Retro Photo Shoot: The 50's Couple

Before Christmas I had the pleasure of photographing my dear friends, Mananya and Owen, for a vintage inspired photo shoot. They're a very loving couple, and so natural together in front of the camera. With Valentine's Day around the corner I thought it might be nice to share some photos of my afternoon with them. 

When I arrived at their home they were both looking quite dapper; Owen had already set the mood with a 50's music station on Pandora, and Mananya was baking up a fresh plate of cookies.

Mananya, who's been my friend since we were in high school, has always been fashion forward, but I think she pulled off 'retro' seamlessly in this vintage dress. She has the most beautiful smile! Did I mention that she also prepared a roast?

Owen is naturally dashing, himself. Needless to say, no one had to help him pick out an ensemble. I love his attention to detail (ahem...pocket square!). 

It's always a pleasure for me to photograph my friends, but I had a ton of fun playing with the color effects, too. Many thanks to my lovely friends for a fabulous photo shoot. 

Day 5: The Bettie Page Dress for Veteran's Day

Today in the US, it is Veteran's Day- a day which celebrates those who have served in the US Military. To be patriotic, I thought I would wear this uniform inspired retro piece. A few months back I was shopping on Haight St. in San Francisco, and stumbled across the Bettie Page store. It was a very nice surprise to find that instead of being stocked with retro novelties, it was full of well constructed vintage reproduction pieces. I think I must have spent an hour and a half in there trying on a variety of dresses, skirts and pants (oh, I can't wait to show you the pants!).  I have to say that I love this dress, the cut is gentle on the curves and flattering in a proper, "more is more" kind of way. For fun, I thought I'd give myself bangs today. Instead of rolling them up tight and more authentically, I thought it looked better pulled out in an '80's, full and exaggerated way.

I must add a bit to that thing I wrote earlier about curves. I think that a lot of maintaining a nice and curvy look starts in the layers beneath a wardrobe. I am wearing, (and often do wear) everything from hosiery and slips, to a vintage corset. My corsets were passed down to me from my mother sometime in my teenaged years, and I'm convinced that my most favorite one has the strength to turn a 32 inch waist into a 26 inch waist if it had to. I'm exaggerating about that, but in all seriousness it was built tough, durable, and nothing - not the boning, hook-and-eyes, nor metal zipper have buckled in its years of use. I have tried, rather unsuccessfully, to find a comparable modern piece, so if you are one of those ladies who is fortunate enough to have found one to add to your "under-thing" collection, please treasure it! 

Last but not least, if you have a chance to thank a Veteran for his or her service today, please do!

Outfit Details:

Dress: Bettie Page Store

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Rings: Vintage and my high school class ring

Earrings: Nordstrom

Purse: Another fabulous giveaway prize from Bombshell Shocked, via Bombshell Bettie's Vintage