I have just received a special gift from Henry London, and I cannot be more excited about their launch here in the Philippines.
If you’re not yet a watch enthusiast and haven’t heard of Henry London, here’s what you need to know:
Henry London is definitely vintage inspired. It began when two designers found a 1960s vintage timepiece at the famous Portobello Road Market (in London’s vintage district.)
Who is Henry? The piece had the words ‘Henry, August 1965’ engraved on the case back. The designers then took it upon themselves to carry on Henry’s name in a line that exemplifies British design and heritage.
Cutting-edge technology. Henry London’s collection is created with front line technology, but not skipping it’s mid-century style.
Modern Day Vintage. Their collection is all about the essence of 1960s design, but with the dozens of colors for straps brings out the modern taste.
Keeping it personal. Henry London is bringing back the tradition of engraving. Pens, notebooks, lockets…when it’s engraved it makes it so much more special. Henry London gives you that opportunity, with their contemporary precision and reliability in high quality stainless steel.
I don’t have a large collection, as I’m still learning, but watches are an essential accessory to anyone’s wardrobe. When I got this piece it was exactly my taste. Adding this next to my only other watch, a 1969 Cartier Tank Quartz which was a gift for my 25th birthday, is helping me find my way to a girls own watch collection.
I’ll be featuring the Henry London watch in a series of post, so watch out!
You can find Henry London at:
SWISSGEAR Boutiques, WRISTPOD Boutiques, Landmark Department Stores, and selected Robinson’s Department Stores.
You can pair this with jeans and you are done! Here’s what really pulls the look together.
The Balm ‘Frat Boy’ face blush, ‘Russian Red’ by MAC, and NYX liquid eyeliner.
Prep:
Step 1: I just used my foam curlers, but you can use a 1” curling iron to create soft curls.
Step 2: Your usual foundation routine. Create cat-eyes with your liquid eyeliner, a good amount of blush on the apples of your cheeks, and do not forget the red lipstick!
Step 3: Undo your curls and tie into a ponytail.
Step 4: Tie a red bandanna around your hair. I happened to have one that was made into a headband. But, if you don’t have one like I do, look below on how to fold one.
It’s my honor to introduce Miss Amy May. Hailing from the UK, she describes herself as “owning far too many red lipsticks and a fair number of sparkly shoes.” Miss Amy May’s taste It’s my honor to introduce Miss Amy May. Hailing from the UK, she describes herself as “owning far too many red lipsticks and a fair number of sparkly shoes.” Miss Amy May’s taste in wiggle dresses, full skirts, and her love of Harry Potter illustrates the modern-day pinup gal. I was delighted for you to get a glimpse on her inspirations, favorite trends, thoughts on the pin-up community.
Where has your love for the vintage/pin-up fashion come from?
I think somewhere inside me I have always just thought the era of the 50’s was the most elegant, sophisticated and feminine out of all the eras in fashion. I didn’t really watch a lot of old movies, or was exposed to music and such, when I was younger like most of my pinup friends. I only began to admire such things as I grew older. At the beginning I felt I was too young to pull of the look, as though I would be playing dress up. Over time, my love for the style grew and i came to feel it was something I could indulge in as I became confident enough to try it.
How long have you been involved in the pin-up community?
I began my style transition in early 2013, first experimenting with wetset pincurls as a hairstyle revamp and then branching out to the clothes and makeup. By that autumn I was wearing the style exclusively socially (I work as a Warehouse Supervisor, so I can’t be pin-up at work) The entire time I was on Instagram, where I documented my style change and began to make friends with other pinups all over the world, delving further into the community from there. I began my blog in mid 2014 and since then my love for the style, the other women within it and the ways it has opened up my life have all only grown.
Has becoming a pin-up changed you in any ways?
Loads! Mostly, I’m more confident now, both in my looks and my body, and in myself and my personality. I feel like embracing the small joys of wearing what I like when I like, without worrying what other people might think of me, it has really freed me as a person and lessened a lot of the social anxiety which I used to suffer from. Now, if I get presented an opportunity that scares me a little, I focus on the excitement of it and I say YES. I’m more outspoken and thoughtful than before. Kinder, stronger, and happier in general.
Who are your inspirations?
All of my family, for just being smart, funny, supportive beautiful humans. JK Rowling for being a creative genius and an incredible person who cares about those less fortunate than herself and won’t be told to sit quietly just because she’s a woman. Every one of my friends who has overcome. Micheline Pitt and Laura Byrnes for being both creative and mental powerhouses. Rachel Jensen for being so incredibly stylish. All the pinups I interact with who encourage one another and are generous enough to offer me any single iota of support.
By being a pin-up , do you see yourself influencing other women/girls?
I’ve had other women tell me that seeing me sport this style with confidence gave them the push to embrace it themselves and grow more confident in themselves . But I don’t think that’s really about me. I think all pinups have that power. We dress differently than other people, we dare to look at every stranger in public and declare, with our mere looks, ‘I know what I like and who I am, and I don’t care if society thinks it’s weird or would prefer I wear what everyone else is wearing.’ We dare to stand out. We learn to ooze confidence. I think in our modern world, where equality is not yet a true reality and we women are often told in a thousand small ways in a single day to make ourselves smaller, that is inspiring and empowering and wonderful.
What are your favorite pieces to wear that make you feel confident/sexy?
My swing dresses make me feel most confident and sexy. You might not think so, since they typically cover me to my mid-shin and rarely have anything more on show than a hint of cleavage at most, but I think the pinup style is a lot about being in control of what you want to show off and knowing that you are feminine, sexy and glamorous whether you’re in a body hugging wiggle dress or a long-sleeved swing skirt with two petticoats underneath. It’s the entire aesthetic, not one specific silhouette, that I find sexy and sensual and womanly, and it allows me to feel that way even when I am covered in literal meters and meters of fabric.
What is your daily routine for getting ready?
For my daily routine it depends upon whether I am going out after work or staying in. If I’m going out after work then my routine involves setting my hair in pincurls the night before, waking up an extra half hour before work so I can do my full face of makeup (sans the red lipstick,) then taking out my pincurls when I get home from work, freshening up, touching up my makeup, adding lipstick and perfume, and getting into whatever outfit I probably mentally picked out a couple days before. If I’m in for the night then my routine before work means I don’t make any special effort for the day; I might wear some foundation and mascara, but I always have to be dressed practically for my very physical job, so I wear my work uniform and often tie my hair out of the way.
What are some means in sharing your unique style?
I post pictures of my pinup outfits on my Instagram, I also blog at least twice a week about the different elements of the style, reviews on clothing, my favorite makeup products, any hair tricks I have and craft projects for low budget accessories. I occasionally model for retro clothing brands boutiques and vintage magazines. That is always fun and a change from my day-job. I haven’t participated in any pinup pageants, but along with a group of my pinup friends, known as The British Belles, this summer we created a charity event called Pinup Picnic in the Park. We invited anyone who would like to meet up with friends old and new, who share our vintage love and have a picnic at London’s Hyde park. It was wonderful getting to see so many people who had only spoken online before, mostly Instagram, and finally being able to meet in the flesh. Ladies who are new to the style were able to meet their first ever batch of real-life people who share their love and interest. as part of the event we hosted a charity raffle, with almost 40 prizes donated from vintage and retro style brands from across the world. It went on to raise over £1000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. A charity very near and dear to our hearts. The whole event was amazing and we can’t wait to host another one next year.
Instagram: @miss_amy_may
Being a pin-up girl in the modern day can be difficult, have you ever experienced backlash or negativity from your community?
I’m really lucky that I haven’t experienced any of that. The community is really supportive, so I’ve never had any negative experience within it, but even outside of it people have only ever been nice and interested to me about my style. I can tell some people find it confusing or just too much effort, as if it’s vapid to enjoy wearing something pretty, but those people don’t concern me because I don’t do it for them. I do it for myself and I know I’m an intelligent person regardless of whether I like bright lipstick or glittery necklaces.
I want to remind every female, whether girl, woman or in between, that she is one of a kind and beautiful. We get a lot of pressure applied to us from all aspects of society, even by family and friends, both knowingly and unknowingly, to look and act a certain way. More often than not the things we are told to be and do are conflicting–don’t have sex, but also don’t be a prude. Don’t care about what you look like, but also don’t be ugly. Don’t be dumb, but don’t be smarter than the men in your life. It’s all institutionalised sexism that we have to unlearn and, more importantly, have to stop forcing upon one another by mimicking the judgements we grow up hearing all around us. We are not each other’s competition. We are a sisterhood, and whether that means complimenting another girl because you like her swing dress or whether that means reminding one another that we have a voice and important things to say, it all plays its part in helping each other feel good and worthy and strong and better than society tells us we are. Don’t be scared to be who you want to be, and try your best to encourage other women to live as their true selves as well. Be kind. Be brave. Be badass.
Thank you Miss Amy May for sharing the love you have for pin-up. Your strong ideals and confidence is sure to reach those who have yet found theirs.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Materials such as silk bring the old Hollywood glamour.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.
Watch the trailer below and an added scene from her bona fide enterance.
I remember the first time I saw Amy Winehouse. It was her performance on the Jay Leno show back in 2006. She immediately caught my eye with her unique jazzy voice, beehive hair so high it could touch heaven, and her style. Her style is what modern day pinups can relate to. Amy’s style is a mixture of pinup and rock and roll. The term here is rockabilly. Some of you may have noticed I have written posts that include this term. And Amy is a great definition.
Her signature winged eyeliner and red lip screams for pinup. But, with her choice of prints like plaid, cheetah, and her preference for waist hugging wiggle dresses bring in that rockabilly style. Amy has a favourite accessory, and that is the waist belt. This accessory is so great because on any dress she just adds it on and it immediately becomes pinup. She was a modern day pinup all the way down to her tattoos. Amy is known for having several tattoos, including the infamous Blake tattoo. The designs of hers are traditional old school sailor tattoos which are preferred by the rockabilly style.
Hair accessories suh as flowers and bandanas; leather jackets and cheetah prints. Rockabilly maddness.
Amy brought back the pinup style and jaz to the mainstream crowd. She was the complete package and I miss her so.
I’m beginning this series of inspirations with the classic Marilyn. She is the most familiar and known pinup. I’m sure many of you already see her in pop culture from tshirts, posters, bags, even celebrities and tv shows being inspired by her. (Madonna circa “Material Girl”, Anna Nicole Smith, Smash)
She had a turbulant childhood, in and out of foster care homes, and her mother was instilutionalized. She was married at 16 due to the war, but of course later divorced. She was discovered modeling for a weapons factory that she worked at which eventually lead to her career. She was persued as the “dumb blonde”, but what people didn’t actually know was that Marilyn was highly intelligent. She was a consistent reader, a fan of Freud, and a writer.
My favorite films are Some Like It Hot, How to Marry a Millionare, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,Bus Stop and the iconic Seven Year Itch. (White dress with the gentle breeze sound familiar?)
Aside from her obvious reasons of inspiration, she inspires me the most from her modeling in her early days. Circa 1948-49 was her utmost pinup days. Her poses, sweet smile and flawless body really defines pinup. You can see how young she is, and how different her face is! Pre-platinum blonde days and still untouched by the industry. (Apparently she had a chin implant, rhino plasty and breast agmuntation, and of course a change to hair color all in suggestion of her studio.) Regardless, she is naturally beautiful and I love looking at her early photos just because she has no idea what is to come.
A few years later, with a few movies to her resume and popular demand, she would be the first cover girl of Playboy magzine in 1953. Featured was one of her first nude pinups taken in 1949. (Tom Kelley’s ‘The Red Velvet’ session)
Iconic, beautiful and downright the original Marilyn is the inpiration not just to me, but definietly all pinups.
The Pin-up Girl Manila 
