"The Sensational Sixties": Pinup Girl Clothing, Harley Dress in 1960's Print

This Friday's blog post is all about this gorgeous PUG dress I scored from their online yard sale way back in the Spring. I thought I'd give my incite on the dress, and review this beauty which is sadly discontinued.

Now, I wanted to have a 'photo shoot' with this dress at a perfect location; one that the dress would fit in with perfectly. I remembered that I was planning a trip to my favorite place, ever, Fairmount, Indiana sometime in July. For those of you who may be thinking "what is Fairmount", let me tell you that is the hometown of legendary actor James Dean, whom I love and care for deeply. This small town has made my love for him so much deeper, that I have a passion for this incredible town and the people in it! I could go on, and on about this peaceful town, but I think I might save that for a future blog post.
I planned and hoped to stay longer, but time was cut short due to some very sudden, and unfortunate circumstances. None the less, I was honored enough to try out a photo shoot for this dress at an ideal location. About a year or two ago, a friend of mine, whom I met through James Dean, purchased a house in Fairmount. Now, he is from Australia so he couldn't be in Fairmount to fix the home up and what not, but with a the help of James Dean Gallery owner David Loehr along with a few others, the home became brand new, as if you'd have bought it in the 1930's (era that the home was built in). This home is stunning. I saw what the home looked like last July, while it was in the process of being fixed up, and let me tell you...I am still amazed at how fabulous David has made it. Everything is pristine and authentic - perfect for anyone who enjoys and appreciates preservation of older homes.

Anyhow, I had the opportunity to stay there, and while I was there, I couldn't think of a more perfect location spot for this dress.

{It is physically impossible not to twirl in a dress like this, or in PUG for that matter}

{Still to this day, being amazed at how beautiful this place is}

Would've liked to have taken more photos in the kitchen area, as it too is spectacular and authenticated to its true era, but we had some of our things in there that just made it look - not as 1930's, haha. 

As for this dress, when I first had my eye on it, I knew I had to have it. The color combination, pattern on it, and cut of the dress astounds me. The color of the dress is so bright, and crystal clear. The belt fits nice 'n snug (not to mention the fit of the dress in general fits like a glove), the fabric has plenty of air to breathe, is light and perfect for a hot summers day. Pair a dress like this with a super cute round toed flat, and its the perfect/ideal 1960's "summer beach movie" style. 

A dress like this is perfect for any woman. It gives a girl curves, even if she might not have any. That's the idea with dresses such as these. They give you definition in the waist, fit tight to the front and back, then flares out with a big circle skirt at the bottom - can't ask for anything better. 

Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing, snagged this baby at their online yard sale for $60! 

White bracelet: Vintage Bakelite, bought at a thrift store for a dollar or two.

Brown bracelets: Wooden bracelets given to me by my Mom. 

Cat brooch: Given to me by a very close friend. Definitely from the early 60s, which makes it perfect for this dress. It actually kind of blends in with the dress...oops. 

Shoes: Wal-Mart, for $10. 

Again, the location for this shoot was in Fairmount, Indiana...James Dean's hometown, at this lovely home located on Vine St. This home is actually open to be rented for those who wish to stay in Fairmount for a couple days, see the sites, places Jimmy had been, the things that were his, etc. If you're a fan of James Dean, and have always wanted to visit, or have been planning to visit this summer, then contact James Dean Gallery owner David Loehr, as he handles all such matters. 

Here is a link to the cottage if you would like to stay here, it is always best to book in advance. 

Foot note: this home is not open during the month of the annual James Dean festival, as the owner of the home usually stays there during that time. :-) 

To finish this post, I wanted to share one last thing with you all. Fairmount, Indiana is probably one of the only towns, in America, that I can think of (other than Memphis and Graceland) that is completely and utterly dedicated to the one and only James Dean. Every last weekend in September, there is an annual James Dean festival. People come from all over the world to see it. With so much to see and do. Not to mention, on the last weekends in May, June and July, there are little get-together's in town for fans. Every. Single. Thing, in this town is in tribute to this man....literally....everything. I've never seen so much dedication, it really warms my heart to see. What I wanted to share with you, is a short film made by Michael Mathias, entitled "Saving Fairmount" in which he has been working on for a good two years I'd say. He just this past Monday finally finished and published to YouTube. It really touched my heart. Not only because of James Dean, but because this town of Fairmount, means so damn much to me. It hurts me to see the town (let alone any small town), struggle to stay on the map. Anyone who may read this post, and wants to know, or get a quick incite on what James Dean's hometown is truly all about, I urge you to watch it. 

Well, I hope you enjoy this post, and my little speeches on how much Fairmount really means to me, as well as my review of the Harley dress in 1960's print. 

Sincerely, Miss. Voodoo.

My 2015 Year: Fashion Inspirations

Every year, something or someone inspires me in what I wear. In this post, I wanted to share some various genres, or just generally my inspirations that I'll be interpreting in my style this year. Like I've said before, I get all my fashion information or inspiration from the movies that I watch. Various films from the 1930's to the 1960's are where I get my muse for fashion. Now, particularly so far this year, I've been obsessed with the whole cowboy/western 1950's genre, and the 40's/50's Spanish/Mexican style of fashion. I'm going to share these favorites of mine in order of seasons. For myself, my inspirations span from seasons and how I may feel during each one. It's hard for me to have any inspiration during the cold winter weather. But for Spring this year, here are my inspirational genres: 

Giddy up, Cowboy!: For Spring this year, my inspiration is definitely that 1950's Western style. There are so many unique and beautiful reproduction cowboy inspired shirts, jeans, boots, vests and jewelry out there, and just seeing all of it, makes me so inspired. I've always had an interest for the 1950's westerns, as my grandfather was a huge western's fan! Another beautiful thing about this Cowboy look, is that, it's simple. It's casual, yet, stylish? I see so many lovely ladies who can rock a good pair of re-pro denim jeans, and good looking western styled t-shirt. With the right hair style, right leather belt, moccasins/boots, and a whack of bakelite on one wrist (if not both wrists) - you're good to go! I'm just so in love with this look! 

{Marilyn in River of No Return - perfectly simple outfit}

{This unknown cowgirl is really rockin' this ensemble}

{Marilyn in The Misfits. She is always a good inspiration in fashion}

{Marilyn looks fabulous in everything}

{A little Gil Elvgren painting for inspiration}

How about some of these luscious re-pro vintage style tee's from two awesome clothing brands: 

This adorable vintage cowgirl tee is available at Atomic Swag (click photo to be directed to website). I have yet to purchase a shirt from this awesome brand, but I know I'll be doing so in the very near future - I may want to buy every shirt, so I'm having difficulty choosing which one I want first and fore most!

This rad vintage styled tee is from a clothing brand called Dressed to Kill Clothing. Again, I've been lusting after this shirt for some time now, and will also be purchasing this one in the near future, for sure!

Click photo to be directed to website.

Another great brand that specializes in re-pro vintage styled denim jeans, is a company called Freddies of Pinewood. Again, I have yet to purchase anything from this company, but will most definitely need to in the near future. 

Down in Mexico: As well for Spring, I'm inspired by the style of traditional Mexican/Spanish/Brazilian/Italian fashion that is also more or less a popular style culture in pinup and rockabilly fashion. I see it as much as I see the whole Western style. What I like most about this style genre is, well - everything. The peasant tops, long skirts, big skirts, designs/patterns, jewelry, black lace over cream - maybe just white lace in general, the scarves, the big flowers in the hair, hair styles...I could go on. Everything about this style just has my full attention. I see this style in tons of old Hollywood films from over the years, and just recently I've been thinking to myself. "Girl, you need to start channeling some of those fabulous looks." 

{I adore Rita Hayworth's look here. The peasant top, long jewelry, and her hair. Just fabulous}

{Okay, so Sophia Loren in the film The Pride and the Passion, has the cutest and simplest style. I adore her peasant tops, long full skirts, and her sash/scarf wrapped around her tiny waist}

{Uh, hello people, Carmen Miranda has the most incredible and unique style I've ever seen in the history of film}

{I love Rita's jewelry here, and lets be honest, when does Rita ever not look absolutely stunning? Never}

{Yvonne De Carlo looking gorgeous in this look}

{Is it strange that I have an utter most envy of this entire outfit on this girl in this illustration by Jon Whitcomb? Well, every time I look at this photo, and this girls entire ensemble...I cry and die a little inside}

Rock-A-Hula: For the Summer season this year, my inspiration is the Hawaiian/Tiki look. I see it as well, a lot in the pinup culture. The Hawaiian or Tiki style has taken us by storm - it's extremely popular. And I can understand why. The flower designs, patterns, and objects. It's another one of those awesome 1950's themed styles, I guess you could say.

{The beautiful Jeanne Crain}

{Debra Paget is always an inspiration for me}

I've also seen many new re-pro Hawaiian styled dresses, that are absolutely fabulous! My favorite pinup company, Pinup Girl Clothing actually has a line or collection that came out last year, and they had, and continue to have some really adorable dresses. Such as this beautiful Pele dress in black and pink Hawaiian floral by Laura Byrnes California. 

{Model is Angelique Noire. Click on photo to be directed to website}

Where the Boys Are: As well during the Summer, I'm always inspired by the whole 1960's beach scene. In the early 1960's, beach movies were extremely popular. Young girls, or young guys going down to Fort Lauderdale for Spring vacation in Where the Boys Are. Or a young girl falls in love with a surfer in Gidget. Beach Party, Clambake, A Summer Place, Palm Springs Weekend, and the list really goes on. 

{Jeanne Crain in this fabulous swimsuit}

{Paula Prentiss has the cutest 'beach' style in Where the Boys Are, but this photo basically sums it up}

{Yvette Mimieux also has the cutest 'beach' style}

{1960's Natalie Wood is my favorite Natalie Wood}

{The 'girls' in Where the Boys Are}

That's some of my fashion inspirations for the Spring/Summer seasons this year! My inspirations for my favorite season Autumn will be up later on in the year, so keep your eyes peeled!

Sincerely, Miss. Voodoo.