I’ve always loved retro clothes, dressing up in full skirts, fitted tops with pops of color & fun prints from different era’s especially the 1950’s. Celebrating a friend’s 50’s themed birthday party last summer reminded me of my love for that time. However,heading back home to London 2 months ago was so inspiring to me in every way but especially in fashion. Hitting up one of my favorite 50’s inspired stores called Collectif Clothing in Camden Town (best city in London) was the inspiration I got for my latest fashion shoot.
Location.
Deciding to have the Photo shoot at Hotel Adeline was a no brainer being one of the newest boutique hotels that re-opened up this February in Scottsdale, Arizona.The aesthetic was perfect from the welcoming influencer inspired pool area to the old school air conditioning unit in their suites, vintage orange-colored mini fridge, classic chaise lounge chair & spacious bathroom with funky tile work.
Hotel Adeline are willing to work with influencers & gave me free rein to rent the suite, explore & take pics all over their Hotel so cheers Hotel Adeline!
Clothing.
I went with a classic white & red gingham print dress from Collectif clothing that portrayed true retro style from the 1950s. My Photographer Alyssa recommended swimsuit looks (especially as they had a pool to-die-for) so I went in search for the right swimming costumes to compliment my curvaceously strong figure. I asked all around for thong swimsuits as I planned to get a little steamy in these shoots & I was informed the term is now called “cheeky bottom” lol
My last hope after finding no swimsuits with a cheeky bottom was Everything But Water the designer swimsuit store at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Ironically I was the Assistant Manager there 10 years ago so it was sweet visiting it. I found my 2 swimsuits so quickly & the help that I got from the Staff was outstanding! A nude Luli Farma & yellow Vitamin A swimsuits were the winners.
Props/accessories.
I already had my Vintage dress picked out, bag, shoes & accessories being a fan of that era i’d accumulated bits & bobs over time so next up was setting the scene & I needed Props. A coverup & sun hat for my swimsuit looks & possibly flowers… I headed to Victoria Secrets & found a green printed kimono style floral silk bathrobe, done!
Finding a sun hat was impossible as I looked everywhere & wanted something unique & still couldn’t find it so I thought why not try vintage stores, take it waaay back!
I perused Old Town Scottsdale & came across a quaint & boutique called Twice Boutique (instagram: Twicescottsdale). I met the owner Brittany whom was lovely jubbly so I bought a flamingo sunhat (which I LOVE) & Her store was full of so many hidden gems & I can’t wait to visit that Boutique in old town Scottsdale again! Furthermore whilst I was admiring the decor at Twice Boutique Brittany very generously offerred me all the sunflowers she created herself that you see strewn in the picture below… how sweet!!After that my looks were complete!
Hair, Makeup & Lashes.
Looking for a typical 50’s era hairstyle online, I went with one pincurl & loose waves that my hairdresser of 5 years Renata Henderson (instagram:rhhairstylist) styled so effortlessly. She is a joy to work with & I can’t tell you how the entire staff at Hotel Adeline knew which era I was representing based on my hair alone. We added a wire covered bandana first in white with black polka dots then an animal print loose scarf.
A friend who works at the same luxury brand I run my business through Britney-Rae Sanchez (instagram:brinnyrae) who is an internationally published celebrity makeup Artist offered to do my photo shoot & what an offer! Britney decided to create a natural glow with retro cat eyes & finished my look with her own custom lipstick concoction of an Armani red lip gloss then added red glitter from a costume store to seal the look! Genius! Britney warned me the glitter would get everywhere & she wasn’t wrong as it got on my teeth,face,inside my mouth & all over my chest but cheers to Britney I was prepared.I had tape & 2 touch ups worth of both said glitter & lip gloss & it turned out so well…
I’ve been seeing my Lash lady Miss Carmen (instagram: eyelashedarizona) for over 6 years & I never go anywhere else. Carmen is a true Artist battling my insanely curly lashes adding extensions to accentuate my big eyes & give me that glamour that I truly believe cemented my Pin-up look.
Photographer.
This was to be our second photo shoot working together & if the chemistry between Alyssa Ryan (instagram:Alyssaryanphotography) from the first shoot was anything to come by then we had no worries. True to that thought we began in the hotel suite,took it outside to the balcony,by the hotel restaurant,influencer signs & lastly the pool, bar & shower. With Alyssa’s talent & openness to explore 3 hours later we got all the shots in the bag! I truly recommend Alyssa as she’s just so easy to work with, eager to make her own suggestions but willing to explore yours & is fearless.
What an amazing experience that was with all those collaborative forces coming together to create magic! I want to thank each & every one of these amazing people including Hotel Adeline who helped me live out my dream as a 50’s pin-up girl. Please go & follow them & show support.Catch you next time loves!
Cheers & Best Wishes,
Afi Like Taffy A.L.T.
