tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56408906859013917922024-03-13T07:37:23.037-07:00Pin-Up ParadeHelen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-23508601955791599962013-12-17T11:53:00.003-08:002013-12-17T11:54:01.518-08:00Further reductions and Christmas post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Further reductions</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Another £5 off <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/rago.htm" target="_blank">Rago shapewear</a> and <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/bettie_page_clothing.htm" target="_blank">Bettie Page Clothing</a> dresses, and £20 off the luxurious Viv dress by <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/swagger_joint.htm" target="_blank">Swagger Joint</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Christmas posting</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you want anything for Christmas, please note your order will need to be in by 7pm on Thursday 19th (for 1st class Signed For). Or 1pm on Monday 23rd if you're going for Special Delivery.</span><br />
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Festive greetings!</div>
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Erm... that's it.</div>
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Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-78487509719790469972013-11-26T04:32:00.003-08:002013-11-26T04:32:35.963-08:00Goodbye, Pin-Up Parade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The big news</strong><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">It’s very difficult to write this, but the time has come… </span><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Pin-Up Parade</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> is closing.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">I started this shop back in September 2007, so I’ve had 6 years of frocks, accessories, shapewear, books, CDs, even teatowels. I’ve sold things from several different brands and when I started, I was the only person in the UK to sell vintage repro sizes larger than XL (as far as I could tell - it was my main reason for starting the shop!). I was also the first person in the whole of Europe to stock Bettie Page Clothing.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">But, alas, the market has changed, so I’m calling it a day. Yes, I wanted to do my own clothing line, Swagger Joint, but (boring bit) in order to really get it going properly, I’m looking at borrowing between £10,000 to £15,000 – it’s just not a financial risk I’m willing to take, especially in this very uncertain financial climate. Besides which, the website design is creaky and ancient, and I lack both the will and the skill to faff about and make a new one from scratch. And if I get one more email from a web SEO company telling my website is awful and I don’t know how to use social media to engage with my customers, I will commit an act of violence. Anyway... ahem...</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The reductions</strong><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Everything in the shop is reduced and once it’s gone, it’s gone. To quote the Manic Street Preachers, who are possibly not vintage in the least, but hey, who cares, I love them anyway: “Everything Must Go” (fun fact - I have seen people wear the Bettie Page Clothing "Captain" dress at their gigs, so it's relevant. Honest).</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/rago.htm" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Rago</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> - £5 off all shapewear items (in stock items only)</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><img align="none" height="317" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/rago/corselette_pinkt.jpg" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; height: 317px; line-height: 18px; width: 200px;" width="200" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/swagger_joint.htm" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Swagger Joint</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> - £20 off the </span><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/swagger_joint.htm" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Olivia dresses</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">. The satin version (now £50) would make a great dress for Christmas, and why not invest now in the cotton version, which is just £45, for next summer? (Or for those of you in Australia and New Zealand looking for a summer dress – now’s your chance!). To convince you that you definitely need an Olivia dress in your wardrobe, check out </span><a href="http://www.diaryofavintagegirl.com/2012/11/v-fans-on-frock.html" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Fleur de Guerre</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> in fan print cotton:</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><img align="none" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8198869147_d738e9052a_z.jpg" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; height: 400px; line-height: 18px; width: 266px;" width="266" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Gemma from Retro Chick in the </span><a href="http://www.retrochick.co.uk/2013/09/11/rain/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">cotton</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">:</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><img align="none" height="314" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0895249bdbbb4835832fca9a/images/Summer_Dress.jpg" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; height: 314px; line-height: 18px; width: 196px;" width="196" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">And Katie from </span><a href="http://www.whatkatiedid.com/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">What Katie Did</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> in the satin (from </span><a href="http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2013/08/14/my-vintage-wardrobe-katie-thomas-from-what-katie-did/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Mydaily.co.uk</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">):</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><img align="none" height="306" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0895249bdbbb4835832fca9a/images/what_katie_did_10.jpg" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; height: 306px; line-height: 18px; width: 235px;" width="235" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">(While I'm at it, big thanks to the three ladies here who've been so great and supportive over the years.)</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The </span><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/swagger_joint.htm" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Viv dress</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> is reduced from £130 to £100, which isn’t bad at all for such a high quality dress, and that bronze lurex fabric is perfect for the festive season. The Viv and the (no longer available) Avril were made by dressmakers in Kendal, up in the Lake District, and the belts are made by the last belt factory in the UK (apparently), who also makes belts for Vivienne Westwood. So when I say the Viv dress is high-quality, I'm really not lying.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><img align="none" height="375" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/swaggerjoint/vivmt.jpg" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; height: 375px; line-height: 18px; width: 250px;" width="250" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">(And another thank you - Stephanie Jay and Millie Dollar for modelling Swagger Joint. And my dear friend Olivia (who is now </span><a href="http://oliviasparrow.co.uk/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">an artist</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">), who enthusiastically modelled stuff and ended up having a dress named after her).</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/bettie_page_clothing.htm" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Bettie Page Clothing</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> – children’s dresses are now just £15 each, and adult’s dresses are now between £30 and £40. See also the </span><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/sale.htm" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Sale</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">. I mean, the entire site is a Sale now, but bear with me, please.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/books.htm" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Accessories and Books</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> – everything reduced here too! Lauren Rennall’s hair and make-up books, music, jewellery… yup, it’s all got to go and it’s all reduced.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">And before I go…</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Thank you to all of you for your custom over the years. It’s been fun, but it’s time this train left the station (picture a steam train, an art deco station, David Suchet whimsically staring off up the misty platform, fade to black, roll credits...). Or insert whatever other metaphor here that you like. I’ll have time now for my random hobbies – rummaging about in archives to research Victorian poison panics, writing bodice-rippers, annoying my neighbours with my guitar… oh, the fun I shall have!</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">PS: Once the shop is closed, I will be deleting the website. This means that all the pin-up galleries will go as well. Thanks to everyone involved with pin-up back then - I'm sure I'll forget someone, but all the models in the galleries who sent in their photos, and the photographers themselves - Nicole from </span><a href="http://www.thehourglass.eu/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">The Hourglass</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><a href="http://www.tonynylons.co.uk/about.html" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Tony Nylons</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, etc etc etc. It's a shame, but the galleries haven't been properly updated for a long time. And it'll live on at archive.org if you're desperate...!</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">PPS: (Look, I will stop in a minute, ok...) Honourable mentions to </span><a href="http://thechapmagazine.co.uk/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">The Chap</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> and </span><a href="http://ninashairparlour.com/" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_self">Nina the Headdresser</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">. And to everyone else who should be on this list and isn't because I'm on the verge of being overcome with emotion and we can't have that, can we?</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">PPPS: A Chinese company emailed me not long ago to tell me that they have signed some sort of permission which means they can use my business’ name in China without me being able to stop them. Please bear in mind that once I shut my shop and delete the website off the intertubes, anyone or anything else calling itself Pin-Up Parade </span><em style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">isn’t me</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">. The dastards! If I was Georgian gentleman, I would fling my peruke onto a nearby chiffonier and challenge them to a duel. Alas, I am but a librarian with a dress shop, so I’ll threaten to ink them on the forehead with a date-stamp. There, that’ll show ‘em.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Best wishes to you all,</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Helen.</strong></div>
Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-74461760637309425672013-06-26T01:48:00.001-07:002013-06-26T01:51:19.560-07:00Rago shapewear at Pin-Up Parade - competition!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As you know, I now sell <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/rago.htm" target="_blank">Rago shapewear at Pin-Up Parade</a>.<br />
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There is a competition on Gemma's <a href="http://www.retrochick.co.uk/2013/06/21/rago-shapewear-lingerie/" target="_blank">Retro Chick blog</a> where you can win a £20 voucher to spend on any Rago item of your choice from <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/rago.htm" target="_blank">my shop</a>!<br />
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It's very easy to enter - all the info you need to do so is on <a href="http://www.retrochick.co.uk/2013/06/21/rago-shapewear-lingerie/" target="_blank">Gemma's blog</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/rago/corselette_black3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/rago/corselette_black3.jpg" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra firm corselette, available in sizes 34-48, B, C, D. £55.</td></tr>
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<b>The Rago corselette </b><br />
The corselette is fitted by bra size, but you can go up a band size if you need to change the cup. For example, if you are a 36DD bra, you should be ok with the 38D corselette. Similarly, if you find the hip size on the corselette in your bra size is too tight, you can go up a band size and down a cupsize to accommodate.<br />
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The corselette is very pretty in floral powermesh, and it does its job, holding everything in and smoothing to give a fabulous silhouette under vintage clothing. It has shaping bands round the waist and hips to hold those areas in, and a firm panel at the front to control your tummy. And, importantly, it's comfortable to wear! <br />
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Photo credits:<br />
Model: Stephanie Jay<br />
Photographer: Nick Halling<br />
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Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-10981154150097527762013-04-20T05:39:00.000-07:002013-04-20T05:39:10.674-07:00Happy customer competition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You may be aware of the <span class="il">Happy</span> <span class="il">Customers</span> pages - testimonials and photographs. I've decided it's time to update the <span class="il">Happy</span> <span class="il">Customers</span> page (it was last updated 3 years ago!).<br />
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If you'd like to appear on the <span class="il">Happy</span> <span class="il">Customers</span> photo page, all you need to do is email me a photo of yourself wearing something you bought from Pin-Up Parade to <a href="mailto:helen@pinup-parade.com" target="_blank">helen@pinup-parade.com</a>. Please let me know if you're ok with the photo appearing on <a href="http://pinup-parade.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b0895249bdbbb4835832fca9a&id=4dc45cdf27&e=8ca0e0791e" style="color: maroon; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> as well in a <span class="il">Happy</span> <span class="il">Customers</span> folder as well as on the website.<br />
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"But Helen!" I hear you cry, "How the heck is that a competition?"
Ahh... because you have until the 31st July to send a photo, and I'll
draw one <span class="il">Happy</span> (and also lucky...) <span class="il">Customer</span> out of a hatbox and send them a voucher for £25 to spend at Pin-Up Parade.<br />
<br />
So get snapping!<br />
<br />
(Please note that Pin-Up Parade reserves the right not to use all photos received).<br />
</div>
Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-69811586381162930952013-04-08T08:41:00.006-07:002013-04-08T08:46:44.725-07:00Postage price increases - sorry!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear all,<br />
<br />
I don't usually write this blog but I feel I need to in order to explain the price increase I've had to initiate for my postage.<br />
<br />
<b>UK postage price structure changes</b> <br />
I used to charge £5 for the first item sent by Recorded delivery - I have increased it to £6. Royal Mail have changed their pricing structure and have removed the parcel post option that I used to use. It means that if a parcel is more than 3" thick, it suddenly becomes more expensive to post - £6.90 for first class, and about 70p less for second class. I haven't increased it up to £6.90, because I feel that an increase of nearly £2 would be unfair to my customers (a pity Royal Mail doesn't feel the same, quite frankly!). However, the additional price per item of £1 hasn't changed. It might mean, however, that if you choose Recorded Delivery and the item you have ordered is particularly bulky, it <i>may</i> be sent 2nd class, rather than by 1st. <br />
<br />
I have increased Special Delivery to £8.50 (from £8). This service isn't affected by the strange size demands of Royal Mail, so you may want to spend a couple of pounds more to have a more secure, guaranteed delivery.<br />
<br />
<b>International postage prices</b> <br />
I have also had to increase international post prices a little too. Please see the <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/" target="_blank">Shop page for more information</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Alternatives</b> <br />
If you want me to send your order by a different method - Parcelforce, DHL or MyHermes, please let me know in the "Any special requests?" box and I will see what I can do for you.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.myhermes.co.uk/wps/portal/PN_CTR/Home/homepage/" target="_blank">MyHermes</a> is a lot cheaper than Royal Mail and might be worth considering, but please do check their website as they charge more to insure anything over £25, which might not make it worth your while. It's a service where a courier comes to your shipping address in their car and will make three attemps to deliver it.<br />
<br />
Collection: if you would like to collect your order in person (and save on postage prices entirely!), please email me helen@pinup-parade.com to arrange. I am based in the Birmingham area, and quite soon you should be able to pay by card in person (but not over the phone).<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm really sorry that I'm having to increase my prices - however, it's unavoidable as my mark-up is already as low as I can make it, which means I'm unable to absorb the increase. With VAT running at 20%, it already cuts into the mark-up by making imports from the USA more expensive.<br />
<br />
I am trying my best to keep going despite VAT and postage prices doing their best to hobble the most dedicated of small businesses. As you know, I try to get your orders out to you as soon as I can, and answer your queries in an hour or two of you making them - and these are things that these pesky costs can't get in the way of!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope you won't be deterred from shopping with me!<br />
<br />
Best wishes,<br />
Helen.</div>
Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-62110016827621928162012-11-16T02:28:00.001-08:002012-11-16T02:28:10.232-08:00New dress, new direction, new pomade!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've got out of the habit of using this blog, as I've been using Facebook far more. As you can see... I haven't posted anything on here for over a year.<br />
<br />
But I've decided to revive this blog to show you the new Swagger Joint dress - the Olivia, to announce a slightly new direction for Pin-Up Parade and also to run a competition. YES A COMPETITION!<br />
<br />
So first of all, the Olivia. As you may know, Swagger Joint is Pin-Up Parade's very own dress label. You can't get these dresses online from anywhere else! They are designed by yours truly. I've named it after my friend Olivia, who in turn is named after Olivia de Havilland. The Olivia is a 1950's-style dress with full skirt, "kimono" sleeves, a high neckline and - very handy - two conceealed pockets at the front. It's a proper 1950s length, coming to about mid-calf on someone of average height, but can easily be adjusted if needs be. The skirt is lined with polycotton to help give shape.<br />
<br />
It's made in three different fabrics - two cotton prints and one satin. Here's the lovely Stephanie Jay modelling them for your viewing pleasure:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d4fN9AAshI/UKYOasHcZqI/AAAAAAAAAbk/IXhRbT3vLqw/s1600/olivia_fanst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2d4fN9AAshI/UKYOasHcZqI/AAAAAAAAAbk/IXhRbT3vLqw/s1600/olivia_fanst.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia dress in fan print cotton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oD1Lu5s35fM/UKYObIGU1aI/AAAAAAAAAbs/JGAnukKTcPk/s1600/olivia_rosesb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oD1Lu5s35fM/UKYObIGU1aI/AAAAAAAAAbs/JGAnukKTcPk/s320/olivia_rosesb.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia dress in rose print cotton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJ5g-evQ9VI/UKYOcNPmx_I/AAAAAAAAAbw/EciExGsFE_c/s1600/olivia_rosest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJ5g-evQ9VI/UKYOcNPmx_I/AAAAAAAAAbw/EciExGsFE_c/s1600/olivia_rosest.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia dress in rose print cotton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyHxrh7wLok/UKYOd_RHs-I/AAAAAAAAAcA/4vKMa54h-bA/s1600/olivia_satint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyHxrh7wLok/UKYOd_RHs-I/AAAAAAAAAcA/4vKMa54h-bA/s1600/olivia_satint.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia dress in Chinese satin brocade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You can find all the Swagger Joint dresses <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/swagger_joint.htm" target="_blank">exclusively at Pin-Up Parade</a> (a selection of Olivia dresses are available at Forgotten Vintage in Birmingham's Great Western Arcade).<br />
<br />
<b>Outerwear? Underwear!</b><br />
I've sold all manner of outerwear since opening Pin-Up Parade in 2007 - dresses, skirts, capri pants, trousers, T-shirts, bowling shirts, you name it. But I've not sold underwear until now. I'll be carrying a range of <a href="http://www.pinup-parade.com/shop/rago.htm" target="_blank">Rago shapewear:</a> the light-weight girdle, the extra-firm girdle and the corselette. Here's Stephanie Jay in the lovely pink & black version of the extra-firm girdle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTnXDk6cGf4/UKYQT_y0rOI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/l8LimKOyvpw/s1600/girdlept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTnXDk6cGf4/UKYQT_y0rOI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/l8LimKOyvpw/s1600/girdlept.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
If the size you need isn't in stock, please email me and I'll see what I can do.<br />
<br />
<b>Competition</b><br />
By now, some of you are probably hoping that this competition involves the Olivia dress or a Rago girdle. Those will have to wait another time! Up for grabs is a tub of Steve Hooker's "Goldmine" hair pomade. Steve is a gnarly ol' rocker who has played guitar with all sorts of people - from Boz Boorer to Johnny Thunders, from Chuck Berry to Wilko Johnson. His wife, Elaine, runs Slick 50 barber shop in Southend, Essex, and they've developed a range of hair products. They're animal-friendly - only tested on hepcats!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhAzehyY5F8/UKYUv7O8MPI/AAAAAAAAAco/cW8X-Q_ePdU/s1600/goldmine.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhAzehyY5F8/UKYUv7O8MPI/AAAAAAAAAco/cW8X-Q_ePdU/s1600/goldmine.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
With Christmas coming up, you may be scratching your head trying to think of gifts to get people - the Goldmine hair pomade makes a fab present for anyone who likes to put a bit of grease in their barnet. They usually sell for £6 from <a href="http://stevehooker.co.uk/_rock_n_roll/pages/127-hair-products.asp" target="_blank">Steve Hooker's shop</a>, but I've got two tubs of Goldmine pomade to give away. All you have to do is email me your answers to the following three questions:<br />
<br />
1. What does "DA" mean when we talk about a "DA hairstyle"?<br />
2. What's the name of the barber who claimed to have invented the DA?<br />
3. If you go to the Yoyogi Park in Harajuku, Tokyo, you'll see a notorious group of leather-clad dancers with DA hairstyles. What do their call their club?<br />
<br />
Please email your answers to helen@pinup-parade.com Closing date is Friday 7th December at 5pm, and the two winners will be announced on Sunday 9th December.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YESw0lGS-M/UKYUi4L6LaI/AAAAAAAAAcg/MrgLpfzbZ2Q/s1600/_MG_2055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YESw0lGS-M/UKYUi4L6LaI/AAAAAAAAAcg/MrgLpfzbZ2Q/s320/_MG_2055.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And to round things off... here's Stephanie Jay again, in the light-weight Rago girdle, wearing one of Steve Hooker's rock'n'roll T-shirts.<b> </b><br />
<br />
Model: Stephanie Jay <a href="http://www.stephaniejay.com/">www.stephaniejay.com</a><br />
Photographer: Nick Halling <a href="http://www.nickhalling.co.uk/">www.nickhalling.co.uk</a><br />
</div>
Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-68399767066113481712011-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:002011-09-21T13:11:19.086-07:00Viv & 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.<br />
<br />
<b>Viv</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/swaggerjoint/viv1t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="376" width="160" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/swaggerjoint/viv1t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Avril</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/swaggerjoint/avril1t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="374" width="241" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/swaggerjoint/avril1t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
They will be available for reservations soon! I just wanted to show you what I've been up to.... ;)<br />
<br />
Prices: Viv £120, Avril £150.<br />
<br />
(Model: Olivia Sparrow, Photographer: Eightball)Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-52085976652157770692011-08-12T04:25:00.000-07:002011-08-12T04:25:51.435-07:00Let's help independent businessesThe 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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://keepaaroncutting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keep Aaron Cutting</a> has been set up to raise funds for 89-year old barber Aaron Biber, whose shop in Tottenham was destroyed.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Please donate to help get Aaron back on his feet and restore his faith in the community."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.helpsiva.com/" target="blank_">Save Siva's Shop</a> 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. <br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
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."<br />
<br />
Thank you.Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-24885138197529837892011-07-11T02:30:00.001-07:002011-09-22T12:02:28.598-07:00Competition - 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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Here's the nominees to choose from! <br />
<br />
<center>Fleur de Guerre</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/fleur/f11t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="150" src="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/fleur/f11t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center>...and again...</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/fleur/f51t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="150" src="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/fleur/f51t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center>Miss Cherrylicious</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/cherry/c86t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="224" width="150" src="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/cherry/c86t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center>Miss Mink</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/miss_mink/m3t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="150" src="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/miss_mink/m3t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center>Banbury Cross</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/banbury_cross/b6t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="150" src="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/banbury_cross/b6t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center>Miss K</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/missk/k22t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="207" width="150" src="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/missk/k22t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center>Sweetness</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/sweetness/s43t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="150" src="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/sweetness/s43t.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(photographer credits can be found in the <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/galleries/" target="_blank">galleries</a>).Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-64150290224766256832011-05-23T01:48:00.000-07:002011-05-23T01:49:18.578-07:00Retro Makeup by Lauren Rennells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/books/makeupcovert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="200" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/books/makeupcovert.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/books.htm"><u><b>Retro Makeup: Techniques for Applying the Vintage Look</u></b></a><br />
by Lauren Rennells<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
This is a fantastic book! Just £17 from <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/books.htm"><u><b>Pin-Up Parade</b></u></a>.Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-3271247313514205942011-05-08T07:33:00.000-07:002011-05-08T07:33:01.211-07:00Customer testimonialsMore feedback from Pin-Up Parade customers<br />
<br />
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.<br />
Karen<br />
<br />
<br />
Hi Helen,<br />
The package has arrived today and the dresses are gorgeous! Thanks a lot!<br />
This won't be my last order.<br />
<br />
Best wishes,<br />
Eva<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you so much Helen for the prompt delivery of my Alika dress.<br />
I love it and will now buy a petticoat to go underneath.<br />
Have another two dresses to buy from you,very soon.<br />
Thanks Trish<br />
<br />
<br />
Hi,<br />
Just wanted to say I've received the dress and I absolutely love it!!! Gorgeous material and very flattering cut... thanks so much!<br />
Kind regards<br />
Chantal<br />
<br />
<br />
Hi Helen,<br />
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!<br />
All the best<br />
Kate x<br />
<br />
<br />
Hi Helen,<br />
Just received your shirts,they are absolutely beautiful and really well made.Thanks for your prompt service,<br />
I look forward to ordering more from you.<br />
Cheers.<br />
Kas.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hello Helen,<br />
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!<br />
Thank you so much!!!<br />
best wishes<br />
Elisa<br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
Victoria<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Helen<br />
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.<br />
Kind regards<br />
Carrie<br />
<br />
<br />
Hi Helen,<br />
I recently placed an order for the Nataly dress and Happy Bows dress.<br />
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.<br />
Thank you.<br />
Liz<br />
<br />
<br />
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!<br />
Mitzi<br />
<br />
<br />
Hi Helen,<br />
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.<br />
Many thanks,<br />
Kate<br />
<br />
<br />
Hi Helen,<br />
Many thanks, received the dress on Tuesday, so couldn't have been quicker! Great service, so thank you.<br />
Best Regards<br />
Roxanne.<br />
<br />
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Hi Helen<br />
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<br />
Cheryl<br />
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Helen<br />
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!<br />
KarenHelen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-18469053219457476482011-04-27T11:20:00.000-07:002011-04-27T11:23:09.237-07:00Swagger Joint at Pin-Up ParadeExclusive to Pin-Up Parade - Swagger Joint!<br />
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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:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/swaggerjoint/esmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="365" width="200" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/swaggerjoint/esmet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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 <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/sale.htm" target="blank_"><u>Sale page</u></a>. Larger sizes aren't available - sorry!<br />
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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.Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-88963367750930548462011-04-13T01:46:00.000-07:002011-04-13T01:49:30.054-07:00Fabulous discounts at Pin-Up Parade!I've added new items to the <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/sale.htm" target="blank_"><u>Sale</u></a> and also given further discounts on other Sale items. If you've got an eye for a bargain, then check these out!<br />
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<b>Avondale</b> - was £90, now £75<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/avondalet.jpg"><br />
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<b>Jetsetter Suit</b> - was £90, now £55<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/modemerr/jetsett.jpg"><br />
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<b>Scotty</b> - was £85, now £50<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/scottydresst.jpg"><br />
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<b>Afternoon Tea</b> - was £90, now £55<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/afternoont.jpg"><br />
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<b>Illusion</b> - was £80, now £45<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/illusionpurplet.jpg"><br />
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<b>Happy Bows</b> - was £80, now £45<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/happybowst.jpg"><br />
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<b>Scotty Skirt</b> - was £60, now £35<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/scottyskirtt.jpg"><br />
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<b>Mode Merr red satin skirt</b> - was £42, now £30<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/modemerr/redsatint.jpg"><br />
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<b>Catwalk skirt plaid</b> - was £40, now £30<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4424656394_025fd4f424_m.jpg"><br />
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<b>Mode Merr fitted peasant top - "Hearts"</b> - was £35, now £20<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/modemerr/nett.jpg"><br />
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<a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/mens.htm" target="blank_"><u>Menswear</u></a> reductions<br />
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<b>Skull Button Bowling Shirt</b> - was £40, now £30<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bowlingshirts/skull-buttont.jpg"><br />
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<b>Charlie Bowling Shirt</b> - was £42, now £32<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bowlingshirts/charliet.jpg"><br />
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<b>V-8 Button Bowling Shirt</b> - was £40, now £30<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bowlingshirts/v8t.jpg"><br />
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...and then £5 off ALL vintage Hawaiian shirts. Prices from £5 to £10 each!Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-12999719887618320972011-03-20T13:23:00.000-07:002011-03-20T13:23:56.687-07:00New items in stockThe spring/summer collection from Bettie Page Clothing is starting to arrive at Pin-Up Parade! First up, the Dotty dress and Fan skirt.<br />
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<a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/dresses.htm" target="blank_">Dotty</a> is a white pencil dress with black polka dots. £75.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM6P0ECYpmU/TYZhjhdZ72I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/AhAEAs1W7oI/s1600/dottyt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="139" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM6P0ECYpmU/TYZhjhdZ72I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/AhAEAs1W7oI/s320/dottyt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/separates.htm" target="blank_">Fan</a> is a circle skirt in grey fabric with a printed pattern of fans in black velvet.<br />
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On the way... the "Skirts Ahoy" dress. This is from Bettie Page Clothing's "Elvgren" collection, dresses from Elvgren's classic pin-up paintings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3HmVnMLux8/TYZiVmaAPtI/AAAAAAAAAGo/-vvVO3xhrJw/s1600/skirtahoy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3HmVnMLux8/TYZiVmaAPtI/AAAAAAAAAGo/-vvVO3xhrJw/s320/skirtahoy2.jpg" /></a></div>Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-74562821591665336462011-03-13T11:50:00.000-07:002011-03-13T11:50:43.214-07:00Happy customers in Las VegasRich and Vicky in Las Vegas in their Pin-Up Parade purchases!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aj3DdcCqeYA/TVrfWbvHxfI/AAAAAAAAAGA/gCoq6rvMI78/s1600/chinadoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aj3DdcCqeYA/TVrfWbvHxfI/AAAAAAAAAGA/gCoq6rvMI78/s320/chinadoll.jpg" /></a></div>Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-62789165380535187892011-01-31T04:29:00.000-08:002011-01-31T04:40:54.210-08:00Scotty skirts now in stock!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Customer review:</b><br />
"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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/scottyskirtt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/scottyskirtt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/separates.htm"><u>Get yours now from Pin-Up Parade!</u></a></div>Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-87466462542286078252011-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:002011-01-19T09:37:08.399-08:00Cupcake Provocateur aprons now in stock!Rather fabulous they are too! And rather fabulous photography here by <a href="http://eightballphotography.com/" target="blank_">Eightball Photography</a>. Model: Olivia Sparrow.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/accessories/apron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/accessories/apron2.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/accessories/apron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/accessories/apron1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
They are £35 each, available in <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/books.htm" target="blank_">Accessories & Books</a>.Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-38531546289278002292011-01-10T04:03:00.000-08:002011-01-10T04:03:01.124-08:00Cupcake Provocateur aprons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TSr1Vwc5IDI/AAAAAAAAAEw/bTwpSw-uLl8/s1600/apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TSr1Vwc5IDI/AAAAAAAAAEw/bTwpSw-uLl8/s320/apron.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>Coming soon to Pin-Up Parade!Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-90785413277263037022011-01-07T02:18:00.000-08:002011-01-07T02:18:48.994-08:00New dress from Bettie Page ClothingEverybody loves the Bettie Page Clothing "Captain" dress, and with good reason. But... did you know there's a new version of this classic dress? There is indeed, ladies, and... it's <i>red!</i><br />
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This fabulous dress can be yours! It's on its way and should be here in 1 to 2 weeks. If you'd like to reserve one, they are £100 and can be reserved with a £50 deposit. Please email me at shop@pinup-parade.com to secure yours!<br />
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More details <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/forthcoming.htm">here.</a>Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-57866324224651437452010-11-16T02:17:00.000-08:002010-11-16T02:17:48.121-08:00Further discounts!OH MY!!! Visit the <b><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/sale.htm">Sale page</a></b> at Pin-Up Parade for the following bargains!<br />
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Jazmin pencil dress in purple roses print and white/red polka dot further reduced. Now just £50 each (was £90! nearly half price!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/jazminpolkadott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/jazminpolkadott.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Maureen dresses - slight seconds. Now just £30 each!<br />
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Sonia - should've been £80, sold at £60, now reduced even further to £50. Separates available in some sizes - blouses just £15, skirts a mere £35.<br />
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Crystal dress in sizes XS to 3X:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/crystalt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/crystalt.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><br />
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Rita dress sizes S to 4X:<br />
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China Doll, sizes XS to 4X:<br />
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Alika red sizes XS to 4X:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/alikart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/alikart.jpg" /></a></div>Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-70910599200146257322010-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:002010-10-28T07:45:32.210-07:00Something silly....You may know Emilio, Pin-Up Parade's resident male model, for his fabulous bowling shirt poses:<br />
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But he's lately got a new a hobby and thinks he looks rather handsome in his vintage helmet and goggles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TMmMgMH0qvI/AAAAAAAAADY/vi1JpJSUfE8/s1600/crash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TMmMgMH0qvI/AAAAAAAAADY/vi1JpJSUfE8/s320/crash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-47340906024833482232010-10-24T11:16:00.000-07:002010-10-24T11:36:29.597-07:00A note about Nicole Katherine DesignsSome of you know that there has a been a massive drama involving myself and Nicole Katherine Designs. I did not wish to post about this publically because it's actually very boring and I don't like to wash my dirty linen in public (especially faulty linen...), but the following post has been made somewhere on Facebook and her Blogspot and so I feel that, being publically libelled in this way, I have every right to defend myself. And I shall now waste several minutes of my life telling my side of the story.<br />
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This is her libellous nonsense about me: <br />
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"I want to share my deep apologies for having to make a public statement like this, but unfortunately I can't think of any other solution...<br />
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After about 3 years of doing business with Helen Highwater of Pinup Parade, we have no choice but to sever ties.<br />
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I've received a few emails from customers who wanted to purchase the Sonia peasant skirt and our peasant blouse. All items have been shipped to Pinup Parade, despite their claims. Not only has Ms. Highwater made malicious claims and attacks against both me personally (including defacing my character and ridiculing my religion), my attorney and my company she also fraudulently posed as a professional persona in an attempt to bully my company, I've decided to publicly post the tracking numbers that include these items. They are CP545294864US and CJ171564586US. We have customs forms that show the items that were shipped to Ms. Highwater, plus an email when she placed the order and requested that we jump around in the sizes when having this produced.<br />
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I would like to further apologize to anyone who hoped to purchase these items for Halloween parties and festivals. One of the boxes had delivery attempts made for over a month before Ms. Highwater claimed the package. Unfortunately, the fabric and materials used for this peasant skirt were sourced specifically for Pinup Parade and Ms. Highwater's custom request and Nicole Katherine doesn't have any additional inventory of this skirt. If you have any other questions please email Nicole Katherine Designs at info@nicolekatherine.com<br />
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For our European customers, we have other retailers that carry Nicole Katherine...."<br />
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(poor bastards!) <br />
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How long have I been dealing with Nicole Katherine Designs? I first of all stocked a nautical confection whcih was quite nice - probably ordered those at the end of 2007 or early 2008. <br />
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Last year, I ordered a dress which I sell as the "Tiki Babe" dress (it's known elsewhere as the Da Carlo dress). I had to get all of the zips replaced on these dresses because they all broke. Nicole gave me money towards doing this but didn't cover the full cost. Then I discovered that several of the dresses had the wrong size labels put in so I had to send them back - she said she would give me a $400 credit note which would cover me for my costs of posting the dresses back to her, and the dresses - which are now for sale on her Etsy shop, by the look of it.<br />
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This year, I very stupidly decided to order more clothes from her - why? Because I forgave her and because I believe in giving people second chances. She said the problems with the Tiki dresses were caused by her manufacturer, who she was no longer using.<br />
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My order cost me nearly £2,000 (this is about two months' wages from my day job for me), which I paid in two installments, one in May and one in June. I have emails from her at the time promising me that the items would be ready in three weeks. I didn't received anything until September (and then only half the order), apart from the top and skirt that was sent to me in Spain in July so that I could get photos of it for my shop. I had planned to do this after she'd promised that the items would be shipped to me before I left for Spain at the beginning of July.<br />
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On 24th August she told me that the Maureen dresses were coming in two boxes and that part of the Sonia (blouse and skirt outfit) were coming in one box - the rest of the order, mainly blouses but including some skirts and some Maureen dresses, were delayed, because, surprise, surprise, there was a manufacturing problem.<br />
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So two letters turned up from Parcelforce advising me of customs charges and Nicole emailed me to say that one of the boxes had been sent back to her because some chump in US customs had stolen the paperwork - this was the box of Sonia outfits, mainly skirts, some blouses (the customs paperwork says 18 skirts and 5 blouses). I paid my charges and the two boxes which appeared contained Maureen dresses.<br />
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I was initially pleased with them but then when I put one on in order to model it, I realised that the neckline was baggy. My friend came round to model them and she noticed the exact same thing. To prove that I'm not making it up, here's a photo of us modelling them:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TMRecJd9_DI/AAAAAAAAADQ/VALcdycIyUo/s1600/m1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TMRecJd9_DI/AAAAAAAAADQ/VALcdycIyUo/s320/m1.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>Note how tight that sleeve is on the model in the front - it is actually an inch narrower than the righthand sleeve.<br />
<br />
And here's a close-up of the necklines so you can see how they bag out. This is not acceptable and as far as I'm concerned, unwearable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TMRez6pawiI/AAAAAAAAADU/jdE57pUoQk0/s1600/m2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MKs_TvhTfGM/TMRez6pawiI/AAAAAAAAADU/jdE57pUoQk0/s320/m2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'd hoped, initially, it was just my body shape, but as you can see, the two of us have different body shapes, and different busts. I could not in good conscience send these out to customers, at £80 a pop.<br />
<br />
I contacted Nicole and told her. She was very apologetic, and said I could send them back to be mended or she'd help me find someone in the UK who would. Now - had this been the first time I'd received an entire shipment of faulty goods from her, maybe I would've been calmer and (whilst still mightily peed off) followed her suggestion. But I wasn't calm - why? Because she'd let me down for a second time. And bearing in mind I was still owed $400 which she was insistent I could only have as a credit note for yet more of her stuff - which I was very concerned would be bad quality as well - I was very worried. I told her I no longer wished to do business with her (she instead seems to think she chose to sever ties - no, that was me, after receiving a second order of faulty goods! I should've said it after receiving the first). She also said the following:<br />
<br />
"Anyway, I've noticed that it depends on who's wearing the dress if it's a little baggy in the center and also posture. The pattern was taken from a 1940's pattern and we just tweaked the sleeves and made the skirt a little different. When <span class="il">Gia</span> modeled it, depending on how she was standing it would bag out a little bit. The same as when I tried one on."<br />
<br />
The key here is that she'd noticed it, depending on who was wearing it - and this is very important as to timing - WHEN GIA MODELED IT.<br />
<br />
Gia is this lady here, and it was this picture that had me place my order for the Maureen dress because I thought it looked rather nice. Had I known that the neckline bagged out depending on who was wearing it and how they were standing, you can rest assured that I wouldn't have bought any:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/nicolekatherine/maureent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/nicolekatherine/maureent.jpg" /></a></div>I'd even go so far as to say the way the neckline has been sewn looks different from the photo anyway. However, in later emails, after the Facebook incident mentioned below, she claimed that she'd got Mia and other people to try it on <i>after I'd said there was a problem with the necklines.</i> A sudden about-face. Why did she get a model in to try on the dresses after she'd... erm... sent most of them to me? Were there some left? Had she run some up for herself, or was she conveniently backtracking because I was enraged at her for knowingly sending me dresses which had a problem?<br />
<br />
I was, by this time, incredibly upset. I had paid for these things in May and June, it was September and I'd only got half my order, and now that I had that half of it (at this point, just the Maureens), it was actually unsellable. I wasn't willing to waste any more time on it - when you run a small business, you only have a very small amount of capital and you can't have that amount of money tied up in stock for that long, waiting for it to arrive. I did what anyone would do - I went onto my Facebook and bitched about it.<br />
<br />
I shall be very clear here on the nature of my bitching (and this is on my personal Facebook, not the Pin-Up Parade Facebook page - I'm not stupid enough to bitch that publically). I had put the photos of the Maureen dresses on my Facebook, and I made sure before I said a thing that I'd blocked Nicole and had removed the tag for her Facebook page. I wanted to rant in private, with an audience I could trust. Sadly, Facebook's privacy settings were borked - my entire profile was locked down except for my photos, so Nicole read what I said: and what I said was pretty much this:<br />
<br />
I'm fed up receiving stock that needs mending, she knew there was a problem and still let me order 30 or 40 odd dresses, I've had enough!<br />
<br />
She then contacted me on Facebook to tell me that she and lots of her customers had read my outburst (what were they doing on my private Facebook? Had she gone back to the photos to see what I was saying and then given the URLs out? Even though it wasn't, as I'd at first thought, locked down, how on earth were they finding it? Google? It wasn't something you could just stumble across by accident!). She said I had slandered her, and then went on about how she runs her business in a Christ-like manner. So I replied as followed - and bear in mind how upset I was at this point. And no, I should've stayed calm, but I have been under a hell of a lot of stress lately being under constant medical supervision as well as my 19 year old brother being about to be shipped off to Afghanistan, while my 17 year old brother is on Prozac and hasn't spoken to anyone since May:<br />
<br />
"I haven't said anything publically. I've said it in my locked down Facebook.<br />
<br />
Rather than tick me off on Facebook, shouldn't you be responding to my emails? I've tried to be polite to you but I've lost my patience.<br />
<br />
Oh and I'm a Christian as well. But I think it's rather pointless bringing Jesus into the conversation. <br />
<br />
By the way, a slander is a lie. I'm not fucking lying abhotuy your terrible shitty dresses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<br />
<br />
Now you can tell by my spelling in the last part that I had completely and utterly lost my shit. I might be slightly embarrassed, but I'm not ashamed of doing so - I actually suffer from a mood disorder so there are times when I actually cannot deal levellyheadly in high-pressure situations - the kinds of situations where you've spent 2 months wages on a heap of shite.<br />
<br />
(and this is where, when she says I was "ridiculing my religion", I suppose. As a Christian myself, why would I ridicule someone for being a Christian? For that matter, why would I ridicule anyone with faith? Or without faith? Or who just aren't really that sure?).<br />
<br />
She refused to speak to me after that outburst, and made me speak to some woman called Vicky. Now, I speak to the organ grinder, not the monkey, so along with two of my friends, we invented the character of Brian, Pin-Up Parade's business advisor. Now I don't make a habit of inventing characters (unless I'm writing a novel), but for all I knew, Vicky was her (and to be honest, I have at least one email purportedly from Vicky that too involved emotionally to be anyone but Nicole), and as she wasn't going to speak to *me* but still had to, seeing as... well... I was the person who'd spent £2,000 on shit from her shop, I had to find some way of communicating still. Brian in no way bullied her - I am happy to show all email correspondence to anyone who wishes to believe that "Brian" did, because Nicole is telling a porky when she says so!<br />
<br />
I even apologised for what I'd said on Facebook and deleted the photos and the comments - but she still wouldn't speak to me.<br />
<br />
I wanted to send the Maureens back, but she wouldn't let me. Pretty much, if I sent them back to her expecting a refund, she'd just post them right on back to me and charge me for the postage costs. She said she couldn't afford to pay for the refund (which is odd when you see her banging on about how her company's expanding at a rate of knots - obviously not expanding fast enough for her to be able to cover ALMIGHTY COCK-UPS like this!).<br />
<br />
She kept misreading my emails and instead of asking for clarity, would instead rant on and on about how mean I was. Yes, I'm very mean, because I bought some dresses that were shit and I wanted it dealt with, and I was dealing with an obstructive twat.<br />
<br />
Eventually, when I realised that my prefered solution - sending them all back for a refund - wasn't going to happen, I very reluctantly said I'd accept a partial refund so that I could find a tailor myself to fix them. The money she was determined to send me wasn't even worked out on the basis of how much this would actually cost - so if I do finally find someone to fix them and it costs me more than the $460 she refunded me, I'm pretty much buggered. There was no talk at ANY TIME of being compensated for my time wasted in receiving shite and the time it would take me to find someone to fix it. Yes, she said she'd find someone for me, but going on past form, I just didn't trust her.<br />
<br />
At this point, or earlier, to be honest, I should've consulted a business lawyer. Alas, I didn't, and then *I* received an email from a solicitor instead. Yes, you did just read that right - I am the person who was sent unsellable product, and *I* am the one who is sent a threatening solicitor's letter. This really daft thing is, I received this email after agreeing to the $460 refund. Why was I sent it? They claimed because my email wasn't clear enough in saying I'd agreed to it - I think instead it was scare tactics.<br />
<br />
The other problem was of course the $400 credit note. I didn't want $400-worth of her stock because I couldn't trust it not to fall apart or be sagging or have sleeves the wrong size or be labelled wrong or have zips that broke (none of which is libellous - THIS ALL HAPPENED WITH STOCK I BOUGHT FROM NICOLE KATHERINE DESIGNS). I very reluctantly agreed to have a box of peasant blouses to go with the Sonias, and requested a range of sizes. I received this shipment yesterday and it contained the following: 3 size S, 2 size XL, 3 size XXXL, 2 size 16. That's four different sizes.<br />
<br />
Finally the refund came through - in two parts, of course, just to annoy me.<br />
<br />
However, this all left, if we may wax Poirot-esque for a moment, "The Mystery of the Missing Box." At the beginning of this very dull piece of typing, I said:<br />
<br />
"On 24th August she told me that the Maureen dresses were coming in two boxes and that part of the Sonia (blouse and skirt outfit) were coming in one box - the rest of the order, mainly blouses but including some skirts and some Maureen dresses, were delayed, because, surprise, surprise, there was a manufacturing problem."<br />
<br />
So by mid September I had received three out of five boxes from her: two boxes of unsellable Maureens and 1 box of Sonias. Except I couldn't list them in the shop yet because I only had 5 blouses and the whole point is that it's sold AS A SET. I had 18 skirts and 5 blouses. I asked for the tracking number, but she said she wasn't speaking to me anymore, so Vicky said Nicole was out of town and would provide me with the tracking number. When the second refund installment came, she added a note:<br />
<br />
"Here is the balance due for settlement. Your package is on it's way. Tracking number CJ17 1564 586U S through USPS. This payment is a severance of all business ties from this point forward."<br />
<br />
As she'd never emailed me to say that the 2nd box was on the way, I wasn't entirely sure what was in this shipment. I emailed thus on 15th October:<br />
<br />
"Please could you advise if this box contains the remaining Sonia items? I believe this also contains some Maureen dresses as well. I still haven't received the second box of Sonias and I have asked for the tracking number but haven't heard anything back. I'm afraid our business ties aren't severed until I've received all the items I've ordered from you.<br />
<br />
If I don't hear back about what's in this box - is it just the credit note peasant tops or is it the Sonias as well? Or if I'm not given the tracking number for the Sonias, I'll have to action a credit card reversal for the value of the missing Sonias. It could well be stuck in the post, but if you haven't given me the tracking number, despite me asking several times, I don't really have a choice."<br />
<br />
As I received no answer, on 20th October I emailed again (and as you cna see, I was on the verge losing my temper again) :<br />
<br />
"Please could I have an answer to this email? I will probably have the box by Saturday, but I would like a reply.<br />
<br />
does this box contain the rest of my Sonias (and I think some Maureen dresses as well)?<br />
<br />
If this box does not contain the rest of my Sonias (and possibly Maureens) where is it? I need the tracking number.<br />
<br />
If I don't have either the rest of the Sonias turning up in this box or if you don't give me a tracking number then I WILL do a credit card reversal - because I'll be owed stock and I'll be out of pocket.<br />
<br />
I've got several thousand pounds worth of stock just sitting about because I can't sell it - the Maureens need to be fixed (I'm negotiating with someone who'll fix them, hopefully) and I can't sell the Sonias because the order's incomplete. This whole scenario just gets worse and worse and no one replying to me just makes it EVEN WORSE. Is customer service an alien concept to you or something?"<br />
<br />
Still no reply. So I decided to "encourage" her to respond to me by going onto the Nicole Katherine Designs Facebook page and saying something along the lines of "if you've got time to do this, why don't you have time to look for my tracking number?" My comment was deleted and I was unfriended. I joined again, where Jillian, poor woman, posted that she wasn't actually Nicole and in that most American way, said "have a nice day!" To which I commented, in a very British way: "I would be having a nice day if you'd only give me my bloody tracking number!<br />
<br />
I did get a reply (so questioning her competency in public had the desired effect!) but all she did was type mainly in block capitals, yelling that all the stuff had been delivered to me. She accused me of lying, "playing games", being devious, being horrible, committing harrassment (because I was daring to ask her for a fucking tracking number). She sent me two tracking numbers and in block capitals told me not to contact her again. I checked these tracking numbers and these weren't in dispute - I had received them, yes, but they were something else - NOT the second box of Sonias.<br />
<br />
She looked at the tracking information and because it said "attempted delivery" more than once, claimed that I was refusing to accept the deliveries, just to be difficult. I told her that if she tracked them at www.parcelforce.com instead of on the USPS website, she would see that it says "attempted delivery at her end when at my end it's saying things like "package received into customs", "awaiting customs payment", "delivery rescheduled" (this happens after I've rung Parcelforce to pay the charge and they agree a day to deliver it), "delivery attempted" (delivery driver comes to my house to deliver it but I'm at work). It finally says "item delivered" and it is signed by someone other than me - this is because it is taken to my local post office for me to collect and is signed by the staff there.<br />
<br />
Even after explaining this to her, she has the temerity to post on Facebook and Blogspot, the following:<br />
<br />
"One of the boxes had delivery attempts made for over a month before Ms. Highwater claimed the package."<br />
<br />
This is libellous rubbish and she knows it is because I have explained this to her and she has even looked at Parcelforce tracking to see what it says. SHE IS LYING! <br />
<br />
She sent me an email containing four tracking numbers and some crap about how these are all the tracking numbers she has. In her libel, she says of the tracking numbers "They are CP545294864US and CJ171564586US." You will see these in the list of tracking numbers published below and I have already told her that I don't deny receiving ANY of these items. Yet she has gone onto Blogspot and Facebook and said that I have denied it. I HAVEN'T. I am looking for a tracking number that she hasn't yet given me. I shall post them here, identifying which shipments they refer to. You can look these up at www.parcelforce.com for yourself:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Maureen #1</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tracking Number CP299252250US<br />
Parcel number: EC357766089GB<br />
02-09-2010 14:17 Birmingham South Depot Parcel delivered<br />
<br />
Maureen #2<br />
Tracking Number CP299252246US<br />
Parcel number: EC357750375GB<br />
04-09-2010 14:02 Abbey Road Collected by customer<br />
<br />
Sonia #1<br />
Tracking Number CP545294864US<br />
Parcel number: EC360388002GB<br />
18-09-2010 12:51 Abbey Road Collected by customer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(Nicole's note: "And then Tracking Number CP299252263US was the tracking information that<br />
had been stolen from the package before it was reshipped, new tracking<br />
number CP545294864US as referenced above." So in effect, there were 5 tracking numbers for 4 parcels because one parcel had two tracking numbers).<br />
<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Credit note blouses Tracking number CJ171564586US<br />
Parcel number: EC366464342GB<br />
Date Time Location Tracking Event<br />
23-10-2010 09:53 Abbey Road Collected by customer(note </span><br />
<br />
So she's given me four tracking numbers: two boxes of Maureen dresses, 1 box of Sonias, 1 package of credit note blouses. There is no tracking number for the second box of Sonias. All I want from her is this tracking number so that I know where it has gone, but she won't supply it. I don't know thhis point if she's gone so stark raving bonkers that she is unable to deal with my case rationally and so can't see she's made an error with supplying me with tracking numbers, or if she's only doing this to get back at me because I got so fed up with her I went on Twitter and used some swears. Like, to be perfectly fucking honest, anyone *would* do when faced with this (she's got screen caps, apparently, which she'll probably now unleash because I've gone public with what's been going on. Check my twitter accounts - you'll find most of them are no longer there because I deleted them not long after posting them).<br />
<br />
I tried to explain that even her emails show that I should've recevied five shipments and I've only had four and she sent me the following email:<br />
<br />
<br />
"Helen there was a balance of 19 sonia skirts and 20 blouses, I shipped one of the skirts to you in Spain and a blouse. The 19 skirts were shipped. There were a total of 18 blouses delivered (19 counting the free one I gave you). I'd refunded you for 2 blouses. I have the customs declaration forms. If you didn't receive them something happened to them in transit or you're lying."<br />
<br />
Before accusing me of lying (for the millionth time) it may have been better for her to have thought about what I'd said - that I should've received five parcels and had only received 4, and that she'd only given me tracking numbers for four shipments. If indeed it has been lost in transit, then she needs to deal with it because she is the one with receipts of postage, tracking numbers, customs documentation etc.<br />
<br />
I emailed her this 3 hours ago and haven't had a response, but in that time she's posted outrageous lies about me on Facebook and Blogspot. Me having a couple of rants on my twitter account is no way near as extreme as someone posting a blog and writing things in it which they know to be untrue.<br />
<br />
"I'm missing the balance of skirts and blouses. As mentioned. I've received the credit note blouses in one parcel and then the other box containing 18 skirts and 5 blouses - but I haven't received the others.<br />
<br />
I swear on the life of my mother that I have not received them - that I am missing a shipment of Sonias, which was mainly containing blouses but had some skirts and by the looks of it some dresses.<br />
<br />
This is the shipment I'm trying to hunt down. Yes, it does look like it's got lost in the post - this is why I've been asking your for the tracking number for it. You gave me 4 tracking numbers yesterday and I've received those four parcels, but there should have been 5 boxes so I'm missing 1 box. <br />
<br />
If you would please give me the tracking number for this missing box, then we can find out what's happened to it."<br />
<br />
No response. How many times do I have to say to this clotheared pillock that she has said herself I should have 5 boxes and have only received 4? Why is she so keen to believe the worst of me, and accuse me of all manner of horrible things, such as refusing parcels? Check the tracking on Parcelforce's website and you'll see I have done no such thing. All I want is to have my stock, which I'd paid for by June, in my shop to sell. Why the hell would I send stuff back and pretend I hadn't received it??? That's total tosh!<br />
<br />
If you've read thus far you either a. love the drama, or b. you are one of my customers and you are interested to know what's going on. If you are one of my customers, then you know that I'm not a horrible person, that I'm keen to deal with problems, that I don't lie. Look at my <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/customer_testimonials.htm" target="blank_"><u>Customer Testimonials</u></a> page - these are comments from customers over the last few months. There's a thread on a forum where you'll see loads of happy customers (I'm not linking to it because I don't want to involve the very nice lady who runs the forum). If you really must, speak to my other suppliers and see what they say about me! They will not agree on this picture that's been painted of me by Nicole.<br />
<br />
She says in her email that customers have contacted her asking where they can buy the outfit - none of them have come to me. I've had one person express interest in the Sonia and I know for a fact that they haven't contacted her. She very much over-estimates her popularity anyway - my other lines are far and away more popular. But I'm not mentioning them by name here - you know who they are and I'm not dragging them into a situation which doesn't involve them.<br />
<br />
This whole situation only arose because I lost my patience when I received yet another delivery of stock from Nicole Katherine Designs that wasn't good enough quality for me to sell. Whatever she says about me, bear that in mind. I'm not a horrible person, I'm not vindictive. Fuck me, I don't have the time to go about being vindictive, making up stories, lying etc etc etc. I only get upset and lose my temper and get sweary when I have good reason to.<br />
<br />
(please note: I own the delete button on this blog so I reserve the right to delete whatever comment left below that I choose! Before accusing me, get your head round the situation. I am willing to supply emails to people who think they know all about what happened).<br />
<br />
I will probably receive another solicitor's email telling me to remove this blog because it's "public slander". It is merely an accurate reflection of the truth. This is *my* side of the story. I have only written this because of what has been written, publically about me - a load of lies, basically. What *is* libellous is the post which Nicole Katherine Designs has seen fit to display on Facebook and Blogspot. She knows these things to be untrue. She knows I didn't refuse to accept a parcel for a month, she knows I don't deny receiving the items for the tracking numbers she mentioned. She's just trying to get her own back, and there's enough in her blog for me to get a solicitor involved myself, but I can't actually afford it because I've effectively lost £2,000 wasting my money on products from her shop.Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640890685901391792.post-77312056278142231482010-10-14T06:52:00.000-07:002010-10-14T06:53:47.818-07:00Four new dresses in stockThings have been rather hectic since I last posted. I won't go into it (cos I'll probably get sued), but I'm parting ways with one of my suppliers. However, one supplier I'm not parting ways with is... Bettie Page Clothing! <br />
<br />
These four dresses are in stock now at the <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/dresses.htm" target="_blank"><u>Dresses</u></a> page:<br />
<br />
Nataly, £70. Sizes XS to 4X.<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/natalyt.jpg"><br />
<br />
Crystal, £75. Sizes XS to 3X.<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/crystalt.jpg"><br />
<br />
Happy Bows, £80. Sizes XS to 4X.<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/happybowst.jpg"><br />
<br />
Illusion, £80. Sizes XS to 4X.<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/bettiepage/illusionpurplet.jpg"><br />
<br />
There are more Bettie Page Clothing dresses on the way from their autumn/winter collection.<br />
<br />
And another supplier you'll still see in the shop is Mode Merr. I've got a full range of sizes in the Jetsetter Suit, black and red cotton skirts and black, cherry and black/white polka dots peasant top. I also have some red/white polka dot peasant tops and Everyone Loves Cleavage blouses on the way from them. You'll find most of these on the <a href="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/separates.htm" target="_blank"><u>Separates</u></a> page.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://pinup-parade.com/shop/pics/modemerr/blacktopt.jpg">Helen Highwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087854313840436307noreply@blogger.com1