The Pin up Plan - Bibliography

Ok..I'm going to let y'all in on a little secret..I am a total Nerd with a capital "N".  I approach pretty much anything I tackle as a research project.  I collect information (and more books than any girl needs), hang out at the library, write up notes and "research papers" and then I implement things as if they were a science experiment.  I take notes on what works, what doesn't, I tweak, I start again.

You couldn't even begin to imagine the amount of joy I get out of this process..

Sooo, that being said, I've already begun collecting reference material for the Pin up Plan, I have a rough outline and I'm getting ready to jump in with both feet.  I thought I would include you in the process by sharing the information sources I use with you, so at the top of the blog (where the page tabs are) you will find a new page titled "Books and Videos".  This is by no means a comprehensive list (yet!), but it will give you an idea of where I'm starting from.

Some of these books may be hard to track down or are out of print.  I will share the info and some of the pages from these books in future blog posts.

Have fun :)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Pin up Plan

Soooo..if you'll all indulge me and remember wayyyy back to January when I posted the ConstantlyAlice Manifesto, I had listed several things I wanted to accomplish in 2012.  One of them was the Signature Style Project, which just wrapped up last month and was a LOT of fun.  The next thing I'm hoping to tackle incorporates two of the items on the manifesto list.  Number one, a 30 day hair and makeup challenge and Number four, modelling for the blog and my Etsy shop.

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Now, I love, love, love anything to do with hair and make-up, so that part is really not much of a challenge for me, but modelling is a horse of a different color.  It requires putting myself out there a little more than I usually do and, as I'm a perfectionist, it will take practice, practice, practice, so I had to come up with a way to really motivate myself.

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Enter the Pin up Plan.

I love vintage pin ups.  Gil Elvgren and Alberto Vargas are particular favorites, as are models like Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable.  My concept for the blog and the shop photos is to go with a very retro/cheesecake/pin up feel, so it would only make sense to incorporate those ideas into my plan of attack.

The Pin up Plan series will incorporate the following:

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1. Information Gathering - Literature, YouTube videos, and yes, another Pinterest Board (which you can follow here)
2. Getting into shape, Bombshell style - No secrets among friends, I hate working out.  But if I can put a pin up spin on it (like doing burlesque workout videos and pilates) it will be fun!
3. Pin up Hair and Make up - This will encompass the 30 day challenge where I will try a new "look" each day for a month!
4. Pin up Films - A review of movies that have that bombshell feel.
5. Glamour Photography - (No worries, nothing R-Rated ;)  Here I'm just going for a pin up "feel".  Poses, make up, etc.
6. Outfit Posts and a new look for the ConstantlyAlice Etsy shop!

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I just ordered some books on retro make up and glamour photography.  Can't wait to share!!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Try It On For Size - A Week of Signature Style

We've finally reached the point in the Signature Style Project where it's time to try our new style out!  So far we've:

• Gathered information about our Signature Style preferences.
• Identified what Signature Women's styles appeal to us
• Incorporated our passions into our Signature Style
• Gone on a shopping safari to inspire us
• Cleaned out our closets
• and Learned to Accessorize

Now it's time to put some of that research to work for you!  If you've been keeping a binder of ideas or a Pinterest board (like this one for the Signature Style Project) you'll want to have it handy as you plan out a weeks worth of signature style!

Now, there are a few different ways of doing this.  Now that your closet has been edited down to items that you love, you could just choose to pick your outfits each morning based on your mood for the day.  There shouldn't be any wrong choices!  However, if you (like me) prefer to get those extra few minutes of sleep in the morning, I recommend planning your outfit at least a day in advance.  Here are a few things to consider when putting your look together.

• Pick a top and a bottom or a dress - I tend to lean towards dresses because I think they are the easiest thing in the world to wear!  However, if you plan to go with a top and pants or a skirt, that works too.  Just make sure you are considering the colors and textures as you plan your outfit.  Are you doing a print?  Will you be wearing a bold color (in which case you may want to tone down your accessories or choose items from the same color family or a complementing color family.  For great tips on color theories, head on over to Charlotte's blog at Tuppence Ha'Penny.  She did some wonderful blog posts on it.  Begin with the introduction and work your way through the series!)

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•  Select a layering piece - This could be a sweater, cardigan, jacket, scarf, wrap, or even your coat!  It adds some visual interest and color to your outfit.

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•  Consider your accessories - Shoes, handbags, brooch, hair accessories, hats, jewelry, gloves.  Make sure they add visual interest to your outfit, but do not distract.  You want to make sure YOU are the focal point of your outfit!

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•   Finally, be sure to plan your hair and make up to suit your outfit.  Whether you are going for a retro look or a modern one, paying attention to the little details like a hairstyle that suits your look or the right color lipstick will add polish to your Signature Style!

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Above all, have FUN!  If you'd like to share your signature look, please feel free to post a photo on the ConstantlyAlice facebook page :)  I'd love to see your style.

Hugs and Smooches,
D