For me, it all starts with the movie White Christmas.

This is the best picture I could find of my favorite outfit on Vera Ellen.

Followed closely by this one.

As a young dancer myself, watching Vera Ellen prance her way across the screen resulted in an instant obsession with the era. As I grew up, I watched more and more old movies. My mom often had TCM (the Turner Classic Movies channel) playing in the mornings, and more often than not, I would find myself sucked in to another classic.

Roman Holiday
On the Town
The original Robin Hood
Literally anything by Alfred Hitchcock

I was hooked on the glamour of old Hollywood.

The Fashion

I have always loved fashion, treating fashion magazines as sacred works to mimic, but after graduating high school, I found myself frustrated with modern fashion. I joined a church that is near and dear to my soul, and modesty became a priority in my life.

Wait... PINUP style is modest??

When you compare vintage fashion to many of today's styles, the PUG look is a throw back to a unique brand of sexiness, demonstrating how to be sexy without always having to bare it all.  

Just a few of the more modest options that I am currently coveting...

The Music

The first time I experienced anything event remotely retro-sounding was when Christina Aguilera released her CD "Back to Basics". I fell in love with the concept of the music video for "Candyman", and the whole album planted a seed that would later blossom into an appreciation for vintage style and music.

As a 90's girl, Christina is one of my queens. You can watch the music video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ScjucUV8v0

On a lunch break one day, I purchased a Frank Sinatra CD on a whim in the $10 section at Target. Pretty soon, I owned CD sets with all the hits. My music collection now features Rosemary Clooney, the Andrews Sisters, Elvis, and much more. Every time I play those tunes I feel centered and happy.

"I'm supposed to have a PH.D on the subject of women, but the truth is I've flunked more often than not. I'm very fond of women. I admire them. But, like all men, I don't understand them."

Living the Lifestyle

The day I found PUG's website I knew I had found the quintessential style for me- I remember setting up an account that very day and creating my "loves" list. I had just graduated high school and knew I couldn't afford the things I desired, but I knew that someday I would have to save up enough! My first PUG item was the Evelyn dress in feather swirl print, and to this day I cherish that piece. Eventually I found other sites like Bettie Page (now Tattyana), Lady V London, and Bernie Dexter. I was in heaven and feeling very inspired! 

My first PUG dress!

Getting married strengthened my passion for the PUG look. While my wedding wasn't as retro-themed as it would be if it took place today, there were definitely a lot of vintage inspired touches! When we walked back up the isle after our ring ceremony, we walked to "Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra. I wore a tea-length tulle dress and big curls.

August 10th 2012... My favorite day!

Today, I live for all things vintage. The 1940's are my favorite era, followed gradually by the 1950's and 60's. I love antique stores and authentic vintage clothing... I learned how to make my own circle skirts, (that was long process... I didn't know how to sew at all,) and now I wear them all the time. I dream of owning a vintage and vintage-inspired clothing boutique someday.

EDIT: New picture! Wore this little number for the 4th!

I consider myself a feminist, so when I see some vintage advertisements (http://gizmodo.com/selling-shame-20-outrageously-offensive-vintage-...) I thank my lucky stars I wasn't born in that era... But every once in a while, it's nice to put on my rose colored glasses and watch a season of Leave it to Beaver. Perhaps today's world could use another June Cleaver, anyway.

So, what about you? What brought you into the wonderful world of all things vintage? What inspires you today?

PS- This blog post is also on my tumblr, Modern Vera Ellen (http://modernveraellen.tumblr.com/). If you have a tumblr where you post retro inspired stuff, send me a follow and I'll follow right back! :)