Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how I want to change my wardrobe. I go through these phases every once in a while - whenever I feel that my life has changed substantially or when my personality/interests have shifted, I want those changes to be reflected in my style. In the last year or so, I feel much more grown up, as if I'm starting to really come into my own. My dancing has made me much more aware of my own body and quite assured in it - I'm not always happy with the way my body looks, but I appreciate it and what it does for me and I don't want to wait until I'm at my ideal weight or whatnot to dress it beautifully or stylishly. My make-up artistry is so much better and continues to grow by leaps and bounds and I think I'm starting to show that, by experimenting with my own make-up every day, in a way that takes chances, but always leaves me looking appropriate and fresh. Now, it's time to focus on my wardrobe.
So, taking into account my lifestyle and my interests, I've decided that there are two themes that I want to work into my wardrobe - the Middle Eastern/North African feel (that is, of course, derived from my passion for belly dance) and the pin-up aesthetic. I so long for the beauty and glamour of the pin-up queens of yesteryear. I love the red lips, the black winged liner, the glamorous cascades of waves and curls, the body conscious dresses, the overwhelming sexiness of it all. I love that none of those women were rail thin, but were so body positive and fabulous. Every time I look at pictures of them, I swoon from their womanliness. Look!
Come on. If you cannot recognize the luscious beauty of these women, you are blind and quite possibly insane. Look at Jane Russell, y'all. Is she not as hot as fire????? The look in her eyes ... I would be scared to be a man standing close to her ... she looks like she'd eat him alive.
Bettie Page is just marvelous in her innocent sexiness. The cut-outs on the leopard print bathing suit ... THE HOTNESS!
And, of course, the incomparable Dorothy Dandridge. I bow to her fabulousness.
Thankfully, there are women nowadays who are carrying on the tradition of the pin-ups of yore.
Of course, there's no question about Dita Von Teese. She devotes her life to looking just like a pin-up, at every moment of the day. The milky skin, the black wavy hair - she is utterly retro, and proud of it.
Some folks may question my inclusion of Kat Von D, but I think she is awesome. She kind of rides the line between the retro glamour and over-the-top flashy trashiness. I love that. As someone who equally loves make-up and tattoos, I feel her look. It's just taking body art to the max. Of course, I'll never tattoo my whole body like she has, but she is so fly. (And I kind of covet those little star tattoos along her hairline - Vic would freak out if I ever did that. I kind of want to pierce my cheek like her friend, Pixie, has, too. Shh ... don't tell.)
And then, Eva Mendes. She's not always glammed all the way out, but she always look pulled together and sexalicious on the red carpet. I love that about her. She's unrepentant in her sexiness - teased hair, lush lips, bosom all over the place. It's ridiculously great.
So ... if you come upon me in real life and I'm looking like I just stepped off a 40s movie set, don't be surprised. I'm prepared to let my steamy side run free! Lock up your menfolk.
