Friday, June 3, 2011

Bettie Page & the Jazz Summer



Great news folks! I've graduated! (Hence the expression of joy and hope and new beginnings - yeah, there's a lot packed into that smile!) Anyways, to celebrate, I bought myself this pair of shorts. I went to the dreaded Mall of America on Thursday and wandered across (read: purposefully guided our shopping trip towards) the new Bettie Page Store. The clothes are so sweet - '50s sun dresses, lazy day beach rompers, and wiggle skirts, and all in sizes xs to 4x. The girls working there are like darling little cupcakes with victory rolls and hoop skirts. I fell in love with these shorts immediately (who wouldn't?) and snatched them up with graduation in mind.


It has to be said that I've always wanted more curves. As an extremely petite, slim person, even the raindrops miss me. I feel the need to highlight the following to everyone - no one is ever completely happy with their bodies. It's an entirely normal thing and it shouldn't make you (or me) a bad person. I don't put myself down about being naturally slim and I hope that girls with curves don't put themselves down about it either. Embrace what you have and remember that it's entirely normal to feel insecure, as long as, in the end, you love yourself for who you are. Ok, preaching over, let's get back to the shorts. They make me feel like a little pin up girl from an Elvgren painting! The sizes run small, but the xs still fit me fine, with an inch or two of room around the waist (I told you I'm petite!). I've only worn them once and have already been raking in the compliments, which only makes me feel better in them. They're my new feel good shorts and I'm sure they'll get plently of wear throughout the summer...and into fall...and winter.


But enough about the shorts, since I could write a novel about them. Let's talk hats! I was sporting this cloche hat to throw some flapper into the midst and also to tame my curls a bit. I usually detest the flatness of hat hair but it was necessary for the grad cap!



I don't know who invented the grad cap, but he and I need to have a serious chat about how to wear such a contraption with curly hair! The elastic causes curls to stick out like you got electrocuted, and if you have bangs, well...there's really no way to work that. After having both my roomate and mother try to yank it onto my noggin and arrange my bangs and curls, without success, I folded in the sides and pinned it in. Not such a bad technique!



To finish up this outfit and get on with graduation...I'm wearing a blouse from H&M, Madden Girl ruffle pumps, a vintage bracelet from Bohemien Bisoux, Lime Crime's Retrofuturist lipstick, and a new cloche hat which I picked up from a hat shop in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico! Oh and of course a brand new pair of un-ran stockings. I was saving this pair just for an occasion in which rips and runs certainly would not do! Unfortunately my legs aren't in great shape what with bruises and bug bites galore, but it's just another sign of summer! And now, a quick run-through of graduation:


Before the ceremony I was literally all over the place with anxiety! I was taking a photo everytime I caught my reflection and was waving my lint brush around like a mad woman! It's surprising that I was so excited to graduate - I haven't technically been in high school for 2 years! I've been doing full-time college classes since junior year.




My high school is very small (like me!). There were only 12 other kids in my class. Being back made me a bit sad that I hadn't been around for the past 2 years - these kids had been like a big family to me! It felt great to be back in the swim with the other fish.



I also graduated with honours, and got to wear this cool gold sash!



Photos! I actually didn't take many photos with people, but I got a few. This is my father! I was the first one out the door after graduating (it helps that my last name begins with A) and the weather last night was so fantastic!



This boy graduated last year. We used to be best friends & it was so great to be able to see him again! I think he's grown. I was wearing 4 inch heels and he's still slouching!



My sister and I have identical smiles! I've never really thought that we looked the same, but we do have the same mouth. She's much taller than me - her being 5'7" and me being barely 5'1"!



And finally, with both my parents! Overall it was a great ceremony and I cannot wait to start the summer! On the 22nd I'm having my 18th birthday and on the 28th of June I'm leaving for Europe for 32 days. Hopefully a bit of summer love will follow me, as well! Maybe a nice French boy, hmm?

27 comments:

Unknown said...

I always love your outfits and you always look a bit pin up to me, which is great! :) Also, congrats on graduating! That's awesome! :)



Meanz (Koi Story)

Unknown said...

I saw this adorable look on Chictopia and decided to check out your blog! I really love those shorts - they suit you so well. And your blue blouse is adorable as well. Congratulations on graduating! The gold honors things are the best, aren't they? They make your cap and gown getup so much more shiny!

chicqua said...

Congratulation on your graduation:-)
u look so lovely.loving the shorts
much love,
www.chicqua.blogspot.com

Dial V for Vintage said...

Congratulations! The shorts are so pretty, I would love to have a Bettie Page shop nearby! :D

Kim said...

Congratulations!! :D

What a great look, your shorts are wonderful! :D

Geekchic said...

I want them shorts! You're legs look amazing! Can anyone tell me if there is a website to buy those shorts! I just HAVE to have them! You look gorgeous by the way.

April said...

congratulations! love the shorts and the lip color! yay for graduation!

ape-z.blogspot.com

Maria N said...

You look so pretty, you have a gorgeous smile :)

www.fashionisinthebeholder.blogspot.com

xo

Erika said...

Congratulations! You look wonderful, those shorts are the perfect fit on you.

Flight of Fancy Boutique said...

Very nice outfit, you look stunning. And, CONGRATULATIONS! xx

Annalise said...

Congratulations on graduating my dear!!! You look absolutely stunning in those short. Quite the pin up girl indeed. You look truly happy and your Europe trip makes me so jealous. Where will you be going? Keep smiling, the best is yet to come.
XOXO

kelseylee said...

I absolutely love this look! my black high-waisted shorts are my go-to shorts as well. they go with so many things!

xo, kelseylee of peachy dreams.

the girl never gets older said...

girl, you're a queen of shorts for me :D and congratulations of course! :) ♥

Amber Schmidt said...

I'm SO happy for you!


First off.. I love and agree with what you said about loving our bodies. I really don't have much to add to it other than I agree and you look lovely.

Like you, I started taking college courses jr. year! I actually enrolled in middle college for Jrs and Snrs. Is that what you were in?

I'm super distracted as I type this because... honestly, I'm watching The Suite Life on Deck with the little gal I'm babysitting and it is CATCHY.

you are a gem, and I like you.
xo

Two Happy Hearts said...

beautiful! i found you through chictopia, and i'm loving your style :) i am your newest follower, my dear.

STYLE MARMALADE said...

This is so adorable! and I love the retro feel of this look, the shorts are making you look curvy and lovely :)

sorelle in style said...

What a beautiful outfit! You looked gorgeous in every photo, too! I love those shots - they're adorable!

Congratulations to you!

-j
sorelle in style

Unknown said...

cute! I can't believe you're 5' 1", you look so tall!

Unknown said...

congrats on graduating x

Unknown said...

Yay congratulations!! :)
I think to pin the sides of the grad hat was a good idea because you look really cute with it! The whole outfit is super-chic, so 50s pin up girl chic! I love it! And your faimily looks so nice in the pictures, I bet they're all so proud of you! How awesome you graduated with honors!

noone said...

love this pin up look, those shorts are ADORABLE! and congrats hun <3

Anonymous said...

congrats! lovely post hun!


xx
Deni.

Anonymous said...

congrats! lovely post hun!


xx
Deni.

Gorgeous Clara said...

thanks a lot!

Congrats on the graduation!

Aileen E said...

Congratz on the grad, I love your poses, you're too adorable! <3

Now I'm replying to your comment on mine lol.. Blogspot should really get a 'reply' button on here...
anyway, thank you!! I just got the blazer and am in love with it, even if it is a tad too big :(
Also thanks so much for the birthday wishes! I had a lovely weekend with my family and friends.

I'm dying to edit my video, I just need to find a good video-editing program that won't totally mess up my video half-way through like Movie Maker did and that supports my HD files. :/

Moon Lake was the first one my best friend and I ever played! Deffinitely one of the better ones too ;D

Anyway, take care hun xx

Dawn said...

Sweet darling, you are a breath of fresh air. Your hair is so beautiful. It makes me want to cut mine to your style. It frames your face perfectly. Who cut your hair? They are brilliant. I am enjoying your blog and will follow along with you. Drop in before you leave for Europe. It is beautiful there. Dawn Suitcase Vignettes Congratulations...

molly said...

Congratulations! i love your shorts and hat!