The Timeless Importance of a Thank You Card

It is easy to forget how important a personal touch can be in an era where all communication is done with email and messaging. However; we must be careful not to forget the most fundamental etiquette in communication, such as, the Thank You note.

A personal touch of gratitude does wonders, especially for your relationships. When someone gives you something, you want to thank them with the same enthusiasm they gave you. This principle extends beyond a gift, it can be used for anyone who helps you or does you a favor. A well written note is the gold standard for manners, especially in a world of technology. Taking the time to write someone to thank them for brightening up your life is a show of sincere appreciation. 

To write a good thank you note, you want to write sincerely, and consider the person you're writing to as much as you consider what they have given you. For example, maybe you use the first paragraph to say how much you loved the gift, and the second paragraph to say you hope they are well and you look forward to seeing them at Christmas. This adds a distinct personal touch, and shows gratitude that is less material than it is personal. 

If someone has given you money, it is most polite to tell them what you plan on doing with it. Perhaps you intend to spend that $50 at Sephora, let them know how exciting that will be for you, and as bright lipstick is your signature look, you'll be thinking of them every time you wear it. If you are thanking them for a favor, let them know how much they truly helped you. I encourage a personalized card, a pre-written thank you comes across as insincere. You want to be sure and add your own personal touch to the card.

Thank you cards are most appropriate for when something is sent to you, or when they giver wasn't there when you received it. No gift is too small to express gratitude for, and no amount of time is too long to say thank you. A timely thank you is within 3 months of when you received it. While it may seem like a daunting task, remember that the intention of a thank you card is to make the person you're writing to feel appreciated too. After all, that is what good etiquette is for, making the people around us feel comfortable and appreciated.

Queen of Hearts

Photography by Tell A Story Studio 

Alice in Wonderland has always been one of my favorite books and Disney films. I could get lost in that fantasy, talking flowers, anxious rabbits, and ridiculous creatures. It has never stopped enchanting my imagination. So I was very excited when Pin Up Girl Clothing released their own Alice inspired dresses with illustrations from artist, Stephanie Buscema. I'm wearing their famous Lydia dress, featuring Buscema's Queen of Hearts artwork as a border print.  

Pinup Girl Clothing understands the way into this Disney Dolls heart, and this print is just one of many adorable Disney-themed outfits they make. It's an unusual color choice for me, but I appreciate it more for its use of yellow and green. I don't find those colors to be very flattering on me, but with the black halter to frame my chest and hair, it works without clashing and is a welcome change in my wardrobe. 

The fit is what many pin ups have come to expect from Pinup Girl, comfortable yet curve-hugging. I wear a size small, and found it true to size. My cleavage felt like a little much on the first wear, but I don't consider that too much of a problem. You have to give credit to a dress so well constructed that even a larger bust can be accommodated without struggle in a halter! This is a fantastic dress for warmer weather, I intend to wear it all summer! 

Trove Vintage Boutique

Trove Vintage Boutique, by Tell A Story Studio

I have been hearing about Trove for years, the ever changing window displays seem to catch the eye of every one who sees them. I've had friends, colleagues, and even strangers stop me to make sure I've been to this store. It is a rare gem of Seattle, combining modern pin up style and beautifully curated vintage in one whimsical store. 

The shop feels at once like a gallery and like your dream living room. It's almost impossible to enter with out finding something that catches your eye, every thing is laid out beautifully and every where you look you find something new and beautiful. It makes me feel like Audrey Hepburn staring into the window of Tiffanys, a magical home away from home. You could lose yourself in this setting, becoming totally enveloped in the charm of your surroundings. 

The owner, Cyrena, has an eye for beauty. She has always loved decorating and creative hobbies, as well as vintage clothing.  Over time that led her to open her own store, and we're so lucky to have it! As much as its a vintage shop, it's different from many in that it is so welcoming and cheery, it's a place to hang out. It's a store where you can slow down, it has some thing to appeal to all your senses. Scented candles at the front of the shop, your favorite music playing, candies by the cash register, and more clothes to feel and look at then you can imagine. 

The special beauty of vintage that drives so many to buy it is not lost at Trove. For many, they aren't just clothes. They have their own story, their own history. As we adopt them into our lives, that story expands, and is adopted by the owner. Buying vintage isn't just about getting a new dress, it's about finding a home for them. Whether that's mixing modern with vintage, or going all vintage. The displays around the store will inspire you to do both.

This store doesn't speak to one type of vintage. As the window displays attest, the stock is every changing. There is some thing for every body, from every decade. As a pin up girl, I love the 50s and 60s, and particularly love the wealth of accessories. There is even a vanity where hairstylist, Marjory Mercury comes to do retro hair a couple times a month! Miss Rockabilly Ruby even taught a class in their hair studio a few weeks ago. It also carries many styles from the 30s, all the way through the 80s. For many modern playgirls, this is true vintage. Far enough away that it probably wasn't in your moms closet, but so timeless you can wear it for years to come. 

It is so wonderfully curated and styled, you will undoubtedly find inspiration for your next outfit when you walk in the store. It speaks to a lifestyle, a sensibility to slow down, take in what's around you, and revel in expressing who you are. This is not a place for fast fashion, that superficial trend. This is a place for women to come who want to be bold, to embrace their unique personality, and find the perfect outfit and accessories to do just that. 

The Elusive Perfect Red - Besame Lipstick

Dress from Trashy Diva
Photos by Audrey O'Neil at Tell A Story Studio

From the moment I started to wear makeup, I've been wearing red lipstick. Not only is it the classic retro shade, but it's so strong. Like many pin up staples, its not for the faint of heart. It lights up your face and it defines your features like no other shade can. My love for red lipstick has even inspired one of my tattoos. I've searched and searched and tried many different shades, and usually stick to MAC classics like Ruby Woo, Relentlessly Red, and Russian Red. Dita Von Teese seems to swear by MAC, replacing the tubes of lipstick with vintage gold embellished tubes she finds in antique stores.

I felt like I struck a goldmine when I stumbled across Besame Cosmetics. Besame creates makeup based off former makeup practices, almost cosmetic anthropology. From cake mascara, to violet brightening powder with boudoir brushes, Besame has vintage makeup covered. Their packaging is as beautiful as the products they hold, everything comes in gold embellished cases that look like you might have found them in your local antique mall. The lipsticks themselves are dated by year, from 1920 - 1969, and the website will tell you their inspiration, many were inspired by Old Hollywood Starlets.

 I chose their 1959 Red Hot Red, touted to be based off Marilyn Monroe's favorite shade. It's a warm red, and a semi matte. Semi-matte scared me a little, former experiences with not-fully-matte lipsticks had left me with bleeding lipstick, and a lip line that grew larger every time i tried to cover my bleed marks up. I was pleasantly surprised when my lipstick arrived, it was smooth enough that my lips didnt dry out, but didn't move around either. I wore it all day at the salon, eating candy, drinking tea, and only having to retouch after a big lunch. I've even worn it to my hot yoga class, and it's survived so well, I've been recommending it to all my fellow yogis post class. 

I'm looking forward to trying more makeup from Besame. I'm so impressed with the quality and presentation of the product, their lipsticks are so beautiful and easy to wear. The tube its self is a unique, tipped shape. I find this makes the application easier, and you can use one side as a lip liner too. My lipstick tube usually takes this shape after a lot of wear and tear anyway, so it suited me just fine. Besame has created the perfect blend of long wearing practicality and beautiful presentation to make any vintage heart swoon.

Love, 

Rose Darling 

A Charming Blue Dress

Dress - Pin Up Girl Clothing
Photo Credit - Tell A Story Studio

I love flying. Boarding a plane always feels glamorous to me, and I never miss the opportunity to dress up. I rather pride myself on my ability to dress comfortably, but still stylish when I hit the sky. I grew up on the East coast, and moved to the West coast a few years ago, but I still go back and forth quite a bit. Flying back and forth serves as a good reminder of the independence I've found out here. I'm proud to have found my place, feeling powerful and independent, but unafraid to be vulnerable and ladylike. I firmly believe this lovely, feminine, independence is important, and I know the women behind this dress would agree.

The print is from Mary Blair, who was a Disney illustrator, a Disney legend, and a true pioneer in her field. Working at Disney in the early 50s, she was behind many classic Disney films and even some of
Disneyland's art and architecture. Pin Up Girl Clothing used some of her private illustrations to create a whimsical collection, and reintroducing her to a new generation of Disney fans! It's a fantastic collaboration, Pin Up Girl Clothing itself is a woman-owned fashion line. They make beautiful clothes for women of all shapes and sizes. This dress is the Heidi dress, with and A-line skirt and a sweetheart neckline, it's sure to flatter everybody. 

The light blue of the dress is what caught me at first, and I think the red piping and belt really makes it pop. I chose to pair my dress with a pearl necklace, for the ultimate ladylike glamour. My shoes are Miss L Fire, a brand I practically live in. The conservatory in a local park made the perfect exotic background for this jet-setters dress. I can only imagine the other adventures this dress and I will go on. 

Love,

Rose Darling

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Just a Backwoods Barbie: Inspiration from Dolly Parton

   

Dress from Fables by Barrie
Boots are vintage
Photo credit - Tell a Story Studio 

Dolly Parton has been a staple in country music for over 50 years now. The original "Backwoods Barbie", she's made it clear that you can be a country bombshell and still have an incredible career and a carry a strong message.  Dolly reminds us that true beauty is not found in hair, makeup, or through plastic surgery. It's in how we treat others, and how we give back to the world around us. From the beginning of her career, Dolly Parton has made it her mission to find beauty and see love in everyone she meets, no matter how they have treated her. She has continued to treat everyone she meets and everything that has happened to her as a blessing. Armed with a big heart and Southern sass, she captured the hearts of millions around the world through music, movies, the Dollywood theme park, and her imagination library. The imagination library is her non profit organization that gives a child one free book a month from the time they're born until they are 5 years old. Dolly expects nothing in return for these acts, not even fame, but does them to honor her fans and her beginnings in a poor family in the mountains of Tennessee. Dolly encourages and inspires us to live authentically, dream big, and always have an open heart. Dolly is such an incredible role model, it just felt natural to pay tribute in the best way I know how: some fashion and a photoshoot. 

Top by Heart of Haute
Skirt from Fables by Barrie 

Dress from Pin Up Girl Clothing 

Some of my favorite clothes have a western style, and I couldn't pass up using the Fables by Barrie fringe dress and skirt (top by Heart of Haute) or the Pin Up Girl Clothing bandana print dress I got at a PUG Yardsale. Fables by Barrie is a great clothing line, the clothes are well made and so cute and unique. I love the Pony Tales collection, it's all Western-inspired and I plan on getting more for the summer! Fables by Barrie also carry a wide array of swimsuits, perfect for the 4th of July. Pin Up Girl Clothing is another fantastic, high quality line. They offer a huge selection of clothing for all body types, and are constantly debuting new items. Their Pin Up Girl Yardsale Online section is a great way to score some of their cute clothes at lower prices, most of them are almost new or lightly worn. I scored this dress in person at their booth at Viva Las Vegas, I was so lucky to find it there! They no longer carry this print, but have many dresses in the same cut and style. The boots are vintage, and I wish i had more outfits to wear them with. I added some extra glamour with hair and makeup, making it a little over the top is just my style. Nothing says Dolly Parton like big blonde hair and a smile, the perfect finishing touches to all these looks!

Love,

Rose Darling

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Barbie Dream Birthday

Dress - Pin Up Girl Clothing
Earrings - Dazzalite
Tiara - Disneyland

Its not a celebration until there is a costume change, and I knew this Voodoo Vixen dress from Pin Up Girl Clothing would be a perfect finale dress. I felt like Barbie in it, which means it's pretty close to perfect. I'm a little bit obsessed with PUG, their clothes are expertly designed and incredible quality. On top of that, their prices are fairly low, they have sizes for everyone, and their site is huge! Needless to say, I'm a huge fan. 

I was nervous about this dress at first, mostly for sizing. The fabric stretches a little, and I had heard that with this dress you don't need a bra, that it is fairly supportive. I tend to be in between sizes, and as previously mentioned, pretty busty. When it arrived however,  it fit like an absolute dream. My guests even gave me a standing ovation when I came down the stairs in this number! Of course it was only complete with my flamingo pink Dazzalite earrings, and my tiara! 

After the party, my wonderful friend Audrey sent me this video she made! I absolutely died when I watched it, it's the perfect little memory! I'm so grateful to have so many loving and supportive friends, they really made my birthday great!

Love, 

Rose Darling