I’ve been a big fan of vintage-inspired Bettie Page Clothing for years, even making a pilgrimage to their San Francisco shop a few summers ago. Now Bettie has finally come to me! 

I heard about the new Bettie Page Clothing boutique on the border of the East Village and Nolita by way of fellow blogger Jasmin Rodriguez of Vintage Vandalizm. Last weekend, I was lucky enough to attend “Bettie on the Bowery,” a New York Fashion Week event hosted at their new NYC location. The Saturday evening soirée showcased the upcoming spring fashion collection as well as the launch of something altogether new and exciting. Before I let the cat out of the bag, here are some of my favorite looks of the night from both on and off the runway:

i don’t wear pants, but if i did, i’d hope to look as sassy as jasmin does here.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

this clean, classic blue & white polka dotted ensemble makes me happy!

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

jasmin fleetly floats in this 50s-prom-esque princess dress

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

frannie stuns in emerald & gold

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

the sexy secretary gets me every time

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

pretty in pink & leopard! this coquettish outfit was my absolute favorite.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

mary’s dress looks so authentically vintage, but it’s not. it’s bettie page!

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

i covet elizabeth’s darling wind-swept beehive.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

i loved these charming (& affordable!) bow belts on display at the event

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

true vintage makes an appearance in yelaine’s skirt (left) and hayley’s winter white coat (right)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

dariell dazzles in this chic black & white bettie page number.

(p.s. get a load of that glamorous marilyn tattoo!)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

As you can see, Bettie Page Clothing’s retro silhouettes are super flattering! Designed by Russian-import Tatyana Khomyakova, each piece is simple and classic, but also full of spunk and personality! And now all that chic fun comes in a very special new package…

what’s inside my extra special event gift bag that could soon be yours!?

SKIRT: Bettie Page Clothing | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

the exciting & luxe new bettie page fragrance! i love the bottle!

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

In the spirit of new beginnings (Bettie’s new store, new line, new fragrance and, of course, my new blog!), I’m delighted to announce MY VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY! Visit me on twitter for a chance to win a Bettie Page perfume bottle of your very own! Just retweet one of my daily shout outs about the giveaway. Easy as pie! Contest ends on Friday. Don’t miss out!

I needed Annie!

So I hit the streets of Chelsea for a much needed hair rejuvenation session at Soon Beauty Lab West. Hailing from Ohio, senior stylist Annie has been doing hair for 6 years and I’ve been with her for most of it. In fact, I love Annie so much, I sent Gretchen to her as well and now we’re both regulars! What keeps us coming back for more? Annie clearly loves what she does and goes about her artistry in a really accessible manner. Her work is always simple, classic, and extremely wearable. Her cuts are meticulous and her color sessions are truly transformative. “I always want to work with the natural texture and undertones,” says Annie.  “No ‘funky;’ I can’t stand that look or word for that matter… ick.”

While she doesn’t do funky (not to be confused with sassy, sexy, flirty, or fun – all of which she rocks), she does keep an open mind and always accommodates Gretchen and my affinity for a retro look. Annie’s own personal style is informed by the 1940s-70s, but she always puts a modern twist on the vintage trends. Perhaps that’s what keeps me coming back for more, Annie keeps me current while embracing my love of the past. Together we’ve gone from darkest raven to platinum blonde, but this time we’re going for the trifecta: a romantic dark auburn!  Check it out:

heading to soon beauty lab west in the manhattan neighborhood of chelsea

EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | HANDBAG: Kate Spade via Gilt | COAT: Vintage from jinglekell on eBay | GLOVES: LaCrasia, Grand Central Station | TIGHTS: Free People | SKIRT: Bettie Page Clothing via ModCloth | SHOES: Born | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

after visiting my pinterest hair story mood board for inspiration, annie got straight to work!

(don’t you love the ombre color she’s sporting?)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

highlights from our afternoon delights…

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

annie’s all business as she gives me a twirl

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

dave photo-bombs captures the magic

CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | BLOUSE: ModCloth |  PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

meet batman! (every salon needs a dog to boost morale)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

we tried voguing for the camera. it was a bust.

CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda| BLOUSE: ModCloth | NECKLACE: Vintage, a gift from Courtney Loren Brown | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

Beyond her styling skills, Annie is an accomplished educator for Soon.  “I never imagined I would get the opportunity to share this craft that I love with up-and-coming stylists,” Annie confessed.  “It’s a great way to keep my own techniques in check, so I’m still always learning myself, staying fresh and on top of my game.”

With that in mind, I asked Annie to give us a simple lesson on the retro-inspired hair bump she finished me off with during our latest session:

1. you need to find the highest point of the head. do this by placing a comb on the top of the head usually right in front of the crown.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

2. starting at that highest point, make a triangle section that is the width of how big you want your bump to be, getting smaller towards the back over the crown of the head.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

3. start backcombing or teasing at the smallest point of that triangle and add more hair as you work towards the front.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

4. leave enough hair to make a veil over the teased up section. this should hide all the backcombing. (and remember: hairspray, hairspray, hairspray!)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

5. top it off with a headband, bow, or fabulous hair accessory of your choosing!

HEADBAND: J.Crew | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

thanks for the tips and TLC, annie!  see you again soon.

SKIRT: Bettie Page Clothing via ModCloth | CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | BLOUSE: ModCloth | NECKLACE: Vintage, a gift from Courtney Loren Brown | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee