Tag: 1950s
The Pin-Up Girl Manila Project: Emily from Indonesia
My first pin-up of my project. I introduce to you Emily!
I met 26 year old Emily through Instagram about a year ago. She hails from Indonesia and is a certified makeup artist. Oh, and she happens to be a badass MMA fighter too. I can describe her beauty as pinup with a dark twist. With her dark hair, eclectic tattoos and off beat posing, she is a true definition of the alternative pinup model. I asked Emily a few questions on her inspirations, struggles and her tips on being pinup
First off, where has your love for the vintage/pin-up fashion come from?
It all started from the first time I watch the movie called Pin Up Girl with Betty Grable. For the first time, I loved to dress in this vintage classic style. But as time went on, my style evolved into my own signature pinup look.
How long have you been involved in the pin-up community?
I’ve known of the pin up culture since 2007, but decided to become a daily pin-up girl since around 2008-2009. By January 2015 I found my own style which is the alternative dark pinup look.
Has becoming a pin-up changed you in any ways?
Absolutely! I’ve learned how to appreciate myself a lot more, and find who I really am. However, being a pinup girl in this whole new modern world is such a huge challenge. I find people look at me in very distracting ways, talk bad about my style. But I’ve learned to be proud to be different, and take all the stare with pride because at least I know I am being myself.
Who are your inspirations?
My biggest inspirations are Bettie Page, Amber Rose, and Ms. Tess Munster.
By being a pin-up , do you see yourself influencing other women and girls?
Sometimes. Not with the way I dress and my passion in pinup culture, but my confidence. We should always be our kind of beautiful.
What are your favorite pieces to wear that make you feel confident and sexy?
I’m proud of my body, and love accentuating my curves and my figure. I love wearing wiggle dresses, skinny jeans and maybe pair it with a crop top.
What is your routine for staying fit?
I do squats, sit ups, jogging and some weight lifting every day. I also do boxing and MMA training 4 times a week also swimming every Saturday.
Being a pin-up girl in the modern day can be difficult, have you ever experienced backlash or negativity from your community?
Of Course. I’m tattooed and decided to go bald just last week. I get a lot of negativity behind my back, but rise up to the seeing myself as a unique human being, I ignore the negativity and continue to believe in myself. I hold my chin up and be proud. I know that there are those people who are just trying to pull me down and I will prove to them that I’m being real, respect my mind and I love myself for who I am.
I want everyone to know that you should try to find your true self. Try to combine the classic pinup style to the style that perfectly suits you. Also to not be scared to be different because being different is actually beautiful. Be as unique as possible because that is the most valuable thing in life.
Strong words from a strong woman. Thanks Emily for being part of this project. Your words and confidence will be inspiring so many others out there! I hope all of you follow this pin-up on Instagram and take it from her– you can be anyone you want to be.
xxKelsey
The Pin-Up Girl Manila Project: Getting to know the women of modern day pinup and other bloggers!
What’s a better way to understand the pin-up community than from the pin-ups themselves!? I have been able to contact a few of my favorite girls for an online interview. I will be conducting write-ups on the women and men who are interested in all things mid-century. I’ll also be doing a few local bloggers!
This project is all about getting to know the faces behind the fashion, and those who love the vintage lifestyle. I’ll be tackling down issues such as body confidence, social judgement, and the importance of fashion. I’ll be posting twice a month so watch out for the upcoming features! If you are interested, or have any suggestions please feel free to contact me! I’m open to anyone who would like to join, pin-up or not.
Let’s do this!
xxKelsey
Vintage Videos: City of Fashion; Vintage French Fashion
Ah! The beautiful City of Lights in all the glory of her sophistication. Watch this video for a better look of the golden era of fashion.
How Women’s Magazines are just as Dirty as Men’s; my Vintage Nugget Magazine
We all know Playboy. Playboy fueled the everyday man’s fantasy, lifestyle and let’s say…inspiration. Their famous centerfolds from aspiring models, famous women and rising stars. To men’s tips on the perfect golf swig and the right color tie to bring out your masculinity.
Society views Playboy as sexualizing women. Opinions are made where men’s reading material is known to be dirty, vulgar and disrespectful. Even towards the women who choose to pose in those nudie spreads receive shame from the conservative. However, I see no difference with women’s magazines. Women’s magazines can be just as dirty, with countless ‘advice’ columns on how to reach an orgasm and those ‘confessions’ famous in Cosmopolitan, and even to the women gracing the covers in a sexual manner. But how come those women don’t receive shame, rather praise? Women sexualize men just as they do in Playboy. We spread men on our centerfolds with nothing but a pair of jeans or undies. (not complaining)
Of course, Playboy isn’t the only magazine that carry this kind of content. There are countless titles from FHM, Maxim, Nuts, GQ, Esquire.…And for the women? Cosmopolitan, In Style, Glamour, Marie Claire, and even Women’s Health…more, I know there is more. So, women are just as dirty as men making it a fair game. Today we see the progress in women’s magazines becoming equal to that of men’s. But it is not enough, there is still the stigma of being overtly sexual as a woman. There is a misconception of today’s feminist that stand against these ‘dirty men’s magazines’, but they tend to forget that we too expose the men. So, why do we see them differently?
Before the epic 1953 launch of Playboy making sex mainstream, popular pornographic material was kept underground. Society liked to keep things secret. Owning such material was considered dirty, like a fetish of some sort. We also have to look at how mid-century women’s magazines were pre-women’s lib. Articles strictly stuck to keeping house, matching your drapes to the perfect foyer and the recipe to Susie’s favorite chocolate chip cookies. You won’t find Jenny, 23 from Makati with her confession of a quickie with Tom in the janitor’s closet. And that defines the difference as to why we view these sexual magazines as taboo.
Like I said Playboy wasn’t the only dirty magazine. My friend Adi got me something amazing for my birthday. He found a 1957 issue of Nugget Magazine at an antique store in Quezon City. A little frail around the edges and the seam, which I saved by enclosing in a plastic cover. The colors of the pages are still as vibrant as it would be when it was orignally published. Nugget was one of those wannabe Playboys. It’s basically the poor man’s Playboy. Articles are bland, from fantasy stories about women, to how to cook a perfect steak. Their centerfolds aren’t exactly the top of the list either. Mostly unknowns, these women are much more vulgar (for a 1957 issue that is). The photography seems to be shot by an amateur, but nevertheless the women are beautiful. Illustrations full of cheeky jokes, and many many photos of women and their assets.
Featured is Joy Harmon, best known for her infamous car wash scene from “Cool Hand Luke” (Starring Paul Newman). This scene launched the iconic sexiness of washing a car!
For me, this is a special rare find. Nugget was unknown to me and it still is. I literally could not find anything online besides former covers on Google Images. There seems to be no website, or even a Wikipedia page. If anyone does find something please let me know I would love to learn more about this publication! Owning this magazine is one of the greatest gifts I have received. Being able to gaze through the dated articles and detailed editorials let’s me be in 1957 from a man’s perspective. It gives an authentic idea of how times have definitely changed.
Thank you Adi!
Las Vegas Vintage Shopping
Vegas is one of the best city’s for vintage finds. The glamour of Vegas 1960s still lingers in the air. The feel of the Rat Pack drinking their whisky and Elvis singing his heart out. The desert heat, the new money and eccentric personalities all make Vegas the sin of all cities. Main St. is this amazing boulevard of shops. So many pinup shops full of beautiful gowns and unique clothing straight from mid-century. 
When shopping in vintage stores you really have to be patient and really go treasure hunting. I found myself a few nylon scarves. I spent a good 2 hours lingering between shops. Stumbling upon old issues of Time magazine, vinyl records, posters, white gloves, trinkets from all over.
Retro Vegas had the best collection of authentic mid-century furniture. I wanted to buy everything! 
Not everything stays in Vegas.
Hell Bunny Red and Black Sailor Dress
The San Francisco Adventure
I took a solo trip up to San Francisco to be with one of my best friends Adam for a few days. As someone who is originally from Los Angeles, SF can be very different in small ways. The weather is cooler, people can be somewhat friendlier and the surroundings of the city are very laid-back. And with happy hour starting at 2pm with $4 beers on tap there is nothing to complain about.
After a commute on the Bart into the city, Adam and I took that San Francisco happy hour to our advantage. A small pizza shop right in the heart of San Francisco (where possibly Frank Sinatra left his) we chugged on a pint of Guiness and IPA. Surrounded by the modern art deco buildings it made a perfect lunch.
We decided to walk throughout the day. All the way to Fisherman’s Warf. That’s about 6 miles across town, but it makes for a great adventure. Leading us into book shops, vintage stores, and giving us the opportunity to take in some of the street art. Walking is always the best way to go through any city.
I scored two book club editions of Fiztgerald novels, The Great Gatsby and Tender s the Night, for just $15. As we made our way through the chilly streets towards Fisherman’s Warf we stopped along a few more bars until our destination.
Finaly, upon our arrival I enjoyed a mandatory meal of clam chowder with the view of Alcatraz. Perfect way to end a long walk. A very long walk. The fog crept its way towards the city and the gloomy skies couldn’t be anymore eerie. I loved it. And I am so glad with my outfit choice! Layers upon layers. It’s strange to be so dressed up in California, but with San Francisco you can bring out the trench coat even in Spring.
We took the famous cable cars heading back up, and by night fall the fog brought in the mist. It was such a good day. Thank you Adam for bringing me around, and I definietly miss you.
(OH, and we took a road trip back down to LA!)
Goodnight Scherisse ❤ One of the best trips so far!!!
La La Land: Disneyland x I’m the Little Mermaid
Oh the happiest place on earth it is. Childhood dreams still drift in the land of imagination. The smell of freshly popped popcorn, sugar coated churros and the sounds of familiar Disney tunes gets me all amped up.
My favorite Disney princess is The Little Mermaid and I was so happy to find this day dress from Hot Topic with matching bow. I got so many compliments throughout the day from staff and fellow Disney lovers around the park.
I used to have long red mermaid hair, but sadly I have to let my locks rest of the bleach and heavy dyes. So I went for some red pieces to make the look more ala Ariel. I found a great belt from a vintage store on Montrose in Glendale called “Patty’s Closet” for just $10! The sparrows really give the rockabilly look.
Isn’t the teal color perfect? And look at the print! Suttle character silhouettes making the dress not so tacky.
I did a wet-set for my hair the night before so my curls would last all day! Following a specific pattern gave the 1950s curls.
A dream is a wish your heart makes. ❤
The Pin-up Girl Manila 