The Pinup’s Guide To Tiki Style

Anyone who follows me on social media probably knows that I am a self-confessed tiki fiend. If it’s Hawaiian print, chances are I’m already wearing it.

This post is pretty much a walk-through of some of my favourite outfits, and where to find the best accessories, something that I’ve always struggled with up until recently (think frantic 7am messages to AtomicAmber asking what I’m supposed to do jazz up a particular outfit that day…).   

Zsa Zsa – Lindy Bop 

Above: Quick picture with fantastic NVA finalist Peter Wayre & fellow Lindy Bop representative Christine, aka The Fabulous Times.

 First up, I thought I’d start with one of my most recent outfits, the Zsa Zsa dress from Lindy Bop, which I chose to wear to the National Vintage Awards last week.

One can never have too many wiggle dresses, and this is no exception. I loved the striking blue colour and the pop of the pink flowers and green leaves, a definite wardrobe staple for summer. The dress was super figure-hugging, but as it had plenty of stretch it didn’t feel restrictive at all. The dress also comes with an adorable matching bolero, but seeing as we had spent the past hour melting in a hotel room whilst trying to get glammed up, I decided to leave it out this time.  

Hell Bunny Hawaiian Circle Skirt 

Next up is another firm favourite, my Hawaiian Hell Bunny skirt (Available online from many resellers). I love how versatile this skirt is, this time I paired it with a Zoey top from Pinup Girl Clothing (which I need in every colour, please!)

Once again, I just had to pair this with my Bamboo box bag from Miss Bamboo. I picked up this beauty at their stall during Rockabilly Rave in June, after several forlorn months of staring at it online. An honourable mention goes to Luxulite for the fruity peach brooch that totally completes the outfit.

Hell Bunny Hawaiian Skirt (yes, another one!)

Hell Bunny has an absolutely huge range of circle skirts, and this one tops them all. Posing here outside our chalet during Rockabilly Rave, I paired this slice of tropical heaven with a plain bardot top, and some super sassy bamboo earrings and hair flower, both from Bow And Crossbones. 

One of my most favourite accessories is my parasol, which I also purchased at the festival from Miss Bamboo stall at Rave. (I practically threw my money at the lovely stall holder in sheer excitement). This parasol is even more precious to me as sunny days are so scarce here, so it’s a rare occasion when I can whip this out!   

A Tiki pinup would be nothing without her accessories, so here are a few of my essentials:

Wedges – Primark

Bamboo Bracelets – Audrey Stars Boutique

Bamboo Earrings and Flowers – Bow And Crossbones

Bamboo Woven Bag – Charity Shop  

Bonus Image! The Hawaiian madness doesn’t end with my wardrobe, and you can find these amazing homeware accessories in Asda George! 

I hope everyone has found this post informative and will inspire you to spice up your wardrobe with a little tiki touch! 

Until next time,

Olive x

The Professional Pinup - Vintage in the Workplace

Working hard...or hardly working?

Good thing I didn't wear my Bridget Jones knickers today!

One of the questions that I often ask my fellow Belles is "what are you wearing today?" We are a gang made up of a multitude of different occupations including; office babes, sales assistants, a warehouse sweetheart and a nurse. Just because a job is not the 'typical pinup' job doesn't mean us ladies can't look our best at work. You can be practical and comfortable and still look 110% babe-licious!

Top 10 Highstreet stores for Vintage style finds

Being the normal gals that we are, we can't always afford to always buy repro and vintage. I mean, who can? That's where our Great British High Street comes in to play. Yes, dotted between those charity shops we frequent lie retail stores galore, putting out products that appeal to vintage and modern minds alike. Here's a top 10 list of our favourites, in no particular order.

1. Primark

The infamous budget clothing store never fails to surprise us with it's selection. Amidst a sea of tackiness and novelty pyjamas, there are hidden gems to be found. With bardot tops starting from £3 and midi skirts galore, you could probably deck yourself out in a vintage-style ensemble for under a tenner. Bonkers! And let's not forget their gorgeous shoes, ankle straps, t bars and chunky heels. You're bound to find something you love, for a price you love too!

2. New Look

Us pinups are the luckiest girls in the world at the moment, now bardot tops are so on trend. You'll find loads in New Look, along with wiggle dresses of the same cut. Look out for their wrap tops at the moment too, for a cheaper alternative to Vivien of Holloway. The high street retailer are also great for their pinup-esque hosiery, as well. Keep an eye out for their seamed hold ups, £3 a pop in the sale!

3. Topshop

Ever the shop for being ahead of the trends, Topshop do vintage with a quirky twist just right. From their jeans to their lingerie, there is always something there for the modern pinup. They are totally the ones to watch for sweet crop tops this summer.

4. Ann Summers

Saucy! The kinky lingerie and sex toy shop's stockings rival the best. Look out for their buy one get one half prices deals in store and online.  While you're there, take a peek at their floaty babydolls and negliees for a sultry boudoir look.

5. Select

Not the first place you would think of, but grab one of their cheap fluffy jumpers teamed with a bullet bra for a 1950s sweater girl look.

6. H&M

Did we not all transition from wearing solely H&M 'divided' and showing it off on our myspace pages before we were pinups? Head back to your old favourite shop and grab some of their scoop neck tees. But here's the deal-wear them BACKWARDS to create a classy slash neck look, with a scoop back! Genius!

7. Dorothy Perkins

Dotty P's love a good midi skirt, and were even kind enough to pop a couple in to their basic range! Team with a pair of their killer colour pop stilettos and your backwards H&M tee for an Audrey Hepburn inspired look.

8. Matalan

Look no further for pencil skirts, because Matalan have your butt covered (literally!). They are also fab for retro style swimming cozzies. They are also worth a mention for their midi skirts and dresses.

9. Asda

You knew it would be on here! Not only do they supply us with a few of our favourite fluffy jumpers and bikinis, but we would be no where without their gorgeous pinup girl inspired bedding and homeware! Grab a packet of crisps and a sarnie while you're there!

10. TK Maxx

If you have the patience to rummage through this shop-come-jumble-sale, we assure you, you'll find some gooduns. TK have been known to stock BB favourite footwear brands B.A.I.T, Irregular Choice and Mel, fantastic hosiery brands such as Wolford and Falke, Maidenform and Marilyn Monroe shapewear, and cute retro inspired homeware and baking accessories. BB Sophie even found Agent Provocateur perfume there over Christmas! It may take you a day, but you'll get there!

We hope this has helped you in your quest for cheap an cheerful essentials! Go forth and shop, pinup babes.

Ask the British Belles - #2

Hello beauties!

A few days ago, we asked our followers on Instagram to ask us questions for our weekly feature, Ask the British Belles (#asktheBBs!)


@victoriana22_ asks: Are there any pinup style online clothing shops for petite girls?

Alice: Vivien of Holloway go down to a 24" waist, and even have 22" in store (limited to 2 styles of circle skirt). Also, Collectif size 6 fits me snug. 

Olive: Heels are your best friend. Even comfy mid heels you can find in Primark can give you a good vintage look! Also for clothes, being able to alter clothes or knowing a good haberdasher helps a lot. 

Miss VV: I use 'Stitches' in Birmingham if I'm too lazy to do it myself! Costs usually under £20. Ooh, and belts are your best friend! 

Fifi: I am no where near petite but I know BB favourite (and UK brand!) Lindy Bop do a fantastic petite range.

@m.loisel asks: Can you please plan something fabulous for us UK ladies who aren't going to Viva Las Vegas this year! The jealousy is too much haha!

Fifi: What a fabulous idea! We have all had a little natter about it and are pleased to say that we are going to arrange The British Belles Present: The Pinup Picnic for fabulous vintage vixens who aren't going to VLV! More details to come in due time...

Miss VV: Yay! How exciting! 

@frizzylois asks: Do you have any tips for styling curly/frizzy hair in 40s/50s styles?

Amber: I'd say do a head set with heated rollers to smooth out and get shape, then prolong it by doing pincurls with a good setting lotion like Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion and brushing out with a Denman brush. Finding a good oil or serum is essential of keeping frizz at bay.

We will be answering 3 questions a week so if yours isn't shown this week (and it hasn't already been answered on Instagram) just hold out for next week's installment.


Love always,

We apologise for the change of schedule...

In order to comply with some of the other beautiful ladies in the UK vintage scene, we have made the collective decision to re-brand from 'shells to Belles. 

As we are still in the early stages of our little journey, we hope that agree with us when we say this will not affect things too much!

Nothing but our name is changing (even our initials are the same!) and we hope you will continue to stick with us on our exciting adventure.

The 12 Days of Christmas will continue as usual tomorrow with our wonderful Alice.

Love and sparkles,

Interview with Georgina Horne of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust

Hello Belles! Today's post is the first of what is to become a recurring feature for the blog- Interviews! To be more specific, interviews with people or companies who are prominent and influential in the modern vintage scene.

First up is British Blogger and internet personality Georgina Horne, the mind and body behind Fuller Figure Fuller Bust, the UK plus-size fashion and lingerie blog. We love the beautiful George for her no-nonsense attitude towards body snark, her witty sense of humour, her absolutely mouth watering food posts and of course for her envy-inducing wardrobe!

George in the 'Estella' dress that she helped design for Lady V London

Our very own Fifi Von Fosse had a chat with Georgina about all things Belle!