Outfit of the Day: Anatomy & Physiology of a PUG Outfit

Friday I went to my Anatomy & Physiology lab class and I decided to get gussied up a bit for a Friday. I decided to whip out my new Pinup Girl Clothing Doris skirt in a turquoise atomic print, as well as the Deadly Dames peach top that just makes your boobs go BOOM! LOL. I decided to accessorize with a vintage chiffon hair scarf that just happened to match my top perfectly!

I got a lot of looks and many compliments on my outfit. I can honestly say I feel so sexy and so confident wearing anything rockabilly and/or vintage. My style before was okay, it didn’t make me feel neither good nor bad, but the way I dress now just makes me so excited about my wardrobe and my looks that the self confidence I have has just shot through the roof. And who wouldn’t love that?

Guess what?!: This week I will be starting a brand new fitness and health regime called Revolt from the amazing Nichole Huntsman. This is a woman who knows what she is doing! You can see it in her own results. I was recruited to do the program and blog about it as part of a PR campaign to raise awareness of it as well as its launch. I will be blogging about my progress every week for twelve weeks. Some of it seems a little daunting, but I am going to do my best to kick ass and take names Marine Corps style!

New (Old) Wardrobe!

Sorry I have been MIA for a while – school has been absolutely insane lately, and tests galore. I also had duty last weekend, as well as being caught up with the recent events in Boston as some friends of mine are in the Boston and Cambridge PD. But all is well now, and I feel happy that things turned out the way that they did, both in general and for my friends, that I felt motivated to post something new for all of you!

Over the past few weeks, I have been on an epic spending spree. I just felt like I needed some things to fill in “holes” in my wardrobe (we all have them), and I ended up picking up some other things on the side as collateral damage. I feel like I have a whole new spring and summer wardrobe! I got a few new dresses, but I really upped my game in the separates department. I have a closet of nearly 40 dresses, but not too many separates. I will always prefer a dress to anything else, but one cannot deny the need for a good top or blouse and that perfect pair of pants.

These are my pants from the UK – two pairs of Freddie’s and one pair of 1940s swing trousers from Vivien of Holloway. Amazing companies with great products! Their prices may seem a little steep at first, but trust me when I say that you are really buying top notch, quality items. These are pieces that will last you for a good many years, and will be vital in your wardrobe. You will wonder what you ever did without them!

This next bunch are my US bottom separates collection. The Doris Atomic Print skirt is from Pin Up Girl clothing, and I instantly fell in love with the colour as well as the atomic pattern on this. I have a few full circle skirts, but mostly just the basics such as black, grey checkers, and this like. This is certainly a skirt that will make a statement! The high waist pants with the anchor zip are from Sourpuss clothing. I honestly can’t say enough about this company (and no, they are not sponsoring or subsidizing me in any way) – they are very efficient with their shipping, and always have great, high quality items in a wide array of styles and sizes. I go on their site frequently and always find new things I add to my wishlist and plan to purchase soon. Definitely for the rockabilly girl! They are nearby to me, so I applied to model for them – we shall see! The leopard print cigarette pants are from Pin Up Girl, and the anchor button shorts are from Sourpuss as well. The next pair are multi coloured polka dot capris from Bettie Page Clothing. These feel like a regular pair of jean capris with a bit of stretch, but have a cute late 50s/early 60s print on them that is so spunky and fun for the spring and summer. The black pencil skirt is also from Bettie Page, as I needed it since it is a must-have for any vintage or rockabilly girl!

Next up – dresses! I will always be a dress girl at heart. I tried to refrain from buying too many dresses, as I already have quite a collection, but I just can’t help myself The first are from Amy from Wildfell Hall on Etsy. I had modelled the brown dress previously, and instantly feel in love; the other I had just seen and loved the piping detail as well as the colours and pattern this dress offered. So cute and something that you can wear all year round. I also bought this vintage 1950s black “bombshell” flower dress from another seller on Etsy, and it comes with a fabulous matching cover! The next few are from Pin Up Girl Clothing: the red sailor circle dress and the banana tiki twist dress. I must say that PUG has high quality items to offer, and you can just feel it in the item as soon as you take the item out of the bag. I have other opinions on their shipping and customer service…but I will keep my mouth shut on that for now LOL. As you could probably tell by now, I really have a thing for the nautical/sailor look, and I keep finding myself drawn to them and compelled to purchase these style items. Like I said, I try to keep my wardrobe from veering sharply in one direction, but sometimes one can’t help but make a few exceptions for greatness The others are from Bettie Page Clothing; the boomerang halter top dress, the caramel black polka dot pencil dress, hunter green jumper, and the multi coloured dotted pencil dress. The dresses from Bettie Page are of an amazing quality and fit your womanly curves in just the perfect way. I was determined to get myself some more pieces from Bettie Page, and these do not disappoint!

Next category – tops! The peach tank, red Doris top, and “Team Pinup” blue tee are all from PUG. The leopard print halter and cherry print v-neck top are from Sourpuss. I realized I needed more cherry print in my wardrobe and that shirt from Pinky Pinups brand was just the ticket! The tops that are printed are all from Lucky 13 – I love their shirts, so badass and awesome! The others that are not printed (minus the black with the birds on it) are all from ModCloth. I had an issue with an order, and they immediately sent out my actual order and gave me 10% off my next order with free two day shipping. Customer service at its best! The tattoo halter top is from a seller on eBay, and it is made by Heartbreaker. I love halter tops, since they make your boobs look amazing and make your waist appear smaller. The flash of your back isn’t pornographic, but there is just something so sexy about it

Next are the mentionable unmentionables! I am a hardcore Rago fan, and as such, I had to get more items from them for a wide variety of circumstances. The first I bought from PUG, but is a Rago full body firm shaper, and will go well under any dress or tighter items. It will just streamline your body shape and emphasize those womanly curves! I also bought a beige extra firm waist cincher, as well as a mocha lace firm waist cincher. It’s always good to have options, n’est-ce pas? The bullet bra I actually bought on Amazon believe it or not, and it was only $12. Janey from the Atomic Redhead had recommended it for a traditional ’40s silhouette (slight bullet, but not super pointy like the ’50s). The black and nude lace lingerie set you see is from Dollhouse Bettie. SUPER sexy and only $48!

Shoes are next up on the list. I didn’t have a wide range of shoes, but I certainly changed that! The first group are from Iron Fist – I love almost every design from them I see! The white flats are from eBay, and the carved tiki heels are from Pinup Couture. I loved them, and they go perfectly with a few of the dresses I have! The tie up wedges are from Bettie Page (NOT the clothing company), and those amazing saddle shoes are from a seller on eBay. I just had to grab myself a pair! They are super comfortable and you can just see that these are a quality pair – not costume-y at all The wingtip flats are also from a seller on eBay. So I think I’ve upped my shoe collection, yes?

Last but not least are the assorted odds and ends. The root beer Bakelite bracelet is from eBay, while the cherry dice necklace is from Aloha Lounge Designs on Etsy. The “Loose Lips” necklace is from PUG. And I simply adore this pocket watch necklace from ModCloth – it works and just has a great vintage look to it that will go swimmingly with a wide variety of outfits. The cigarette holder is from Etsy as well, from a woman in my old hometown of Las Vegas! It is true vintage, with some added crystals for additional style and glamour. I feel so classy when I smoke now! I know it’s bad for you, but hey – I might as well look like a classy broad if I’m going to do it, right? I also managed to nab myself one of the last few Bésame Masterliner Lip Pencils, as they seem to have discontinued it for god knows what reason. These liners were fab an I was heartbroken to see it wasn’t available any longer! So I turned to the trusty eBay and found a pencil with pink and rose. I had the cerise and red colours, but I just can’t find it anywhere at all. The pink/rose colours are similar and should work fine with my red lipsticks. I also nabbed myself my first issue of Pinup America! It is the issue with Bernie & Levi Dexter from Jan/Fed 2013. It is awesome so far, and this girl may need to subscribe soon! And check out that black vintage Olga nightgown – super sexy and with a 170″ sweep – so glamourous! I just happened upon it after the auction ended, when the seller gave me a second chance offer since the original buyer never paid. These normally go for about $50 – the bigger the sweep, the more it brings. But my second chance offer was only $25! Quite a deal if I say so myself I also nabbed myself a pocketwatch necklace (that yes, actually works) from ModCloth that has a true Art Deco flair! And that lovely mint sparkle handbag is one of two Lux de Ville purses I managed to get my hands on. My friend Yvette, the owner of Lux, is super awesome and simply just makes the most divine bags, does she not?!

I am still waiting on some more things, like a baby blue vintage Lurex top from the 1950s and an awesome 1960s political donkey belt (since I am a raging Democrat and involved in politics, I HAD to have it!), as well as some Bakelite earrings, Bomber Betty Brow Wow, black espadrilles, head scarves, and another order from Sourpuss…but I think I shall leave that for another day, oui?

So, what do all of you think of my new purchases? Are there any that appeal in particular to you all? Any new purchases you have made that you would like to share? I hope you all enjoyed my show and tell!

Veronica Vintage Photo-A-Day on Instagram!

I’ve been seeing these “Photo-a-Day” challenges for months now and I have gotten in on the fun quite often. I really enjoy it, and the limits of the word or two makes you really think outside the box about what could fit those parameters. I look forward to what the new challenge is each day!

That’s when I decided – why not do a photo-a-day myself?! I have the one up above all ready and set for April, and I hope that you will enjoy participating as much as I will. We can all be battle buddies and learn and grow from each other. What a better way to make more friends while having fun exploring your creative side!

Of course, I will be following my own photo a day as much as possible (everyday, really), and I hope you will join me. And if any of you have any requests or ideas for a topic for next month’s photo a day, please let me know by contacting me by clicking the link on the above bar.

I am excited to start this fun journey and exciting hobby with you. Let’s go!

*Don’t Forget, Dolls!* – only THREE more days to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway!

Vine is Just So Divine!

I have found just about the coolest app on app-dom – Vine. It allows you to take moving slide shows for all to see! I have a feeling I will be playing around with this app way more than Instagram now. Vine is like Instagram on speed! LOL.

My username is RockSteadyUSMC. Follow me and I will be sure to make some cool shows for you! The app is free on the App Store for Apple products, and I am assuming for Android as well. Try it out ad see what you think! I have already followed some kickass people such as Cherry Dollface, Dita Von Teese, and others. It’s well worth at least a look! I am sure you will find it to be just as kickass as I do

It’s fun, very easy to use, easy to find your friends, and a great way to share your life. Go ahead – try it out! Look forward to seeing y’all there!

The Start of My Vintage Yearbook Collection…

…begins with this 1945 Westwood High School yearbook from New Jersey!

As some of you know, I was born and raised in New Jersey, so naturally when I saw this, I was immediately pulled in. And best of all, I know exactly where Westwood is! I love looking through the yearbooks; it gives me a real connection to the eras that I love and allows me to know what people’s everyday lives were like – especially those just starting their lives in a very scary and trying time – World War Two.

Regrettably, my mind sometimes goes to places that are depressing, and looking at a lot of these pictures made me think of how many had died in the war. I know it is a very viable prospect, and highly likely that this is a situation that exists in high numbers. It really makes things hit you that much harder when you see faces and lives in cold, hard ink. There is even a list in my 1945 yearbook of all the alumni who died in the war until that point, and later on in the book you see a list of who is going into the service from the graduating class.

But one of my favourite things is that it does give a real face to those in the war, and commemorates their lives rather than their deaths. I also enjoy the intense patriotism that these yearbooks show, and it makes my heart swell with pride to know that quite literally, everyone partook in the war effort in one way or another.

The yearbooks also give a great glimpse into the real fashions that people wore, from the teenage/twenty-something students to the faculty and other people in between. I love looking at the outfits and the hair of the girls – I get rather envious of some girls with great dresses and perfect hair to match!

I have five yearbooks now – three from high schools, and two from colleges. Why the college yearbooks? It gives another insight into life back during that time. I love to look at the majors of everyone and see what kind of path they were paving for themselves. I just so wish I could further investigate their lives and see what they made of it. I may have to at least pick a few of the ones that interest me the most and do some research! As would be anticipated, most of the women in college either majored in home economics, English, or education. But I did notice a few outstanding women who went above and beyond the “boundaries” of their time to major and go into fields such as political science, psychology, chemistry, and even medicine. These women make me proud – they didn’t let stigmas of the time dictate what kind of live they led. They let their passion take the driver’s seat rather than what was “expected” of women during that time. And that is trailblazing at its finest, my dears!

My favourite yearbook has to be the 1942 Flambeau from Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It’s called the “Victory Garden Edition”, of course paying homage to growing your own veggies to offset the rationing of the time.

This yearbook is unusual first off in that it is spiral bound – this has to be the first and only time I have ever seen this! It was owned by Howard Lensmire, a junior during this time and was slated to graduate in 1943. He seemed to be quite a popular and well-liked guy by all of the signatures he acquired!

On nearly every page you see a few signatures from kids in the school. I love reading them, and knowing that real people wrote on that exact page back in 1942. It just blows my mind and makes me smile

But the real cherry on top of this ice cream? Well, when I opened up this yearbook initially, a piece of paper fell out. It was yellowed, obviously showing some age. I opened it, and immediately was stunned – it was the whole wedding coverage of the yearbook owner’s nuptials! Not only that, there was the announcement of his second child’s birth!

How amazing is that?! I feel like I know Mr. Lensmire personally because of having all of this first hand information. I want to research more of his life and if he is still alive! I think this may become a pet project for me now LOL!

Howard was also on the Junior Varsity Football Squad, and in the picture I have the yearbook opened to that page. You can see him in the group by looking directly where the lower right hand corner of the birth announcement is pointing to in the picture. I believe his jersey was #17.

I have had a few people give me weird reactions when they know I have a collection of vintage yearbooks. My one friend even said, “Why do you have yearbooks from a school you never went to and people you don’t know?” But I feel that unless you are either a history nerd or a vintage buff, you won’t entirely understand the magic of it. But if you are a history nerd or vintage buff, I highly recommend getting yourself a vintage yearbook or two from your favourite eras. They’re not expensive at all, either – the most expensive one I have cost $15 with shipping included on eBay! It is a very cool and very fun way to have an authentic attachment to a period that holds a special place in your heart.

Why I Don’t Blog Everyday

As you may have noticed, I don’t post every single day on here. Some would (and do) say that is not a good thing to get followers or “entice” people to read. But there is a method to my madness, and I find following what I want to do more often than not proves to be the right decision. The last thing I want is for the writing of a post to become drudgery, where I mark it down on a calendar, next to having a test to study for.

I know all of you reading this have had your days of intense gusto for something, and then a few days later feel not motivated for said activity. That doesn’t mean you live it any less; it just means you have your ups and downs, as with everything else in life – health, money, weight, relationships – I could go on and on. I know the typical “advice” for a blogger is to blog regularly and as much as possible. That is all fine and dandy for someone who makes a living out of blogging – that’s a very small bunch though. And even then, surely they have their off days too! It’s just not feasible to expect someone to churn out blog posts like a printer churns out paper. Humans are not machines – we are cerebral, stimulated creatures. We all are after that “good” feeling in one way or another, and I certainly feel that when I write a post for all of you and share my expertise and thoughts with you. I put immense detail and thought into my posts, and try to make it as informative and entertaining as possible. To expect someone to constantly be at that level every single day is not only silly, but draining. I feel that if I were to put out a post every single day that it would diminish the quality of my writing as well as make the topics I write about be dwindled down to nothing, to the point where I would rehash old topics. Granted, this might take a while, but I strive for originality and thoughtfulness any day. I always think that I want a life of quality, not quantity – I’d rather 60 years of an amazing, full life than 100 of a mediocre life hands down. That is also my approach to blogging – quality over quantity. I believe my readers prefer one good, dense piece over many pieces of fluff. I know I would. And I feel that will help me keep readers and maintain their interest, rather than some bit of air I coughed up in five minutes flat. Would you rather have an oven roasted chicken or 40 chicken nuggets from McDonald’s? My point exactly!

Another part of why I don’t blog every single day is that I, not unlike the rest of you, have a life outside of blogger land. I somehow get the vibe that the “advice” given to bloggers assumes they have infinite time to dedicate to their little piece of cyberspace, but that is just ludicrous. I am a full time student in a medical program that is very demanding, and as such, school will always take priority. I’m not saying I would “dump” my blog, not by any means. I see this site as being an addition to my life rather than being the focal point of my life. I am a woman of many colors and shapes, and I take pride in that. I believe that makes me more well-rounded, and allows me to actually partake in life, rather than just writing about one.

So now I close this post by asking all of my wonderful readers – what do you prefer: frequent posts with less information, or less frequent posts with more substance and information? Let me know below!

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Who doesn’t love a giveaway? Surely all of us do! Well dolls, I have some exciting news for you – the vintage clothing company Shabby Apple has contacted me to do a giveaway for my readers!

What’s the prize? A $15 gift certificate! If you have always wanted to try their line, or have yet to discover what they have to offer, why not try now?

They are a vintage inspired clothing company that offers everything from dresses to tops to skirts and more. Go check out the Shabby Apple site and see what vintage clothing they have to offer! In sure there will be something there that tickles your fancy!

Now, how do you enter to win this certificate? All you have to do is “like” the Veronica Vintage Facebook page as well as leave a comment below telling me what your favorite vintage era is. That’s it! You can also enter again by sharing this giveaway on Facebook as well.

The time to enter the giveaway ends 31 March. On 01 April I will announce the winner via Facebook!

Good luck to all of you! Go for it!