I have been contemplating posting something on this site since I created my own page some time ago now.  Overall, I have yet to be very active on my own page, and involving myself in many of the discussions that take place.  However, it never ceases to amaze me how wonderful this community is, and though I have not been vocal here until now, I felt it necessary to make it known how much I appreciate the existence of such a company, and the beautiful community that surrounds it.

I first stumbled upon Pinup Girl Clothing a few years ago when I was looking for a dress to wear to my cousin’s wedding.  I remember briefly browsing through a few stores near my town, and realized that what I was really searching for does not exist just anywhere.  Eventually, I found my way online searching for vintage style dresses, and it did not take long to discover PUGs website.  Within a few moments of browsing through their website, I was absolutely thrilled.  Finally, there before me was a website that possessed everything I had been searching for and more.  I was mesmerized by the selections, and needless to say, I was instantly hooked. Though, it would not be another year or so until I would finally make my first PUG purchase. 

 

I am a woman with curves. 

The statement above was nearly impossible for me to accept, and embrace for many years.  For many years I have excelled at putting myself down, and not embracing the body I was born with.  This is the most vocal, and public, I have ever been about this, but I cannot think of any other place I would rather speak out about the matter.  Not only did I constantly battle with my body, but I have also struggled greatly with the vast difference in tastes and interests that I have compared to so many my age.  I grew up in a household passionate about history.  I myself am an art history major, concentrating in film history as well as photography.  I often say I am a sort of “unhealthy” history major, in that, in my head I live in the past more than the present as I drift through my modern days.  To say that I am obsessed with the history of film, is a complete understatement, and I find I am truly happy while watching an old film. 

The more immersed I became in my studies, the more I realized that I wanted nothing more than to look like all those lovely leading ladies from the golden age of Hollywood.  It was not until I came across PUGs website that I thought it even remotely possible for this to be true.  Before I purchased any PUG apparel, I started investing my time into learning how to do vintage hairstyles.  Every now and then I would wear my hair in this fashion, and even this change felt so right.  Before this, I had never been one to “style” my hair, and would more often than not, simply wash my hair and let it air dry, for that was the extent of my skills and patience (or so I thought).  It was just this fall that I finally made my first PUG purchase.  I decided on the Doris top in black, and Dixiefried's, Perfect Pencil Skirt in red (pictured below).

 

 

After “preceding to checkout”, and finalizing the order, a nervous excitement came over me.  When I received my new PUG in the mail, I could hardly wait to slip into them.  When I did, I could not believe whom I saw in the reflection.  Without risking being too dramatic, I will simply say that it was an overwhelming experience.  I, for the first time in my life, was amazed by my own body (and that is still not the easiest thing to admit, but it’s true).  Clothes had never hugged my body that way before, and I saw before me a body that could in fact look good in clothes. 

Since that first purchase, I have also bought the Nicole Dress in White Floral Meredith Satin for the holidays.  The same feelings I had the first time came back, and I twirled about my room with delight (something I do not think I have EVER done before, and even still, have a hard time admitting).  I did not feel ridiculous.  I felt free.  Free again from the nasty comments I littered myself with over so many years.

 

 

I had never before been able to speak kindly, and confidently about my own body.  It has been hard enough to admit it to myself, and even as I am typing this, I can hardly believe I am saying it here.  I have even recently set up a photo shoot at Vavoom Pinups here in Chicago.  This is something I have wanted to do for myself for quite some time.  It is terrifying, and exciting to be pushing myself out of my comfort zone.  

This is where the beauty of this company comes in.

Not only are we so lucky to have a company that creates beautiful, high quality vintage style clothing, but we also have a company that has gone above and beyond to create a community of vintage style lovers feel not only welcomed, but like we are a part of something much larger than what one may see at first glance.  As I have browsed though many blog posts on this site, I have been so touched by all the personal, and inspiring stories that have been shared thus far.  I never thought that I would ever be affected by a company in such a way, but it has happened, and at this point, I cannot imagine my life without PUGs inspirational staff and supporters.  It is so empowering to be a part of a community that sees beauty that comes in all shapes and sizes.  So all I can say now is, thank you.  Thank you all for being a part of this, and allowing me to be a part of it as well.  Here's to a new year of breaking through our boundaries, loving ourselves, and ultimately, because our best selves.

Best,

Rosie

 As a “P.S.” of sorts. Two quotes for inspiration (on the tougher days):

 “The thing about life is that you must survive. Life is going to be difficult, and dreadful things will happen. What you do is move along, get on with it, and be tough. Not in the sense of being mean to others, but being tough with yourself and making a deadly effort not to be defeated.” -Katharine Hepburn

 “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Comment by Sarah Rose Tromp on January 18, 2013 at 9:30pm

Jessica, I cannot express how much your comment means to me.  First of all, I am so thrilled to hear that the Fitzgerald quote resonated with you so.  It is just one of those quotes that I came across one day, and I could never forget it.  And how true it is!  It is up to us to make the best of our lives, and that is not always the easiest thing to grasp, and then follow through with, but it is oh so necessary.  This year I am living by that quote, not because it sounds like a nice idea, but because I simply need to.

I am so sorry to hear about your family struggles.  I can only imagine that has made life quite difficult for you, but let me tell you this: I was just looking through some of your photos (I didn't finish because I then wanted to jump to this blog to respond to you), and you are absolutely stunning in every single one!  Simply gorgeous, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. I love love love your reaction when you put on PUG.  It is so true for me too!  Isn't it an incredible feeling?  In all my years before finding PUG, I had never felt that good after slipping in to an outfit before!  

Yes, this community is amazing.  As I stated in my post, I have not been too active on here until now, but I had been keeping an eye on posts PUG would share via Facebook.  Every persons story has touched, and inspired me so much.  And your comments are so sweet.  I really cannot being to tell you how much what you said/shared means to me.  So thank you again, and remember, you are BEAUTIFUL!  And, I am sending a whole lotta love and peace right back at ya! :)

Comment by Tahitia Belle Fille on January 23, 2013 at 7:06am

Sarah your post nearly brought me to tears! It makes me so happy to see that PUG has helped you find the woman you always were deep down inside.

I'm glad that you've embraced that woman, because just by looking at your pictures (especially the one of you in the Nicole dress that you are totally rocking) I can tell that you would truly fit right in with the leading ladies from the golden age of Hollywood, both in body and in spirit :)

P.S. I hope you don't mind but I loved your post so much that I mentioned it in my "Around the PUG Style Blogosphere" section of my last blog post :)

Comment by Sarah Rose Tromp on January 23, 2013 at 10:51am

Jessica, excellent! Thank you for passing that along!  I will definitely be looking up the song.  And thank you again for your kinds words :)

Tahitia, thank you so, so much for your sweet comment.  I find that I am at a loss for words when coming here to reply to the comments, for what you say touches me deeply.  I cannot stress that enough!  I am starting to become a bit more active here, and the kindness spread throughout the site never ceases to amaze me.  I do not mind at all you mentioning my post in your blog!  It means a lot that you loved it so, and cannot wait to read yours :)

Thank you again for your beautiful words!

Comment by Kathleen on January 25, 2013 at 9:38pm

Sarah,  for years I hated my body. I dieted, exercised, and berated myself  from a 16 to 4 and back and forth again so many times I've lost count. I devoted time and energy to remembering all the slights and disparagements handed down by family, friends, and strangers regarding my appearance. How I wish I could have that time back. 

I have come to accept that I am a woman of curves. I have a butt and thighs and a rack that damn near bankrupts me every time I have to buy new bras. I am simply built this way. It is not my or my body's fault that most designers have not figured out that women have curves. I am gorgeous and sexy and screw em if they haven't figured out that women like me would also like clothes that fit and flatter.

Thank god for PUG and the role it has played in making me the fabulous and confident woman I am today. I only wish I'd gotten here sooner.

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