Fashion – Page 16 – CLASSICALLY CURVY

Inspiration: Tess Munster

January 28, 2014January 28, 2014 missdollymonroe1 Comment

How can a plus size pinup like myself not be absolutely inspired by the beauty that is Tess Munster? She is smart, strong, confident and of course radiantly gorgeous. I can’t remember how I stumbled upon her blog My Plus Size Life but as soon as I did I fell in love with this inspirational woman and have been following her on social media ever since. As her blog will tell you, Tess is an L.A. based Plus Size Model, Make Up Artist, Blogger, and founder of the #effyourbeautystandards body positive movement. And this fashionista was recently named one of the world’s top plus size models by Refinery 29, Huff Post, & Vogue Italia. Not only is Tess endlessly stylish, showing off an array of looks in her makeup and fashion, she also preaches self-love, self-respect and self-confidence. A girl after my own heart!

Tumblr: www.tessmunster.tumblr.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TessMunster

Blog: www.theplussizelife.blogspot.ca

Priming Your Canvas

January 23, 2014January 23, 2014 missdollymonroe2 Comments

Dear reader, I have a confession to make. I know it may shock you but… this is not what my skin looks like. Every photo you’ve ever seen of me was taken with a full face of makeup. Shocked? Don’t be! I’m not ashamed of the fact that I wear makeup. It gives me confidence and is a huge part of my personal look. I get a lot of compliments on my skin, but really it’s the goop on top that should get the credit. And in case you are interested here’s what I use to get that alabaster glow!

Firstly I would like to say that I take skincare very seriously and I exfoliate and moisturize every single day in the morning and evening. I also never go to sleep with my makeup on, no matter how tired I am. My skin is naturally quite pale and I am very careful to stay out of the sun as much as possible.

After moisturizer the first step to my routine is applying MAC cosmetic’s Studio Fix Liquid Foundation in NC15 with a 190 MAC foundation brush. I make sure to spread it evenly across my whole face, avoiding the eyelids. Then, using the same brush, I apply MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Soft Ochre to my eyelids as a base for my eye makeup. I love this product and it does a great job of preventing creasing for daily wear. Lastly I buff out my skin with MAC’s Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC15 which I usually apply with the sponge that comes with this product, but occasionally I will use a round, flathead brush to really press it on. Et voila!

Inspiration: Jayne Mansfield

January 21, 2014 missdollymonroe2 Comments

“Dramatic art in her opinion is knowing how to fill a sweater.” – Bette Davis.

Sophia Loren & Jayne Mansfield

Jayne Mansfield was a classic Blonde Bombshell whose career boomed in the 1950s and early 1960s. Mansfield was often referred to as the “Working Man’s Monroe” due to her similarities with Marilyn, and many of her mannerisms and speech were based off of Monroe’s. As a Classically Curvy girl, Jayne Mansfield offers a bounty of style inspiration. While Marilyn had a timeless and elegant look, Mansfield was a little more wild and adventurous, playing with lots of animal print, metallic fabrics and of course very scandalously low cut tops. Her signature colour was pink and she even had her Hollywood mansion painted pink and dubbed her “Pink Palace”.

Check out this fun video of Jayne singing “Let’s Do It” with photos of her and her Pink Palace!

Celluloid Sleaze

January 20, 2014April 29, 2014 missdollymonroeLeave a comment

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Great Canadian Girlesque Expo at the Mod Club in Toronto. One of the best parts of the event, besides of course the amazingly talented performers, was that I finally got a chance to see the jewelry line Celluloid Sleaze in person. I have been following the lovely Aviva and Sarah’s instagram posts of their new line of necklaces, earrings and broaches and drooling over their chunky plastic, 60s inspired designs. I love the fun, bright colours of each piece with designs that include cherries, flowers, leaves, dominos, skulls, fruits, birds and even a pickle pin! These accessories are the cherry on top of the perfect pin-up outfit.

Celluloid Sleaze Designers Sarah & Aviva showing off their wares

The necklace I had been pining for was a very popular design and sold right away, so instead I picked up this charming piece. I love the shape of the leaf bangles and the black & white colour scheme works so nicely with any outfit. I will definitely be adding more of their jewelry to my personal collection!

Wearing my Celluloid Sleaze Necklace!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celluloidsleaze

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/celluloidsleaze

Twitter: @celluloidsleaze

Instagram: @celluloidsleaze

Dolly on the Job

January 18, 2014January 20, 2014 missdollymonroeLeave a comment

Recently at a party a fellow asked me if I always dress this way, specifically if I dress this way at work. To which I enthusiasticly answered yes! At my day job I am the face of the company. When parents, students, teachers, strangers walk into the building it’s me they see sitting at the front desk. Therefore I believe it is a part of my job to look polished and put together. For the average girl that might mean wearing ‘buisness casual’ attire, having tidy hair and maybe a little makeup. For me though, I look at every work day as an opportunity to express myself and put together fun, work-appropriate outfits!

One of my favourite things about dressing the way I do is that it makes those around me stop and take notice not only of the way I look but of their own style. This morning while sitting at my desk a 10 year old girl came up to me with a big grin on her face. “Hanna, look!” she said, pointing to her face, “I have new glasses!” The stylish metal frames perched atop her tiny nose gave this girl so much joy and the fact that she was so excited to show them to me brought a smile to my face too!

Introductions

January 18, 2014January 20, 2014 missdollymonroe1 Comment

Well hello there!

My name is Hanna but you can call me Dolly. By day I work as the receptionist at a dance studio and by night I am a clothing and costume designer, seamstress and occasional burlesque performer in the wonderful city of Toronto. All day and all night I pride myself on being a fashionably stylish lady with an affinity for vintage inspired looks, girlish garb, bright colours, bold patterns and of course I rarely leave the house without perfectly painted lips. To me there is no better form of self expression than style; fashion is the air I breathe.

I’m not at all shy in saying I am a plus size woman who proudly displays the curves I’ve been graced with. I believe that every body is beautiful and the most important part of being a fashionista is knowing what fits and flatters your own figure. While I hesitate to describe my style as “vintage”, since to me that would involve a collection of vintage garments, I do draw incredible inspiration from 1940s, 50s and 60s fashion.

This blog will be a diary of my personal style including photos, tips & tricks, inspiration, reviews, shopping finds, ongoing project updates and whatever else I can think of to entertain you. Please feel free to participate but do keep a positive attitude!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you again!

xoxo

Dolly Monroe

Banner photo and above photo by If You Fall Photography

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