Epic Fashion Post. Pin-up Fashion. Featuring Angelique Noire.

Angelique Noire, Black Pin-up Girls
(Photography Credit: Emmelie Aslin)


Though I’m as stereotypically New Yorker in my style of dress as it gets (think modern, minimalist cuts and lots of black), I’ve always had a fascination with classic styles from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, complete with hair and make-up. I mean, how could you look at images like these and not be inspired?

Black Women Pin-ups, Black Women 1950's

If you are on the hunt for black lady pin-up inspiration, odds are you’ll come across images of the lovely Angelique Noire. Originally from Pasadena, California, Angelique Noire is an international fashion model and vintage fashion aficionado with quite an online following. Her images have served as inspiration for legions of women in all colors, shapes and sizes, myself included.

Angelique Noire, Black Pin-up Girls
(Photography Credit: Romain Court)

When we asked Angelique what first attracted her the classic styles which she has excellently cultivated:

Ever since I was a preteen, the style of the 1940s – 1950s enchanted me. Women of every size looked classy, feminine, and sexy without looking vulgar. From the carefully coiffed hair adorned with a gorgeous hair accessories; cat eye black liner and red lips; body sculpting foundation undergarments, topped off with figure flattering dresses; seamed stockings and beautiful shoes….I love it all!

Angelique also cites Hollywoods legends Rita Hayworth, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, and Betty Grable as women who have inspired her.

Angelique Noire, Black Pin-up Girls
(Photography Credit: Emmelie Aslin)

This style might seem complicated and time consuming to newbies, but have no fear, patience and knowledge is key. According to Miss Noire:

Anything can be time consuming when you are first learning something new. The final results make the time spent worth while. A retro style dress or skirt is just as easy as putting on a pair of jeans.

The best thing about pin-up fashion styles is that most pieces are classics and can easily be integrated into any wardrobe and designers frequently revisit classic themes in their clothing. From High Fashion to High Street and (of course) vintage shops online and in your neighborhood there is a wealth of options for all shapes and sizes. Of course we had to ask Angelique what her favorite places to shop were:

I adore the high fashion designers Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Charles James, and Saint Laurent. My favorite store to shop at is Pin Up Girl Boutique in Burbank, CA. I also love online shopping on Pinupgirlclothing.com, Etsy, Ebay, and Facebook.

Follow Angelique Noire on Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest.

Oscar de la Renta, Black Fashion Models, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls
(Joan Smalls, Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn at Oscar de la Renta Spring 2014.)

Here are some pieces we love. But first a few tips.

1. Start small. Consider casual separates before moving onto investment pieces.
2. Foundational garments (bra, waist shapers, stockings, control underwear, corsets) can really make or break an outfit check with a local specialist to make the best decision when buying one.
3. When buying vintage read the fine print, ask lots of questions, and confirm the shop’s return policy.
4. Also when buying vintage, don’t guesstimate, measure! Invest in a tape measure and don’t be afraid to visit a tailor/seamstress if needed. I recommend this measuring guide.
5. When it comes to make-up and hair, practice makes perfect.

Now on to the fun stuff, here are some pieces I love, most are pretty affordable.

Tops.


Pin-up Fashion

1. Lost in a Melody Top, $49.99 at ModCloth. 2. Manor of Speaking Top in Birds – Plus Size, $27.99 at ModCloth. 3. Down to a Refined Art Top in Red, $34.99 at ModCloth. 4. Paulet Top in Black, $90.00 at Stop Staring!. 5. Little Black Tie Top, $30.99 at ModCloth.

Bottoms.

Pin-Up Girl Fashion, Plus-Size Pin-up Fashion

1. Karaoke Songstress Shorts, $39.99 at ModCloth. 2. Playful Capri Flowers, $32.00 at Tatyana. 3. Tandem Tour Shorts in Black – Plus Size, $34.99 at ModCloth.

Dresses

Pin-up Clothing, Plus Size Pin up Fashion

1. Jolie Dress in Black, $150.00 at Stop Staring! 2. Ixia Women’s Floral A-Line Dress, $46.00 at Amazon. 3. Vintage 50s Dress / 1950s Party Dress / Bright Floral Dress / 50s Strapless Dress, $109.00 at ThePlumPosy.

Pin-up Fashion, Plus Size Pin Up Clothing

1. Jaden Dress in Jade, $135.00 at Stop Staring! 2. Traveling Cupcake Dress in Apples, $59.99 at ModCloth. 3. Joy Peach Dress, $78.00 at Tatyana.

Playsuits

Pin-up Fashion, Plus Size Pin Up Clothing

1. Polly Playsuit, $85.00 at Stop Staring! 2. Farmer Girl Playsuit, $70.00 at Tatyana. 3. John Zack Playsuit In Polka Dot, $64.78 at ASOS. 4. Vintage 1950s Cole of California Playsuit, $145.00 at GeronimoVintage.

Hair

Pin-up Hair Tutorials Black Girls, Natural Hair

1. Super Easy Tutorial for Easter Hairstyle (Natural Hair, Transitioning, Relaxed Hair) by sisarMEDIA.
2. Easy To Do Hairstyle inspired by Pinup Girls by ThePinupNoire.
3. Retro Pin-Up Natural Hair by NaturallyCurly.

Lipstick

Pin-up Hair Tutorials Black Girls, Natural Hair

1. MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, $16.00 at MAC Cosmetics. 2. MAC Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Glam VI, $16.00 at MAC Cosmetics. 3. MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $16.00 at MAC Cosmetics.