the swimsuit competition

Summertime! That means it's swimsuit season. I happen to be a woman-shaped woman (with hips and breasts and everything!), so I get a little annoyed this time of year, what with the deluge of swimsuits that are nothing more than tiny triangles of fabric held together by shoelaces. Also, I don't dig the expectation that women need to go nearly nude at the beach. I find it therapeutic to find images of other woman-shaped women, wearing suits illustrating how modesty is much sexier than g-strings.

Marilyn Monroe, in her iconic white suit.

Jayne Mansfield, showing good *ahem* form.

Betty Grable. This image kept a lot of guys company in WWII.

Even Bettie Page, who was photographed for rather immodest purposes, is more demurely clad than most modern gals!

                                                                

Contemporary bikinis don't have to be skanky, though.

I would wear the romper suit on the left every day of the summer. I would never wear pants again.

Here's a new, gorgeous, custom-made option! Kinda pricey, but I love it.

Annnd just for fun, here's a peek at what men wore to the beach in the 50's. It's interesting that their suits have gotten more coverage as ours have gotten less.

Bruno of Hollywood

Bruno Bernard (Bruno of Hollywood, or Bernard of Hollywood) was an American photographer best known for his striking pin-up and glamour photography:

        

lovely in leopard

Who doesn't love leopard print? Commies and prudes, that's who. The older I get, the more I enjoy the sheer cheekiness of wearing animal prints. It just screams "I'm so tacky that I'm fabulous." 

       

one for the road

Just one more amazing vintage cocktail illustration...

cocktail hour

The weather is warming up, which makes me think of nothing but cold drinks...

Jayne Mansfield knows that there's always time for one more martini...

A Sailor Jerry cutie.

Mmm...is that a Tom Collins?

Super cute modern take on the classic pin up by MissHollyLu

Drinks from flaming volcanos are always a good thing.

An Enoch Bolles illustration.

Cheers, y'all!

Early Pin ups

I recently came across a blog about Enoch Bolles (definitely check out the site), an early pinup illustrator. Here's a few of my favorites: