Extremely new to pin up style.. HELP!

[Diira]

I just started doing the pin up style. How can I best use the wardrobe I already have until I can afford to start buying the style specific things I want to get. Most of my style has been conservative (cover the 2 kids belly I haven't gotten rid of yet) and some witchy, gothic and bellydance clothes. I'm going out tonight to dinner with a friend and its only my 2nd time out with this style. I planned on wearing a dress with a tight bodice, but a very flowing skirt that is about mid calf, the fabric is an iridescent purple/black, with a very feminine black flowing sheer blouse over the top. Last night was my first night out with this style to the club, it was a black bodice with boning, a pearl necklace & earrings, and a floor length pencil skirt with a high slit on the side and mary jane style heels. (best I could do on short notice with what I have to work with).

So to make this story even longer I am looking for suggestions from those who know how to get started with what you have on hand and very little money to buy specific things currently. How can I best work this Pin Up style? Everyone who has seen the make up and hairstyle changes on me has loved it so I think I finally found my inner Doll now I just need help letting her out!

[Kittie Minerva]

Im in the same boat hun , Ive been out of work of a while so when i found all the amazing pin up styles I never had a chance to get any sadly :(  But what I have found is its not as hard as it seems to make any outfit look like a pin up one . I shop at target and walmart for clothing and i like to buy the plaid shirts ($6) and wear a tank top ($4) under them so i can tie the plaid shirt up around my waist ( like under my boobs) with jeans or capris or a cute pencil skirt :)  and if you have a shoe carnaval or a payless i have found some really cute mary janes and wedge shoes & keds (anywhere from $20-$30 but they both do BOGO deals) there :) (keds at shoe carnival :D ) and for hair flowers i make my own buy buying roses ( what ever flower you like really im just obsessed with roses lol ) from Michaels craft store and you can buy clips there too if you like but all i do i stick a bobby pin closed side into where the stem would have been :) Pretty much add whatever t shirt you have and add capris ,wedge shoes and hair ( + hair flower if you like them )and make up and you've got a fun pin up/rockabilly look ! And the pin up hair i the best way to complete the style i can be wearing whatever but if i do my hair and makeup in a pin up fashion that is when i get the most comments "You look like a pin up girl !" :) I hope I helped ! Some times being thrifty can be better because you think of ways to make things you wouldnt have thought of otherwise and you end up liking it more than something anybody can go and buy from a shop :) Good luck and have fun !

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

Ladies, head over the photos section and roll the dice. We have so many amazing photos, it's easy to find outfits that you like and want to wear. Then you just need to break it down into what the outfit consists of, and see if you can make it from what you have. The basics can be bought anywhere. Kittie, you are on the right track with target and walmart. Circle skirts, pencil skirts, blouses, cardigans all can be found at these places. Department stores are also good places to look, you'll spend a bit more, but the quality is better. Be picky about what you spend the most money on. There are some pieces that you'll need to buy online or from a specialty shop, and they will cost more, but if you pick the right ones the price is worth it.

 

Here are a few threads that might help:

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/psychobilly-essentials

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/hippy-skirt-to-halter-dress

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/everyday-people-of-the-4...

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/1950s-basic-wardrobe

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/basic-1940s-wardrobe

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/binding-undergarments

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/fashion-of-mad-men

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/rockabilly-pin-up-girl

 

There are a ton more, just spend some time reading the fashion and shopping forum and you'll find tons of inspiration.

[Diira]

I noticed a lot of information on the type of jeans and pants to look for but what about shorts? Any suggestions/guidelines there?

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

Shorts should be high waisted, here is a thread that might help a bit, http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/high-waisted-shorts-help-me

[Belle Aire]

I shop at our local thrift stores. Last weekend I hit an awesome sale at our Goodwill, they had the leftover clearance marked down to 50 cents!!

[Lolita Black]

I would suggest looking at the pictures here of our lovely ladies and check out vintage pictures from back in the day as well to see the style. You can find some amazing things at thrift stores that are totally vintage or can give you the pinup look. Shorts can be high waisted (typically I like mine like that) but you can also find some modern ones that work with the style. For example I just got some pink gingham shorts at Macys for 8 bucks, they aren't high waisted but they totally work for my pinup style. I would also check any sales pinup clothing sites are having, sometimes it's still kinda pricey but you can find something nice. Ebay is ok, sometimes you find some cool pinup brands much cheaper but  alot of people sell them full price or close to full price. :) You've got a lot of choices so don't be too worried about it! Some vendors here give you a 10% discount for being a PL member too.

[Johanne Martinez]

well...I have noticed in myself, that hair and makeup make all the differance in your vintage look. Take a look on youtube there are many lovely and talented dolls(like lisa freemont street)

[Johanne Martinez]

for clothing I love shopping at the thirft store :)

 

[Scarlett_Rose]

I just found this thread and the tips on here are super helpful! Thanks so much for sharing ladies :o)

[ValerieAnn]

yes!!! i agree very helpful...cant wait to start having some fun with different looks and playing with the camera!! thanks girlies! :)