Showing posts with label pin up style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pin up style. Show all posts

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

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

Wednesday, 7 January 2015

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,

Monday, 22 December 2014

The 12 Day's Of Christmas - Atomic Amber



Aloha Peaches!
 My name is Amber Rose and I am a lipstick-loving tea-drinking part time blogger/full time cafe worker (yaaawn!) with a lust for lurex and bargains! My real passion naturally lies in my blog which is www.AtomicAmber.blogspot.com - I write about all things Pin Up, including lifestyle and fashion with the occasional hair tutorial! The aim of my blog is mainly to show your everyday girl that you don't need to spend £££+ to achieve that perfectly polished Pin Up style! I live by the seaside in East Sussex with my lovely boyfriend Patrick and my miniature Jack Russell - Django. 
I have loved vintage for around 5ish years but leaned more towards mid-century about two years ago and I have never looked back since. To be honest, I can't actually remember why I decided to switch eras but I do remember the first day I wanted to! It was when I was meeting my Dad and I just had the desire to try bumper bangs. I instantly fell in love. I will hunt down the selfie I took from before I went out for dinner that night!


No laughing! This was exactly 96 weeks ago! And the Instragram caption was 'I want to be a Pin Up!'

There are many reasons why I adore Pin Up style... The sense of community, how feminine it is and the fact that it's a style for everyone, no matter what size/race/age you are. It looks just a good on a size 18 20 year old as it does on a size 8 45 year old! I also like the fact there aren't any solid rules here. Just wear what you like and OWN it! I do think you naturally become more confident as soon as you start embracing the vintage style because let's face it you can't be a wallflower in a killer wiggle dress and a bright red lip!
My most vintage idols are Diana Dors (Of course!), Jayne Mansfield and Betty Grable. My modern day icons are Micheline Pitt, Doris Mayday, Tina De Vere, Vintage Vandalizm and WitchyBabyPinup. If you want some fabulous hair inspiration then my top two are Diablo Rose and His Vintage Touch - who are both firm Bombshell favourites!
For Christmas I'd really love Santa (or my lovely boyfriend ;D!!!!!) to bring me a mesh waspie corset from Orchard Corset, some gorgeous sparkly's from Bow And Crossbones, Hug Me Baby Jeans from Lady K Loves and some B.A.I.T shoes. Not asking for much, right? Hahah! I have done a blog post with my full Christmas List (http://atomicamber.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/christmas-wish-list.html) and if you're stuck for ideas, I have also done a couple of gift guides over on Atomic Amber too!


Find me:
Instagram - @AmberRoseTheron 
Facebook - Atomic Amber
Thanks so much for reading my little peaches! I hope you got to know Moi a little bit more ;)
All my love, hugs and mistletoe kisses,
Amber Rose, xo



Wednesday, 17 December 2014

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,


Thursday, 4 December 2014

Tips and Tricks - Mini Post #1!

We were asked on our Instagram by @rockabella___ how we store our hair scarves, as she always finds them balled up in the bottom of her wardrobe! 

Here is our answer!
The hanger is a simple accessories hanger from Primark, however I'm sure you'd be able to pick one up from any home-ware store! This way of storage is so effective, especially if you have a tenancy to lose or tangle your nylon scarves. I usually keep mine hanging on my wardrobe door, however you could easily keep it on the rail or even up on the wall as pictured! The hanger itself cost a staggering £2, so it's not really a bank breaker. Cheap and easy!

If you liked this tip and want to give it a try, make sure to take a snap on instagram and tag us @thebritishbelles along with our hashtag #thebritishbelles as we would love to see. Alternatively, send us a link in the comments below.

Love and Kisses,


Monday, 1 December 2014

Pin Up Problems




We all have them. There's always going to be a morning where we look at our slightly lack lustre pincurls or chipped red manicure and think to ourselves- WWDDD? (What would Diana Dors do, of course...)
Now, in most cases, Diana would have probably dropped everything and had a wild sex party. Seeing as that isn't really on the cards for most of us Belles, we must turn the situation around and make the most of it.

Here is a list of our top 5 Pin Up Problems, and how they can easily be solved.

Thursday, 27 November 2014

The Black Friday Phenomenon

Black Friday is a blessed thing. Ignoring the mania and sometimes-scary happenings that come out of the in-store sales in America, the Black Friday savings phenomena has spread to our favourite domain: the online shopping world. And there are few domains we love more than Pinup Girl Clothing's.

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