Beach Bunnies and Puppies

I'll be co-hosting AZ Retro Rescue's 3rd annual dog wash with Brenda Lee this Saturday--come on out and support a great cause!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Reel News

Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures put together a fun newsreel from the "Night in the 40s" dance--hope you enjoy it!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

We'll Meet Again

Last Saturday I attended the annual "Night in the 40s" dance, held at the CAF museum in Mesa. It's a fun-filled evening, with a big band, costume contest, and dance contest, and for the past few years I've made an appearance as Betty Grable. The guests love it when "Betty" debuts in her signature bathing suit, and the museum and I have been talking about ways to include Betty in more events that benefit the museum, as she is the noseart on their prized B-17, "Sentimental Journey."

This year I collaborated with Kim of NudeeDudee on my outfit, and she created a spectacular, two-piece tropical number that was a real head turner. After much discussion over fabric (Kim is a delightfully patient lady), I selected a baby blue rayon adorned with flame red and white plumeria flowers and leaves. I wanted something midriff baring again, and she created a top with a plunging sweetheart neckline and gathered puffed sleeves, paired with a sarong-style wrap skirt. I was thrilled with the final results and can't wait to wear the outfit again this summer!

Here a few photos from the event!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee



My dear friend Rose, co-owner of Matilda's Closet, came as my guest--she's a wearing a stunning black crepe dress with gold studded "fireworks" detail on the sleeves. A simply amazing piece!

Veronica and Lana joined us this year and asked if they could raid my wardrobe--Veronica is wearing a lime and hunter green linen dress with coordinating red belt and cherry accessories (eBay finds) and Lana is wearing a navy blue rayon dress with white pique collar and silver buttons (a Matilda's Closet find), along with a sweetheart pin that reads "My man is in the Marines!" Oh, and her snood is from Arthelia's Attic.

Doug went as a reporter, complete with a 'press' pass in his hat!

Makeup Mondays--Triple Roll Delight

Today's Makeup Monday post is all about victory rolls! In this video created by Atomic Age Pictures I demonstrate how I create my favorite triple rolled style, which I like to call the "Triple Roll Delight". I hope you enjoy it!

The snood is from Arthelia's Attic, the hair clips are from Lila Jo and Andy's Eye Candy (Andy also made the fabulous fruit clips), and the retro boudoir is inside of Matilda's Vintage Closet. Next up Doug Monce and I will be working on a how-to for the Betty Grable Peek-a-boo 'Do!

xoxo,
Amanda

Makeup Mon—er—Tuesdays: My Basic Setting Tutorial

I’ve been promising to work on several hair tutorials for awhile now, and Doug Monce and I finally got around to filming a couple! My intention was to post this yesterday, which is supposed to be Makeup Monday day--oops! Oh well, better late than never!

At any rate, this video shows the basic set I use. I’ll be following up with a triple roll tutorial shortly, so stay tuned! I do hope you enjoy these videos and that you find them useful!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

At Ease Soldier!

Yank, the Army Weekly was the most widely read magazine during WWII, achieving a worldwide circulation of 2.6 million. It was written only by enlisted soldiers and made available to soldiers, sailors, and airmen serving overseas. Published between June 1942 and December 1945, it featured articles and photography straight from the battlefield. And of course, every issue of Yank featured a morale-boosting pinup girl!

I collaborated on a series of photos with Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures that were inspired by Yank, as well as a photo of Veronica Lake in military garb. I'm wearing a WAC skirt that is dated 1943--since I found it I've been wanting to wear it for a shoot! The rest of my uniform is of course borrowed from a vintage man's uniform, but I think the overall look turned out well. I also recently picked up a sweetheart compact shaped like an officer's cap, and couldn't resist incorporating it. A girl has to keep her nose powdered, after all!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee









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A Very NudeeDudee Special

A couple of weeks ago Kim of the fabulous NudeeDudee asked if I would be interested in modeling some of her ready-to-wear pieces and offering my readers a discount code. Of course I jumped at the chance, not just because her designs are simply amazing, but to give my lovely followers a treat!

She sent me her 1930s tie-sleeve blouse in the lily of the valley print, and one of her 1930s sailor striped tops. I have to say that I absolutely adore both; they are very well made, with attention given to every possible detail—but then again I’ve come to expect nothing less from NudeeDudee!

The petal sleeve blouse can be dressed up or down, and is available in a number of very vintage prints. The style is incredibly flattering, with a very unique sleeve design. It perfectly complements her pinafore skirt--I recently picked one up in sage green, and it’s quickly become a favorite of mine. Let me tell you, a blouse and pinafore combo is a real headturner—one that gents seem to especially like—and a definite must-have in every vintage-lovin’ girl's wardrobe!

Her striped tops are made from a super soft recycled cotton knit, and are available in both green and white and blue and white color combos. I loved the boat neckline and the puffed/pleated sleeves; this is the perfect vintage causal top!

Matt Carson photographed these outfits for me—I accessorized the Sailor top with a cream rayon forties skirt, red linen heels from Matilda’s Closet, and a snood from Arthelia’s Attic. And I’m wearing my new plum suede 40s platforms with the lily of the valley and pinafore set—aren’t they a treat?

Make sure you stop by the NudeeDudee shop to check out the wonderful styles! Call of the Jitterbugdoll followers can save 15% off the sale price of these ready to wear looks--just enter the code 15PERCENTOFF at checkout. And don't forget, these are limited editions, so grab 'em while you can!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee