Why I watched the Victorias Secret Fashion Show..A Confession..

Ok.  I admit it.  I watched the Victorias Secret fashion show last night on TV.  But I had good reason!

First of all, they really are the modern day equivalent of a pin up girl, and we all know what a big fan I am of that genre.  In a world of often skinny, underfed looking models, these gals are at least sporting some curves.

Secondly, the music.  There really are some great performances!  I am surprised to confess to you all that I was actually more than slightly impressed with Justin Bieber.  My eldest daughter (who is a "Belieber") was allowed to stay up to watch him sing and I was pleasantly surprised to note that he did not lip synch and sang his first song with only the aid of a guitar.  Pretty neat.

Lastly, I LOVE the showmanship that Victorias Secret displays year after year.  It's hard to imagine "couture" lingerie, but they manage to put together some impressive outfits with fabulous themes like "Calendar Girls" and the circus.

I leave you with a few of my favorite images from last evenings show.

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 Hugs and Smooches,
D

The ConstantlyAlice Manifesto Revisted

Today, it struck me that it has been some time since I've done a Pin up Plan post.  I sort of left it off somewhere in the middle of the "Art of Seduction" series and haven't been able to motivate myself to finish the series.

This led me to think about the ConstantlyAlice Manifesto I wrote in January and all the plans I had for this year.  I decided to take another peek at it and track what I had accomplished thus far, and then tweak or revise the things that weren't working for me.

 

1.  30 Day Make Over challenge - I haven't started this just yet..I think because the fall is my favorite time of year, perhaps Sept. or Oct. will be a good month to tackle this project.

2.  Vision Boards and The Signature Style Project - The vision boards are ongoing!  You can check them out here on Pinterest. (The trick, however, is to DO something with them..more on that in future posts..I think I need to do something with them here for accountability ;)  The Signature Style Project is all wrapped up.  You can check out the series, if you haven't already, here.

3.  Home Ec Posts - These have slowed down a little..the most recent one being a paper necklace tutorial done over on the French Press Vintage blog.  I'm trying out a few new projects and plan to start adding a few more of these posts.

4.  Modeling/Pin up Plan - I have added an outfit post series and gotten in front of the camera a LOT more..however, I have revised my intentions for this particular goal.  Modelling for the shop itself seems a bit more than I can handle (especially since I'll require a photographer!)  I also prefer to be the "creative force" behind the camera.  SOO, I will continue to be the "head model" for the hats, etc., but the clothing will either be modeled on "Esmerelda" my dress form, OR, on my oldest daughter and her friends (depending on the outfit and the size.)  We'll see how that works out ;)  In regards to the Pin up Plan..I don't think my heart is in it right now.  I have so many other things to focus on (including my goals for the "Slim Down, Pin Up", project), that I don't feel I have the time to dedicate to really fleshing out this series..it's going on hold for a bit and I may revisit it later.

5.  Disney! - I went, I saw, I conquered ;-)  Here are some of the photos from our trip (and a lovely video of the "Bug Butts" song and dance).  I did not, however, manage to get around to making my wardrobe...I think this goal may shift to the fall.  I would like to make up a few new items for the cooler weather..more to come on this.

6.  Go Ask Alice - Finally, the "Go Ask Alice" feature, where I post responses to questions regarding, vintage, styling, sewing, and misc. "ConstantlyAlice" related features.  I'm working on the logistics of this and hope to launch it before the winter ;-)

Phew!  Not too shabby, considering that we still have another 5 months in the year!

Is there anything special YOU would like to see here on the blog?  Let me know by leaving your suggestions in the comments!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Slim Down, Pin Up!

At the suggestion of some of my lovely readers (Thank you, Jennifer Dolph, for the adorable page name ;)  I have created a page on facebook to develop a warm and supportive group of like minded folks in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

Gil Elvgren

The page is called Slim Down, Pin Up! and I would be delighted if you would like to join us!  We will be sharing our knowledge with each other, offering up delicious, healthy recipes, exercise and work out suggestions in addition to some positive reinforcement ;-)

Lest you should all worry about the direction of this blog..I will be continuing with my regular vintage/craft/style themed posts here as well, with an update or two along the way about my healthy lifestyle journey (and my quest to fit into my bridesmaid's dress ;)

Thanks for joining me on my latest adventure!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan - Pin up Yourself

I just discovered this super fun site that allows you to create your own pin ups.  Just like paper dolls for grown ups :)

To say it is addictive would be an understatement.

Here are a few of my designs:

You can try it out for yourself here.  And please feel free to share your own designs on my facebook page here!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan - Art of Seduction - The Natural

"The Natural embodies the longed-for qualities of childhood - spontaneity, sincerity, unpretentiousness.  In the presence of Naturals, we feel at ease, caught up in their playful spirit, transported back to that golden age..they make a virtue out of weakness, eliciting sympathy for their trials, making us want to protect and help them." - The Art of Seduction

Cora Pearl

Famous Naturals:

• Cora Pearl
• Josephine Baker
• Charlie Chaplin

Josephine Baker

Keys to the Character:

• Charming, unthreatening, Pleasurable attitude towards life
• The Innocent - Appears to see the world through uncorrupted eyes, vulnerable
• The Imp - Brazen, Blissfully uncaring, lighthearted spirit, naughty
• The Wonder - Spontaneous, Impulsive, ability to improvise
• The Indefensive Lover - Playful, receptive spirit.  Seems to age less rapidly, graceful.

Pin up Style

Louse Brooks

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan - Art of Seduction - The Ideal

"The Ideal reflects one's fantasy.  They are an artist in creating the illusion you require.  In a world of disenchantment and baseness, there is a limitless seductive power in following the path of the Ideal." - The Art of Seduction

Madame du Pompadour

Famous Ideals:

• Madame du Pompadour
• Tullia d'Aragona
• John F. Kennedy
• Cassanova

Tullia d'Aragona

Keys to the Character:

• The ability to observe
• Combination of sensuality and innocence
• The ability to stroke people's vanity
• Stir up good feelings and a positive response

Symbol - The Portrait Painter:  Causes other's physical imperfections to disappear.  Brings out noble qualities, immortalizes.

Pin up Style:

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Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan - Art of Seduction - The Siren

First up in the Art of Seduction series..The Siren.

"The Siren is the ultimate fantasy figure.  Her presence is always heightened and sexually charged.  She is a mirage..cultivating a particular appearance and manner.  She embodies the male fantasy."



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Famous Sirens:

• Cleopatra
• Marilyn Monroe
• Aphrodite

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Keys to Character:

• Voice - Calm, unhurried, low pitched
• Body and Adornment - Everything must dazzle, but also be harmonious.  Clothing more often suggests sexuality than screams it.  Reveal only one part of the body.
• Movement and Demeanor - Graceful, suggestive, langorous.

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Symbol:
Water - The song of the siren is liquid and enticing and the siren herself is fluid and ungraspable.

Pin up Style

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Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Pin up Plan -The Art of Seduction

The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene has been in my literary arsenal for some time now.  One of my many "phases" involved a fascination with courtesans..which led me to this book and also a love of burlesque.

Art of Seduction - Robert Greene

I am a big fan of empowered women, and I think that courtesans and burlesque performers get a bad rep.  In reality, courtesans had far more freedom, education and power than their married couterparts, and burlesque (in my opinion) takes a certain level of comfort in your skin and self confidence.  (Not to gloss over the fact that there was indeed some ugliness in these professions as well..but I prefer to focus on the positives ;)

Veronica Franco, Courtesan Extraordinaire (The movie Dangerous Beauty was about her.)

Dita Von Teese, Burlesque performer and vintage darling

But I digress.  I had considered doing just a book review of The Art of Seduction for the Pin up Plan, but then it struck me that the different seductive characters addressed in this book can correlate to your pin up style.

For the purpose of this blog, I will only address the female seduction styles as follows:

• The Siren
• The Ideal
• The Natural
• The Coquette
• The Charmer
• The Charismatic
• The Star
• The Anti-Seducer

My intention is to relate each style to a pin up (past or present) and/or historical figure, to break it down as it relates to style preferences and to give examples of how you can use it to enhance your personal style.

..and before you think I'm advocating that you go out and seduce the world (though I'm certainly not opposed to that ;) I think this book can be read many ways.  It's not only a tool for "seduction", but insight into how you interact with others, what your strengths are and how you can use them to communicate to your best advantage.  After all, successful communication is flirting at it's best ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan Calendar Girls - Jane Russell

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"I like a man who can run faster than I can." - Jane Russell
 

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Jane Facts:

• Jane founded the World Adoption International Fund
• She was married 3 times and adopted 3 children
• Her hand and footprints can be found at Grauman's Chinese Theater
• Production of her movie "The Outlaw" was held up because Jane's rather ample cleavage was a problem with the censors.
• Howard Hughes engineered a special bra for her to wear, but she tossed it in favor of good old fashioned Kleenex ;)
• Her measurements were 38D-24-36 and she was 5'7"
• "Culture is the ability to describe Jane Russell without moving your hands." - Bob Hope

Jane Movies:

The Outlaw

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

The Paleface

 Jane Music:

Fine and Dandy

Miss Jane Russell Sings

Jane Books:

Jane Russell: An Autobiography

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How to get Jane Russell Cleavage:

Hugs and Smooches, D

Pin up Plan - Pretty Smart

Yesterday, my 12 yr old daughter had an incident at school.  When she asked her teacher for extra work because she had finished early, she was told there was nothing for her and she should just "Go sit at her desk and be pretty."

Friends, I had steam coming out of my ears.  I could subject you to the lengthy tirade that followed, but this post is actually about something a little different...

After I had some (lots) of time to cool down, I started mulling over my reaction to this incident in relation to what I "do".  I sell vintage clothes.  I share style tips and photos on my social media sites.  I write blog series with titles like "The Signature Style Project" and  "The Pin up Plan".  One could argue that these things send a message that I value appearance over substance.  One would be dead wrong.

These things are driven by my intellect.  I choose to wear (and sell) vintage clothing because I appreciate the history, the craftsmanship and the art of the garments.  My love of vintage is inspired by my love of history.  My personality and how I present myself to the world has been formed in great part by what I have studied and what I choose to read.  When I get dressed in the morning, my concern isn't "How can I look appealing to others?", it's "What can I choose to visually express to the world who I am and what I'm about?  What will make me feel true to myself?"

All of this stems from the people in my childhood who chose to show me the magic in a book, the character development that comes from acting out a play, dancing or performing, the lessons to be learned from the people who have come before us and it has continued to be self driven by my love of knowledge.  These are things I hope to share with all of you here on this blog (and most importantly, with my children.)

Your intelligence is the most remarkable thing you possess.  Beauty is incidental to the confidence it gives you.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan Challenges

Size 2/4 me with assorted adorable cousins and BFF's  (It probably bears mentioning that the year was 1996 and I was 21..)

2012 - Size 8/10 me.

This post began it's life as a whine-fest about how disappointed I was to not be in a smaller dress size for my trip to Disney.  (Not that this should come as a surprise.  I don't like to be uncomfortable.  I DO like food.  Kind of wrecks havoc on any diet and exercise plan ;)

Then, as I worked my way through "I just want to feel better", "I miss my dancer's body" and "I need to find the motivation to change" something started to dawn on me.  I don't really mean most of these things.  They're just the things you say.

I pride myself on being pretty comfortable in my skin and the truth is, I like the way I look now better than I ever have.  I'm not afraid to take risks, I've settled into a style that's all my own and I have a certain quirky "me-ness" that I wouldn't give up for any amount of weight loss.

That's not to say I want to stagnate.  I'd like to have more energy, and just like I change my hairstyle/color to suit my personality, I'd like my outsides to fit the aesthetic I have of myself in my mind.  Slightly healthier, just as curvy, (an inch or two taller would be nice...but I suppose we can't have it all ;)

So instead of subjecting you all to a blog post riddled with "I wish" and "I hope", I will tell you I have downloaded several healthy cookbooks to my Kindle, along with some neat yoga, running and dance books (and maybe a self improvement book..or a hundred.  I can't help it, they're my guilty pleasure!) and that I plan to continue down this road of building a better Danielle while loving the Danielle I've got :-)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan Sponsor - Modcloth

I love ModCloth.com in ways I can't even begin to describe..so I'm just gonna show you.  Here are a few items that I think are perfect complements to the Pin up Plan:

Beach Blanket One Piece in Red

Deep Blue Wonder Dress

A La Oleander Top

A Delphinium Answer Skirt

Pull Up a Cherry Dress

Clambake Best Dressed Heel

Take a look at some of the other gorgeous items at ModCloth.com and let me know what YOUR Pin up Plan favorites are!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Pin up Plan Calendar Girls - Marilyn Monroe

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“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” - Marilyn Monroe 

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Marilyn Facts:

• Marilyn was born Norma Jean Mortenson, though her mother, Gladys, immediately changed her last name to "Baker", the surname of her first husband.
• During WWII Monroe worked in a munitions factory, spraying airplane parts with fire retardant and inspecting parachutes.  It was there she was discovered by a photographer who was taking "morale pictures" for the troops and he suggested Marilyn try modelling.
• In 1950, Monroe had a small bump of cartilage removed from her nose to "soften her appearance".
• Marilyn appeared in the first issue of Playboy magazine in 1953
• Marilyn's role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was originally intended for Betty Grable.
• Marilyn married 3 times.  Her second husband, Joe DiMaggio, asked her to remarry him in 1962, as he was concerned for her health and well-being.  After Marilyn passed, Joe claimed her, arranged her funeral and left a half dozen red roses at her crypt 3 times a week for 20 years.
• "I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt ...it was because of her that I played the Mocambo, a very popular nightclub in the '50s. She personally called the owner of the club, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him — and it was true, due to Marilyn's superstar status — that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman — a little ahead of her times. And she didn’t know it." - Ella Fitzgerald

Marilyn Movies:

Some Like it Hot

Seven Year Itch

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

 Marilyn Books:

My Story - Marilyn Monroe

Fragments

Metamorphosis

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How to get Marilyn Makeup:

                                                                                                                                                                     
Hugs and Smooches, D