Pin-Up Parade

Viv & Avril - new Swagger Joint dresses!

2011-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Prices: Viv £120, Avril £150.

(Model: Olivia Sparrow, Photographer: Eightball)

Let's help independent businesses

2011-08-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

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

2011-07-11T02:30:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

Here's the nominees to choose from!

Fleur de Guerre

...and again...

Miss Cherrylicious

Miss Mink

Banbury Cross

Miss K

Sweetness

(photographer credits can be found in the galleries).

Retro Makeup by Lauren Rennells

2011-05-23T01:48:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Customer testimonials

2011-05-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

More feedback from Pin-Up Parade customers

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

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

Best wishes,
Eva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swagger Joint at Pin-Up Parade

2011-04-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Exclusive to Pin-Up Parade - Swagger Joint!

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

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

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

Fabulous discounts at Pin-Up Parade!

2011-04-13T01:46:00.000-07:00

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

Avondale - was £90, now £75

Jetsetter Suit - was £90, now £55

Scotty - was £85, now £50

Afternoon Tea - was £90, now £55

Illusion - was £80, now £45

Happy Bows - was £80, now £45

Scotty Skirt - was £60, now £35

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

Catwalk skirt plaid - was £40, now £30

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

Menswear reductions

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

Charlie Bowling Shirt - was £42, now £32

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

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

New items in stock

2011-03-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

The spring/summer collection from Bettie Page Clothing is starting to arrive at Pin-Up Parade! First up, the Dotty dress and Fan skirt.

Dotty is a white pencil dress with black polka dots. £75.

Fan is a circle skirt in grey fabric with a printed pattern of fans in black velvet.

On the way... the "Skirts Ahoy" dress. This is from Bettie Page Clothing's "Elvgren" collection, dresses from Elvgren's classic pin-up paintings.

Happy customers in Las Vegas

2011-03-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Rich and Vicky in Las Vegas in their Pin-Up Parade purchases!

China Doll dress - bonus photo!

2011-02-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Millie Dollar modelling the China Doll dress. Photo by Inaglo.

Scotty skirts now in stock!

2011-01-31T04:29:00.000-08:00

Customer review:
"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.

Get yours now from Pin-Up Parade!

Cupcake Provocateur aprons now in stock!

2011-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

Rather fabulous they are too! And rather fabulous photography here by Eightball Photography. Model: Olivia Sparrow.

They are £35 each, available in Accessories & Books.

Cupcake Provocateur aprons

2011-01-10T04:03:00.000-08:00

Coming soon to Pin-Up Parade!

New dress from Bettie Page Clothing

2011-01-07T02:18:00.000-08:00

Everybody 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 red!

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!

More details here.

Further discounts!

2010-11-16T02:17:00.000-08:00

OH MY!!! Visit the Sale page at Pin-Up Parade for the following bargains!

Jazmin pencil dress in purple roses print and white/red polka dot further reduced. Now just £50 each (was £90! nearly half price!)

Maureen dresses - slight seconds. Now just £30 each!

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.

Stuff back in stock!

2010-11-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

All available from the Dresses page!

Crystal dress in sizes XS to 3X:

Rita dress sizes S to 4X:

China Doll, sizes XS to 4X:

Alika red sizes XS to 4X:

Something silly....

2010-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

You may know Emilio, Pin-Up Parade's resident male model, for his fabulous bowling shirt poses:

But he's lately got a new a hobby and thinks he looks rather handsome in his vintage helmet and goggles.

A note about Nicole Katherine Designs

2010-10-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Some 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.

This is her libellous nonsense about me:

"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...

After about 3 years of doing business with Helen Highwater of Pinup Parade, we have no choice but to sever ties.

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.

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

For our European customers, we have other retailers that carry Nicole Katherine...."

(poor bastards!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Note how tight that sleeve is on the model in the front - it is actually an inch narrower than the righthand sleeve.

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.

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.

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:

"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 Gia modeled it, depending on how she was standing it would bag out a little bit. The same as when I tried one on."

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.

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:

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 after I'd said there was a problem with the necklines. 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?

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.

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:

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!

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:

"I haven't said anything publically. I've said it in my locked down Facebook.

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.

Oh and I'm a Christian as well. But I think it's rather pointless bringing Jesus into the conversation.

By the way, a slander is a lie. I'm not fucking lying abhotuy your terrible shitty dresses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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.

(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?).

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!

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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Finally the refund came through - in two parts, of course, just to annoy me.

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:

"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."

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:

"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."

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:

"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.

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."

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) :

"Please could I have an answer to this email? I will probably have the box by Saturday, but I would like a reply.

does this box contain the rest of my Sonias (and I think some Maureen dresses as well)?

If this box does not contain the rest of my Sonias (and possibly Maureens) where is it? I need the tracking number.

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.

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?"

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!

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.

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.

Even after explaining this to her, she has the temerity to post on Facebook and Blogspot, the following:

"One of the boxes had delivery attempts made for over a month before Ms. Highwater claimed the package."

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!

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:

Maureen #1

Tracking Number CP299252250US
Parcel number: EC357766089GB
02-09-2010 14:17 Birmingham South Depot Parcel delivered

Maureen #2
Tracking Number CP299252246US
Parcel number: EC357750375GB
04-09-2010 14:02 Abbey Road Collected by customer

Sonia #1
Tracking Number CP545294864US
Parcel number: EC360388002GB
18-09-2010 12:51 Abbey Road Collected by customer

(Nicole's note: "And then Tracking Number CP299252263US was the tracking information that
had been stolen from the package before it was reshipped, new tracking
number CP545294864US as referenced above." So in effect, there were 5 tracking numbers for 4 parcels because one parcel had two tracking numbers).

Credit note blouses Tracking number CJ171564586US
Parcel number: EC366464342GB
Date Time Location Tracking Event
23-10-2010 09:53 Abbey Road Collected by customer(note

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).

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:

"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."

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

If you would please give me the tracking number for this missing box, then we can find out what's happened to it."

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!

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 Customer Testimonials 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.

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.

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.

(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).

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.

Four new dresses in stock

2010-10-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

Things 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!

These four dresses are in stock now at the Dresses page:

Nataly, £70. Sizes XS to 4X.

Crystal, £75. Sizes XS to 3X.

Happy Bows, £80. Sizes XS to 4X.

Illusion, £80. Sizes XS to 4X.

There are more Bettie Page Clothing dresses on the way from their autumn/winter collection.

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 Separates page.

Nine new dresses in stock

2010-09-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves a dress, especially if it's in the Sale! Yes, all these dresses are brand new to the shop and have gone straight into the Sale, because you people deserve some bargains. Do be quick though - they're selling fast!

Summer Breeze, XS to XXXL, £60 (was £85)

Ahoy, S to XXL. £60 (was £85)

Shipmate pencil, blue. Sizes XS to 3X. £60 (was £95)

Shipmate circle, red. £65 (was £100)

Curves dress, grey. Sizes XL & XXL. £65 (was £80)

And then more dresses, on the Dresses page.

Domino, S to XXXL. £80.

Roselyn, XS to XXXL, £85

Avondale, XS to XXXL, £95

Purple Dream, M to XXL. £70

Dear Royal Mail,

2010-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to find info on your horrible website for what to do about a lost parcel that I've sent and hasn't been received. As your site is geared towards selling, rather than providing a service after I've paid you £xxxx last year, I cannot find information on claims etc. I'm sure it was easier to find, but it's buried under nonsense.

So I use your online chat thing with the strange woman who looks like the one out of Peep Show, and I type in "lost parcel". It brings me the option "a parcel I sent hasn't arrived." I click on this option and it takes me to... an error page. Because apparently, not only have you lost the parcel, but you've also managed to lose a page on your website! The irony is so powerful and rather agonising that I think I might have to go and sit down. Please, for god's sake, improve this website. It's shocking.

No, I don't deal with crooks

2010-08-16T01:54:00.001-07:00

In reply to someone who wants to supply Pin-Up Parade:

Hi Xxxxxxx,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Unfortunately it's impossible for me to work out what your items look like as you have used other people's photos for your own listings. As you will have noticed, I stock Bettie Page Clothing, so I can spot a photo of their Captain dress a mile off, and I also recognise their photo of Bernie Dexter (which BPC would have paid Bernie and Levi to photograph) in *their* petticoat, because when I sold *their* petticoat, I used that very photo.

So no, I'm not interested in dealing with someone who rips off other people's designs and tries to pass them off as their own. I couldn't possibly trust you, for one thing, and secondly, I have stocked BPC for several years and have built up a relationship with them - I couldn't morally deal with a company who was stealing their designs and imagery.

I'm not sure how to sign off because I don't wish you 'kind regards' at all.

Helen.

And the winner is....

2010-08-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the Name The Lady competition is... Lisa! With her suggestion:

Twinkie Winks!

Bravo, Lisa! A voucher code for £15 off at Pin-Up Parade is winging its way to you now. :)

And thank you everyone who entered. There'll be more competitions soon! And many thanks to Fiona from Notorious Kitsch for picking the winner.

Yet more reductions!

2010-08-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

Bettie Page Clothing

Spice dress in pink, sizes XS, S & L - now just £35 (was £60)

Play Me dress, XS & L - now just £35 (was £60)

Capris, XS - last pair ever! Now £20 (was £45). Less than half price!

All of these bargains are in the Pin-Up Parade Sale.

Now in stock!

2010-08-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

*drum roll*

The Jazmin Roses pencil dress!

Find it here.

And there's lots of Forthcoming Attractions which are... erm... forthcoming...

Ahoy, £60 (was £85)

Shipmate, £60 (was £95)

Summer Breeze, £60 (was £85)

Avondale, £95

Purple Dream, £70

Roselyn, £85

These should be in stock mid/late August. If you are interested in one, please get in touch! shop@pinup-parade.com

Further reductions!

2010-07-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

But first... new to the Sale.... The Substitute dress by Bettie Page Clothing! This dress has been discontinued so it's your last chance to get one. Sizes XS, S & XXXL in stock. Was £80, now just £65.

And more bargains...!
Bernadette was £65, now £50. XS only.

Play Me was £65, now £50. XS & L only.

After Party was £40, now £30. XXL only.

Vixen was £70, now £55. XS to XXXL, M sold out.

Doris was £50, now £15 - better than half price by quite a bit! XS only.

Star Struck blouse was £30, now £20. XXL & XXXL only.

2 Fer Tea top was £35, now £20. XS only.

Suzy high waisted shorts were £40, now £20 - half price! XS, L & XXL in stock. (size S is £10 - slight seconds).

Sadie blouse was £35, now £15. Better than half price! XS, XXL & XXXL only.

Find all these in the Pin-Up Parade sale!

Name the lady!

2010-07-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

In honour of Pin-Up Parade's new look, you can win yourself a £15 voucher to spend in the shop if you can name the lady! Which lady? This lady!

All you need to do is leave your suggestion in a comment below, and email me telling me which suggestion is yours, so that I can contact you easily should you be the lucky winner. My email address is helen@pinup-parade.com

Ok, folks, suggestions please! :)

Edited to add: The competition is open until Saturday 7th August, and the winner will be chosen by Fiona from Notorious Kitsch.

Mode Merr in the sale!

2010-07-26T04:27:00.001-07:00

To make way for some new Mode Merr items coming your way in the next few months, some discontinued old faithfuls are heading for the Sale.

Berry & Black Lace dress
Was £60, now £45. Sizes L, XXL & XXXL available.

Raised-waist 'perfect skirt' in psychbilly green
Was £38, now £20. Sizes XXS, XXL & XXXL available.

Star & Anchor skirt
Was £40, now £25. Sizes XXS, XS, S & XL available.

Coming soon!

2010-07-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

In stock soon, another summery version of the popular Bettie Page Clothing "Jazmin" dress, this one is white with a print of purple flowers.

Available in sizes XS to XXXL, priced at £90. If you are interested in reserving one, I accept a 50% deposit.

Mexican peasant top and skirt by Nicole Katherine - coming soon!

2010-07-15T01:25:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is, the fruits of a photoshoot on the side of a mountain in Spain, in the midday heat!

The skirt and top are both made from cotton, which makes them ideal for summer. The skirt is long but can be taken up easily. The top has a long red ribbon, threaded through a black broiderie anglaise trim at the neckline.

The outfits will be in stock in the next few weeks.

Photos by Eightball Photography www.eight8all.blogspot.com www.eightballphotography.com

Valley: just outside Almuñecar, Granada province.

Dear Chinese spammers,

2010-07-04T01:57:00.000-07:00

Please stop leaving your very obviously spam comments on my blog. You waste my time as I have to keep deleting them, and you're wasting your time because no one is stupid enough to click on your links, and I delete them as soon as I spot them. I don't want to set up comment moderation because I don't think it's fair on my customers who follow this blog. You're clearly a person rather than a computer program because you've got to get past the captcha to comment.

Let's see how many of you spamming morons will comment on this, eh?

Nihoma.

Customer Testimonials

2010-06-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my lovely customers! :D

Hi Helen,
Just to let you know my captain dress arrived perfectly and so prompt.
Im totally in love with it,perfect fit,wow.
Thankyou.
Regards Miss Shaw

Hi Helen
Thank you Thank you Thank you, I have just recieved the Betty Page Sierra dress I ordered it late on Tuesday evening the dress arrived this morning (Thurs)packaged beautifully as always, It fits like a glove and is absolutely stunning thanks so much I will be wearing it out on saturday and now cant wait I will order again from you very soon
thanks again
lots of love
Cheryl xx

Just wanted to drop a quick line and say how refreshing and fab it is to see real size models and such a range of beautiful women modeling your clothes! Thankyou for providing some realism to our fashion modelling industry.
Kirsty

hello!
just wanted to say thank you for my lovely top - it's fab. the postie brought it this morning and once i'd tried it on i had to change what i was wearing as i didn't want to take it off : )
thank you,
mickey

Hi Helen,
Just wanted to say thank you for my beautiful clothes they are perfect! Hope to buy lots more from you in the near future x
Amanda

Hi Helen,
Just thought i would let you know that both dresses were a perfect fit and my boyfriend loved the shirt too!
Thank you so much for all your help - I will now buy all my dresses from you and tell everyone about your website!
Thanks a million
Sophie x

Helen!
Thank you so much! Sierra even arrived this morning (really wasn’t expecting that, I thought the Posties would want to preserve as much of their bank hol and deliver it next week!)
The Sierra is a perfect fit. GORGEOUS dress. Love it.
Thanks again
Mitzi

Hi Helen - Just wanted to say that the dress and T shirts arrived yesterday - I love 'em - especially the dress - fits like a dream . I'll be wearing it to Connie Douglas in Milan (a burlesque club and general retro place.... if you're ever our way come for a drink!)
All the best
Kirsty

Thanks Helen,
Another great order,Just wanted to swing by and say,
Thanks,
Moira

Hello there
I hope you are fine.
Just to let you know, that I received a dress form you yesterday and it's absolutely gorgeous! It's a second one I've got from you !
Thank you
Domi

Got the package, perfect as always!! Thanks again xx
Emma

Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you for my dress, which was not only delivered super quick but also beautifully presented in its paper and bow. It isn't often that you recieve such good old fashioned service - but then I shouldn't have expected anything less!
As a typical 50s hourglass it's so hard to find decent fitting clothes on the high street and at 6ft tall any that you do come us as very short minis - please keep up the good work, i'll definitely be ordering from you again.
Best wishes
Karina

Hi Helen,
Yesterday evening we received our package,
everything is ok, it's a great fit for my wife,
thank you for the excellent service.
Regards
Daniel & Elisabeth

Hiya Helen,
Just wanted to say thanks for sending my dress off so quickly, I received it yesterday.
I loved how it was all wrapped up for me with pretty paper and a ribbon, it just made it extra special :-)
Anyway, I wore my dress today at work and I've got tell you that I adore it. I've received loads of compliments so I've told them to check out your website! I really like the colour, you're right, it's a very vintage style.
Thanks for keeping us girls glamourous in fabulous dresses!
Best wishes,
Michelle

Hello again!
I got the dress yesterday!! it's wonderful!
thanx again
will be ordering some more soon!
best wishes!
Dorothea

Hi,
My dress arrived on Monday and it is lovely. Thank you for the very prompt service.
Best wishes,
Catherine

Hi Helen,
The parcel arrived today. The book is wonderful and the shirt is lovely. Just wanted to say thank you again. Your site is amazing.
Thank you so much
Claire

Hello Helen-
Just wanted to let you know that I received the dress and it fits beautifully! The color is gorgeous!
Thank you so much for all of your help!
Cheers,
Libett

Hi Helen, I just wanted to let you know I received the dresses yesterday and could not be more pleased.
You were quite right about the Kookie dress, it is stunning!
Many thanks,
Sarah

New items in stock

2010-06-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Three lovely new dress in stock:

Free Spirit, £75. Sizes XS to XXXL

Greta, £70. Sizes XS to XXXL.

Jazmin Polka Dot. Sizes XS to XXXL.

All available on the dresses page.

Adorable pin-up pocket mirrors, just £3.50 each!
Four designs available. Each comes in an organza bag with ribbon tie.

Available here.

Menswear
I currently have 8 bowling shirt designs in stock, and seven vintage Hawaiian shirts.

All on the Menswear page.

My letter to the Royal Mail

2010-06-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Anna,

Please find enclosed my proof of cost price. This is an order for 10 copies of “Vintage Hairstyling”, at £xxxx, each copy therefore costing me £xxxx.

May I take this opportunity to say how dismal I think this system is? Recorded Delivery compensates for up to £41. £27, my retail price, is £14 less.

The moment I heard from my customer what had happened to their book in their hands of the Royal Mail (ie. THIS WAS NOT MY FAULT – IT WAS YOURS!), I sent them a replacement copy. I didn’t wait around for your response (which is just as well – imagine what people would think of my customer care levels if I did. I find it amusing/disappointing that whilst you take a month to respond to me, you give me a deadline of ten working days to provide you with proof).

So the book I sent them, I could’ve sold for £27. Instead, you’re going to refund me £xxxx. I have therefore lost £xxx in potential profit, through no fault of my own.

I don’t expect for one minute that you’ll refund me the cost of posting this replacement copy to him, so in fact, I will have lost money – over something that was, let me put this in capitals, underlined, in italics and in bold to emphasise the point: NOT MY FAULT.

May I thank the Royal Mail for its stellar customer care: for chucking a parcel in a puddle, rendering it useless, and for then offering a level of compensation which doesn’t actually represent the cost, such that small businesses, struggling through a recession, lose money.

I wish you neither kind regards nor best wishes,

Helen.

New dresses in stock!

2010-05-25T03:25:00.001-07:00

The Sierra dresses have arrived!

This is a very elegant little black dress with lovely vintage detail.

Sale & Further Reductions
Tarantula Two Fer Tee tops are now in sale - was £35, now £30. They're great for summer!

Sequinned heart pasties - were £12, now £10.

Ribbon and Rose beret - was £20, now £15.

Captain dress - further reduced to just £35.

Doris dress - now just £20!

I've rearranged the Sale page so that you can navigate to "Dresses", "Separates" and "Accessories" from a menu at the top of the page, which will hopefully make it easier to use.

Forthcoming Attractions
Meanwhile, more blue Captain dresses, Kookies, Afternoon Teas and Curves are on the way, as well as new dresses - the Greta, Free Spirit and polka dot Jazmin. Four new bowling shirt styles should be here in a week or two - the Vagabond, Domino, Skull Button and Leopard Panel.

New pics

2010-05-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

I have a new photo of the Bettie Page Clothing "Accountant" dress:

It's Bernie!

And a new pic of the Tiki Babe dress by Nicole Katherine Designs - also known as the De Carlo dress (which is now £60)

A couple of close-ups:

The waterfall detail:

Both dresses are available on the Dresses page.

More sale stuff & pretty bags!

2010-04-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

All my Coquette Faux Furriers stock is in the Sale. Prices start from just £25!

(I'm keeping one of these, though - I think it suits me!)

I've knocked £10 off the price of the Tiki dress by Nicole Katherine Designs, in celebration of summer, longer days, sunshine and... well, rain and cloud as well, seeing as this is Britain. It's now £60 and can be found on the Dresses page.

I have renamed it the Tiki Babe dress, in memory of Faye, a well-known face on the rockin' scene who was quite a character. She passed away recently and will be missed. Her nickname was Tiki Babe, so it seems only right that the dress be renamed in her honour.

I like to mention other shops here too, so... just want to point you in the direction of Rocket Originals and their FABULOUS straw and rattan handbags.

Their gondala bags are in their Sale at £25, knocked down from £30.

Mine has just arrived and I love it so much that I've just ordered one in black:

And then I couldn't resist, I had to buy one of their circular straw bags:

I adore my red bag. It's a perfect replica and I'm sure my grandma still had some of these kicking about when I was little! (by then she tended to use bright pink swagger bags, but it was the 80s...).

More stuff on the way!

2010-04-22T12:56:00.001-07:00

These three dresses are end of line and as such are available at a special low price.

Bernadette dress by Bettie Page Clothing
A repro of a dress worn by Bettie herself! £65. Sizes XS to XXXL.

Play Me dress by Violated Clothing (sister line of Bettie Page Clothing)
High-quality black and white striped pleated cotton dress.
£65, sizes XS to XL.

Parisian dress by Bettie Page Clothing
Chic black bengaline pencil dress with cut-out detail.
£55. Sizes L to XXXL.

For more details, visit Forthcoming Attractions

And some more stuff in the sale...!

2010-04-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Suzy" High-waisted pin-up shorts by Queen of Heartz
Were £40, now £25. Sizes XS to XXL available.

Capri pants by Bettie Page Clothing
Were £45, now £35

Find 'em in the Sale!

Further sale reductions

2010-04-20T01:18:00.000-07:00

All these bargains are in the Sale.

Shoe Missy heels were £50, now £15
**Less than half price!** Only 3s and 4s left.

Stop Staring "Ceci" dress was £75, now £25
**A third of the original price!** Sizes 1X & 3X only (UK 18 & 22)

Bettie Page Clothing "Roselyn" dress was £45, now £35
Sizes XS to XL in stock (roughly UK 6 to 14)

Bettie Page Clothing "Bernadette" dress was £55, now £30
Sizes XS to XXL (S sold out)

**ANOTHER item to add!**
Smoothie dress by Tarantula Clothing Company
Floral dress. Was £75, now £55.

Check out Miss Matilda looking very glamorous in hers!

New sale items & new arrivals

2010-04-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

All these items are by Bettie Page Clothing

Captain dress Size XXXL only.
Was £70, now £50.

Escape blouse XS & XXL only.
Was £35, now £25.

Sadie blouse XS to XXXL, except S sold out.
Was £35, now £25.

Vixen blouse & skirt set XS to XXXL.
Was £75, now £60.

Spice dress (grey) XS, S, M, L, XXL, XXXL.
Was £80, now £65.

All these dresses are available on Sale page.

New arrivals
Four new bowling shirt styles are now available on the Menswear page.

And the Afternoon Tea dress has arrived! It's gorgeous and reminds me of the dress my mum's 50s "teenage doll" wore!

I also have more Captain dresses, in sizes XS, XXL and XXXL.

The Catwalk skirt is available in black bengaline and grey/pink/black cotton plaid.

Airmail disruption
If you need to select airmail, please bear in mind that with the eruption of the unpronouncable volcano, air traffic has been banned across Europe so there will be a delay in you receiving your order. Sorry about that!

Shop closure

2010-04-09T02:06:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Just to let you know that the shop is closed and will reopen on Saturday 17th April.

You can still visit Forthcoming Attractions and Gift Vouchers. Talking of Gift Vouchers, if you want an amount which isn't listed on the drop-down, let me know - it's eminently customisable! Also, if you want a nice card or something like that (usually the voucher code is emailed to the recipient) then let me know and I'll arrange something.

Best wishes,
Helen.

Let's go bowling now, everybody's learning how...

2010-04-09T01:36:00.000-07:00

A slight paraphrase never did anyone any harm!

I have LOADS of bowling shirts by Steady Clothing on the way, in April and then late May/early June. All prices are to be confirmed, but they will probably fall between £30 and £40. All designs are available in sizes S to XL (except the Houndstooth Panel). If you're interested in any of these shirts, then do get in touch. Larger photos can be found on the Forthcoming Attractions page.

Charlie Button Up April

Houndstooth Panel (brown only) April (sizes M to XL)

Leopard Collar Bowler April

V-8 Button Racer (navy only) April

Kingston Bowler June

Belvedere June

Vagabond June

Domino June

Classic V June

Skull Button June

Leopard Panel June

Pin-Up Panel June

Our resident male model Emilio will be posing in the shirts once they arrive so you'll be able to see more detail. He'll also be modelling some more vintage Hawaiian shirts. If you've ever wanted a shirt which says ALOHA! across it, then now's your chance.

(and yes, I do feel like I've been rifling through Charlie Sheen's wardrobe, but somebody has to, I spose).

Dresses - added to the sale

2010-03-31T03:23:00.000-07:00

Spice dress turquoise: was £60, now £45
Sizes M to XXL

Spice dress pink: was £60, now £45
Sizes XS to XXL (except XL)

Convict dress blue: was £50, now £35
Sizes XS to XXXL

Bernadette dress pink: was £55, now £40
Sizes XS to XXL (except S)

Find them all on the Sale page!

In the Sale

2010-03-29T12:51:00.001-07:00

Just added to the Sale, the Bernie Dexter Bullet Top. Was £38, now £25. Fantastic addition to your summer wardrobe!

The Bullet Top: a slinky number complete with boning at the bust and rouched elastic at the back. Very 50s, very rockabilly, very Bernie!

Black cotton bodice with white polka dots and boning. Side-zip fastening with stretchy rouched elastic back.

Sizes M to XXL. M = 36", L = 38", XL = 40", XXL = 42"

News

2010-03-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

The plaid Catwalk skirt and the Afternoon Tea dress are on their way and should be here very soon. If you're interested in one of them please get in touch to put down your deposit.

The shop is open (contrary to what I was saying before) so the closed period will now be from 8pm on Thursday 8th April, reopening on Saturday 17th April (or earlier if I feel better!).

Spring/Summer collection from Bettie Page Clothing

2010-03-19T03:21:00.000-07:00

As promised, the Spring/Summer dresses which are on the way from Bettie Page Clothing. These should all be in stock by end of April/early May. The plaid skirt and Afternoon Tea dress are expected by mid-April. All prices are to be confirmed. All items will be in stock in sizes XS to XXXL - size charts to follow

Bigger pictures on the Forthcoming Attractions page.

Catwalk skirt

Afternoon Tea dress
Cotton navy dress with white polka dots.

Sierra dress
Elegant pencil dress with silver embroidery detail.

Jazmin Roses dress
I'm sure you'll recognise this dress - only now it's in a lovely spring fabric.

Greta dress
Navy blue pencil dress with embroidery detail at neckline and on pockets.

Free Spirit dress
Yellow stretch cotton circle dress with blue and red paisley pattern.

Jazmin Polka Dot dress
Another summery take on the Jazmin dress, in white bengaline with red polka dots.

If you're interested in any of these, please do get in touch. My email is shop@pinup-parade.com

Huge savings in the Pin-Up Parade sale!

2010-03-08T01:09:00.001-08:00

All these bargains can be found on the Sale page.

Doris dress by Bettie Page Clothing. Was £50, now £30.
Sizes XS to XXL (M sold out)

Peekaboo Dress
Were £65, then £50, now £35

Sizes available:
Green: XS
Purple: S, M, L, XL
Red: L (S and XL in stock soon)

These run small so please go up one size from what you would normally wear, but also make sure you check the size chart and sizing advice.

Ceci dress by Stop Staring
XL, 1X, 2X & 3X (roughly UK 16 to 22)
Was £75, then £60, then £50, now £35

Shoe Missy heels **HALF PRICE!**
Was £50, then £35, now £25

Kookie dress **SLIGHT SECOND**
Was £85, now £70

Did I mention...

2010-03-04T12:12:00.001-08:00

...that the grey Spice and Katherine dresses, capri pants and Starstruck blouse are now all in stock, and that the Kookie will be here on Saturday?

Did I not mention that? Oh well... I have now. ;)

This way for dresses

This way for separates

And did I also mention that the leopard print stud clutch and the Doris dress can now be found in the Sale? The Clutch is £10 (was £25), and the Doris is £30 (was £50).

And over on the Books page, I have Frauleinwunder #1 and Bachelor Pad Magazine #10!

And the winner is....

2010-02-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well done Linda!

Now, don't despair if you didn't win - I'll have more competitions soon. ;)

(if the video isn't showing, click here.)

Valentine's Special: Win a £15 voucher to spend at Pin-Up Parade!

2010-02-12T06:44:00.001-08:00

There's so many fabulous things that will be in stock soon at Pin-Up Parade, so why not win a £15 voucher to spend on anything you like in the shop!

All you need to do is link to this post in your blog or in a Tweet, mentioning the competition, and email me a link to where you've posted it, to helen@pinup-parade.com

(the email is important so I have a list of who's in the contest!)

You have just over a week - a name will be drawn from a hatbox on Sunday 21st February.

PS:
If you Tweet AND blog, your name will go in the hatbox twice.

Even more on the way!

2010-02-11T02:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, you did read that correctly...

These will all be available in sizes XS to XXXL.

Spice dress in grey

Star Struck Blouse £30
Black polka dot satin with Peter Pan collar.

Capri pants £45

More info on the Forthcoming Attractions page.

Convict dress blue

2010-02-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

We re-photographed the Convict blue with actor Tina Barnes. Here's the result!

This dress is in stock in sizes XS to XXXL (S on the way!), and is just £50. It's perfect for the summer! And you can buy yours on the Dresses page.

Pin-up gallery updates

2010-02-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

New sets from...

Miss Edith

Sue-Ann Davis

And 4 sets from new girl Miss Mink!

News

2010-02-04T02:34:00.001-08:00

The purple Convict and Roselyn dresses are now in stock on the Sale page.

We did a shoot on Sunday with actor Tina Barnes. She wanted some classic Hollywood-style images for her portfolio. While she was at it, we decided to shoot some of the dresses for the shop. More to follow, but here's a taster!

Here we have the Doris dress:

And here we have the Convict dress in blue:

Lipstick by Julie Hewett "Belle Noir" - it's a lovely orange-red.
And diner phone from Notorious Kitsch!

On the way!

2010-01-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

All these dresses can be found on the Forthcoming Attractions page.

Substitute dress Sizes XS to XXL.
Yes, it's coming back! Fabulous cotton dress in grey plaid.

Kookie dress Sizes XS to XXXL
Gorgeous 40s number with green crepe bodice and button detail.

Katherine dress Sizes XS to XXXL
Every woman needs a little black number - is this the one for you?

Vixen dress Sizes XS to XXXL
Few can resist the lure of leopard print! Lovely set consisting of black top with leopard trim and a leopard print skirt. Three outfits in one!

Spring & Summer at Pin-Up Parade

2010-01-18T01:08:00.001-08:00

Now that the snow's gone, thoughts turn to spring and summer (well, they do for me, anyway!).

I've put together a whole page of items perfect for spring and summer, which are all available from Pin-Up Parade.

If you're feeling particularly summery, of course, there's always a tiki dress. This dress is in stock in all sizes from a 34" to a 52" bust, by Nicole Katherine. You'll find it on the Dress page.

Model: La Cholita, MUAH: Ilyne, Photographer: JMVFoto

Model: Alamilla, Photographer: Wonderboy

Coming soon!

2010-01-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

The Secretary is making a return in sizes XS to XXXL, at £80.

For a bargain, head to the Sales page where you will (come early February) find:

Purple Convict, XS to XXXL, £50

Roselyn, XS to XL, £45
White stretch cotton with pink cherry print.

More info on the Forthcoming Attractions page.

2010-01-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

The newsletter has conked out! If you want to receive email updates about Pin-Up Parade, them please sign up here.

If you were signed up to the previous newsletter then I'm afraid you'll need to sign up again. Sorry - due to circumstances beyond my control.

Now in stock!

2010-01-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

They're here: The Accountant and Jazmin circles in red!

And... "Vintage Hairstyling" by Lauren Rennells is also in stock again here.

Capri pants - less than half price!

2009-12-29T03:59:00.000-08:00

I have a pair of size S capri pants which are slight seconds, so they are reduced to £20 - less than half price!

They are perfect, except that they're missing their buttonhole, so please make sure you're able to put one in yourself or you know somewhere that can before ordering. Please note that not all clothing alterations shops/dry cleaners are able to put in button holes for you.

Find them on the Sale page.

Captain dress - back in stock soon!

2009-12-26T02:03:00.000-08:00

This popular dress will be back in stock very soon in sizes XS to XL.

This is the real thing, straight from Bettie Page Clothing in Las Vegas!

You can pre-order one - please see details on the Forthcoming Attractions page.

Beware rip-off merchants!

2009-12-23T02:38:00.001-08:00

There is someone on Ebay making very crap copies of the Bettie Page Clothing "Captain" dress for £35. They are breaking the law but Ebay won't do anything about it because they're not using the Bettie Page Clothing name. Just - completely ripping off their design.

Suffice to say, for £35, you're getting a badly made dress cut from cheap and nasty fabric.

You get what you pay for, but I really do suggest that you avoid lining the pockets of people who can't come up with their own ideas and who think it's ok to rip off other people.

I'm sure all you lovely people knew that anyway, though.

Another pic of the Accountant dress

2009-12-22T01:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know any accountants who would wear this dress, but I think I will!

Christmas cover girl!

2009-12-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

www.pinup-parade.com

Check out Rocket J on the front page!

New Bettie Page Clothing dresses on the way!

2009-12-21T08:53:00.001-08:00

Jazmin Circle in red
You've probably seen the pencil version of this dress in the shop, but here it comes in the circle skirt version!

£70, sizes XS to XXXL.

The Accountant
And here's a new dress - the Accountant. It's made from red and black plaid with a satiny finish.

£70, sizes XS to XXXL.

To make sure you get yours, I'm taking pre-orders (in other words, you would need to pay in advance). These dresses are on their way, so I should have them in about 2 weeks.

More info here:
http://pinup-parade.com/shop/forthcoming.htm

Open again!

2009-12-14T01:06:00.000-08:00

The Pin-Up Parade shop is open again.

www.pinup-parade.com/shop

"Vintage Hairdressing" by Lauren Rennells is in stock again.

The last posting day for Christmas, if you choose 1st class Recorded Delivery, is Saturday 19th December. The last day if you choose Special Delivery is Tuesday 22nd December.

RSS feeds on Livejournal

2009-11-23T12:33:00.001-08:00

If you're on Livejournal and want Pin-Up Parade blog posts to pop up on your friends page, just add the RSS feed which you can find here.

I went a bit mad when I worked out how to do this and set up Livejournal RSS's for Miss Matilda's Delights and Fleur's Diary of a Vintage Girl as well.

Shop now open!

2009-11-23T08:30:00.001-08:00

The shop has now reopened.

The Tiki dresses are now available:

And there are further reductions on the Sale page. Prices start at just £20 for the Bettie Page Clothing "Shopping Time" dress.

The Bettie Page Clothing "Julietta" dress is now just £35!

The "Tiger" dress (in leopard print) is £30.

There's more reductions to be had - check the sale page to check 'em out.

New photos from Alma Joyce

2009-10-12T03:12:00.000-07:00

I'm so behind with doing galleries but anyway, here's some new photos from Alma Joyce, which you can find here on Pin-Up Parade.

High Society

Sailor Girl

From Russia, With Love

Lady of the House

Fans & Tassles

As a lot of you are ladies...

2009-10-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd help with http://www.malcolmcoles.co.uk/blog/cervical-cancer-jab-please-hel/ in order for concerned parents to find relevant, informative info on the situation rather than scaremongering nonsense, using Google's way of ranking results higher if they have more links to them. You too can help by linking to the results below, but do see the Malcolm Coles blog entry too.

cervical cancer jab
cervical cancer vaccine

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hpv-vaccination/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/HPV

(this is obviously unrelated to Pin-Up Parade, but I think it's important!)

Vintage Hairstyling - 2nd ed

2009-08-28T02:18:00.000-07:00

Now in stock!

Now 200 pages long (1st ed was 164 pages), there are loads more hairstyles from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, including 30s spit curls, the "happy pomp" (main photo on the cover), tips for girls with "Bettie bangs" as well as Marcel wave methods, rag rollers and steam rollers. Includes the classic Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's 'do and a fabulous beehive. Even if you have the 1st ed, it's worth treating yourself!

This is a fantastic book for anyone who's ever battled with curling tongs and wondered why they haven't come out the other end looking like Betty Grable.

With clear, step-by-step instructions, Lauren explains how to use tongs and different kinds of rollers and how to master the pin curl. Then she shows you how to achieve some fantastic 40s and 50s hairdos - victory rolls, waves and pompadours, the fake fringe (bangs) then more than twenty hairstyles called things like "The Vixen", "The Casino Wife" and "For The Boys." If that wasn't enough, there's tips on accessorising with scarves, flowers, snoods and hats, how to do a "Rosie Riveter" and then advice on how to achieve vinage make-up looks.

All-in-all, this is an absolutely invaluable book for anyone wanting to compliment their vintage-style dress with a vintage-style 'do.

£27 on the Books & Magazines page.

Tiki dress by Nicole Katherine Designs now in stock

2009-08-28T02:05:00.001-07:00

Fabulous pencil-cut Hawaiian-style dress with waterfall detail. Cross-over bust. The waterfall skirt is sarong-style so that an extra panel of fabric at the front swags across, revealing red fabric underneath where the 'sarong' ends.

Sizes S to (roughly) UK 28.

£70

Find it on the Dresses page.

New accessories!

2009-07-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't added anything to the Accessories page for a while, but I now have some rather wonderful pasties and berets that I think you might like! They're all handmade in the UK by Helene Bach.

Pasties £12 per pair
The sequins are all stitched on, and they're backed in soft fake suede for comfort.

Shimmery Star pasties! Made from silver and holographic sequins.

Heart pasties. Made from red and black sequins with a cute beads hanging at the end.

Berets £20 each.
Hand-knitted base. Ingeniously held on by secret clips.

Sailor beret. Navy blue beret with ribbon and heart detail.

Rose & Ribbon beret. Mulberry beret with ribbon, flower and netting.

(pasties modelled by Deidre, berets modelled by me (you can see two Bettie Page Clothing dresses: the Captain and the Violet), photos by Eightball Vintage Photography, leopard print curtains handmade by me, cocktail bar courtesy of my grandparents, location: our front room).

Bachelor Pad 8 now in stock

2009-07-22T08:39:00.001-07:00

Yours for just £2.50.

http://pinup-parade.com/shop/books.htm

I will also have some very cute beret fascinators and sequinned pasties in stock very soon (photographing them this weekend!).

Please note: I'm moving house soon so I will not be ordering any more stock until I'm settled in. On the way there's the Spice dress in turquoise by Bettie Page Clothing and a Hawaiian dress by Nicole Katherine Designs, as well as Mode Merr skirts and dresses, but that will be it for a couple of months.

Milkcow & Bachelor Pad magazines

2009-07-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

When you next swing by Pin-Up Parade, why not pop a copy of issue one of Milkcow Magazine in your trolley?

News & reviews on the 40s/50s lifestyle. Features include Hemsby, Viva Las Vegas and Rock 'n' Soul reviews, articles on What Katie Did lingerie, burlesquer Missy Malone, hot rodders, pin-up artist Fiona Stephenson, photographer Richard Heeps and loads more.

On the way:

Bachelor Pad Magazine #8.

Contents: The return of Bernie Dexter in our naughtiest centerfold so far! Va-va-voom pin-ups from Diamond Minx, Sable Sin Cyr, and Skye Sinclaire! A trip through dirty Vegas courtesy of writer John Harrison. "Turning Your Space-Age Bachelor Pad into a Love Launch Pad" by music reviewer Jeff Berkwits. James A. Stewart brings us another story of sexy spy Kitty Cheshire. A tiki-inspired speak-easy review from Don Spiro. More lushy laffs from Tipsy Thomas. Gags from TJ Rappel of Krushervision, Scooter Harris from Studio Hadra, and our newest cartoonist Dave Cook! Columns from Heidi Van Horne, Penny Starr Jr., and Will "The Thrill" Viharo! Burlesque-inspired drink recipe from mixologist Dr. Bamboo. Plus much more!

More sale items!

2009-07-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

Shoe Missy heels!

Were £50, now £35.

http://pinup-parade.com/shop/sale.htm

Shop update: new stock and new sale items!

2009-07-12T02:26:00.000-07:00

Sale Page
I've added more items to the Sale page:

Ceci dress, was £75, now £60, sizes XL to 3X.

Summer Swing dress, was £60, now £45. Size S.

Blossom dress, was £75, now £60. Sizes L and 1X.

Starlet dress, was £60, now £45. Size S.

Black Cherry Wrap dress, was £65, now £50. Size S.

New Bettie Page Clothing items
Meanwhile, on the dresses page:

Curves dress, £70, sizes XS to XXXL.

Peekaboo dresses, £65, sizes XS to XXL (warning: this dress runs a size small eg if you usually wear an L, you'd need an XL)

Doris dress in black (photo to follow - not red!), £50. Sizes XS to XXL.

Convict blue, £50, sizes XS to XXXL.

Spice pink, £60, sizes XS to XXL.

Bernadette pink, £55, sizes XS to XXL.

Coming soon...
The Spice dress in turquoise.

Tiki dress by Nicole Katherine.

Pin-Up Parade: conked out

2009-07-10T02:29:00.000-07:00

Pin-Up Parade has conked out, thanks to some **** who hacked the hosts servers. The hosts are working hard to restore all the websites, but it's taking a long time.

I assume it'll be back up again by tomorrow morning at the latest.

How do I get into pin-up?

2009-07-02T03:10:00.000-07:00

I'm asked this a lot so this is my answer!

(also find this article at Pin-Up Parade)

1. Get a professional shoot done. If you've read anything about mainstream modelling, models need a portfolio of pics in order to join an agency. Pin-up is no different - in order to be seriously considered by other photographers (or indeed shops & magazines etc), they need to see samples of your work to see what you're capable of. Myspace-style photos in a bathroom mirror, or out-of-focus things taken on a self-timer with a basket of laundry in the background (when not intended as a prop, obviously) are not sufficient. When you're starting out, the best shoots are ones when you pay because you will be taught how to pose for the camera. For photographers who do this in the UK and Europe, please look at the Galleries at Pin-Up Parade and also the links page. I will put a list of photographers at the end of the page.

2. Please don't expect this to be a magical short-cut to a life of glamour and marabou-trimmed negligees and no more office work or standing in queues or going to Tesco's to buy baked beans. Not even Dita makes a living solely from "being a pin-up". Bernie Dexter has an online shop and sells vintage items on Ebay. Sabina Kelley works in a tattoo parlour. Morgana does web design. Some girls add the money from paid shoots to money from burlesque performances and costume-making and pin-up classes, but they are not solely working as pin-ups.

3. Which leads to... pin-up is a fun hobby! It really is! But it's not a wage-earner. You might get paid shoots, but it won't be enough to pay the rent.

4. Go back a step and think about what you mean by "getting into pin-up". Doing some pin-up photos and having fun doing the shoots? Being a celebrity? Having people cue up to tell you how wonderful you are? If you say yes to the first option, then bravo, you're being sensible. Fame and adoring fans aren't a given. Doing photos and enjoying the process is the basis of "being a pin-up".

5. As with all forms of modelling, there are limited opportunities for larger women. True, there are more opportunities than in other kinds of modelling, but do be aware that there are often size limits on the models required for some shoots, and if you protest, you're ear-marked as a trouble-maker. I rather enjoy being a trouble-maker myself, though.

6. Networking is important but don't make unreasonable demands on people. You aren't the only person who "wants to be a pin-up". I'm often asked by people if they can model for my shop, and I'm now having to say that you must have previous modelling experience. Even if it's a shoot you've paid for with The Hourglass or The Casting Couch. It isn't fair to bombard people with photos you took of yourself in your bathroom mirror and demand that you're hired. Don't leak bad karma into the cosmos! (man). You MUST have a professional portfolio!

7. Enter competitions, participate in online groups, etc etc etc. For example, The Pin-Up Lifestyle Network. Just being generally involved in burlesque or rockabilly, which have pin-up as important elements of their culture (though please don't profess to liking rockabilly if you don't really like it - it's kind of annoying). Come up with your own ideas for websites or online groups or forums. Whatever. Be creative. Don't expect everything to fall into your lap.

8. It might be worth joining Model Mayhem and/or Net Model, but as I've mentioned elsewhere, there are often rather unrealistically stringent size requirements so larger girls will find it very hard, if not impossible, to find shoots.

9. You don't have to perform burlesque as well. Shocking, I know, but it's true.

10. Learn how to do your own hair and make-up. This will open more opportunities for you, as it means the photographer won't need to hire a muah.

Photographers offering portfolio shoots:
(this isn't an exhaustive list!)

UK:
Nicole Klein of The Hourglass
Tony "Nylons" Rusecki of The Casting Couch.
Lisa Williams Cherry Bomb Rock Photography

Germany:
Miss Giggles www.missgiggles.info
Spooky Sally at Cherry Muffins studios (website not working)

USA:
Danielle Bedics Photography
Atomic Cheesecake Studios
Mitzi & Co.
Viva Van Story

Canada:
Suggestions welcome!

Australia:
The Pin-Up Workshop Co.

(please let me know if you have a suggestion to add)

Important Note

2009-07-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

I am convalescing from a rather horrific operation and so there is a delay on sending out orders. I'm not allowed to carry heavy things, which means I can't take orders to the Post Office. If I do, the scarring from my operation would be made worse and might even pop all my stitches out before it's healed properly.

We wouldn't want that, would we?

2009-06-18T04:59:00.001-07:00

(just found this out from a librarian mailing list I'm on. There's some AMAZING photos! You can even see details like the models' "vintage manicures" with bare cuticles, and the reinforced soles of their stockings!)

"The Visual Arts Data Service (VADS) and the London College of Fashion announced a collaboration today that will see the photographic archives of three important cosmetics companies made accessible online for the first time.

The archives of Gala, Miner's and Crystal, three prominent cosmetics companies operating during and after the Second World War, are held at London College of Fashion and have been digitised and made freely accessible through the VADS website.

The archives are a valuable resource for the study of the history of cosmetics, advertising photography, fashion promotion and women in the Second World War.

During the War when silk was needed for parachutes and stockings disappeared from the shops, Miner's had particular success with its leg make-up, Miners Liquid Stockings, which many women used to paint their legs and even drew black lines down the back of their legs to simulate the seams. Gala of London was also the first company to introduce lip stick in a tube when they introduced their lipline in 1957.

Katherine Baird, Manager of Archives and Special Collections at the London College of Fashion said: "The history of cosmetics is a subject area poorly served by archives to date, and this archive is a valuable addition."

"The war and immediate aftermath, was an important period for the development of package design and also for the development of women's economic independence and consequently their image. The photographs in this collection provide a rich resource charting the development of designs and promotion of cosmetic products and images of women using them."

Leigh Garrett, Director of VADS, said "We are delighted to have worked with London College of Fashion to make these unique archives accessible to a wider learning community than ever before."

"Through our partnerships with university and museum collections across the UK, VADS has already made a wide range of visual arts image collections available online freely for educational use. This latest project will bring another valuable collection to wider recognition and use by scholars, researchers and students as well as members of the public."

The three cosmetics archives have been digitised by the London College of Fashion and made available online through the 'Enhancing VADS'
project, funded as part of the Enriching Digital Resources programme from JISC."

The collection is available at http://www.vads.ac.uk/collections/LCFGALA

Back to normal!

2009-06-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

The people who I get the domain name "pinup-parade.com" from didn't send me their annual invoice and so for 24 hrs starting late Friday until I got it sorted out late on Saturday, the website disappeared, replaced by a holding page.

There were two holding pages that I saw. The first had links to retro clothing, which seems logical, but the second one, I think, has damaged the reputation of my endeavour. It was covered in links for all things "adult" related, which led to some customers worried that I had changed the nature of my site, and other customers thinking I'd done a runner.

Basically, the invoice error of the domain name people has meant that I have been seen as a pornographer and thief.

I am absolutely disgusted with the holding page that went up, and of course the fact that it only went up because of their error. I have complained to them and told them that this has had an adverse effect on people's confidence in me.

The whole thing is very upsetting and frustrating. It has jeapordised two years of work.

I can only ask that you believe me when I tell you that what you see is what you get - yes, I really am a provincial librarian, yes, I really do run Pin-Up Parade in my spare time, and no, I'm neither a perv parlour accountant nor a dishonest thief.

2009-05-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

And there's some new stuff in stock...

The "Jackie" handbag by Bettie Page Clothing, available in light grey. Black sold out but back soon. £40.

The blue Yacht Top by Tarantula Clothing. This is a size 18, stretching to a accomodate up to a 54" bust. £30.

The Smoothie dress by Tarantula is now in stock in black and red as well as floral with a couple of green ginghams as well. These are £75 each and fabulous for summer!

Talking of summer, every girl needs an Escape blouse in their wardrobe. From Bettie Page Clothing, these stretch cotton sleeveless blouses are fabulous. £35.

The Purple Tart dress from Bettie Page Clothing is also now in stock. It's a beautiful deep purple colour, almost aubergine, with a glamorous flared hem and structured bust. £65.

Maternity dresses
Fabulous Cherry & Gingham cotton maternity dresses now in stock, handmade in the UK by Voodoo Kitten 13 Clothing. £65.

Black and leopard in stock soon. £65

New stuff in stock! And new things on the way....

2009-05-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

On the Bags page, I have more Mirror bags in stock again in red and black, at £45.

The Jackie bags are on the way, available in black or grey, at £40.

Dresses:
Smoothie dress by Tarantula Clothing, £75.
Sizes XS to XL. This version is cream with a floral print, but I also have a green gingham version in sizes M & XL. I will also have the red and black versions in stock at the end of May/early June.

Violet dress by Bettie Page Clothing, £65.
Sizes M & XXL in stock only.

Captain dress, pencil skirt, in white, by Bettie Page Clothing, £70.
Sizes XS, L, XL & XXL in stock.

On the way
End of May/early June
Black & Red Smoothie dresses by Tarantula Clothing, £75.
Sizes S to XL.

Heidi dress by Bettie Page Clothing, £65.
Sizes XS to 3X.

Purple Rose dress by Bettie Page Clothing, £65.
Sizes XS to 3X.

Purple Tart dress by Bettie Page Clothing, £65.
Sizes XS to 3X.

Sadie blouse by Bettie Page Clothing, £35.
Sizes XS to 3X.

Escape blouse by Bettie Page Clothing, £35.
Sizes XS to 3X.

Early/mid June
Curves dress by Bettie Page Clothing, £70.
Sizes XS to 3X.

Please note: Orders can't be taken from Sunday 17th May. Ordering will be back to normal on the evening of Wednesday 20th May.

More gallery updates!

2009-05-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Gallery update from Kimberley

And three new girls join Pin-Up Parade:

Honey Wilde

Miss Edith

Sue-Ann Davis

And a photographer's gallery from Terence Mendoza

Change to returns policy (exchanges)

2009-05-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

It still stands that if you buy something you're not happy with (whether fit, size or you just decide it's not "you") you can return it for a refund or an exchange. The difference is that from now on, you will need to pay for the postage of the replacement item.

So... let's say you buy dress X in a size S, and decide you'd rather have the M. You'll need to pay for postage costs for me sending the size M. This brings the Pin-Up Parade returns policy into line with most other online retailers. Since the pound fell against the dollar, it's been difficult keeping prices low, so the money saved in this way will be passed on to keep any price rises low.

The only time this won't apply with exchanges is if there's a manufacturing flaw with the item or I've made a mistake with your order! In which case, I'll also cover your cost of returning the item to me.

Gallery updates

2009-04-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't do Gallery updates very often... but when I do, I hope you'll agree that it's worth the wait!

First of all, we have a new girl at Pin-Up Parade, the fabulous Cherry La Flip, who is also our cover girl at the moment.

And I have updated Tara Mi Sioux's gallery with three new photos.

I'm working on updating MORE galleries and putting up MORE girls, so in the next week or so there'll be new girls Scarlet Fever (of "Faking It" fame) from Wales, Honey Wilde from England (via New Zealand), Miss Edith from Scotland and Sue-Anne Davis from Germany. Add to that a photographer gallery from Terence Mendoza, and a gallery update from Helen Highwater (me, in other words!). So, lots of look forward to! And there's even more than this which I'm arranging, but you'll just have to wait for that....

Pin-Up Parade Girls Need Your Help!
Meanwhile, over at www.bettiepagemovie.com there's a pin-up contest. Amongst the entrants, there's three Pin-Up Parade girls - me, Sweetness and Nicole A Lure (aka Nicole from The Hourglass). Please join the forum to vote for us. It would make us very happy! You just have to post a message saying "I vote for Helen Highwater" (or whichever other lovely lady flips your switch), and that's that. Simple! ;)

Just the one!

2009-04-24T02:13:00.000-07:00

I have one Butterfly dress by Bettie Page Clothing, which is about a size 18 (the label is XXXL, but it runs small, so is equivalent to their usual XXL).

It's a really gorgeous dress and perfect for summer in a lovely white cotton with red butterfly print. It's lined with cotton and has a built-in cotton underskirt. The hem of the dress has lovely red embroidery. All this for £65.

www.pinup-parade.com/shop/dresses.htm

Yummy!

2009-04-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Now in stock! Please note that the capris, Candy Apple and Jacqueline were heavily reserved, but the sold out sizes will be replenished soon.

Capri pants, £45. Sizes L to XXXL in stock. All other sizes back very soon!
Separates

Candy Apple dress, £65. Sizes M to XXL in stock. XS & S back soon.
Dresses

Jacqueline suit, £65. Sizes S & XXL in stock. Other sizes back soon!

Crystal dress, £50. Sizes XL to XXXL.
Sale

Tiger dress, £40. Sizes XS to XL.

Make sure you don't miss out on forthcoming attractions by reserving your favourite(s) from this page.

Curves dress, £70. Sizes XS to XXXL. In stock May. Bengaline.

Violet dress, £65. Sizes XS to XXXL. In stock May. Bengaline & crepe.

Sadie blouse, £35. Sizes XS to XXXL. In stock May. Sheer crepe.

Escape blouse, £35. Sizes XS to XXXL. In stock May. Stretch cotton.

Wendy peach & the last Substitutes!

2009-04-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Now in stock!

Wendy in peach, £45. Sizes XS, S, L & XL
On the sale page

The very last Substitute dresses! This is it - your very last chance to get your hands on this popular style! Dresses page

Substitute Pencil, £65. Sizes L to XXXL.

Substitute Circle, £70. Sizes S to XXL.

I'll have Jacqueline suits, Tiger & Candy Apple dresses & capri pants at the weekend at the latest (tomorrow if we're lucky!).

Books & Magazines Lauren Rennell's Vintage Hairstyling book is back in stock, and I've also got the most recent issue of Bachelor Pad Magazine, with 4 extra pages - pin-up pictures, articles, burlesque, etc etc. A bargain at £2.50.

Just what did Katie do?

2009-04-06T13:25:00.001-07:00

Interview with Katie Halford of What Katie Did on everything bullet bra, stocking, corset and foundation wear-related! Thanks, Katie! ;)

Meanwhile, over at Queens of Vintage, Pin-Up Parade customer Miss Hannah is unveiled as Vintage Queen #14! She's a very glamorous lady, so go and take a look.

(Photo by Tony Nylons, showing the new What Katie Did 1940s "CC09" range - read about it in the interview)

Burlesque event in Hull

2009-04-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Issue 2 of new Burlesque magazine launch.

Burlesque Presents... The Launch @ The Ringside, Hull
Wednesday 8th April, 8pm
Tickets £5 + free champagne, cupcakes, & raffle ticket. Must be booked in advance & paid for on arrival
Scarlet Fever, Mimi Demure, The Boneshakers, Glorian Gray, Fleur Du Mal, Heather Sweet, May Hemm, Jubilee Swoon
First-look copies of Issue Two available
Win a voucher to shop at Pin-Up Parade!

More info: www.myspace.com/burlesquemagazine

Celebrity customer!

2009-03-31T07:04:00.001-07:00

Here's Steve Hooker wearing the leopard Vegas shirt!

More bags in stock & forthcoming attractions

2009-03-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Fabulous bags for leopard print fans!
www.pinup-parade.com/shop/bags.htm
From Lux de Ville:

Very spacious make-up bags which could double as an overnight case or day handbag.
Leopard print or hot pint patent, £35

Patent clutch bag, £22

Fake leopard print fur & studs clutch bag, £25

Studded swallow purse/wallet, £20

Forthcoming Attractions!
www.pinup-parade.com/shop/forthcoming.htm
From Bettie Page Clothing

First of all, some more Julietas (£45) and then Happy Bows (£45) - the last ones! - in XS and M. And the return of the Ruby, £55 (S to XL, UK 12 to 18). One of my favourite Bettie Page Clothing dresses, it comes complete with an adorable butterly brooch.

Next to arrive will be the last EVER shipment of the Substitute dress! This plaid dress in grey/black/pink has proved very popular both in the pencil version and the circle version, and these are the last ones that Bettie Page Clothing had. They took these out of their shop in Las Vegas so that the girls in Europe could enjoy 'em! Stock is VERY limited so if you've after one of these, please contact me right away to reserve yours. I'll have the pencil in sizes M to XXXL and the Circle in sizes XS to XXL. Please note that there's no stretch in the bust or the sleeves of this dress.

This shipment will also bring the Wendy in peach bengaline, sizes XS to XL. £45

And even more on the way... the Jacqueline suit in wool blend, sizes S to XXL, £65.

The Tiger dress, £40. Sizes XS to XL.

The Candy Apple dress, £65, sizes XS to XXL. Stretch cotton.

And then.........!
The Captain pencil dress in white, sizes XS to XXXL, £70.

Good News for Mums-to-Be
Voodoo Kitten 13 Clothing are working on a maternity line consisting of dresses and smock tops which will prevent you from sacrificing your style while with-bump. More to follow on that soon. Think cherries, leopard print, etc! I even have a pregnant model lined up.

New dress photos!

2009-03-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share with you some pics from a shoot we did the other week with Classique. This is the Ceci dress by Stop Staring, which I have in sizes XL, 1X, 2X & 3X.

And the Captain dress by Bettie Page Clothing (Parasol from What Katie Did:

The Glitter Red Portrait Collar top by Tarantula:

Fabulous!

Shoe Missy heels now in stock!

2009-03-11T02:43:00.000-07:00

Ladies, prepare to drool!

The Shoe Missy heels have arrived.

www.pinup-parade.com/shop/separates.htm

£50 each, these are animal-product free, with cute peeptoe and cut-away side, with a low platform at the front.

Tony Nylons interview

2009-03-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

Cheesecake photography ace Tony Nylons talks to Pin-Up Parade about his inspirations, working with burlesque star Immodesty Blaize, shooting undies for What Katie Did and his new home at Alfie's Antiques Market.

Read the interview here!

(and check out the special offer too!)

Pin-Up Classes

2009-03-03T02:15:00.000-08:00

Nicole over at The Hourglass has started her pin-up classes.

The first date is 25th April, and there's a couple of spaces left. Find out more here.

T-shirts

2009-03-03T01:58:00.000-08:00

www.pinup-parade.com/shop/tshirts.htm

First of all, two new designs from rockabilly Tshirt king, Steve Hooker.

Sizes girls: S. Men's: L, XL, XXL.
£12.

And featuring Bernie Dexter, for the Stay Slick Barber Shop:

Sizes: Girls: XS, S, M, L. Men's: L, XL, XXL.
£12.

And new photos of the Bawidamann Apparel pin-up T-shirts.

Pin-Up Parade

Viv & Avril - new Swagger Joint dresses!

Let's help independent businesses

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

Retro Makeup by Lauren Rennells

Customer testimonials

Swagger Joint at Pin-Up Parade

Fabulous discounts at Pin-Up Parade!

New items in stock

Happy customers in Las Vegas

China Doll dress - bonus photo!

Scotty skirts now in stock!

Cupcake Provocateur aprons now in stock!

Cupcake Provocateur aprons

New dress from Bettie Page Clothing

Further discounts!

Stuff back in stock!

Something silly....

A note about Nicole Katherine Designs

Four new dresses in stock

Nine new dresses in stock

Dear Royal Mail,

No, I don't deal with crooks

And the winner is....

Yet more reductions!

Now in stock!

Further reductions!

Name the lady!

Mode Merr in the sale!

Coming soon!

Mexican peasant top and skirt by Nicole Katherine - coming soon!

Dear Chinese spammers,

Customer Testimonials

New items in stock

My letter to the Royal Mail

New dresses in stock!

New pics

More sale stuff & pretty bags!

More stuff on the way!

And some more stuff in the sale...!

Further sale reductions

New sale items & new arrivals

Shop closure

Let's go bowling now, everybody's learning how...

Dresses - added to the sale

In the Sale

News

Spring/Summer collection from Bettie Page Clothing

Huge savings in the Pin-Up Parade sale!

Did I mention...

And the winner is....

Valentine's Special: Win a £15 voucher to spend at Pin-Up Parade!

Even more on the way!

Convict dress blue

Pin-up gallery updates

News

On the way!

Spring & Summer at Pin-Up Parade

Coming soon!

Newsletter

Now in stock!

Capri pants - less than half price!

Captain dress - back in stock soon!

Beware rip-off merchants!

Another pic of the Accountant dress

Christmas cover girl!

New Bettie Page Clothing dresses on the way!

Open again!

RSS feeds on Livejournal

Shop now open!

New photos from Alma Joyce

As a lot of you are ladies...

Vintage Hairstyling - 2nd ed

Tiki dress by Nicole Katherine Designs now in stock

New accessories!

Bachelor Pad 8 now in stock

Milkcow & Bachelor Pad magazines

More sale items!

Shop update: new stock and new sale items!

Pin-Up Parade: conked out

Just what did Katie do?