Viv & Avril - new Swagger Joint dresses!

As promised, the new Swagger Joint dresses, Viv and Avril, named after women from the covers of singles by top 80s indie band The Smiths. I've always loved the vintage photography used in The Smiths' cover art, so this is my tribute to them.

Viv
Named after Viv Nicholson, celebrity pools winner, who appeared on the cover of The Smiths' single "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" - there's nothing miserable about this fabulously spangly pencil dress made from bronze lurex with velvet collar and velvet covered buttons. The bodice of the dress is lined and it fastens with the three buttons at the front and the side zip. It features a belt made from the same fabric as the dress.

Avril
Named after Tiller Girl, actress and comedian Avril Angers, who appeared on the cover of The Smiths' single "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish", this is a fabulously luxurious circle dress made from 100% wool crepe. It has a wonderful sheen, a little stretch and drapes beautifully. The neckline has lovely 'tie' detail. The bodice of the dress is lined and it fastens with the side zip. It features a belt made from the same fabric as the dress.

They will be available for reservations soon! I just wanted to show you what I've been up to.... ;)

Prices: Viv £120, Avril £150.

(Model: Olivia Sparrow, Photographer: Eightball)

Let's help independent businesses

The riots and looting this week in my country have meant a traumatic time for us. I won't comment on the acts, but as someone who runs a small business, I really sympathise with the shop owners whose livelihoods have been threatened because of the damage and looting caused to their businesses.

Communities are looking to heal, and a way that we can all help, even in a little way, is to make a donation - if you can - to the small, independently run business which have been affected.

Keep Aaron Cutting has been set up to raise funds for 89-year old barber Aaron Biber, whose shop in Tottenham was destroyed.

"Aaron lost his wife last year. Born in Cable Street, he built up his businesses in Tottenham High Street over several decades and is a popular figure in the local community.

He arrived at his shop on Sunday morning to find the place smashed up, with windows broken and hairdryers looted. Even his kettle had been stolen.

Please donate to help get Aaron back on his feet and restore his faith in the community."

Save Siva's Shop is for Siva, who has run a convenience store in Hackney (the area of London where my grandfather was born and lived as a child) for 11 years. His shop was ransacked and he has no contents insurance.

"We are asking for as much as you can spare to help get this much loved Hackney businessman and his young family back on their feet.

This PayPal account is 100% genuine, and was set up by members of the local community around Clarence Road. We ask for your trust in donating and guarantee that all contributions will be handed directly to Siva."

Thank you.

Competition - win £20 to spend at Pin-Up Parade!

Pin-Up Parade is four years old this year. The galleries opened in May 2007, followed by the shop in September 2007.

To celebrate, I want you to choose a picture from the galleries to go on the front page. To enter, just email me helen@pinup-parade.com with your favourite photo from the selection below.

The photo with the most votes will appear on the front page of the website, and a draw from voters for the most popular photo will result with someone getting a £20 voucher to spend at Pin-Up Parade, and £20 for the winning model. The competition opens now! Closing date 1st November 2011.

Here's the nominees to choose from!

Fleur de Guerre

...and again...

Miss Cherrylicious

Miss Mink

Banbury Cross

Miss K

Sweetness

(photographer credits can be found in the galleries).

Retro Makeup by Lauren Rennells

Retro Makeup: Techniques for Applying the Vintage Look
by Lauren Rennells

If you've seen Lauren's first book, Vintage Hairstyling, then you'll know what to expect with her follow up on make-up. This is over 100 pages of tips and techniques which are invaluable. Even seasoned make-up wearers will find useful info in this great, full-colour book!

The book has a similar structure to Lauren's first, starting with basic tips and information on tools (the two pages on make-up brushes is great!), and very helpful photos showing six different women with different skintones, demonstrating what different red lipsticks look on them. There's info on how to create different brow and lip shapes and how to shade and highlight to change face shape. Then to specific make-up looks, each one accompanied by step-by-step photos and clear instructions. There is historical background, which helps explain the make-up looks of different periods.

This is a fantastic book! Just £17 from Pin-Up Parade.

Customer testimonials

More feedback from Pin-Up Parade customers

Hi Helen, dress arrived, looks good. It is out of my normal colour range, but sometimes it's good to try a new colour, and the red kind of brings it back in again. It's a lovely shape, and it's nice to have a full dress that is a day dress rather than evening. Incredibly quick delivery as always, I wasn't expecting it until at least tomorrow.
Karen


Hi Helen,
The package has arrived today and the dresses are gorgeous! Thanks a lot!
This won't be my last order.

Best wishes,
Eva


Thank you so much Helen for the prompt delivery of my Alika dress.
I love it and will now buy a petticoat to go underneath.
Have another two dresses to buy from you,very soon.
Thanks Trish


Hi,
Just wanted to say I've received the dress and I absolutely love it!!! Gorgeous material and very flattering cut... thanks so much!
Kind regards
Chantal


Hi Helen,
My dress arrived this morning and it’s flipping gorgeous! Thanks so much for the pain-free transaction and for getting it to me in time to feel fab at my birthday drinks tomorrow. Result!
All the best
Kate x


Hi Helen,
Just received your shirts,they are absolutely beautiful and really well made.Thanks for your prompt service,
I look forward to ordering more from you.
Cheers.
Kas.


Hello Helen,
I received my order. The dress is perfect, and it's really nice! I'm very happy! This saturday I have a party and I'll wear my beautiful new dress!
Thank you so much!!!
best wishes
Elisa


just to confirm i received the dresses from you yesterday and i love them !!! will be back for more soon. Thank you so much for the speedy delivery.
Victoria


Dear Helen
I have just received my order, I ordered the alika red dress. I just wanted to say thank you for your excellent service. Just a few days after I ordered it was here, and the dress is simply beautiful, excellent quality and worth every penny. I will certainly be shopping with you from now on.
Kind regards
Carrie


Hi Helen,
I recently placed an order for the Nataly dress and Happy Bows dress.
I just wanted to send a quick email to say I'm very pleased. I've been smiling since they arrived this morning! They are both fabulous and I am am delighted to find a UK based website that sells dresses like these in large sizes.
Thank you.
Liz


The Scotty skirt fits and looks like a dream! I’ve always been a pencil skirt girl, but this is now my fave skirt. It’s so flattering, yet warm and cosy, and with useful pockets! Everything a girl needs really!
Mitzi


Hi Helen,
I just wanted to say thank you for your prompt replies and service. The dress is perfect and I shall look forward to wearing it at the Goodwood Revival in a few weeks time.
Many thanks,
Kate


Hi Helen,
Many thanks, received the dress on Tuesday, so couldn't have been quicker! Great service, so thank you.
Best Regards
Roxanne.


Hi Helen
Greta dress and v8 bowling shirt arrived today dress fits beautifully and my other half is delighted with the shirt,thanks for the usual excellent service will be ordering some more lovely dresses very soon xx
Cheryl


Helen
I received my illusion dress today and I love it! It’s my first Bettie Page dress and it’s an excellent fit. It goes in and out in the right places and most importantly it covers my knees!! Thank you for a hassle free and quick service. I’m hooked. I’m slowly turning into a vintage babe or an old babe….hehehehe!
Karen

Swagger Joint at Pin-Up Parade

Exclusive to Pin-Up Parade - Swagger Joint!

Sometime ago I decided to bring out my own range of dresses. A lot of time and thought went into it, and ta-da - the first design, the "Esme" (named after my very glamorous grandma, of course), was born. It is made from matte black satin with a flouncy collar and the skirt is lined with netting for that all-important 1950s va-voom. Here it is, photographed by Tony Nylons:

Unfortunately, a manufacturing error has meant that the Esme is only available up to a UK 16. As a result, the "Esme" is selling at the reduced price of £50, on the Sale page. Larger sizes aren't available - sorry!

However, there are other Swagger Joint designs on the way. They will be beautifully tailored, lined, made in fabulous luxurious fabrics like wool crepe and (unlike the Esme) will be made in the UK. This means though that they will be more expensive, at about £100 each. However, I think you'll feel it'll definitely be worth it.

Fabulous discounts at Pin-Up Parade!

I've added new items to the Sale and also given further discounts on other Sale items. If you've got an eye for a bargain, then check these out!


Avondale - was £90, now £75


Jetsetter Suit - was £90, now £55


Scotty - was £85, now £50


Afternoon Tea - was £90, now £55


Illusion - was £80, now £45


Happy Bows - was £80, now £45


Scotty Skirt - was £60, now £35


Mode Merr red satin skirt - was £42, now £30


Catwalk skirt plaid - was £40, now £30


Mode Merr fitted peasant top - "Hearts" - was £35, now £20


Menswear reductions

Skull Button Bowling Shirt - was £40, now £30


Charlie Bowling Shirt - was £42, now £32


V-8 Button Bowling Shirt - was £40, now £30


...and then £5 off ALL vintage Hawaiian shirts. Prices from £5 to £10 each!