Viva Las Vegas 21

In April I had the pleasure of attending Viva 21 and it lived up to everything I had imagined!  It was five days of non-stop music, shows, pinups, fashion and fun!  I tried to take everyone's advice and wear the right shoes, but I ended up with blisters by the first day.  That was my only complaint the whole time. As I sit here and recall all of the highlights, it really is worth the trip if you have never gone.  I told myself and my husband from the beginning that I didn't want to plan every minute and I really wanted to enjoy the music and people watching.  I would have to say that was the right thing to do, as it's impossible to see everything anyway.  I made a list of my must do's and the rest we played by ear.  We were able to catch some amazing bands and watch swing dancers twice our age that put us to shame.  We laughed at ourselves every night as we struggled to keep up with sleep and they were dancing like crazy.  It was so fun to see though!  Some of my favorite bands and performers were the Starjays, Delta Bombers (amazing!), Danny McVey (so good!), Little Lesley & the Bloodshots (love her!) and Matt & the Peabody Ducks.  Those are just a few that stand out in my memory, but let's talk about the headliners at the car show.  We saw the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis and he put on a great show!  It was an honor to see him perform. The Stray Cats were fantastic, just as I had expected.  That is one of the bands that I grew up listening to and to see them as an adult was really a nostalgic feeling!  Speaking of the car show, there were hundreds of gorgeous cars to look at.  It was cool to see more of the west coast style that we don't see here often.  Shopping was definitely happening at the car show too!  There were tons of vendors and it was so exciting meeting some of the owners of companies that I have worked with over the years.  One of my favorites is Bow and Crossbones and I was able to meet Cam the amazing boss lady there!  She was a sweetheart for sure. The pinup contest was on my list of course, so it was one of the highlights of Saturday.  I admire them for being so confident in front of so many people!  During one of the meet ups, I was able to meet Miss Victory Violet.  She is an inspiration for many, so beautiful and kind!  I ran into The Ginger Pinup several times, she lives in Atlanta too, so it was nice to have another local lady there! Her true vintage style is gorgeous.

Style and fashion is a huge part of the event too, with everyone going all out for their looks.  The fashion show on Friday afternoon was great.  The designers put so much love into their work it was fun to see it put to life with models and music.  I would have to say Ains & Elke Stylehaus doing a Disney theme was memorable and gorgeous to watch.  The Swearing Parrot was really fun too and our friends from Indiana, The Dirty Greaser and Michelle were in the show.  Retro-Verte had some beautiful designs too!  I planned all of my outfits weeks ahead of time and it was fun to finally wear them.  I didn't change five times a day like some though!  I did a day and evening look for the most part.  I wore designs from Ticci Rockabilly, Hearts and Found, Gatsbylady London, Vivien of Holloway, Karina Dresses, My Vintage Look and Trashy Diva.  While I was there I did some promoting for Trashy Diva and me and Joey wore a matching outfit!  It was fun and a big hit!  He also repped Grease Inc. in one of the embroidered shop shirts.  The pool party Sunday was another great time and fun for people watching and meeting people.  The drinks were delicious too!  Some of the vintage swimsuits were amazing!

We also took some time for sightseeing in Vegas and took a couple of trips to the Arts District for antiquing and checking out local bars.  ReBar is one that stood out where you can buy anything they have on display.  It was a unique bar!  We also caught a burlesque show at the theater in the backyard there.

I think if you have never been to a Viva, put it on your bucket list!  I hope to make it back one day. I wouldn't change a thing from this trip.

Bold Blooms- Karina Dresses

I may have just found my new favorite Karina Dresses style!  This is the Tara Dress in Bold Blooms.  The Tara is a longer mid calf length dress that is a great pick for summer!  I love the style and comfort of this dress.  It does not have a waistband, so the material flows freely and comfortably.  I love the modest full coverage of the chest too!  It has a gorgeous sweetheart neckline with pleated details.  I feel like this style has everything that a woman could ask for in a dress!  You can look fab at a special lunch or an evening date.  As always Karina Dresses are wrinkle free, so perfect for traveling.  I just took it with me to the Nashville Boogie and it was ready to wear when I got there!  It looked perfect for the tropical gardens in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.  It's a picture perfect location, everywhere you turn!  I definitely recommend a trip there if you have never been.  

The Tara Dress and all Karina Dresses are made with love in the Hudson Valley, NY.  Right here in the USA!  They are available in sizes XS-XXL.  The material is a microfiber and always wrinkle free!  This style is available in a few different prints as well.  

I accessorized with a large tropical hair flower from Jazzafine. pieces full of verve and bangles and earrings from Bow and Crossbones and Splendette.  Tropical themes are definitely my favorite and Karina Dresses always has prints that will compliment that style! 

Photos: Pinup Power Photography

Daisy Dream- Trashy Diva

Daisy Dream says it all, for a new Trashy Diva Dress!  This new dress is an absolute dream for spring fashion!  It is from the Embroidery in Bloom Collection. This Trashy Diva style is a new take on their popular Lena Dress.  The embroidered daisy skirt is so pretty and very full!  The dress feature a fitted bodice with adjustable straps that be worn as I have them or a halter.  I haven't tried that yet, but definitely will.  There is elastic side panels for some stretch, but measure using the size chart.  It also has pockets! You can even get a matching one for your little girl, how adorable! This is a very versatile dress which you can really dress up or go  a little more casual for a fun picnic or something.  You'll love the comfort and quality that always comes along with Trashy Diva clothing.  I am beyond thrilled with this one for sure.  It will be a fun staple all season long in my wardrobe!  

Trashy Diva is constantly at the top for putting out gorgeous pieces and as I said very high quality.  Each item is timeless and you will be able to enjoy for many years to come.  The feminine styles for all body types is what has made Trashy Diva great. What started as a vintage clothing store in 1996 has blossomed into a huge business with stores in New Orleans and Atlanta, with more coming in the future!  

I really wanted to use the yellow in the daisies to contrast with the gorgeous blue.  I love the way the combo turned out!  I am wearing a handmade turban from Jazzafine. pieces full of verve and I added a hair flower from Shazam Pin Up Hair Flowers.  My earrings and bangles are a mix of Splendette and Bow and Crossbones.  The necklace is vintage and so is the red daisy pin.  I wore Banned Apparel heels and bag. 

Photos: Pinup Power Photography 

Vintage Chic Layla Dress

TopVintage started in 2008 and is now the leading online retro boutique for online shopping three years in a row. They have just celebrated their 10 year anniversary and have so many more to come! You can literally find any style and top brand there! I spent a long time scrolling through all the gorgeous dresses and items. TopVintage is run by a great team of people and powered by Jesus!  I love it, made my heart full when I read shop owner Angelique's story. Top Vintage is committed to making women feel beautiful and strong while wearing their high quality reproduction brands.  

This dress I'm featuring is an exclusive Vintage Chic for TopVintage,  It's the 50's Layla Poppy Cross Over Dress in Black.  I am just loving this one!  It's the perfect blend of comfort and style.  The print is gorgeous first of all and I really like the fit.  The dress features a fitted bodice with the cross over v neck into two tie straps. You can style those ties however you like.  The material does have a lot of stretch, so you may be able to size down in this one. The Layla style is available in several colors and you better be quick, they are selling fast! 

Let's also talk about these amazing heels from Lola Ramona.  These are the Angie in Love Heels! Wow, they are insane!  I love the quirky style.  The Angie in Love features bright red snakeskin embossed leather, on a peep toe sandal with a 4" heel.  The front foot plateau makes it very comfortable to wear too.  That is something very important with cute shoes!  If they hurt to wear, it takes the fun out of it.  I've always found that Lola Ramona heels are great!  Look how cute the bow on the back of the heel is!  This style is a must have for your Spring and Summer wardrobe!

Bangles: Splendette and Bow and Crossbones
Earrings: Bow and Crossbones
Hair Flower: Shazam Pin Up Hair Flowers
Photographer: Pinup Power Photography