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

Party Like a Playgirl

Dress and Brooch - Enz's NYC
Tiara - Disneyland 

I am one of those people who's birthday is not a day, but an entire month. My real birthday is February 15, the day after Valentines day. This year I was able to extend it all the way through March 7, because with a little ingenuity a girl can do anything.  I started my birthday in New York City, but have no pictures from it because it was so cold and I was so busy. I managed to stop by two amazing stores while I was there, SlapBack NYC and Enz's NYC. I highly recommend both to any retro-inspired shoppers visiting New York! I found some amazing things in both shops, including this dress I got at Enz's. The moment I put it on I felt like Cinderella and I knew it would be perfect for my party. 

I haven't actually thrown a birthday party in three years! The last one I had was so over the top I didn't think any other would match it, but I was proven wrong. One thing I love about my birthday is how close it is to Valentines Day, everything is pink and red and covered in roses! It's perfect for decorating! With Valentines decorations still up, I baked cupcakes (with pink frosting), cookies, Elvis sandwiches, vegan chicken nuggets, fries, and chips. My friend Audrey found a vintage cocktail shaker, and mixed up some wonderful pink cocktails for us! In my book, it was perfect. The best part was my friends obliging me and dressing up like it was 1959. Everyone looked amazing, and it really made my birthday! I'm so grateful my party was such a success, I hope every year can be as great! 

This is only part of my birthday! Expect another post with a couple surprises soon! 

Love,

Rose Darling

My Favorite Country Music, My Guitar, and the Patsy Dress

To me, winter is the perfect time to sit down and work on projects you might be too busy for when it warms up and you get more active. Practicing guitar is always a project for me, I've been 'playing' for over 10 years, but mostly that means strumming a little while I sing a little too loud. I'm not a natural with my guitar, but I do try and that counts for something. I love music, especially country music, too much to hold back! Since this dress was inspired by Patsy Cline, I couldn't resist taking a few photos with my tiny guitar. I may not be able to play like a real Grand Old Opry star, but at least I can dress like one. 

Here is a little playlist I put together, in honor of my favorite country stars, and in honor of Johnny Cash's birthday (2/26/1932)! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! 

Love, 

Rose Darling 

Seattle Winter, Patsy Cline, and Bright Swing Dresses

Dress and Bolero - Trashy Diva
Shoes - Miss L-Fire
Photo Credit - Tell A Story Studio 

When I first saw the Patsy Dress and Bolero from the Trashy Diva, I knew I had to have it. It's inspired by Patsy Cline, which is reason enough for me to add it to my wardrobe. I have a huge weakness for country music, and all that it inspires. So a retro-inspired Western dress is something I could never turn down. I love this dress over all, I get compliments on it whenever I wear it! My only small complaint would be that its a little tight around my chest, but I am fairly well endowed, so this is not a dress-specific problem for me. I already have quite a collection of Trashy Diva dresses, they are so beautiful and well made, I consider them each a collectable. This dress is beautiful, comfortable, and truly elegant, a perfect winter addition to any pin up girls wardrobe.

 

Winter in Seattle is tough, it doesn't get very cold, but its very damp and windy. How is a pin up girl supposed to hold her look together? The trade off is that I get to wear swing dresses, sweaters, heels, and light jackets all winter and not freeze! The rain may hurt my hair, but it does leave room for some serious fashion. The Patsy dress is truly perfect for this weather, so pretty it will lift the mood of everyone who sees you and really break up the gray day. It even came with extra rhinestones, so I don't need to worry about losing one when I dance. I highly recommend twirling in it, what else is a good swing dress for?

Love,

Rose Darling 

Ps how cute is this gif someone made for me??