So you live in Columbus and you're interested in the vintage lifestyle? Do you want to know the best place to shop, eat, and be seen, all in keeping with a retro theme? Well, I'll tell you, but first you must start at the beginning.
When you want to live a vintage lifestyle, you must first research your favorite decade so that you're sure that you're doing it right! My favorite era is the late 1930's to mid 1960's because the pinup and rockabilly lifestyles are centered in these decades. One of the first things that every pinup girl has to know is how to do her own vintage hair and makeup. There are plenty of online tutorials that will teach you how to do a proper roller or pin curl set and then how to style the hair once it's done. The best hairstyle to learn first is the Victory Roll. You can also find tutorials on how to create the perfect pinup makeup look. Don't forget the winged eyeliner and red lips!
There are also plenty of online stores, such as Pinup Girl Clothing, Daddy O's, Lindy Bop for all of your retro-reproduction clothing. But I find that the best place to find vintage clothing styles are in the thrift store. There are so many really wonderful thrift stores in Columbus! I usually go to Volunteers of America or Ohio Thrift to find my goodies. My favorite thing to do is take a picture of an Old-Hollywood actress or vintage photograph to the thrift store and try to replicate the outfit. The secret to finding vintage at these stores is you have to shop them frequently. Look at all the dresses on the rack because you never know what treasures are hidden there! Start with the basics: cardigan sweaters, full-skirt dresses, and peep toe heels. You can also find cute clutches or smaller purses that would work well paired with your vintage or vintage-inspired outfit.
Additionally, there are many antique stores that sell clothing, shoes, and accessories. The prices on these items may be a bit higher, but you're almost guaranteed to leave one of those stores with a new prize. A great store for finding vintage of many different decades is Rag-O-Rama. If you're truly looking for a vintage piece, just be careful of buying a "newer" fashion item masquerading as vintage since this store carries it all.
Every pinup girl, or at least anyone who wants to feel beautiful should do a pinup photo shoot! These shoots are an incredible amount of fun, you get the chance to get dolled up in full hair and makeup, and you can wear your new vintage-inspired outfits that you scored at the thrift store! My go-to photographer in Columbus is Taryn Lindsey Photography. She is the premiere pinup photographer in the city and most of my published work has been with her. She is simply amazing.
Once you've mastered the Victory Roll and cat eye from the online tutorial, found the perfect vintage dress, cardigan, and shoes to match at the thrift store, and spent the day posing for the camera, it's time to hit the town! There are plenty of retro-inspired fun to be found in and around Columbus. You could start off with the classic dinner and a movie by first visiting either a diner or retro-themed restaurant such as Grass Skirt Tiki Room or Surly Girl. (Btw, I'm so bummed that Betty's has closed because it would be at the top of the list!) After dinner, hit up a drive-in movie at South Drive-In, or in the summer time, see one of the classic films in the CAPA Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theatre.
After the film, finish off your night with another retro-inspired activity, such as seeing a rockabilly band or a burlesque show! The Ooh-La-Las burlesque troupe, (which is the troupe I perform with) have two monthly shows, Circus on 2nd Fridays of the month and The Shrunken Head on 4th Saturdays of the month. The rockabilly/pinup/burlesque lifestyle goes hand in hand, not to mention that burlesque star Dita Von Teese is one of the most famous pinups in the world! Myself, along with local performers, Honey Merlot and Betty LeRoux are published pinup models.
What about the guy in your life? Take him to a vintage car show! Locally, you can attend The Hot Rod Hula Hop or Goodguys car shows, but in the summertime, there are no shortage of car shows everywhere in Ohio. It may even be a fun day trip to pack a picnic lunch and drive to one that may be out of the city. And if you're game, enter the pinup contest that takes place at most car shows. It's a great way to meet other pinup girls who share the same interests as you and form lasting friendships.
And while we're talking about your guy, The Mug and Brush is an ADORABLE barbershop in Clintonville, just north of Campus. Your guy can get a haircut and straight razor shave in this retro-styled shop.
But what about your home? You can certainly find many vintage items for your home at the thrift store while you're shopping for your clothing items. But don't hesitate to visit one of the area's truly wonderful antique stores. My favorites are DPS Antiques in Delaware, as well as Eclectiques Antique Mall and the Boomerang Room in Clintonville. The Boomerang Room sells some amazing quality vintage furniture that I've been drooling over for years. As soon as I move out of my condo and into a bigger house, I will be FILLING it with treasures from this store.
Now you're all set! Go forth and spread the vintage/retro lifestyle love!
Love Always,
Cherie
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