bonnets like this in public

(Picture via http://madamenoire.com)

Wearing see through leggings as if they are regular pants

(Picture via http://soladunn.blogspot.com)

Exposing too much cleavage

(Picture via Strange, Bizarre, Weird News- All True)

There are more examples, but it will be too much to put on here, and yes, I am in my feelings with this issue.  I want to say this to all women: our bodies are a jewel, and I am tired of seeing you all tarnish it.   So, I want to give you some tips on how to present yourself in public:

1. Wear clothing that does not show the improper parts of your body (nip slip, butt crack, almost exposed crotch, etc.)
2. Make sure your clothing fit (buttons do not look like they are about to pop open, your pants can actually fit your bottom, etc.).
3. Please take the time to comb your hair! If your hair is relaxed, either flat iron it, or use rollers.  If your hair is natural, you have so many options! Opt for two-strand twists, beautiful curls or waves, or you can wear a blow-out, but please, let the bonnet go, and take the time to comb your hair!
4. Invest in makeup.  I'm not saying to wear full face, but it is good to have some color on your face.  If you do not wear eyeshadow, consider eyeliner and mascara.  Also, if you do not wear lipstick, tinted lip balm or lip gloss is another alternative to lipstick. (Elf {www.eyeslipsface.com} has a great selection of tinted lip balm, lip stains, and lip glosses, and they are all under $5)
5. Wear age appropriate clothing!  If you are over 30, let Aeropostale and Abercrombie & Fitch go!
6. Invest in a belt!  This accessory is great for pants that have a low rise, and it also helps your pants stay on your waist.
7. Invest in pieces like blazers, cardigans, etc.  They work well with any look.

I want to leave with this quote that I found on Google+

Stay Fabulous, Take Pride in Yourself, and Invest in You!

Until Next Time!!

Haute Couture

Hello All,

I am a huge fan of Pinterest.  I'm always on the site for new inspiration, whether its fashion, home, beauty, etc.  I love looking at haute couture and avant garde looks for inspiration.  So, I was on Pinterest a few minutes ago, and I found this Haute Couture board, which was created by a young lady named Meriyay.  She has pinned the most beautiful haute couture looks you would every see.  Here are a few of them:

Nicolas Jebran.FALL-WINTER 2014-2015

Nicolas Jebran.FALL-WINTER 2014-2015

 

Nicolas Jebran.FALL-WINTER 2014-2015

Versace Atelier Fall-Winter

 

If you would like to view more of these looks, please take a look at her board, http://es.pinterest.com/meriyay/haute-couture/.

 

 

Until Next Time!

New Life in Dallas

Hello All,

As you all know, I have just moved to Dallas, TX.  Even though I have been here for over a few weeks, I have to say that I like it here.  It is very different.  It is hot (over 100 degrees!), but at the same time, there are so many things to do.

This place is also great for fashion opportunities.  Since I've been here, I've had more people to contact me for freelance work.  I'm very excited.  The job I'm working is great, and I have more opportunities in my field. 

I'm currently working to promote myself in Dallas.  I'm thinking of doing more fashion shows, and promoting myself on social media.  I've created a page on Etsy account (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ALbyAshleyLove), and put three of my looks in my shop to see who will buy.

I've also been busy creating looks for myself as well.  I've created an outfit, and wore it to school about two weeks ago.

Denim Shirt- created in 2005

Harem Kite Pants- created in 2014

Everyone loved this look! These pants are becoming very popular, so I'm thinking of putting them in my Etsy shop as well.  Will you buy these pants? 

I have to design some other looks so I can start a fashion show again.

Until Next Time!