Frankie Dots from Auckland, New Zealand is our April Pinup of the Month! She's been dressing in vintage styles (and making her own) for a while now but is relatively new to the competing scene. Say hi to Frankie!
How did you choose your Pinup name?
My fiancé actually did! It was fairly unceremonious in its development – I like wearing dots and my name is Frankie. So Frankie Dots was born driving up to the bus stop one day. I didn’t see any point in adding a “Miss” so plain Frankie Dots it was!
Why do you love pinup?
Pinup allows me to explore my penchant for the late 1940s and 50s and love of thrift shopping to create a vintage inspired look. I love the process of getting ready, doing my own hair and makeup, and it allows me to dress in my own creative way (even appropriate for my corporate job).
I love how pinup embraces a range of body shapes and ages and encourages your own individuality.
And a gold star to Dr Seuss – “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
Would you like to share your favourite beauty tip?
Having dry skin, I made the very happy discovery in Coconut Oil to remove my makeup (including waterproof mascara and eyeliner) and leave my skin moisturised and lovely!
I also thoroughly recommend Kat Von D tattoo liner for the perfect flick.
What’s your favourite aspect of Pinup and Rockabilly subculture?
Pinup and Rockabilly translates to so many unique styles and interpretations. I love the diversity and range of creative personal expression.
When did you know that pinup was the right thing for you?
I first became interested in vintage around 6 years ago – I was teaching myself to sew and came across ‘Gerties New Book for Better Sewing” which had me making vintage inspired tops and my first circle skirt (which was actually made from dotty fabric – huh!).
From there I got into vintage clothing hunting / thrift shopping, and went to my first Very Vintage Day Out (and have done so every year since). At that first VVDO I met Lady Kittyhawk who exuded confidence and looked amazing in her pinup styling.
I practised doing my hair and makeup, and went to one of the Pinup Bootcamps hosted by Lady Kittyhawk, Miss Victory Violet, Honey L’Amour and Miss Jessica Mae. This pinup coaching in hair, makeup, styling and confidence was so valuable.
Ive since headed out of my comfort zone, been brave, and explored my style - I studied and qualified as a freelance makeup artist and hair coiffeur in 2016 (www.frankiedots.com), competed in 2017 Miss Frankton Thunder, had the opportunity to work with professional photographers to start building a pinup portfolio, and entered The Pinup Registry Pinup for the Month of April competition :0)
What advice would you like to give new pinups?
Firstly, don’t stress if you can’t get your hair or makeup just as you want to straight away – it takes practise and time. And you will find key products and techniques that work for you and you’ll never stop learning and tweaking. Youtube is absolutely your best friend.
Create your own style that you can be comfortable in – both aesthetically and bank balance wise. It can be a bit daunting seeing seasoned pinup beauties stepping out in a new high end reproduction frock each day and Instagram pictures of groaning closet hangers of clothing gorgeousness. Find some pieces you love and grow your collection based on your style and budget :0)
Don’t shy away from pre-loved – one of my favourite dresses cost $8 from an op shop. So well made, fits me like a glove, and has real history.
Favourite Business shout-out!
www.lindybop.co.uk - for easy wash and wear clothes for work
Hospice & Salvation Army - some amazing vintage finds and supporting local communities
www.trademe.co.nz - for some great vintage clothing finds
www.ritasue.co.nz - lots of gorgeous clothes and accessories
www.vintagelife.co.uk - I eagerly await my subscription to arrive every month
