Sarah Forshaw (@Forshawsarah) and Miss Amy May (@miss_amy_may) are southern belle and southern brit pinups, respectively, who found one another on Instagram part way through their pinup transformations in mid 2013, at which point they tentatively, then all of a sudden, become devoted and divine friends. Bonding over their urge to bring full on glamour to their every day lives, their shared opinions on cake, and their fierce nerd hearts, the two quickly began to look upon one another as fabulous sisters–who simply hadn’t met yet outside the confines of the interwebs. Due to finally meet IRL to share many squishy hugs and swing-skirted spins in fall 2015, they’re opening up their friendship and their closets to you in this shared blog post while they eagerly await their meeting. It’s been quite a while since my darling Sarah and I have been able to join forces for another installment in our The Brit & The Belle series, but finally we’re ready to share another joint post with you. Sarah and I are alike on many different levels, too many to list. Two of the easiest to focus on is our shared belief that a good dress is a terrible thing to waste by waiting for a good excuse to wear it, and our love for Pinup Girl Clothing. The combination of those two things means we both happen to own the same fabulous dress in the same colourway, the orange and purple Pinup Girl Clothing Hawaiian Hideaway dress. We don’t want to taunt you too much with this dress because unfortunately it’s now out of stock after going on super sale at $60 down from $160–yeah, no wonder that bad girl sold out, and fast. (Such a sale is part of the Pinup Girl Clothing Online Yard Sale, where no item is over $60 and the sale section is updated regularly.) So while we’d like to focus a little on the dress and it’s fit to give you PUG newbies an idea of the brand’s quality, we want to focus as well on the parts of us that aren’t so similar; our differing sizes, shapes, colouring and styles. I, Amy, am pale and red-headed compared to Sarah’s olive skin and rich brown hair. I’m an L/XL in most reproduction style clothing, curvy, modest of bust and generally quite soft around all my edges, while Sarah is, despite being my same height and curvy herself, much more slender, toned, and a touch broader of shoulder, a dainty size S-M. We admire each other’s styles but don’t often find our wardrobes overlap–in part, though, possibly due more to Sarah’s admirable shopping restraint and my lack thereof. To us, this dress is fun, classic, summery and stylish. In the L it fits me snugly without being uncomfortable, the pockets are handy (no pun intended,) and I feel a bit like a tropical princess despite the fact that where I live in England we have probably never had even a second’s worth of weather that can be deemed tropical. 
As my lovely counterpart stated it is not often she and I have the same pieces, because I tend to be more restrained in my spending (buyer’s remorse is a beast) and Amy is far bolder than me and is more likely to snap up what she wants. I feel the same could be said of our styling, I tend to be a bit more reserved and Amy lives by the motto “Go Big or Go Home…and then relax in your curlers and yoga pants.” To be completely honest she’s my hero. Despite these difference in our style and shopping habits neither one of us could resist the charms of the Hawaiian Hideaway. I found the fit of this gem to be comparable to the fit of PUG’s Ella, decent room for the girls but not baggy, cinched waist but not suffocating, and the skirt is what dreams are made of. The Hawaiian Hideaway made me feel as lovely and as exotic as Dorothy Lamour. The cut of this dress is not only flattering on both of us, but the bold colouring works on both of us and our differing colourings; the bolero can be used as a safety blanket for ladies who are perhaps less happy with their arms, like Amy is, or simply for the killer style bonus that it is, while I’m happy to rock the dress bolero free and bare shouldered. In our differing sizes of S and L it looks just as lovely, and can be worn with petticoat and without. It’s an easy dress to save for vacations and tropical themed events, parties or restaurants, but we think it’s important that no woman stares at a dress in her closet and repeatedly pushes it aside because she doesn’t want people to stare, to think she’s tried too hard, to ponder where she’s going or to scoff and deign it ‘too much.’ None of that matters. If we give in to the notion that clothes are nothing more than a way to cover up our socially-deemed-unviewable body parts then we lose a rich, fun and wonderful way to express ourselves, not only our personalities but also our views on life. Wearing a dress you like when you like for no reason other than wanting to express that you like it is a tiny, unimportant, joyful act of rebellion, of stylish stubbornness, of expression and chicness and certainty. And we Brit and Belle both fully support all of those things. 
Tag Archives: pinup blogger
Fashion Friday Featuring Unique Vintage and Serious Body Confidence.
Hello my darlings, I am so sorry its been absolute ages since I’ve posted anything, life just doesn’t seem to want to calm down for me. However I now have a post to share with you all.
While on vacation in MD I was finally able to bust out my gorgeous UV swimsuit and thanks to my beautiful photographer friend Amanda we were able to capture some really great pics to share with all of you.
Now I have never done a post like this before, and by like this I mean one where I am seriously “exposed”. More often than not my fashion posts are of me wearing retro styled super modest dresses, not necessarily because I’m self conscious but because thats what I feel most comfortable in. But I loved this suit so much I had to share. I was not always the confident girl I have trained myself to be, hell I used to not dress pinup for fear of people staring, so the idea of posting pictures of myself in a swimsuit on the web is currently baffling shy Sarah. But like I said I love this suit…and amazingly I love me and my body. Ya there are bits I am working on to change but even now I totally dig myself. My stomach is not flat at all, my arms could stand some toning up, and yes my legs have cellulite and I jiggle but my body is beautiful all the same. Also this suit is just another example of how amazing Unique Vintage is, this company really caters to women of all sizes. Real women have curves, no curves, and everything in between. But the one thing we all have in common is the desire to feel beautiful and have clothes fit us well, so props to you UV for once again getting it right.
and because no post is complete without totally dorky pictures.
Hair Flower: Gift from MissAmyMay
Sunglasses: Forever 21
Swim Top: Unique Vintage So turns out you can actually get swim tops that support, cover, and looks super cute…well at least you can when you buy one from UV that is. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize myself as busty but for some reason I always had trouble finding a top to actually fit,that was until I experienced the beauty that is the Casablanca swim top. When it came to sizing I went by cup size rather than band width because that can always be altered, but cups not so much. As a 36 D the large top fit beautifully without any need of alterations and I couldn’t be happier.
Swim Bottoms: Unique Vintage These bottoms are life, they are fierceness, they are the best swim bottoms in existence and anyone who says differently is a dirty liar 😉 I have long adored the high waisted swimsuits but I could never find one that didn’t cut me weird due to my long torso, honestly most “high waisted” bottoms looked more like granny panties as they came up to just under my belly button, ew just ew. But these UV bottoms are long enough for my torso, have a decent amount of support for a smoother look, and *hallelujah chorus* they cover ones backside. Seriously man sand gets everywhere I don’t want to be cheeky at the beach thanks. So if you’re anything like me you’ll take comfort in knowing Unique Vintage has your back…side haha.
Portraits: The marvelous Amanda of Gilded Isle Photography Honestly this lady’s talent speaks for itself, her work impeccable, and she is so brilliant at putting one at ease and making a shoot a fun experience. Seriously you should hire her for all your portrait needs!
So there you have it guys, Unique Vintage is perfect yet again and you should really check em out, and Gilded Isle is the best photography business that ever existed so hire them. Hope you all enjoyed this post and that you have a happy Friday my loves.
Fashion Friday Featuring Queen of Heartz Pt 1.
Hello you lovely people you! This week on the blog I am featuring the always gorgeous and fabulously historically accurate Queen of Heartz. If you’re familiar with the blog then chances are you know how much I adore this LA based brand. I cannot say enough good things about this company, every design looks like its something my Grandma could have owned, theres no chic quite like granny chic, and I positively love the owner/designer Letty Tennant. Her brand has become such a staple among the pinup scene that it would be easy for her to stop working so hard and let her name and reputation carry the business, but Letty would never do such a thing. She is a woman dedicate to her craft and her customers. Honestly she’s my woman crush everyday!
I can’t tell you guys how ecstatic I am to be sharing this look. All the fun of a playsuit/romper without any of the…um…er…wedgie tendencies, hahaha sorry if thats TMI. But as a lady with a rather long torso rompers just never worked for me. But with the Mari Top and Skort I can get that summer fun look of a romper without any of the hassles.
Love that the shorts aren’t too short!
Wide waist tie to really complete the sarong look of this skort. Its all about the details.
Hair Flowers: H&M I bought two of the packs.
Earrings: A Greek Festival/Similar
Mari Top: Queen Heartz What’s not to love about this top? Adjustable halter, padded bust, wide waist band (super flattering), and vintage inspired buttons really make this top sing. Unfortunately I fall between sizes my measurements are 36″ 27.5″ 36″, I’m just too big for a small and slightly too small for a medium, so this top is ever so slightly loose on me but it will be easy enough to take up. One can’t blame a brand for not catering to weird proportions 😉
Mari Skort: Queen of Heartz Love love love! This skort is so perfect, I know I will be getting a lot of wear out of this bad boy this summer. It gets insanely hot here in TX so shorts, skirts, and skorts, are practically a necessity…but I’m a bit self conscious about my legs, from cellulite to the sheer size of my thighs finding anything to keep me cool yet still covered enough is quite the hassle. Til now that is. The Mari Skort is the perfect length for me, just long enough to cover up what I don’t particularly like, but short enough that I still look young and fun, and most importantly stay cool. Why can’t all bottoms be as flattering as the Mari?
Skinny Gold Bracelet: Gift/Similar
Statement Bracelet: Family Heirloom/Similar
Sandals: Miz Mooz
If you’re in the market for some truly vintage looking pieces you cannot find a better place than Queen of Heartz to fufill your desires. Seriously if you go to their site and don’t see anything you want you’re not of this world haha. Hope you all enjoyed this post and that you keep a look out for the next features. Until then Happy Friday darlings.
Fashion Friday Featuring Miz Mooz
I’m so happy to be featuring one of my most favorite companies yet again Miz Mooz! How I adore this brand and their penchant for retro designs and affinity for silky smooth leather. Oh and they also had one of the funniest April Fools Day jokes I’ve ever seen with their Selfie Shoe Video. I mean what could beat a stellar product sold by a friendly and hilarious group of people? I’m thinking nothing tops that.
Haircut: Rebekah Klueber Seriously if you live in the DFW metroplex and you’re looking for a new stylist go see this lady! She is wonderful!
Blouse: Target/Similar
Purse: Walmart
Belt: H&M
Skirt: Old Made Good/Similar
Sandals: Miz Mooz These sandals are perfect! I love that they suit my vintage look so well, but are still going to easily pair with my more modern pieces. For me finding a nice pair of sandals is more frustrating than finding a good swimsuit. You want something comfortable but you also want something a little more refined than say a pair of flip flops, and Miz Mooz understands this. By utilizing leather and memory foam you’re going to feel like you’re walking on a cloud. I have SUPER blister prone feet, and admittedly I found the ankle strap on these to be just the slightest bit irritating but since these bad boys are leather after a few wears they are going to soften right up, unlike the mass produced plastic based shoes that will never soften up in the right places. Quality materials make all the difference and are so worth investing in.Thank you Miz Mooz for never cutting corners!
I hope you guys enjoyed this post and that you check out Miz Mooz and their perfect shoes. Happy Friday Darlings!
Fashion Friday Featuring Lil Lou Lou’s Pt. 1
Hey guys and dolls I hope you’re all doing well, sorry its been a while between posts but I caught a gnarly cold, flew out of state for a few days, and then caught some new cold like sickness from my plane ride back home, UGH! But I am finally on the mend and ready to get back to blogging, and what a fun brand I have to feature this week.
Lil Lou Lou now if the name alone doesn’t get you excited allow me to enlighten you on this awesome company. This wonderful brand specializes in pinup/rockabilly hair accessories and children’s clothing, which sounds simple enough, but I can’t tell you how many times I have been let down by supposed pinup hair accessories, you know the ones I’m talking about. The hair scarves that are just too short to actually make a decent bow, or the hair flowers that look more like wilted flowers after a few wears. Well the owner/designer and all around sweetheart Lily Dueñas understands these frustrations and only supplies wonderful products that you’ll happily wear for a long time. The designs are gorgeous, the construction is high quality and super functional, and you should also be happy to know all the products are proudly manufactured in the grand ole US of A. Basically this is a brand I am more than happy to get behind.
Look 1.
modeling is clearly my calling 😉
Cute Knotted Bows: Lil Lou Lous oh my lands I just love these cute little bows. I actually wear my hair in “kitten ears” pretty often cause its an easy pinup do, but it can be a little lack luster at times, well til now that is. The knotted bows add that perfect finishing touch to an otherwise simple hair do.
T-shirt: Atomic Swag
Jeans: Old Navy
Flats: Payless/Similar
Look 2.
Me channeling Miss Amy May’s Modeling skills.
Me being the dork that I am.
and because these are an accurate representation of how most shoots go 😉
Minnie Headband: Lil Lou Lous This has got to be one of the most appropriately named accessories ever, I mean who doesn’t want to be as adorable as minnie mouse? I love how easy this headband is to wear, since the minnie is elasticized you can just pop it on and not worry about it falling off, which if you’re anything like me that’s a huge selling point! I absolutely hate when my bandanas and bows fall. Also the bow portion can be tied anyway you desire, huzzah to customizable pieces!
Tanktop: Not sure/Similar
Jivin Skirt: Lil Lou Lous unfortunately for you guys I got the last rocket ads print for adults but they have a lovely white as well as a fun blue novelty print that I’ll be featuring soon 😉
Flats: Payless/Similar
I hope you all enjoyed this post and that none of you have caught this terrible cold going around! Check out Lil Lou Lou and be on the look out for Pt 2 of the feature. Happy Friday!
In Your Easter Bonnet…
Hallelujah it is spring (for those of you still dealing with freezing temps I’m sorry) but here in TX we’ve thawed nicely and to me nothing signifies spring more than warmer weather, easter Sunday, and lovely spring dresses. So before you head out to the overrun department stores to buy your Easter duds, check out a few of these options I’ve already picked for you that can be bought in the comfort of your own home. Because who doesn’t like shopping in their jammies?
Dress 1 Blue Chiffon Swing Dress 2 Mustard Polka Dot Dress 3 Black and White Floral
Dress 1 Hawaiian 2 pc Dress 2 Dolly Teal Dress 3 Fabi Green
Dress 1 Maria Purple Floral Dress 2 Yellow Molly Dress 3 Cream Floral Vamp
So what do you guys think? Any of these dresses make it onto your must purchase list? Are you as excited for spring aka dress season as I am? I’d love to hear from you so be sure to drop me a line even if its just to say hi. Happy shopping and Happy Wednesday.
Restricted Shoes Holiday Look.
Goodness gracious! How is it almost Christmas? Where did the time go? I hope you’ve all got your shopping done and are able kick back, relax, and enjoy the Holiday Season.
Restricted Shoes and I wanted to help further that relaxation by partnering together to not only give you a couple of Holiday Party Outfit Inspirations, but also provide you with a discount that will definitely help you chill out. Simply use the code SF40 for 40% off sitewide now through January 31st. Andy Williams sings about how this is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most expensive, so I know how a good bargain is a gift in and of itself.
It seems to me the 60’s look comes in every winter, I mean who doesn’t want to channel their inner Betty Draper at their next holiday party? But you can still stand out and not look like every other doll there. Break away from the traditional reds, greens, and golds and maybe go for a mint. Mint is totally winter acceptable, just look at the Starbucks menu, mint everything! Oh and be sure to add a heaping helping of sparkle, Christmas lights aren’t the only one’s who get to shine darling.
Earrings: Sam Moon’s/Similar
Dress: Pollypop
Clutch: Charming Charlie’s/Similar
Brooch: Gift/Similar
Bracelet: Sam Moon’s/Similar
Shoes: Restricted Shoes With their bow detailing and white accents these precious flats are going to make you feel lovelier than a Christmas gift wrapped by Martha Stewart herself. One doesn’t always have to don heels to be glam, and if you live somewhere that gets frequent snow or ice, heels can sometimes be a bit of a hazard. Now I’ll be honest, I didn’t find the material on these flats to be incredibly comfortable on the back of my ankles while bare skinned, but pairing them with tights took all discomfort away. Not mention tights are going to keep the cold at bay, and I’m sure with a bit of wearing in the flats will soften up quite nicely.
So if you’re still looking for the perfect “Cinderella” finishing touch to your outfit might I suggest you check Restricted Shoes.
Fashion Friday Holiday Dresses Wishlist
Hello my loves, I thought I might change things up a little bit this week and share my Wish List of the dresses I happen to think would be perfect for fancy party season, AKA December.
Queen of Heartz Now you guys know how much I love Letty, her designs are historically accurate and artfully crafted, and her new fall/winter collection takes those qualities to another level. Can you just feast your eyes on this glam perfection? I have a feeling these bad boys will be so well loved you’ll skip the buying a second dress for new years and just wear one of these beauties again! Letty you are an absolute treasure, thank you for your brilliance!
O’Hara $160 Orbit $150 Rita $170
Pollypop with their affordable prices and adorable designs. What’s not to love?
Eloise Dress $45 Serena $63 Rena $58
Vivien of Holloway Holy circumference Batman. Would you just look at those skirts? So puffy so glam, so perfectly reminiscent of the costumes in White Christmas. These dresses are sure to get you a kiss under the mistletoe 😉
Champagne Black Lace $188.35 Red Duchess $139.69 Burgundy With BlackSilver Lace $124.00
Unique Vintage is one of my favorite sites to just peruse, no matter the time of year they are on top of what designs us ladies want, and winter is no exception.
Plaid Dorothy $174 Cherry Dollface Wiggle Dress $82 Emilie Swing Dress $90
Pinup Girl Clothing Laura Byrnes has done is again. Is this not the single most glamorous gown you’ve ever beheld? I know most people don’t really have the right occasions to wear something like this, but sometimes people really go over the top with their holiday shindigs and well for a dress like this you learn to make fancy occasions happen ya?
Olive Gilda $190 Black Gilda $190 Burgundy Gilda $190
So what were some of your favorite holiday looks? What are you hoping Santa brings you this year? I’d love to hear from you, so drop me a line! Have a very happy Friday.
Fashion Friday Featuring Kenley Collins
Hello my darlings. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are slowly but surely coming out of your turkey induced coma’s. Or if you’re one of those people who go Black Friday shopping I hope you got away without being trampled or having a panic attack. But I have to inform you there is one more thing that needs to be put on your Christmas list. You need to get yourself some Kenley Collins goodness. Kenley is a prime example of why buying from a designer is such an excellent idea. All the cuts, lines, and silhouettes are carefully and artfully executed, because true designers understand that a fun print isn’t enough to carry a dress. But Kenley definitely likes her fun prints too, so if you like classic and flattering silhouettes but still want fun and unique prints and patterns look no further than Mrs Collins. Her new line an American Geisha is especially fun and unique, but is still classic enough to not look kooky. So do yourself a favor and check it out, odds are you need a new holiday party dress and while everyone else is wearing the bland LBD’s you can be rocking a colorful and lovely Kenley Collins original. 
Having a light snack of foliage…as one does.
and because there’s no such thing as too many silly photos.
Pearls: Gift/Similar
Dress: Kenley Collins Oh this dress though! As any woman knows getting a strapless dress that stays put and looks good is damn near impossible. But this dress flies in the face of reason and says ‘no I will stay put, I wont look like a towel wrapped around you post shower, I will be elegant and lovely, because I have wonderfully supportive boning in the bodice’. I could not be more in love with this dress, the construction is nothing short of miraculous, the print is BEAUTIFUL, size chart is totally on the money accurate, and the material 100% cotton so its machine washable!!! I know that may not seem like a big deal to some people but since I’m still a child I hate having to go to the drycleaners 😉 Thank you Kenley. I love you and your gorgeous (yet practical) designs!
Shoes: Miz Mooz
I hope you all enjoyed this post, and that you check out Kenley’s beautiful new line. Happy Friday my loves!
Fashion Friday Featuring PUG’s Dames Dress
Hooray! Oh I am absolutely ecstatic to finally be sharing this Fashion Friday with you all. Back in the summer I had the pleasure of modeling for a photographer meetup which was a blast (and seriously intimidating too). Being as I was chosen for my pinup style I figured this shoot was the perfect opportunity to “treat myself” and buy the phenomenal Dames dress from Pinup Girl Clothing.
Photos courtesy of Visions Photography by Brent
I also wanted to share this shot my mother took of my lovely little sister and myself. Rachel’s dress is from Heart of Haute/Similar
Hair flower: Gift from the lovely Miss Amy who just happens to have an etsy selling these bad boys.
Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing Hands down one of the most wonderful dresses I own. I’ve never put this dress on and felt disappointed. I like to call this my confidence dress, every time I wear it I feel so beautiful. The rich red hue is even more beautiful in person and the stretch bengaline material hugs every curve beautifully. It really is PUG’s immaculate construction techniques that set them apart from run of the mill vintage repro companies. When I ordered this dress I was a little worried the size chart was wrong, my measurements are 36″ 27.5″ 36″, which in turn meant I needed a small. A small? I hadn’t been a small ever, but I trusted PUG and ordered according to their size chart and this dress fits like a dream! I love it so much I’m determined to buy it in different colourways now, its just that good. So if you’re on the hunt for the perfect sexy little wiggle dress might I suggest you treat yo self to The Dames Dress.
Shoes: Gift/Similar
I love you guys and hope you enjoyed this post and give PUG a gander for all your wiggle dress needs 😉 Happy Friday!
Sarah Forshaw's Blog 