How To Pretend Yourself Into A Pinup!

Throughout the changes in our culture and times, the pinup remains one of the most idolized symbols of feminine beauty.  Perfection from head to toe with their curled hair, red lips and pointed toes.

Every time I look at a pinup image, all I want to do is dress up like one and be one!  Well, maybe more of a morbid version – I doubt I could hold a smile that long…

Nonetheless they seem to embody everything glamorous about being a woman – physical curvy perfection paired with sensuality and gorgeous “Barbie-like” fashion.  These little beautiful dolls to be admired, protected and cared for… now hold up feminists!  I know this is probably hitting a nerve, but sometimes it is nice to play the role of the woman while still maintaining your independence and rebellious spirit.  By no means am I suggesting that these ladies are empty vessels who are helpless without a man… in fact, while that day and age was very old fashioned, many of the women I knew from that time were far from traditional housewives.  Business owners, University teachers and artists (my grandmothers) – they were always the ones who held everything together while bringing compassion and ferocity to the table!

Even the movie stars of the time (think Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall) held independent and strong traits that always set them apart from their male counterparts.  It’s as if then they looked upon beauty with much more respect, instead of being ashamed of it and hiding away.  They realized that it was merely another strength to embrace, another tool to getting what you want in this life.

Beauty paired with class and intelligence is quite a lethal combination my dears!

Why can’t we have our cake and eat it too?

(truly I never understood this saying… why wouldn’t you eat your cake after you’ve gotten it?!?  WTF?!?)

So how do you pretend yourself into embodying the “pinup mentality”?

Everything starts with flaunting it until you’ve got it!

Here are some of the tips & tricks I use (especially when I’m feeling on the down side – I swear, it’s the best pick-me-up) to feel my gushing best/beautiful any day of the week!

• Embrace makeup.  Seriously.  Makeup can transform your perception of yourself on those “blah” days… put in a little effort and get back a mega big reward – insta self confidence.  Now, this is not to be replaced by any means with loving yourself from head to toe… but it is a secret little weapon you can use to help bring out your best on days where it may be a little trapped inside .  Oh, and definitely try the liquid liner winged look with either Marilyn red or Audrey nude lips – I have yet to come across a face that hasn’t pulled it off seamlessly (impossible not to feel like 100% lady)!

• Get your hair did.  By you!  There is an extreme amount of untapped power that comes from a woman when she can seamlessly do her own hair for a special occasion.  No relying on a thick paycheck to pay the hefty hairstylist bill (I find for updo’s the price is NUTS!) especially with all the learning resources we have right in front of us!  Whenever I pin my hair up in the front retro-style, people are always amazed to hear that I learned how to do it from a YouTube video.  When I went to the MMVA’s, thank the LORD I knew how to do a few styles myself cause I didn’t have a drop of time to spend on a stylist!  Being able to make yourself completely presentable in different ways is crucial to flawlessly pulling off unexpected nights out and events.  It saves you money, will get you noticed and you will feel more confident and pulled together (priceless).

• Be a nice bitch.  The most elegant way to disarm enemy and hater bombs is to do so with grace.  Kill them with kindness.  Sometimes people like to make snarky remarks or try to get under your skin because they are effed up in their own heads.  Don’t let their black magic work on you.  You ARE better than that!  When someone is the meanest to me, I either don’t respond, very kindly correct them, or dish out a compliment.  Not only does it make the evil seed loathe you more (which is fun, cause they started it), but it’s no sweat of your back (or wrinkles prematurely popping up on your forehead).  The more unaffected by them you are, the more you win (they will most likely self-combust right in front of your very eyes if you wait long enough – so bring popcorn for the fireworks show)!  I guess what I’m saying is to just understand that some people only have bringing others down in their day to look forward to… don’t let it sidetrack your mission for world domination.

• Get a pair of high heels you could live in!  There is nothing more femme fatal than a great pair of sexy heels (that are comfortable – yes, they do exist) to strut your stuff in.  Not only do they give you a few inches in height, but they straighten up your back (giving you perfect posture) and your walk some much needed swag!  Now here is the key to this equation – go for a daring, really outstanding pair.  People (and shoe aficionados alike) will notice you and your beautiful shoes taking the town by storm… and there is no better attention than the good kind .

• Dress up accordingly for every occasion.  Now of course you are not going to wear skyscraper stilettos to the park to play soccer, but dressing your most beautiful can transcend any activity you choose to include yourself in.  All you have to do is tweak!  Picnic’s in the park are perfect for beautiful sundresses and espadrilles, knee-high riding boots make for perfect companions while trekking in the woods, and some smart shearling will take you from toboggan to ski!  Don’t for a minute think that you always have to take the tourist route and dress in full gear to accomplish the task at hand!  I have gone off-roading in red lipstick, climbed African mountains in wedges, worn bustiers to theme parks, had coffee in a cocktail dress, and had a blast while doing it all!

• Be a little naughty.  Not only is it hoards of fun and much more interesting than your conservative, no-nonsense self but sometimes being a little daring will actually get you further.  So sweet talk to your lover while sipping a martini in your finest lingerie (oh the luxury!), flirt with the cute waiter who made you the perfectly foamed cappuccino at the cafe and approach life with a bit of a “badass/think outside of the box” mentality.  As they say, “only the good die young”.

• Be a goddess.  Take a little extra time to put into both your looks as well as your wisdom.  Develop your skills and insight.  Goddesses were not only praised for their feminine beauty, but also for their skills at certain things.  Think of a few strong qualities that you admire and try to build them within yourself.  If it’s love, then be generous with your heart.  If it’s courage, then step out of your shell.  If it’s war, then work on your strategy!  The most basically crucial part of seeing yourself as a goddess, is how you treat yourself.  Spoil yourself with care!  From bubble baths, to taking the time to do your mascara right and finishing off that life-changing book – feed your body & soul from every angle.

• Work hard and play hard.  This does not mean you have to be pristinely productive all day long and then get smashed as soon as you punch out!  This means that when you work – get it done (and right)!  When you play, do things you thoroughly enjoy and don’t let yourself waste your spare minutes.  Indulge in everything from rock climbing to slouching on the couch – just ENJOY!

• Understand that the world is your oyster.  We are all vibrant, intelligent young things!  The most powerful thing a woman owns is possibility!  Want to live in France for a year?  Do it!  Want to make cupcakes all day – Betty Crocker is waiting for you just down the street at the supermarket.  Be a force to be reckoned with and let people know that you make your own decisions and create your own lifestyle.  We live in a world where the impossible continuously fails to remain that way – so capitalize on it and go and get yours!

These drop dead gorgeous ladies dreamt up by the very talented George Petty!

Have a beautiful day!  Matthew & I are heading off for some lunch on a terrace (sunshine) then checking out a potential venue for my media event!  Then it’s off to GAP for the launch of their “dressed up” collection – can’t wait to see what they have in store (no pun intended).  Follow me on twitter to come along for the ride!

xox

Posted under My thoughts exactly..., Personal, Uncategorized, artwork, fashion, fashionista finds, inspiration, lifestyle by Robyn