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

Essentials: Hair Accessories-Flowers and Bows

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I’m not one for accessories. I rarely ever wear jewlery or dazzle up my outfits. But my favorite pinup accessory are hair flowers and bows! Maintaining a vintage hairstyle can be difficult, time consuming, and tedious. On the days where I really don’t feel like working on my hair, a good curl/brush out with an added bow or flower immediatley makes a great pinup hairstyle.

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Flowers are so classy. I love them put near the ear, but you can also add them to a pony tail. I tend to choose neutral colors for my flowers so that it makes it easier to match with my outfits. But there are so many varieties out there for your choosing; different materials, colors and flower types.

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Bows are great too! Some of you may be thinking that bows can be….adolescent. Too cute maybe? Well if you choose right, it can be a great accessory. I wear them just like a flower, on the side of my ear. But you can also wear them above a pony tail for that 1950s prep look. My assortment of bows are primary colors giving off a bit of a cheerleader-varsity vibe.

Hair accessories have been favored by classic pinups, and modern ones too.

Classic pinups such as Bettie Page, to modern pinups like Bernie Dexter.
Classic pinups such as Bettie Page, to modern pinups like Bernie Dexter.
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Please excuse the quality of the photos, these were taken from my Instagram account.

I find hair accessories everywhere! Always keep an eye out over at any accessories section of your favorite store. I usually find great pieces at Forever 21, SM Department Store, and even the children’s section like Zara.

Hair accessories are definite pinup essential! Get out there and experiment with different styles, colors and type!

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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