Who is Pin-up Perfection Photography Part 4

Are you ready to meet another member of the Pin-up Perfection Photography team? If you aren't, too bad, because here is the fourth instalment of "Who is Pin-up Perfection Photography?" I would like to introduce you to the pint sized, raven hair beauty, Miss Dottie! But don't let her petite stature miss lead you, Dottie is a girl that goes after what she wants. Her flair for pin-up and her loving personality is what makes Miss Dottie a great member of the PUP team as our social media girl!

Miss Dottie
Image: Pin-up Perfection Photograhy

Like most of the Pin-up Perfection Photography team, Miss Dottie started as a client and over time, seeing that Shimona needed some help, she offered to help out with social media. For the last 5 months Miss Dottie has been keeping you up to date on shoot specials and other Pin-up Perfection Photography goodness by posting daily on our Facebook page and on our Instagram page.

Miss Dottie
Image: Pin-up Perfection Photography

Miss Dottie's love for 1950's style naturally lead her into pin-up modelling and pin-up pageants and in 2013 she decided to give it a shot. She has walked away with three pageant wins proving that she is in it to win it! As well as walked in fashion shows around the Vancouver area. Her love for vintage fashion and natural vintage look makes Dottie the complete pin-up package.

Miss Dottie
Image: Pin-up Perfection Photography

Aside from working on the social media pages Miss Dottie can also be found working at Scout Boutique and Lace Embrace Atelier. But when she isn't busy working she can be found swimming in her mermaid pod or attending to her horse. She has also started to sew in hopes to cut down her on-line shopping budget. Pin-up clothing isn't cheap yo!

Miss Dottie
Image: Pin-up Perfection Photography

There you have it! Our social media diva! Hope you are enjoying the "Who is Pin-up Perfection Photography?" team posts, and remember to check in every Monday to meet a new member of the team!

xo,

Helly Hepburn

Why Every Woman Should Do a Pin-up Pageant

Hey Guys and Dolls!

Pageant season is right around the corner and who better to help me out on this entry then the 5 time pageant winner and pageant host Dixie Delight!!! I have had loads of people asking me how they can get more involved in the pin-up community, where to start, what to do, and the answer is very simple. Pageants! In this Q and A with Dixie we will cover all of your questions and get you pumped for the pageant season.

Dixie Delight
Pin-up Perfection Photography

First I want to introduce to you Dixie Delight. Dixie is a BC based pin-up model who started modelling in 2011. Since then she has gone on to compete and place at numerous pin-up pageants in the Vancouver area including 1st place at the World of Wheels Car Show Pin-up Pageant (2012), the West Coast Tattoo and Culture Show Pin-up Pageant (2012). Her most recent win had her traveling to Las Vegas for the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend to compete in the Pin-up Pageant where she received the title of "Best Hair" thanks to her gal pal and Pin-up Perfection Photography's hair stylist Lucy Lopez. Dixie now also runs her own event planning business, Rock'n Dolls, and is responsible for hosting the majority of the pin-up pageants in the lower main land. So without further a due here is why everyone woman should do a pin-up pageant!

Dixie Delight
Pin-up Perfection Photography

Pin-up Perfection Photography: Who can enter a pin-up Pageant?

Dixie Delight: Woman over the age of 18 (most events are restricted to age). Women of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles can enter a pin-up pageant.

PUP: What if I don't have any vintage or pin-up clothing?

DD: Asking the organizers of the show for help is a great place to start. In my experience local dress shops have always been very open to lending dresses for show as it is a great way for them to advertise. And other contestants are usually open to lending dresses to new comers as well. Personally, I have lent items and outfits to others at almost every pageant I have competed, hosted, or organized.

Dixie Delight
Langley Good Times Cruise in Pin-up Perfection Photography Pageant

PUP: What if the pageant has a talent element and I don't have a talent?

DD: Talents come in all forms! I do not have any obvious talents, but I have performed a monologue, mixed drinks on stage, and even read a child's story as my talents before. If you can blow a bubble gum bubble you have a talent! Every single one of us has something unique we bring to the talent portion of a pin-up pageant and most of the time it is not about showcasing how great your talent is but about showcasing your unique personality.

Dixie Delight preforming her talent at the Pin-up Perfection Photography West Coast Tattoo and Culture Show Pin-up Pageant

PUP: How do you shake your nerves?

DD: Nerves are actually a really good thing to have before going on stage. They give you that extra bit of a adrenaline that you will need to perform. Remember that everyone in the audience is there to cheer for you and that you are there to have fun. Take a deep breath and smile!

PUP: What was the most nerve raking pageant you have done?

DD: I would have to say that the Miss Viva Las Vegas Pinup Contest was probably the most nerve racking. It was a huge pageant with a huge audience of 25,000 people and we (the contestants) were filmed and interviewed the entire time for the Bombshells and Dollies Documentary. It was the most pressure I have ever personally been under but in the end I reminded myself that I was there to have fun and meet new friend and just be myself. I learned so much about myself and know I came out of that experience feeling more empowered then ever with a even clearer vision of what I want to accomplish in my pin-up adventure. 

Dixie Delight and Lucy Lopez at VLV 2015 with her "Best Hair" Win!

PUP: How does a pin-up pageant empower women?

DD: Pin-up Pageants empower us by giving us that moment to shine in front of our peers, loved ones, and an audience. That moment will live on in you for years to come. There is this energy you get from the audience and the other contestants... When you feel so beautiful and confident in that moment on stage you feel like you can conquer anything and that confidence boost could be just what you need to become and inspiration to other women who have always thought they could not ever participate in a pageant, but you will prove that they can because they are just like you. It is an amazing feeling to be an inspiration. Empowerment is a full circle feeling, what you get out of it, you give back and that is why every woman should enter a pin-up pageant at least once in her life.

2014 Langley Good Times Cruise in Rock'n Dolls Pin-up Pageant 

PUP: What advice would you give to someone entering their first pageant?

DD: Ask lots of questions! And ask your favourite pin-up girls for advice. Many established pin-up are happy to answer questions and the organizers/hosts should be happy to help you as well. I also suggest that you do your homework! You should know the history of pin-up, the different styles of fashion, hair and make-up styles. This doesn't mean you should necessarily be able to do your own hair and make-up, but you should be familiar with the different styles. It is also a good idea to practice your fashion walk and pin-up poses! Spend time putting your outfit(s) together, wear them around the house to make sure you are comfortable in them. If you haven't seen a pin-up pageant you should go watch one because you will learn so much from seeing one live. 

PUP: What advice do you have to give to a contestant to make them memorable to the judges?

DD: Have a cute gimmick to give away to the judges and/or audience members. This will make you memorable. Write yourself a cute catchy biography or have your friends help you write one.

Dixie Delight 1st Place at the Pin-up Perfection Photography West Cost Tattoo and Culture Show Pin-up Pageant

PUP: As a pin-up pageant placer, what advice would you give to someone who would love to place in a pageant?

DD: Honestly I have never entered a pageant with the main focus being winning or placing. Of course the prizes are usually amazing but I have entered pageants before and not even known what the prizes are. I enter pageants to meet other like minded women to have fun and fulfil my own personal love of the stage, I think that the reason I have done well in pageants comes from my backstage attitude. I am laughing, having fun, making friends, and when it comes time to hit the stage I bring that energy with me. A pin-up queen or 1st place winner is one that brings the most energy to the stage with her smiles, her confidence, and fun. 

2012 Langley Good Times Cruise Inn Pin-up Perfection Photography Pin-up Pageant

PUP: Are there any upcoming pageants? And how can someone find out about pageants and pin-up events?

DD: I suggest following the Rock'n Dolls page for any up coming pageants or events. Also the LBA and Billies Barber Shop are hosting the Miss Ladner Quilt Walk and Car Show Pin-up Pageant. If you are interested in participating be sure to click on the link for info. 

So there you have it! Why every woman should enter a pin-up pageant even if it is just once in her life. Pageants are a great way to meet people, network with different people in the industry, and also just a really great way to have fun. I am also an experience pageant contestant and have competed with Dixie in the past. I can honestly say that some of the most fun I have had was at a pageant or the preparation leading up to the pageant. I have also made some of the best of friends at these pageants. The rush you get and the confidence that you leave, placement or not, is something that will keep you walking tall for a good long while. 

If you have any questions you would like to ask, please comment below and I will respond as soon as I can.

xo,

Helly Hepburn

Who is Pin-up Perfection Photography Part 3

Gals like this don't come around very often. Stela Licina is one of Pin-up Perfection Photography's straight talking, sass walking, hair stylist and make-up artist. Stela's Facebook page sits at 8200 followers and is climbing daily. But this babe is more than just a pretty face. She is the complete package! Welcome to third instalment of "Who is Pin-up Perfection Photography?" And I couldn't be more thrilled to introduce you to this beauty!

Stela Licina
Photo by: Pin-up Perfection Photography

Stela was born in Bosnia but moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1994. After high school she went to make-up school and started working as a freelance make-up artist and model in Calgary before she decided to move to beautiful British Columbia to launch her career. Even before moving to Vancouver she had been following the work of Shimona Henry for a while and knew without a doubt that she had to work for her. Stela started working for Shimona 3 years ago as her make-up artist and was pushed to do hair as well, and we are so glad she did. Stelas attention to detail and her love of vintage styling makes her work so beautiful and intricate that women book with Shimona and specifically ask to work with Stela because her talents are like no other.

Stela Licina for Deadly Couture Latex
Image by: Pin-up Perfection Photography

Since moving to Vancouver Stela has modelled for several designers and local shops here in Vancouver. Companies include, Cherry Velvet Plus, Forever Yours Lingerie , and Deadly Couture to name a few. She also continues to model for Blame Betty in Calgary.

Stela Licina
Photo by: Pin-up Perfection Photography

When she isn't busy modelling or working at Pin-up Perfection Photography she can be found working at Vancouver's local shops Scout Boutique and Lace Embrace Atelier. She also enjoys spending quality time with her friends, mud wrestling, collecting vintage record and obscurities for her kitschy home. She has also been known to enjoy eating hot dogs. So if you see her around at a trade show or car show, buy her a hot dog and she will give you a hug!

Stela is truly one of a kind. She has really owned her craft and has made a name for her self in the city that she now calls home. And to keep up with the "selfie" theme... don't even get me started on this girls selfie skills. Just find out for yourself!

So there you have it! Stela Licina in a nut shell. We are so happy to have this girl as a long member of the Pin-up Perfection Photography team. It seriously would not be the same with out you. We love you!

xo,

Helly Hepburn

Swimsuit Sweeties!

Pin-up Perfection Photography
Summer Specials

Hey Guys and Dolls!

Here at Pin-up Perfection Photography we are gearing up for July's shoot special, "Swimsuit Sweeties", and in theme with that I decided to help all of you gals out with where to get a bathing suit that fits you like a glove in the price range that works for your wallet! Your very glittery wallets. From local Vancouver designers to online shops I have covered all the best pin-up swim companies in North America! Some of the girls here at Pin-up Perfection Photography have already started the summer off right by getting in pool. I see many pool/lake days in our future. I love summer!!!

Helly Hepburn
Melons and Sweet Cheeks

BRAND:Melons and Sweetcheeks Lingerie 
WHERE TO PURCHASE: Lace Embrace Atelier
PRICE:$$$
SIZING: Custom/Made to Measure

Melons and Sweetcheeks Lingerie is a local Vancouver company that we just love! Their custom made bathing suits are so well constructed and made to fit. They feature vintage bullet bra tops and a high waist bottom comes up quite high unlike other vintage repro swimwear. So for you gals looking for a high waist bikini bottom that only shows a little bit of your midriff this is the suit for you. Melons and Sweetcheeks is on the higher price point, however after owning one I can honestly say the money is worth it. This suit is so incredible! You can also contact Melons and Sweetcheeks and together come up with a bathing suit that is 100% unique to you.

Stela Licina
 Bettie Page Swim

BRAND: Bettie Page
WHERE TO PURCHASE: Scout Boutique or Online
PRICE: $$
SIZING: 0-26 (depending on suit)

These bathing suits are so beautiful. They truly capture Bettie Pages iconic style. Bettie Page was known for making her own bikinis and lingerie so when Bettie Page (the clothing line) took over new management they started reproducing her famous swim wear. The price point of these swimsuits are good for someone on a budget and they are generally on sale online. But if you simply cannot wait and you need this swimsuit now, get your butt to Scout Boutique and one of their amazing girls will help you find the suit for you.






BRAND: Deadly Couture

Evilyn 13
Deadly Couture Latex

WHERE TO PURCHASE: Deadly Couture Boutique
PRICE: $$
SIZING: Custom/Made to Measure

If you are looking for something adorable but a little more edgy then you might want to get a latex bathing suit. And what better place to get one then at our favourite latex shop and designer Deadly Couture. Deadly Couture latex is made in beautiful Vancouver, BC. If you are looking to have a suit that is made to your body then you have to contact Jenny. She will hook you up with the cutest suit you could ever dream of. She isn't always available to do custom, so planning in advance is best. She is very easy to work with and will make sure you get just what you want.








BRAND: Pinup Couture - Pinup Couture 

Jen Kaboom
Pinup Couture

WHERE TO PURCHASE:New World Designs or pinupgirlclothing.com
PRICE: $$
SIZING: XS-4XL

Pinup Couture is one of our favourite brands. The quality of their swim wear is outstanding and the patterns and styles they choose are so glamorous and fun you will want to live in your swimwear all summer long! You can purchase PUG swimwear at New World Designs in Gastown (Vancouver) or Scout Boutique on Main St. Or if you are not in the Vancouver area you can purchase online at the Pinupgirlclothing.com website. The really amazing factor of these suits is the size range, from an xs to a 4xl you are guaranteed to find the suit for you!

BRAND: Vintage Suits By Mary
WHERE TO PURCHASE: vintagesuitsbymary.com

Chevvy Piston
Vintage Suits By Mary

PRICE:$$
SIZING: XS-XL

Vintage Suits By Mary are so unique and so much fun. They really capture the vintage style with a twist to give it that amazing sex appeal we all love. There are several different styles to choose from on the website. VSBM has a wide arrange of two pieces as well as some very sexy one piece bathing suits. I would make sure you pay close attention to the size charts so you choose a suit that fits your perfectly.











BRAND: Sugar Doll Swim

Kerosene Deluxe
Sugar Doll Swim

WHERE TO PURCHASE: shopsugardoll.com
PRICE: $$$
SIZING: S-XXL

These suits are so adorable. Sugar Doll Swim hits all the stops when it comes to cute with their bathing suits. The quality of these swim suits are quite good. A lot of our clients come to shoot with this brand and all have raved about it. You will need to order these suits at the online store as linked above. Shipping, like most online stores can take up to two weeks so if you are needing it for something plan ahead for that. I don't know about you but I need to get me some Sugar Doll Swim.

Evilyn 13
Deadly Dames Clothing

BRAND: Deadly Dames Clothing
WHERE TO PURCHASE: New World Designs or Pinupgirlclothing.com
PRICE: $$
SIZING: XS - 2XL

This is quite possibly the most incredible bikini I have ever owned. I remember first seeing it on the site and thinking, "I have to have this all over my body!" Sure enough when I got it in the mail it fit like a dream. This bathing suit is constructed so well, and the colours do not fade when swimming in chlorine like some bathing suits do. I can't say more good things about this suit other then you need one. Now!








BRAND:Unique Vintage

Ruby Roxx
Unique Vintage

WHERE TO PURCHASE: New World Designs or uniquevintage.com
PRICE: $
SIZING: XS-4XL

Unique Vintage swim wear is not only very affordable for those of you on a tight budget they also offer some of the cutest one piece and two piece bathing suits on the market. They try to emulate the iconic Esther Williams look. These suits are well made and will last for more then a season. The great thing about Unique Vintage is that they offer a large size run from 0 to 18 or xs to 4xl, they truly offer something for every body! Did I mention they are hella cute?!








There you have it. Some of our favourite pin-up swim wear companies. I wanted to cover all the basis from smaller sizes to plus sizes as well as a pretty good price range, and if you are looking for something on the low cost end of things these brands are still really remarkable quality. Or if you are splurging and can get something custom go for it! I always recommend going for custom as you will be the only one in it and they typically last longest, or the maker will fix it up if you need things fixed on it. Just with my personal experience.

Hope this helps! If you have any thing that you would like to read please comment below!

xo

Helly Hepburn

All photos: Pin-up Perfection Photography

Pin-up Perfection Photography's Top Tens

Hey guys and dolls!
Welcome back to the Pin-up Perfection Photography blog! Today we will be taking you through our top ten red lipstick products that we use in our studio to achieve that perfect pin-up pout for all your "oohs" and "ahhs"!

1. MAC Cosmetics - Ruby Woo Price: 19.00$

Number one on our top ten list is MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Ruby Woo. This is our ultimate go to colour here at the Pin-up Perfection Photography studio. This colour is so true to that old Hollywood glamour lip colour that we all know and love and is a great way to achieve that coveted vintage pout. While this lipstick is not a long last lipstick the staying power is pretty decent and if you pair it with a lip pencil it will increase the longevity of your colour.





2. Lime Crime - Wicked Price: 20.00 $


Number two on our list is from the Lime Crime Velvetine collection in the shade Wicked. This colour is so striking. Its a deep red colour with a blue undertone. The lasting power of this product is like no other. You can generally apply this once in the morning and not need to touch it up all day. Once suggestion we make with this particular product is to use a lip primer underneath to keep your lips from drying or cracking.




3. Jeffree Star Cosmetics - Unicorn Blood Price: 18.00$


Third on our list of top ten lip products is from the recently launched Jeffree Star Cosmetics. Truthfully any colour from this line is incredible. This is a long wear lip stain much similar to the Lime Crime staying power. The shade is similar to wicked but has more of a brown undertone to it making it slightly warmer. It is truly a beautiful product. Again, most long wear lip stains need a lip primer to avoid any cracking or drying out of your lips.




4. Make Up For Ever - Aqua Rouge - Lipstick in Red Price: 24.00$


Number four on our list is quickly becoming one of my personal favourites. Make Up For Ever products are always a go to of mine, and this long wear lip colour is out of this world. The colour is a fantastic vintage red and it goes on so smoothly. It is also moisturising which means it won't dry out your lips throughout the day. I do find that I need to reapply every so often, but if you are just wearing it for an evening it will last the whole night and will not transfer.



5. Rimmel London - Lasting Finish By Kate Moss #01 Price: 5.00$-10.00$


Are you a pin-up girl on a budget and looking to save a little money but still want that perfect red pout? Then look no further. Number five is The Lasting Finish by Kate Moss collection and it is so incredible. Even without a lip pencil this lipstick lasts forever! It is not a long wear but I can promise you this product does not budge! You will need to reapply throughout the day, but the pigmentation of this product is quite strong so even if you apply in the morning you will still have a red lip come evening. Because this is a drug store line the price is cheap cheap cheap. So if you are needing to cut costs I highly recommend you grab this product as soon as you can!


6. Besame Cosmetics - 1959 Red Hot Red Price: 22.00$

Number 6 is from the Besame Cosmetics collection. Where to start with Besame Cosmetics? First, the packaging is so glamorous and had a beautiful vintage look to it. This lipstick is such an incredible colour and is comparable to the colour that Marilyn Monroe wore. This lipstick is very moisturising and will not dry out your lips. I do find that I need to reapply more often but if you use a decent lip pencil it will extend its longevity.






7. I Am Sin - Tempting Lipstick Price: 22.00$


Number seven on our list is from the I Am Sin Cosmetics. If you haven't tried the I Am Sin collection that was put out by model Masuimi Max you need to get out from under the rock you live in and try these products. Her lipsticks are so highly pigmented and for a cream lipstick it last forever. You will still need to reapply if you choose not to use a with a lip liner, but if you do you will notice that this lipstick lasts. It will also leave a lovely stain on your lips if you want something at little more tame or just to add some colour to your lip tone. Tempting is a lovely dark red shade, closer to a cherry red then a true red, and we just love it!


8. Chanel Cosmetics - Rouge Double Intensité 49 Ever Red Price: 36.00


Number 8 is a dream if you are prepared to spend a little bit of money. I have used Chanel lip glosses and lipsticks for a long time. Once a year I treat myself to one lipstick at the Chanel counter (Hey I am a diva on a dime) and this year I picked up this one. I applied one stroke of this last all day lipstick and it did just that. 10 hours after applying it was still perfect an intact on my lips.It also doesn't crack or chap your lips like some other tattoo lipsticks. The price is steep, but in my option it is totally worth it. I find that Chanel makes products that are high in pigmentation and have lasting power so you actually use less to get more out of the cost of the product.

9. Kat Von D - Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw Price: 24.00$


Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick is number nine on our list and is a popular go to for several pin-up girls. The colour Outlaw is such a brilliant red and is so true to that vintage lip that we all desire. The lasting power of this stay all day lip colour is amazing. Put it on in the morning with no need to apply through out the day, you are good as gold until you got to bed. It is truly a fantastic product. The Kat Von D line is pretty incredible and the packaging is fantastic too. I found that this product didn't chap my lips or leave them feeling dry by the end of the day which is also a huge bonus.



10. LUSH Cosmetics - Lip Colour in Power or Decisive Price: 18.95$



Yes I am aware that I picked two colours here, I am sorry but I am just so in love with these two colours that I decided to lump them together and they fall in the 10 spot on our list. So lets start with Power; this is a warm bright red. Not completely true to a vintage red but still remarkably beautiful. Decisive is more true to that deep vintage red that we love that leaves you with a rich pout. Both colours look so amazing on, and they have a pretty great long last effect that we love so much. These products are 100% vegan, which is what LUSH prides itself on and an aspect that we love. My girl Elly Mayday gave me this lip stick a year ago and since then I am completely hooked on it. If you are looking for a long wear lip colour that wont break the bank this is your new go to. It also will not dry out your lips or irritate them in anyway.

So there you have it! In no particular order our top ten favourite red lipsticks to achieve that perfect vintage lip. We chose a pretty good selection of cream lipsticks as well as stay all days. We do tend to lean towards stay all day if you are planning to wear red lips all day we just feel that this is the best way to get your monies worth out of the product.

If you have any questions please comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Or if you have any suggestions for us, put them in the comment section below as well.

xo

Helly Hepburn

Who is Pin-up Perfection Photography Part 2

Hey everyone and welcome back to our second installment of "Who is Pin-up Perfection?" Today's feature is on our amazing booking manager Maria Christina. Maria is mostly behind the scenes but she is truly the one who holds it all together. She could very well be seen as "the mom" but you know, the cool mom!

Maria Christina
Pin-up Perfection Photography

Maria Christina, like the majority of the PUP staff, started as a client. Maria was at the Taboo Naughty but Nice in Vancouver and had singed up to do one of our mini glamour session that we offer. After the two shot and talked Maria saw it was pretty clear that Shimona needed help because Pin-up Perfection Photography had grown so much so that it was hard for one person to manage. Maria quickly took on the roll of booking manager and if you have shot with Shimona or have emailed inquiries chances are Maria has assisted you and walked you through the whole process.

Maria Christina
Pin-up Perfection Photography
Headpiece: Shivers Designs

With the prompting of Shimona, Maria started her Facebook page which has been well received. Have you seen this girls face? And her curves? She is a total bombshell! When she gets in front of the camera she comes alive and the camera seriously loves her.

Maria Christina
Pin-up Perfection Photography

When Maria isn't answering your emails she is busy being the proud mother of two beautiful children. But don't let that sweet smile deceive you. Maria is a wild child at heart! When she needs a little get away she can be seen riding around town on the back of her beaus motorcycle. What a bad ass!

Maria Christina
Pin-up perfection Photography

You can often catch Maria in person at any of the trade shows or car shows that we attend. She takes the time to step out from behind her computer and help out the models, or should I say, show the models how it is done, letting women know what Pin-up Perfection Photography is all about! And like our boss lady Shimona, Maria can also take a pretty mean selfie!

So to end this entry on such an incredible woman all I have to say on behalf of the team at Pin-up Perfection Photography, Maria, we love you and would not be able to run as smoothly as we do without you!

xo

Helly Hepburn

9 Influential Women Talk to Vogue.com About How They Found Empowement in Hair Loss

Bad hair days. Good hair days. We all have them. But not everyone has a no hair day. Last week Vogue.com released the article Crowning Glory which profiles 9 influential women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment and alopecia (an autoimmune disease) and the stylish ways in which they wear their balding heads. From intricate printed scarves, wigs, and floppy hats. These women prove that having no hair can be just as beautiful as having hair.

The short article goes on to explain how each individual dealt with their hair loss and how it actually empowered them. Pheobe De Croisset says in the interview, "Hair was one of the things that made me feminine." "Femininity means something different to me now. It's about being comfortable in your own skin."

Phoebe De Croisset
Image: Cass Bird for Vogue.com

Elly Mayday, a good friend of ours here at Pin-up Perfection Photography has a feature in this article and we couldn't be more excited for her. Elly was very open and went public with her cancer and therefore her hair loss last year. She was brave, bold, and showed her friends and fans that there is beauty to be found in your vulnerability. When Elly told us she was going to be in a Vogue.com article about her hair loss I remember getting chills all over my body. You my dear are an inspiration to so many people. We love you! And this picture of you is so incredible!

Elly Mayday
Image: Cass Bird for Vogue.com

Women so often define themselves with as who they are with hair. It is often how women feel their beautiful. Even how they see beauty. But what happens when you are left with none? It doesn't change the fact that you are beautiful. Women that rock their bald heads are brave, courageous, and powerful. There is beauty in vulnerability. And on the plus side you could actually wear a new colour of hair every day.

xo,

Helly Hepburn

A Night at the Carnival - A Lingerie Fashion Show

Image: Forever Yours Lingerie 

To be honest, clowns, juggling of any kind, and face paint generally scares the shit out of me. But last Saturday night's sold out Forever Yours Lingerie A Night at the Carnival A Lingerie Fashion Show was so entertaining all you could feel was excitement and joy! And I didn't scream (in fear) once. Besides, who screams in fear at model Elly Mayday strutting her stuff as a lumberjack?! Although... she was swinging around a glittery axe for a while...

Model: Elly Mayday
Image by: Pinupz & Burlesque

This particular event was pretty near and dear to my heart. As some of you know aside from assisting with Pin-up Perfection Photography I have been working in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver for the past 8 years. The purpose of this fashion show was to create awareness and raise money for the Forever Yours Lingerie charity Supportive Start. A charity that not only gives women in need gently used bras and new underwear but their team will actually go into the shelters/transitional homes and fit each women with a bra so the women have the same experience that you would have in store. Many of us, luckily, have never had to face the reality of never having worn a clean/new pair of underwear, but for several women wearing used underwear or simply going without is their reality. Supportive Start also helps by donating boxes of toiletries and sanitary products which is just as important as clothing. If you couldn't make it to the event you can stop by the store located in Langley and donate your bras to their dropbox. See the Supportive Start webpage for more information.

Forever Yours Lingerie - Supportive Start Logo

Now, onto the good stuff!!!

As you entered the Cascades Casino to pick up your goodie bag you were then ushered up the escalator and greeted by the beautiful Shimona Henry the photographer behind Pin-up Perfection Photography on the red carpet to snap your photo on the media backdrop. Then you were treated to a complimentary glass of Organic wine provided by Kalala Organic Estate Winery. You also couldn't help but be enamoured and put under a spell by the lingerie clad women giving out temporary tattoos, selling raffle tickets or games to play such as a human pop-a-balloon. Dice games. You name it, Forever Yours Lingerie had your Night at the Carnival covered. Then the Ringmaster for the night The Purrrfessor (the co-host of Kitty Nights West) announces that it is show time! 

The Purrrfessor
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie

As you step into the hall you cannot help but notice the amazing decorations and the stage set up that

made you actually feel like you were swept away for a magical night under the big top. Then the Purrrfessor brings out two beautiful tap dancers that wow the crowd to the music of Babyface Brass all while demonstrating how their Kix'ies Thigh Highs did not budge the entire time they were dancing. INCREDIBLE! Go get a pair now!

Kix'ies Tap Dancers and The Purrrfessor
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie

Then on to the fashion! The first act "Welcome to the Big Top" the models are performers and circus animals wearing the most beautiful lingerie and gorgeous men in their SAXX underwear. "Around the World" is the title of the second segment where the models represent different countries around the world through their lingerie and props. The first half of the show ends with a segment called, "Let's All Go to the Lobby" which was probably my favorite segment. The costumes and props that Forever Yours Lingerie imagined up were incredible. Dixie Delight and Derek F open the segment and the come strutting out as the cutest diner waiter/waitress I have ever seen! And all the other models follow suit with ice cream skirts made with hula-hoops, lollipops, and a model dawning a junior mints hat. Well played Forever Yours! Well played.

Models: Dixie Delight and Derek F.
"Lets All Go to the Lobby"
Image: Forever Yours Lingerie

Time for a quick intermission so people can wet their whistles and play some more games to win some fun prizes or the coveted blue tickets to hopefully win some of the door prizes which included bras from Chantelle, Coquette, and my personal fave Panache. Then the Purrrfessor calls for the second half of the show to start, and the magic begins. 

Juggler Matt Henry
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie

A juggler, Matt Henry opens the show, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats and watching in awe. Followed by his flawless performance is the segment appropriately named "Fun and Games". The lingerie in this segment was so fantastic as were the costumes. Forever Yours really out did themselves this year when it came to all the fascinators and costuming they did.

Models: Shawna Michelle and Vanessa
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie 

Following the"Fun and Games" segment was probably the most mesmerizing burlesque performance I have ever seen. And from the way the crowd watched Voracious V move along the stage in fluid movement I would say they were completely enchanted by her.

Performer: Voracious V
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie

Now you are probably asking how do you follow up a performance like that? Well with "Black Magic" of course! This segment was a little bit of black velvet meets rock and roll, and oh did it look so good. What can I say? I am a total sucker for black lingerie. 

Model: Leah LusciousNess
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie

The final performer of the night takes the stage to show you how hula hooping is done and how you have been doing it wrong for years. Jessie Rockley contorts her body and is able to keep 4 hula hoops moving at all times. She makes it look far too easy, and all I can think is, "I can't even keep one up. This girl has some skills!"

Hula Hooper: Jessie Rockley
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie

Following Jessie's hula hooping routine is the "Light Up the Night" segment. I am sitting in the back row a chair away from our own glitter queen Emma Meow who freaks out and tells us all to shut up because the Purrrfessor mentions that there will be a black light. Well they turn the lights down and out come the models! Their lingerie and bathing suits glowing in the black light. Such a fun segment. And too boot model Stela Licina is rocking a glow in the dark dick on her back. Immediately the crowd laughs. What a character. To end the show all the models come out in their glowing outfits and have a small dance party on the runway. 

Finale!
Image by: Forever Yours Lingerie

Forever Yours Lingerie Team
Photo by: Pin-up Perfection Photography

To end this lengthy blog off, this was the most fun I have had at a fashion show in a long time. Generally I am behind the stage this time I got to enjoy all of it. So a huge thank you to Sonya at Forever Yours Lingerie for inviting the Pin-up Perfection Photography team and allowing us to enter the big top for one very memorable, magical night.

Helly Hepburn and Shimona Henry of Pin-up Perfection Photography

xo,

Helly Hepburn