Party Like a Pin-Up

Happy almost 4th of July!

After spending part of yesterday becoming completely enamored by modern pin-up photos and YouTube tutorials, all I wanted to do after work was come home and play dress up. Well, I've never had much impulse control when it comes to fashion, so I did exactly that.

This outfit was a conglomeration of pin-up inspiration and 4th of July anticipation. The bright red skirt and lipstick, the crisp white of the shirt, and the stripes on the bathing suit top (the linear nature of which is replicated with the fabulous T-strap heel) all brought in aspects of the American flag. As for the pin-up features, the skirt itself is from Bettie Page Clothing (recently renamed Tatyana: http://www.tatyana.com/) which features retro-inspired clothing and is absolutely amazing. It's a little on the expensive side, but every article of clothing I put on in that place makes me feel like a goddess. I own just a select few pieces of theirs, and every item is a prized possession. Just look at the detailing - the precious fabric-covered buttons stacked above crisp pleats and precise seaming...not only is the design exceptional, but its high quality is apparent in both feel and appearance.

To keep the pin-up vibe throughout the outfit, I chose the aforementioned T-strap heels, a strand of pearls, and an ever-necessary sassy-side headband. I did my hair with curls and a faux bang, and my makeup featured classic ruby red lips and black liquid cat eye eyeliner.

The hair could definitely have been much better, but it was about a hundred bajillion degrees in my room despite the AC, and a thunderstorm was on its way in. So I did what I could in a very short (and sweaty) time frame. The results were a little subpar, but they work well enough.

When I was initially brainstorming the outfit, I knew I wanted to incorporate this bikini top. First off, it's almost the 4th of July, and being pool-ready at a moment's notice is absolutely non-negotiable. Second, it just fit the vibe. The stripes and especially the polka dots kept with the pin-up feel, and the cut was even able to pass for retro, despite being a 2013 purchase from Burlington Coat Factory. I mean imagine this top paired with a high-waisted bikini bottom - it would totally work. Plus, it added the playful element that I really wanted to achieve with this look.

As for the white button-down, I chose this particular one for a reason. This shirt is from Banana Republic, and it's become a staple in my wardrobe, both work-related and casual (this with a pair of cute shorts, a belt, sandals and a great necklace is a must). However, I chose it for this look due to its slightly boxy shape, which I figured when juxtaposed with this highly feminine outfit would create that fantastic "I just threw on my boyfriend's work shirt" feel. That definitely brings its own unique type of sex appeal.

That view. Those heels.

This outfit was a lot of fun to shoot, and that's really all I wanted to accomplish. Luckily I had the added bonus of actually liking how the end product turned out, so now I don't mind sharing it with all of you!

Hello summer. Hello holiday. Let's always feel this good :)

I'm going to try to do an actual 4th of July look for my next entry, so stay posted!

~ Devin