The Summer of the Pin Up Girl

The Summer of the Pin Up Girl

Soooooo, I am a real woman.  I have curves and breasts, no six pack (my children took care of that for me), thighs, no saline implants, no lipo, no nip/tuck and no ass shots (even though I am seriously considering getting some).  In other words, I am real.  Even though I am actively working out, watching what I eat, and fantasizing about my new sexy body...I doubt I'll ever look like the women in the magazines.  Nor do I want to be a size 00.  Emaciated with a huge bobble head is not what I consider a good look.  Sorry anorexics...just not my cup of tea.

**Disclaimer: Just to avoid confusion, not all size 0 girls look like emaciated bobble heads. What I was trying to express in what I thought was a humorous way is when I get too thin I look like an emaciated bobblehead...because I have a large head. There it is. I am not considered plus size, nor am I anti curvy or anti thin**

With my fashion styling and makeup courses through QC Academy, I have been immersed in styles, trends, colors and fashion.  I have learned more about my own personal style and what appeals to me.  I have also learned about what cuts, drapes, and silhouettes look best on different body shapes.  Since my basic style of dress consists of classic shapes and cuts, (and I have a real womans body) this summer I am going all out pin up girl.

That's right, all out 40's/50's/pin up girl.  Think Betty Grable, Bettie Page, classic shapes, detailing to highlight lovely lady lumps, A Line skirts, sweetheart necklines, red lipstick, polka dots, garter belts, thigh highs, and high waists and fitted capri's to cover up other lady bumps one doesn't necessarily want to share with the world.

Here's some of my personal pin up girl inspirations:

Betty Grable the Iconic Pinup Girl

All these bathing suits are in style now!

Loving the face Annazette is giving!

Ole cutie Kelly Rowland

Taken from http://thepinupgirldiet.blogspot.com/

Taken from http://thepinupgirldiet.blogspot.com/

Taken from http://thepinupgirldiet.blogspot.com/

Etta Rae for Jet Magazine

Bettie Page and Ms. Millard

Bey channeled her inner pin up girl for the "Why Don't You Love Me" video

With all that inspiration, here are some amazing pieces I have found at Sammy Dress, She Inside, ModCloth and Necessary Clothing!

1) ModCloth Socialite Up the Room Dress $139.99
2) ModCloth Cookie Decorating Contest Bag $44.99
3) Necessary Clothing Anne Sunglasses $9.99
4) Sammy Dress Vintage Halterneck Cross Stripe Six Button Swimsuit $10.50
5) ModCloth Vivacious and Vibrant Dress in Noir $49.99
6) SheInside White Contrast Black Sleeveless Vintage Floral Dress $34.10

That bathing suit is to die for!  Plus the cut of the bottoms will hide what motherhood did to me! (smile) While I am getting all dolled up, what are you rocking this summer?!

As always, Happy Shopping!

PS You can connect with me on:

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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IHEARTRetailTherapy

Twitter: @HEARTRetail

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**DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using this link. 

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I'm Still in Love!!!

I'm Still in Love!!!

For the past few weeks, the Hubby and I have been in a love daze...I feel like Minnie Riperton, walking around the house singing "Loving You".  The Hubby and I have been together for 13 years and married for 8...so when you have these moments of remembering what it was that brought you together (especially after you have numerously contemplated kicking him in the head for leaving the toilet seat up for the millionth time)...it is...well... amazing...energizing...refreshing...wonderful...you get the hint.

At times, we get lost in the daily routine, of kids, diapers, work, car repairs, bills, other concerns and of course, Scandal; and your relationship suffers.  You start taking your partner for granted and you find yourself annoyed at the sound of their breathing (well, maybe that's just me).  During my morning meditation (also known as cleaning the house) I realized, hey, I'm still in love with my husband and I have really been digging on him lately.  Wow. (That was my thought verbatim) We haven't really done anything different, no kinky stuff...well, not really...so I can't tell you why or how we are in this space...we just are...and I, for one, am not questioning it!

With all this mushy, lovey dovey feeling going around, I want to do something nice for the man in my life.  Yes, I am having a Beyonce moment...

Who could forget that line?!  As much as I abhorred that line (and male short sets) when the song first came out...I understand her! (at least now I do)  However, I have a dilemma. As you should be able to piece together by the title of my blog, I absolutely love shopping.  I adore designer labels, no name brands, and useless crap from the Dollar Tree.  My Hubby, while not quite the shopper, he doesn't like to spend money as freely, yet he likes high end, designer, luxury, expensive, clothing, goods, and gadgets.  So whatever I buy him has to appeal to his love of gadgets and luxury goods. (On a budget) 
  
While trying to find my love something unique, that his other male, name brand whore, friends don't have, I came across Trunk Club.

Trunk Club is this awesome service for fashionable men that pairs them up with their very own stylist!  The stylist picks out personalized pieces, to fit the clients likes and lifestyle, and sends them the goodie "trunk" (actually a box)  In my case, the Hubby will try the pieces and keep (and pay for) only what he wants!  No subscription fees, nor hidden charges and shipping is absolutely free!  Trunk Club also works with the wives (me!) to help put together looks for the hubbies.

It's that easy.

From Trunk Club's web site:

"Trunk Club was started to solve a simple problem – shopping for clothes in stores or online just doesn’t work for most guys. It’s overwhelming, inconvenient, and takes way too much time. With Trunk Club, guys discover awesome clothes that are perfect for them without ever having to go shopping. We combine top brands, expert service, and unparalleled convenience to deliver a highly personalized experience that helps guys look their best and saves them time.

We scour the planet for the very best in men’s apparel and curate an ever-evolving assortment of pieces from our favorite designers. With the best inventory anywhere as our point of departure, a Stylist on our team hand-selects a trunk of items based on each customer’s needs and tastes. They keep what they love and send the rest right back to us, at no cost to them."

Isn't that awesome?!

I chose Trunk Club for the Hubby, because while he owns a clothing store, most of his clothes are LA street style and I want him to get his "grown man" on.  Even Jay Z retired his streetwear for suits and slacks.  Furthermore, my hubby has a passion for fashion, so hand picked designer pieces directly to our door, AND he doesn't have to pay for it?!  I think he will love this gift that keeps on giving!  To check out Trunk Club for you or your significant other click here www.trunkclub.com.

The second idea I stumbled across, while shopping for myself (sshhh!), was VitaMan. 

"VitaMan offers an innovative and diverse range of skin care, hair care and shaving products for men. Based in Sydney, VitaMan is Australia’s first men’s natural grooming range to use native indigenous plant, herb and fruit extracts. VitaMan is acclaimed both locally and internationally and is the brand of choice at some of the most luxurious resorts, hotels and spas worldwide."

VitaMan has everything for the hubbies skin, shaving and hair care needs.  VitaMan has natural body scrubs, moisturizers, cleansers, after shave care, and hair care products to help the man in your life look and smell his very best.

I am going to buy the Travel Kit but I am going to order this Exfoliating Soap with Patchouli, Cinnamon and Sandalwood.

It just looks manly and the mixture of patchouli, cinnamon and sandalwood sounds like it will have my hubby smelling delicious!  If you are interested in VitMan products visit Beauty on a Budget here http://www.beautyonabudget.com.au/.  ALSO, to get 20% off all VitaMan products, use promocode VITAMAN

To love and shopping!

P.S You can connect with me on:

Instagram: @IHEARTRetailTherapy

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IHEARTRetailTherapy

Twitter: @HEARTRetail

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Google+: +I HEART Retail Therapy 

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Style Icon of the Week: Marni Senofonte

Style Icon of the Week: Marni Senofonte

Lately, I have been totally style crushing on Marni Senofonte.  (Hence: Style Icon of the Week)  I have read her name before in photoshoot credits and was aware of her styling for clients, but my total obsession with Marni started when I followed her on Instagram (@marnixmarni).  Her Instagram page has provided me multiple fashiongasms over 2013. Multiple!  I really didn't think I had it in me. (smile) What really sent me over the edge however, was her white gown for Ms. Tina Knowles 60th birthday bash.  Wow.  Of course Ms. Tina, Queen Bey, Solange, and Kelly did their own thing, but I could not take my eyes off of Marni.  In every shot.  On everyone's Instagram page, who were invited to the bash.  If I was there, I wouldn't have taken any pictures with Marni! Yes, it was that real.

The dress...and fabulous mask.

See what I mean?  I wouldn't have posed for any picture with her, she looks that fabulous!

Marni Senofonte is a celebrity stylist guru, who has worked with every celebrity who is worth mentioning for the past 15 years.  Everyone from Kelly Rowland, Beyonce, Cassie, Diddy, Lauryn Hill, the Kardashians, Monica…you name them, she’s styled them.  And oh, how she has styled them!

Work Kelly!

Marni credits her start to Misa Hylton-Brim, also a celebrity stylist guru in her own right, while working at Norma Komali.  From an interview with Vibe Vixen, “Truth be told, Misa Hylton-Brim. I was working at Norma Komali, the clothing store, and Misa used to always come in and shop for SWV and Total and all these people. We just formed a relationship, and it was funny because she got pregnant with her second baby, right after she had Justin, and needed help. I was helping her out with a Total video, so truly Misa took me from Norma Komali.” 

I have these pants!

“I helped Misa out while she was pregnant right up until she gave birth to her baby, but I was still working at Norma Komali. Then, Lauryn Hill saw something that I did and tracked me down and and it was Salt-N-Pepa and Lauryn Hill. Like, I literally left Norma Komali and Salt-N-Pepa it went on their last tour. It was kinda crazy. It was funny because they were doing a cover shoot for Us magazine, and they wouldn’t get dressed. Marvet [Britto] knew Norma Komali, and I was in Norma’s PR department, so I brought over each one of them an outfit, never knowing that you had to bring racks and racks of clothing. I brought Sandy something, Cheryl something, Spin something and they loved it. It was on the cover, then they’re like, ‘Come work on the tour!’ I was so young, so I left Norma Komali, went on the road with Naughty by Nature and Salt-N-Pepa. It was the most fun I ever had in my whole life That was the beginning of the best stories. From there, I went straight to Lauryn Hill, and I was heavy with Lauryn Hill for years.” 

And the rest is fashion history.  Marni Senofonte embodies NYC attitude, without all the black, in lots of layers and bold accessories.  Some of the best celebrity fashion moments were master minded by Marni.  So, without further ado…covet Marni’s style.  Be inspired!

Cassie always looks beautiful!  I am digging the blazer and gladiator thigh highs!

Cassie

Sean John Ad

Spank Rock on the cover of Fader. Marni did her thing, because this is the best I have ever seen him look.

Lauryn looks so elegant

Alicia looks ethereal!

My future ex husband, styled by Marni

I need that red bag.

Love it.  Absolutely love it.

I don't know if I could pull this look off, but I damn sure am going to try!

Kelly looks stunning!

Love Marni's layered look, with the shiny sneaks and top

Lala Anthony

Ciara

Kelly again

Marni

Marni again!

I absolutely adore the way she rocks accessories!

 *All photos were taken from Marni's Instagram page @marnixmarni and her Tumblr http://marnimarnimarni.tumblr.com/* 

Marni and her style is absolutely amazing.  Her stylings are so creative they inspire tons of your favorite bloggers lookbooks...including this one right here.  If you are amazed by her accessory pieces and pairings, check out yesterdays Friday Flash Sale here.  I have hand picked pieces and styled them with Ms. Senofonte in mind, so you can update your own accessory story.  Furthermore, I am running great sales and discounts, so get to shopping while supplies last!

Also, as an ode to Marni Senofonte's pure awesomeness, I put together a style shop on Thred Up!  You will find plenty of layerable pieces with the color, pattern, texture and shine that is inspired by Marni's fresh and edgy style!  Check it out here:

Style Shop Inspired by Marni Senofonte

I have way more black in this Style Shop than Marni would (hey, I am a New Yorker) but I am sure you will find dazzling pieces that you can mix, layer and accessorize! As an added bonus, you will get most of the name brand pieces for less than $20!  Yes, less than 20 bucks!  Get yourself a whole new wardrobe today!

As always happy shopping!

PS Connect with me on:

Instagram: @IHEARTRetailTherapy

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IHEARTRetailTherapy

Twitter: @HEARTRetail

Pinterest: RetailTherapy1

Google+: +I HEART Retail Therapy 

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When I Grow Up I Want to be an Old Woman

When I Grow Up I Want to be an Old Woman

I have never been afraid of aging. I don't know if it's because the women in my family age so gracefully...or because I never bought into the youth obsessed culture we live in. Everywhere we look, we are bombarded with pills, creams, tighteners, brighteners, shapers, and surgeries that we are told we need to stay youthful. Most of the models used for advertisements are comfortably younger than 25 years old. Some were into Hana Montana the year prior, but that's another story all together.

Youth is wonderful, it really is. However, it's such a short period of our lives! I refuse to believe that we peak in highschool or college, and if you feel you did...well, I feel sorry for you. I created this post to celebrate the beauty of all ages. Since the beauty of youth is celebrated daily, I specifically sought out older women to highlight.


So in my search to find beautiful older women, I came across the Ms. Senior America Pageant.  I am so going to enter in 29 years! (yikes, I didn't realize how close it was!)

According to the website, the Ms. Senior America Pageant,

 "The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the "Age of Elegance."  It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure.  It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society."

Let me tell you this pageant is awesome!

The current pageant winner

Kudos to all of these beautiful women!  For more information click here

Without further adieu, beauties of all ages!

 Beauties in their 30's:

I wanted to find a picture where she wasn't all done up and this shot fit perfectly.  Minimal makeup except for the red lip which I adore.

I really wasn't offended by M.I.A giving people the finger during the Super Bowl.  I mean, get over yourselves.  As much as I like football, let's be honest here...What do most people do during the Super Bowl?  Drink, curse, eat and gamble.  If that isn't an environment conducive to giving someone the finger, I don't know what is.  However, I digress.  Believe it or not M.I.A is 37!  Yes darling, and she looks marvelous!

Beauties in their 40's

Salma Hayek, 'nuff said.

Halle Berry, Halle Berry...Yes, Miss Thing is in her 40's and let me tell you, I wish I looked half as good as she does now!

Beauties in their 50's

Yes, Madge has had some work...and I have seen her looking less than fabulous but for 54...she looks pretty damn good.

Yves St Laurent once said Iman was his dream woman, and at 56, we can all see why.

Beauties in their 60's:

Vera Wang is 63.  Yes 63.  She is super stylish and still beautiful.

Beauties in their 70's and beyond!

=

Carmen Dell'Orefice is hands down one of the most strikingly beautiful women I have ever seen.  I personally think she is more beautiful now than when she was younger...but that's just me.  By the way, she is 72.

**Correction**Carmen Dell'Orefice  is 81!!!! 

Our obsession with youth is detrimental to us all.  Besides the shallow aspects of beauty, we are largely ignoring seniors who can offer us wisdom, experience and tradition in our fast paced, overly stressed lives.  Furthermore, this is just an opinion, but our obsession with youth seemingly breeds pedophilia, one simply has to watch Dateline NBC's Chris Hanson, To Catch a Predator to come to that conclusion.

Besides the child predators, this obsession with its multi billion dollar marketing machine telling us we are not thin, youthful, or pretty enough is damaging to our self esteem.  I encountered a seven year old who told me she was counting calories!  A seven year old for god sakes! Things have gotten so out of hand, that vaginal rejuvenation (a.k.a designer vaginas) is quickly becoming one of the most sought after plastic surgeries.  God forbid our vijayjay doesn't look like whatever porn stars vagina!  Because really, we should all aspire to be like porn stars.  (Is there a surgery for saggy testicles? I'm just saying.)

I have no answers, I have no idea what will turn our society's attitude towards aging.  Yet, we all need to embrace our age, our looks, our lives and our bodies no matter what age!

So how do you feel about age and aging?  Which one of these beauties do you admire, and why?

 PSSST, by the way...I am apart of this awesome Monday Mom Mingle! Check it out

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