tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post9006093185732558001..comments2024-03-07T07:04:39.054-06:00Comments on This Charming Life by Kaelah Bee: // PinUp Culturekaelah beauregardehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-21201515664821584772013-07-25T22:15:58.685-05:002013-07-25T22:15:58.685-05:00I just love pin-up-y style. I'm so glad these ...I just love pin-up-y style. I'm so glad these stores are catering to all sizes. I actually wish I had more curves so I could look all hourglass pin-up-y!<br />I definitely agree that they market to an alternative demographic, but I guess people with alternative styles are out of the norm and the norm is not retro clothing. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17015161846956232802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-56215090690464670602013-07-17T20:04:19.954-05:002013-07-17T20:04:19.954-05:00I have to disagree with Michelle as far as ModClot...I have to disagree with Michelle as far as ModCloth goes. They go so far as to use two separate pages for the straight-size and plus-size versions of the SAME ITEMS! I find it incredibly demeaning: it says that they see a difference between the kind of girl who would wear each. Unfortunately, I still find myself having to shop at ModCloth because they're one of the few retailers that even offers cute clothes in extended sizes - even if the majority of the items they carry run S-M-L or maybe XL, and even if they do market their XXL+ items differently.<br /><br />I really respect shops like Pin-Up Girl Clothing and Bettie Page for making a wide range of sizes and marketing them alike. But I also have to agree with Erin Gerofsky below, that these styles have some element of exclusivity or costume. I love all things 40s-60s, and I'm lucky enough to work in the design field where it's totally cool to wear rockabilly or pin-up influenced styles to the office. But I imagine it must suck to be a more conservatively-minded dresser, by choice or profession, who doesn't happen to be a size 10 or under. I adore all of the items pictured above, but I think #8 might be the only one that would really fly in a more staid office environment... maybe #6, on occasion, with a cardigan. I'd love to see some of these retro-repro designers embrace modest necklines and solid colors as enthusiastically as they do curves.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00217570960412137055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-89007308537690283062013-07-16T21:59:04.429-05:002013-07-16T21:59:04.429-05:00I have #4 the heidi dress in that print and it is ...I have #4 the heidi dress in that print and it is TO DIE FOR. Pin-up Girl Clothing, is such an amazing company. The owner of the company is a flat out riot and I've never seen someone champion body positivity for EVERYONE like she does! knowing their clothing is made in LA makes it even better. It's gotten to the point where I make a dress or I buy PUG. Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10735462781026821648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-87923655857342303752013-07-15T06:08:35.782-05:002013-07-15T06:08:35.782-05:00I love pin-up style and basically the whole 50'...I love pin-up style and basically the whole 50's-60's she-bang at n some of my very favourite pin-up wearers are what the mainstream call "plus-size". I'm really slight in build - about a US size 6 I think? I'm not too good with size conversions, but I love how wearing a petticoat under a dress makes me look like I have curves. There is nothing quite as sexy as a flattering dress with a bold print, and pin-up does that perfectly! Now, if only I could win the lottery and afford the wardrobe of my dreams! xxSunaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09924919607206141127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-81410936231370544392013-07-14T15:02:21.633-05:002013-07-14T15:02:21.633-05:00I love the pin up style! It works well with my fig...I love the pin up style! It works well with my figure and I really love the style of that era! I recently found Hell Bunny and love their dresses. Also love your two choices!! Can't wait to see you remixing them!<br /><br />Anja<br />www.aheartandsoulstory.blogspot.comAnjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03646730379989097601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-49754305719974409382013-07-14T10:35:39.536-05:002013-07-14T10:35:39.536-05:00This was a great post! I have always been into vin...This was a great post! I have always been into vintage and retro things and have found that the clothing from around the pin-up era fits me much better..and it is so much fun to wear! Every time I do wear a dress, though, I feel like at least one person asks me what I'm dressed up for! =P<br /><3daniellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08206660362810831945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-90332688943535843952013-07-13T23:06:32.319-05:002013-07-13T23:06:32.319-05:00My grandfather had a ton of vintage Playboys that ...My grandfather had a ton of vintage Playboys that we discovered after he died. I flipped through one while we were cleaning out his garage and first discovered the beautiful artwork of Alberto Vargas. I'd love to have an original work of art by him. You should check his work out! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14348772530445546340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-68535879931419608982013-07-13T16:46:58.490-05:002013-07-13T16:46:58.490-05:00Great post, lady! I remember discovering 50's ...Great post, lady! I remember discovering 50's silhouettes when I was 14 or so (and more >ahem< developed than many girls my age), and just finally feeling like I had found clothes that fit my body! Defined waistlines, tailored details throughout the bodice (and skirt, if it's a wiggle dress), and fabrics that have a bit more quality - no wonder so many of us have found that these brands make dresses that we want to wear again and again! Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12489743528291045483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-62724348320143926382013-07-12T19:48:44.389-05:002013-07-12T19:48:44.389-05:00I'm a skinnier gal, and I WISH I could have a ...I'm a skinnier gal, and I WISH I could have a little more curve! Even after birthing two babies, I'm still a tiny thing! I absolutely love the pin-up style. It inspires my style so much. I'm really wanting a fit and flare dress with a nice, full skirt. I'd wear it ERRDAY.<br /><br />Love, AmyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-22213947977192285752013-07-12T18:59:55.436-05:002013-07-12T18:59:55.436-05:00I totally love the retro/50s style dresses--but li...I totally love the retro/50s style dresses--but like you said, a lot of these styles are very flattering on girls with curves, which is not my body type at all. So maybe I wasn't too fortunate in my love for retro styles--I love Bettie Page, but last time I was in their store, I tried on about 10 different dresses before I finally found a style that fit me. And I'm in love with that dress till this day--it makes me feel like I have curves, even though I don't. :PRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07894832851934334471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-89117241680647068932013-07-12T16:45:36.506-05:002013-07-12T16:45:36.506-05:00My husband had to run into Target a few weeks back...My husband had to run into Target a few weeks back for something, so while he got what he needs I looked at the bathing suits (ugh, I know). I teeter between regular and plus. It just depends on the cut and style. Anyway, I was appalled by the 'plus' size bathing suits! Appalled! They all looked like something my grandmother would wear and were not flattering in the least. I just don't understand why clothing companies continue to do this... Thank you for bringing these clothing companies to my attention. They definitely will get my support and it doesn't hurt that their clothes are so cute!!!!<br /><br />Sarah Como<br />www.bluejeansandmelodies.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16063505894120252830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-91770199567342554132013-07-12T14:54:30.248-05:002013-07-12T14:54:30.248-05:00I love the style because the clothes give me cover...I love the style because the clothes give me coverage especially the bathing suits but they are still sexy and stylish. Plus like you said they flatter all body types. Carissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02161144492587350634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-33998593791624649412013-07-12T14:54:28.850-05:002013-07-12T14:54:28.850-05:00Great post. I have an old friend who chums around ...Great post. I have an old friend who chums around with the Pin Up girl crowd & I love wading through his Instagram photos of all the lovely gals. As a lover off all things redhead, I'm particularly fond of Doris Mayday right now :)<br /><br />As far as clothing goes, I've always been drawn to the pinup / rockabilly style. Part of it comes from always having wide hips & not being able to fit into a lot of the standard clothing, so it was as much about practicality as it was style.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10061342513632102748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-19887529399513298652013-07-12T13:51:18.613-05:002013-07-12T13:51:18.613-05:00I just wrote a post on my blog about the separatio...I just wrote a post on my blog about the separation of normal and plus sizes today! What a coincidence. (The post is here if you're interested in reading: http://thisismorningblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/separate-and-not-equal.html.) <br /><br />It's nice to see a place blend the sizing together and I do love the styles. I feel like I need #9 in my life now! Haha. I just wish the style wasn't so pricey. :(Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06954143196633158357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-4424072017681660462013-07-12T13:30:00.032-05:002013-07-12T13:30:00.032-05:00sounds like you had a dreamy wedding! love that yo...sounds like you had a dreamy wedding! love that your bridesmaids AND mom were able to sport the look! just goes to show how far a great, flattering design can go!kaelah beauregardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-85328892716454423432013-07-12T13:28:42.227-05:002013-07-12T13:28:42.227-05:00ahhh! I'd love to get my hands on the new good...ahhh! I'd love to get my hands on the new goodies, that's for sure!kaelah beauregardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-86463286645673643762013-07-12T13:08:51.939-05:002013-07-12T13:08:51.939-05:00It's funny, I think that appropriation is look...It's funny, I think that appropriation is looked upon as such a dirty word (maybe because it's most often used recently in terms of "cultural-appropriation"), but at the end of it, it's just a term for inspiration, and being inspired is far from a bad thing. <br />Man, sometimes being backed by that amount of "the book learnin'" it is awful difficult to not just sound ranty, so I'm glad it didn't go there for other folks!!Erin Gerofskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05355517160851935785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-49674640100514492222013-07-12T12:59:20.326-05:002013-07-12T12:59:20.326-05:00I think it's connection to the 'alternativ...I think it's connection to the 'alternative' has a lot to do with Bettie Page...but I'm not sure sure. I kind of want to look that connection up, now. :) Anyhoo - when the pin-up culture came about, it was a breakway from the norm (being sexy during the day? Phooey!), so I love that it still is associated with the alternative side of things and not the this-super-skinny-model-is-ideal norm of fashion. Love this post! :)Michelle Clementhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15339393158297450797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-21606230677668060092013-07-12T12:05:33.296-05:002013-07-12T12:05:33.296-05:00Ha! I'm wearing a Hell Bunny dress as I sit he...Ha! I'm wearing a Hell Bunny dress as I sit here reading this (most comfortable dress I own.)<br /><br />I don't think you are fabricating a connection. While that's not the only niche that wears 50s frocks, I do think that is often a targeted niche (maybe due to Rockibilly and phycobilly being the original market? I dunno). But what is great is it caters to all shapes and sizes...which ALSO means it can cater to many age groups too. My 20-some bridesmaids wore outfits from the same various brands you mentioned above...but so did my mom (it was a 50's themed wedding to reflect our love of dancing and my love of the styles, lol). And everyone looked fantastic; nobody looked costume-y or anything. Kristianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15801678652422670157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-54752219103863301522013-07-12T12:01:09.531-05:002013-07-12T12:01:09.531-05:00This is a great topic! IMHO, pin-up style or 50s f...This is a great topic! IMHO, pin-up style or 50s fashions have kind of been in style for a long time. I'd estimate that the 50s have been being idealized since the 80s or so and if you dig hard enough you'd find the 80s version of 50s nostalgia fashion. Of course with any idealized time period, we always think about all the great things and not the bad things that those generations faced! I personally like the 50s style because for one I'm a curvy girl now and those fashions fit better and are flattering for all sizes. (The only thing I miss about being skinny is the clothing selection in store! I'm on the line, at a 14 I often have to shop in the plus size section which is like 1 rack :P) But also, with my background in architectural history I have always favorited mid-century architecture and design, which kind of propelled me into the rockabilly world. But truthfully I just like fashion in general, both past and present, so I just wear what I want and don't self identify with one sub-culture. I do think that rockabilly style is way more mainstream than it used to be though, but that's ok! It's a sexy flattering look! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07232951532779670875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-9681209164579801012013-07-12T11:00:39.869-05:002013-07-12T11:00:39.869-05:00This is exactly where I fall, too, Becca. Like I m...This is exactly where I fall, too, Becca. Like I mentioned upthread, it's frustrating to be part of the "national average" in terms of size, and still only be able to fit into the size "Large" (if that, at times!) - knowing good and well that so many (the majority!) are being denied just regular every day clothing options. don't even get me started on the awkward "grey" area between straight and plus size - there's rarely anything there either!kaelah beauregardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-55217771475942544622013-07-12T10:58:15.240-05:002013-07-12T10:58:15.240-05:00oh girl, I feel you! if it's not a fit and fla...oh girl, I feel you! if it's not a fit and flare, or there's not a defined waist, I ain't havin' it!kaelah beauregardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-91831894588418159642013-07-12T10:57:37.038-05:002013-07-12T10:57:37.038-05:00Thanks for the brilliant comment, Erin! You made a...Thanks for the brilliant comment, Erin! You made a ton of great points and I appreciate you sharing those (kindly!) here :) I think I was attempting to speak of the brands specifically, but you're totally correct that it goes much deeper than that. (My History of Fashion class only made it up to the 1920's so you've actually educated me, too!) I can totally see the references to goth and punk in several garments from these brands.<br /><br />Please never apologize for rad comments like this! They're educational to us all! ;) xokaelah beauregardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-61054861626621226382013-07-12T10:52:37.357-05:002013-07-12T10:52:37.357-05:00#9 is a DREAMY dress! I bought it in San Francisco...#9 is a DREAMY dress! I bought it in San Francisco last year without ever trying it on and I just prayed that it fit It was a risk worth taking because I'm so in love with the color and pattern!kaelah beauregardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840382153011642380.post-84689408276851619882013-07-12T10:51:39.693-05:002013-07-12T10:51:39.693-05:00as a US 10/12 in dresses (UK 14/16) i find it so f...as a US 10/12 in dresses (UK 14/16) i find it so frustrating to be at the very tip top of (most) sizing guides. and when i fit firmly in the national average, that's even more of a red flag. there's so many consumers that brands fail to recognize. it's frustrating for me when the largest size is still too small, but to know that there are girls who are *so* limited in every single clothing choice is problematic! but i 10000% agree with you - give me a frilly dress, cardigan and heels, or give me death! ;Pkaelah beauregardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02296368974798527373noreply@blogger.com