I took a pinup modeling workshop yesterday! It was such fun. It was led by the adorable
Bettina May (who is a fellow seamstress!), who taught us tips and tricks for doing our hair and makeup, posing secrets, and then gave us each a photoshoot.
Of course I had to make a special outfit for the day. This is my "bathing beauty" romper, based on the swimwear designs of Rose Marie Reid. It has a shelf bust, lots of front ruching, elastic shirring in the back, and an inner corselet made of cotton bobbinet.
My makeup, in all its glory. How about those eyelashes? (And, no. They're not real. Everything else is though.)
I definitely feel like I got what I went for, which was modeling tips--ones that aren't given to me by Tyra Banks, specifically. I'm feeling much more confident for my upcoming photoshoot for my book. I just wish I could model all my clothes lying on my back with my legs up and against the wall and my hair artfully arranged around my head. It's such a natural state for me that I almost drifted peacefully to sleep. (Not really.)
And don't worry, ladies. That shirring tutorial is coming your way!
*wolf whistle* how fab are these pictures! Looks like you had a ball! x
ReplyDeleteOh Gertie...on first glance you made me blush ;P
ReplyDeleteGreat photo shoot; ya look great!
Looking good! :D
ReplyDeleteOne thing I'd like to point out, is that you need to lift your chin and stretch your neck. On some of them, it looks like there is something odd with your chin, because you tilt your head forward. You can still tilt your head forward, but you need to stretch your neck up and out. Yes, it will feel unnatural and weird. But it works better on photos.
Good luck with the poses for your book! :D
Oh my goodness! These photographs are absolutely gorgeous Gertie xx
ReplyDeletefiu fiu ! So awesome !
ReplyDeleteYou have so much more fun than I do. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a pin-up modeling class! The pics are great!
ReplyDeleteCan you post some pictures of the romper suit and show the inside?
Meow! You look so gorgeous in these shots, Gertie! :) Gotta love the idea of a pinup workshop--looks like such a neat idea. Love your playsuit too; will you be sharing some more close-up/detail shots with us? Hope so! :)
ReplyDeleteOh I love that. Its just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute pictures. I have always wanted to take one of Amy and Betina Mays classes ever since I got their video but I don't live anywhere near where they do their workshops.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant photos and wow! the Romper looks terrific.
ReplyDeleteNever knew there could be such a thing as a pin-up class - sounds like great fun :D
Bettina is AMAZING. I used to model on one of the same sites she modeled on, and she always killed it.
ReplyDeleteHubba hubba!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the shirring tutorial. But my big question is this: where do you wear a playsuit? Where would they have been worn in the 30s-40s-50s? Were they for sunbathing at the beach? Lounging at the pool? Seducing the neighbour's cabana boy?
Wowzers! Super gorgeous! Well done you!
ReplyDeletePx
Wow, Gertie, you look fantastic! I am taking notes for my next Cathy photoshoot.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had more tiles in my bathroom...
Yubba dubba do! A really interesting addition to your resume! The pool side play-suit is just super, love the color.
ReplyDeleteWow! You look amazing. Did you ever think you'd be doing pin-up modeling? Blogging has lead to so many opportunities for you. What an exciting life you lead. We can vicariously live it through you. Can't wait to see how the poses in your book turn out.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I adore your playsuit. Look forward to seeing the details with their explanations.
What fun! You look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteFun times! Would you mind sharing what you used for the fabric of the actual romper?
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! I will definitely do another romper post. It looks pretty good in the photos, but I don't think it was such a success construction-wise. I learned a lot, and I will share!
ReplyDeleteNora, this is the kind of thing I wear once a year to Coney Island. This sort of look is very appreciated there. :)
You look fab, Gertie! That husband of yours is one lucky man!
ReplyDeleteYou look so great! Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteWow. Your legs appear to go on forever! They distract me from my grumpiness at not being able to see the design details on the romper...
ReplyDeletegreat gams girl!! you should do a pin-up photo calendar for your husband for your anniversary or for christmas! i did one the first year i was married...he loved it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pics! I love the idea of getting all dressed up to do a glamorous photo shoot. Also, I cannot wait for your book - it's like my Harry Potter experience all over again :)
ReplyDeleteoh wow, these are fantastic! you are the cutest thing, gertie.
ReplyDeleteYou are so gorgeous!! I love the photo shoot! So so excited for the book!!
ReplyDeleteYou look divine, the romper is so cute! x
ReplyDeleteYou look incredible!! I bet you'll look equally amazing in your book photo shoot :)
ReplyDeleteI want you to know I am sewing a dress that has a full(er than I usually wear) skirt, thanks to the inspiration from your red flowered dress post.
ReplyDeletePin-Up Modeling Classes?
um, where do I sign up? I will figure out how to make it age-appropriate after I learn the techniques. Fun!!
Cheers to Living Large!
(you look amazing)
These pictures are fantastic! I definitely love your new romper - fabulous color on you!
ReplyDeleteLove the photoshoot! The only things I can think of for romper are: cork soled wedgies tied at the ankle, button up front skirt, picnic basket or at the beach, engagement ring to follow, but then I was raised on old movies.
ReplyDeleteTake a look at this utube Lucille Ball at the 3:15 and 5:04 marks for what's either a romper or large bathing suit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fias-Nd9uYc
You model better than Lucy. You can almost hear the photographer say to her, 'raise your chin, part your lips slightly' to her. Much better actress than model. There's also early publicity photos of Lucy in lingerie sitting on a bed (very demure) that are almost a how-to of 40s modelling.
Yes, more rompers! You look great in the one you made!
I didn't even know that was you in the first image! You look absolutely fabulous and lovely.
ReplyDeleteHave any good tips to pass along?
Woo hoo! You look GAWGEOUS, lady!
ReplyDeleteYou look great Gertie! I saw a similar playsuit at Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn over the weekend. You inspired me to go back for it! (if it's still there)
ReplyDeleteVa-va-va Voom! You look gorgeous and the romper is adorable!
ReplyDeleteI would wear this to a car show but then I go to a fair number of rockabilly events.
I second the pinup calendar. Jeff would swoon! Or is it only girls that swoon?
you look GRRRREAT!! & so does the romper...u bring me such motivation!!
ReplyDeleteBabe alert!! Wow, you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! You look amazing dahlink!
ReplyDeleteHow Gorgeous are you?! You look Fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteMan, if I could wolf whistle loud enough so you could hear it allll the way across the US, I totally would. Yowza, sister. You're drop-dead GORGEOUS! What a fun workshop!
ReplyDeleteHubba! Hubba!
Gorgeous!! You look absolutely lovely. How cool to learn new tricks on posing and looking good in photos - the upside-down photo is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! JUST WOW!!
ReplyDeleteYou look so hot! What fun!
ReplyDeletehaha I used to model on THAT site she was on too. I have loved Bettina for awhile now! I'm jealous that you got to take one of her classes. I'll echo everyone else and say how simply wonderful you look and am excited to see more romper close-ups. :D
ReplyDeletelook at you!!! wolf whistle indeed. I love that upside downish pose, too. your bangs look especially nice.
ReplyDeleteSHUT UP, Betty Paige!
ReplyDeleteI'm late commenting b/c I've been on vacation, but I had to ad my wolf whistle to the bunch.
Your blog is so awesome, I just <3 it!!
ReplyDeleteOMG, that first pic is you! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteGertie you are a natural (oh yeah maybe not the eyelashes!) I am eagerly anticipating your book and am now even more so that I know you're going to model! You are such a babe :o)
ReplyDeleteVa Va Voom! Fabulous photos. You will be incredible modeling your fashions in the book.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing, Gertie! How fun!
ReplyDeleteCaitlin
from black currant thoughts.
WOW you look amazing, I wouldn't change a thing! What a fun class, I wish I had the confidence to do something like this!!!
ReplyDeleteSo I love the romper of course!! But honestly i'm looking forward to some pix of that amazing shantung teal dress you made for the sew-retro course!! I am taking that course and wanted to show my mom the gorgeous fabric you chose, its my fav color!! anyway are you gonna put it on your finished projects list?? Hope so cause its an absolute BEAUTY!!!
ReplyDelete