Vintage Videos: 1944 College Girl Fashion

It’s been about 3 1/2 years since I graduated from college. This video makes me wish I dressed just as classy as these girls.

Totally reminds me of “Mona Lisa Smile”.

The Pin-Up Girl Manila Project: Emily from Indonesia

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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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

Ballet Manila Goes to Hong Kong! Join the exclusive preview

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Almost every little girl was put into some kind of activity by their mother’s. Ballet, gymnastics, ice skating. Mine was ballet, yet despite most little girls who were forced to join such an activity hated it as they grew up, I ended up loving it. These two photos are from my first ever ballet recital and I was four years old. My mom had a thing for curls because she was so inspired by Shirley Temple. It wasn’t just ballet it was also tap. I did this until I was 14 (the age I moved to the Philippines). I was on pointe by that time for two years and my feet were at it’s breaking point. *pun intended*

Sadly, from the pain I could not bare (I have so much respect for those ballerinas who continue), and moving to a new country I had to stop my dancing career. If you can call it that.

But having to stop dancing doesn’t mean I can’t stop loving it. I am so lucky to be invited once again by Ballet Manila to their preview of “Flight”. This concert showcases the company’s entry to the Asia Grand Prix International Ballet Competition to be hosted in Hong Kong. Performances such as “Don Quixote”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake” will be performed.

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“Two nights, two completely different programs.The back-to-back concert will showcase the best of Ballet Manila and highlight the skill and artistry of all the dancers-competitors. I am truly proud of the year’s competitors; keeping my fingers cross that we will do well this year.” says Liza Macjua-Elizalde, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Manila. (Check out my one-on-one with Philippine’s Prima ballerina!)

Having met many of Ballet Manila’s dancers, choreographers and crew I can surely say that we have a fighting chance at this years competition. They will make our country proud with their passion, hardwork and love of performance.

The concert is divided into two nights “Flight 1″ (July 31) and Fight 2” (August 1) both at 8PM. The venue is at Ballet Manila’s home theatre Star Theatre alongside CCP.

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Buy your tickets now and bring your girlfriends, mother, grandmother, little sister/brother, or even drag along your boyfriend for a wonderful date night. I brought my boyfriend last time and he surprisingly enjoyed himeself. You just never know.

I’ll be at this Saturday’s performance with my best friend Sasja followed by dinner and drinks, so if you do decide to come  (which you will) say hi to me!

BMNL

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Watch This: Gilda (1946) Starring Rita Hayworth

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I have been obsessing over this movie for a month now. It’s on constant replay. Rita Hayworth is amazing and so stunning in this film. She is the definition of femme fatale, or a scheming bitch in today’s terms. “Gilda” is all about, well Gilda.

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She brings life, chaos, seduction, and the needed drama to the plot. Her love/hate relationship with her ex-lover Johnny will give you those feelings of passion and intrigue. But, she has a new husband who is much older….and very rich (yes Gilda is a gold digger) who happens to be Johnny’s boss who owns an illegal cassino. Need anymore drama?

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Well while all this is going on, Gilda seeks revenge and does everything possible that any broken hearted crazy ex-girlfriend would do.

Gilda knows she’s beautiful, charming, and manipulative and she definietly takes advantage. You will love this movie if you love characters who despise one another, yet somehow find the path that leads to their love.

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Now, let’s talk about Rita’s wardrobe. Each scene, each piece, each ensemble was GLAMOROUS. Since Gilda is presented as a seductress her outfits consists of fabrics like silk and fur. The structure is tight fitting showing her curves.

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Materials such as silk bring the old Hollywood glamour.
Materials such as silk bring the old Hollywood glamour.
From the famous scene of her cabret number, this gown is the trademark of Gilda.
From the famous scene of her cabret number, this gown is the trademark of Gilda.

Rita Hayworth was best known for her hair. The fluffy, flirtatious ‘S’ wave that she flaunts. Rita Hayworth’s hair was actually one of the old Hollywood actresses that would model for the iconic Jessica Rabbit. It is very 1940s and genuinely captivating.

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Watch the trailer below and an added scene from her bona fide enterance.

A Sunday dress on a Monday

A perfect dress for a casual errands day. A jersey dress with this amazing bold print. I love the flowers! Elegantly vintage, but the color scheme makes it so modern and girly. Just a white belt and a cardigan to match. Oh an my hair was foam-roller set so it gives off the late 40’s look. Nails to match the pretty lilac flowers on the dress too!

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Sway like a Skater

Little Sunday adventure with a group of long boarders. An easy two hour drive to a secluded area with the most beautiful scenery. The skate and sunset made a perfect Sunday.

Having a pin-up style in a very active environment can be hard. No circle skirts, petticoats, or tea-length dresses. Instead I opted for a kitsch top with graphic watermelons, along with a pair of high-waisted shorts. Oh, and a hoodie borrowed from a best friend.

Top: H&M (Php 455)

Shorts: Forever 21 (Php 800)

Flats: Payless Shoe Source (Php 750)

Hoodie: Uniqlo (borrowed)

Most photos (c) Trish Shishikura

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Yo, it’s polo!

It’s polo season! My best friend is an equestrian, and decided to bring along me and her sister to a polo match. I personally have no idea how or what polo was all about, but when I got there it was very exciting. We were lucky to be in great company and met many interesting people.

Champagne, cool and windy weather, amazing people, horses, music, champagne, polo players and did I mention champagne?

Yes, so much champagne I lost count as to how many glasses I had. But, hey I love to enjoy myself at a polo match!

Cardigan: Forever 21 (php625)
Dress: SM Department Store (Php 800)
Shoes: Sperry Topsiders (A gift)

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