August Edition of Sipping & Socializing with Erin of Vintage NV
When I first moved back to Vegas, I had to find my "places" all over again. I needed to find my hair place, my nail place, my waxing place and my favorite shops. My friend Edna over at The Bare Peach Waxing Studio suggested I check out a place in the Arts District called Vintage NV. One day I remembered this little nugget of information and I decided to check it out.
At this point in time, Vintage NV was located off of 3rd Street in the Arts District. When I walked in I heard a voice but didn't see anyone. Not gonna lie...got a little nervous. I laughed at myself because Erin (the owner) was right in front of me....I just didn't see her. She was super welcoming and super nice.
I don't recall if I bought anything on my first visit to her shop....but now I can't go in her shop without purchasing something. She keeps her selection fresh, affordable and has quite a variety!
When I asked Erin if I could interview her for my blog....she happily accepted. I met her at her new location in Downtown Container Park. We sat down for about an hour and half and I chatted it up! Per usual - there were lots of "squirrel" moments and laughing....and a little shopping on my end!
Who or what influenced you to delve into the vintage / pin up world?
I think the reason why I really liked it was because when I was in High School, I tried everything. I was a hippie, I was a raver....I was everything.
I can see you as a raver.
I had this big curly hair, some big rainbow bright pants. I tried everything. I never really felt comfortable in all the scenes that I've tried. The clothing is a big part. In Pin Up, I feel feminine, I feel beautiful, you know....it fits my body. Nothing else ever really did. I've always been a big fan of retro....like mid-century modern furniture stuff. My parents were really into it and I grew up with that. But for actual Pin Up clothing...it made me feel way more comfortable in my own skin as opposed to wearing big baggy pants. It's more feminine, more beautiful and a timeless classic look. It made me feel better about myself and it make me want to work on myself a lot more.....so that's why I got into it. It's perfect for curvy girls. I never felt comfortable in the clothing I wore. There are those girls that can wear pants that aren't high waisted that fall off my butt because they don't fit correctly - but with this, it fits the body so much better. You feel like a woman in clothing like this, you're not wearing cut off shorts where your ass is hanging out. The clothing now-a-days is crap.
I agree.
How long has it been since you've entered the scene and how have you evolved since taking on this lifestyle?
I've always been into retro. I actually bought my first Pin Up skirt from Pin Up Girl Clothing when I was in high school. I think I was a freshman in high school. When I got it, it was too small. But now I wear because now it fits me! I got into it maybe about five years ago. I was at the Art Institute and going to school for photography. I got a Pin Up shoot for one of my assignments. I just loved everything about it. That took me into Pin Up photography - that's what I wanted to do. Then I kind of started dressing in the style. I liked how it fit me, the cut was nice on me. That's when I started getting into it. I didn't really buy a lot of Pin Up clothing. I bought clothes from Ross and places like that (I was a college student) and I dressed it in the way of the Pin Up style....and it worked really well for me. It was so much more flattering. About four or five years ago is when I really started dressing like that. I'd always been into it, I just didn't know how to go about it. You need to know how to dress in a way that's flattering for your body but is still classy. About three years ago, when I opened my shop, is when I really started researching brands and researching all things Pin Up - hair, nails....stuff like that.
What is your favorite piece of repro or vintage clothing that you own, why?
I have this dress that I bought for a 20's party, from Collectif. It's a long gown, it plunges and it has a mermaid bottom to it that is absolutely stunning. I love it! Every time I wear it, I feel just like a movie star. It's gorgeous! Its black, it's shimmery and silky but still stretchy so it forms to your body nicely. It's so beautiful! I got it last year - they also have it in an eggplant color. It even has a little train. It was perfect for the Great Gatsby party I went to. I had a feather in my hair, I wore pearls. It was perfect.
What is the most exciting / fun event while being Pin Up?
I've never done Pin Up pageants or anything. I was a judge for one....oh, you were there!
*Erin was a judge for Ms. Holiday Hellkat in December. I was a spectator.*
That really was fun! It was nice seeing all the outfits. Oh my gosh, that one girl that made her skirt...the white one....oh my God, gorgeous! I really enjoyed that. I like to go to the pageants. I like to go watch. That's why I love going to Viva, I love to look at all the outfits. I would never get on stage because I'm shy and I'm really bad in front of people.
What gave you the idea to open up Vintage NV?
When I graduated I didn't do anything with my degree in photography. I went to work in my boyfriend's tattoo shop. After that I didn't really work but I got a job at another tattoo shop. I didn't really do anything with photography. I knew I wanted to do Pin Up photography, but I was so burnt out on taking pictures. Especially with taking pictures of other people that I didn't want to take and not my style. I didn't like having a checklist of what the photo needed. That's not creative for me. Once I really started getting into Pin Up, there was only one other Pin Up store in town, she had great stuff, but it wasn't what I was into. I wanted a store that I would shop at and buy what I wanted wear. I got ideas, hit up Pinterest and and said that this was what I want to do. I think it'd be really great. It would be really fun to just open up a clothing store. It's difficult....really, really difficult but I just thought it would be fun. To be honest, I never thought it would actually work. My dad really liked the idea because he loves going to auctions and stuff like that. That's where we get a lot of our furniture and home accessories. He loves that. He loves finding unique items. It was something that we could do as a family, together. That was something that I loved too....it was something that we'd get excited about together. He said "I'll do all the furniture and house accessories and you do all the clothing." That's when we decided to open. I was toying with the idea of doing that or having a food truck....actually.
Do you cook?
There is one thing that me and my family love to make and they are called runzas. They don't have them here. It's like meat and you make a cabbage mixture....like a coleslaw mixture and melt it down and then you put it in a bread pocket. It's kind of like a papusa but it's nto fried or anything like that. It's in fresh baked bread. When I make them, everyone loves them. I took a bunch of them to my boyfriend's tattoo shop - I made, like....twenty and they were gone in five minutes. That make me think....I kinda want to do that. But then it just seemed like a lot of hassle trying to run something by yourself...you know none of my family lives here. They are all in Nebraska. So yeah, it was either that or the shop. I just felt that I would be better at running the shop by myself. I don't have any employees - so I run the shop by myself. I do all the ordering by myself. People come in and I help them. I do everything. This is a lot easier for me. PLUS....I love shopping, so I get to order stuff. I'm like....shoes?! Yes, this and this and this....thank you. It's easier and more fun for me to pick out stuff for the shop and do this on my own than try to run a food truck....drive it around town and...yeah.
What have you enjoyed most about having your shop?
Dressing people! I love to dress people. I think I'm pretty good about knowing what would look good on what body type. That's what I really love. I get a lot of girls that come in here and say they love this style of clothing but it doesn't look good on them or that it doesn't fit the correctly. Then I have them try on one thing and they fall in love with it. People will say that it won't look good on them and then I pull something out and say "try this" and will say no or they don't like it. But I'll tell them to just try it and then they fall in love with it.
**side note - I am full on GUILTY of doing this to Erin. Then I reluctantly try on what she gives me and end up falling in love!**
I also love helping people "come into their own" with this style too. I try to keep it girly and fun so people can use these clothes as everyday wear. They clothes I sell can crossover into modern wear too. The quality is good because I only order from places of quality. If I don't like the quality when I buy something and receive it, I'll mark it down. The way I price my items is "what would I pay for this"?
**Enter a looooong rant about clothing and the quality difference, Harry Potter, photography, our favorite bloggers & Instagram accounts.**
What was the topic again?
LOL this is what happens every interview! It's not just you.
What is your favorite way to accessorize your outfits and why?
So, I'm really getting into brooches. Ooooh my God, I love brooches. Did you see the one over there that is hand carved? How cute is that? With the little bird?! I've been really getting into the earring thing. I am starting to make them for myself and the plugs.....I'm super excited about that. Purses....I'm really into purses. Shoes! I have a closet full of shoes. It's just all shoes. My boyfriend tells me "you don't even wear all of them...not even half of them." I told him that I can't get rid of them....what if....I'm just not going to get rid of them. I'm a huge shoe person...I love shoes. Oooo, sunglasses. Actually, anything that makes my outfit more fun. But for right now....I'm really into brooches. Oh! You know what else I love?! Sweater clips. I loooove them!
What is your must have makeup product and why?
Okay...so I always see this and it drives me up the wall. Women that wear lipstick that don't wear lip liner. You need lip liner to make your lips look crisp. It will lock the color inside so it doesn't bleed all over. Lip liner is a biggie for me. I do liner and I fill in about half of my lip with liner and then the rest I do lipstick.
If you could pass along one tip to vintage / rockabilly / pinup ladies...what would it be?
Dress in a way that is going to make you feel comfortable and good about yourself. You can be the sexiest, most amazing girl in the sexiest dress ever - but if you are uncomfortable, everyone around you will be able to see it. Have confidence in what you are wearing and be comfortable in what you are wearing. I have seen girls that look absolutely gorgeous and are wearing gorgeous outfits and have everything going for them but can see that they aren't comfortable. It doesn't look right and it doesn't look good. How you present yourself makes a big deal. I have girls come in and they think they will be comfortable in something they like but are uncomfortable in it. If they are uncomfortable in the dressing room, they are going to be uncomfortable the whole time they wear that dress. When someone asks if they look good in a dress, I tell them if it isn't comfortable, don't buy it - which is rare for a shop owner to say. I know people....and if I can see that you aren't comfortable in that dress I will let you know to not buy because you will never wear it again. I'm here for people because I want them to look and feel their best.....to be comfortable and confident. I want you to walk out with something that you are super excited to wear and will help you create a memorable experience. I wouldn't want to lie and say it looks good and then leave a bad taste for someone not to come back to my shop.
When our interview came to a close, Erin ran off to the restroom and I started trying on clothes. I say it all the time, why was I not born rich?! I want all the pretty things!!
Vintage NV is in the process of creating a website - so be on the lookout! In the mean time, you can follow Vintage NV via social media:
At this point in time, Vintage NV was located off of 3rd Street in the Arts District. When I walked in I heard a voice but didn't see anyone. Not gonna lie...got a little nervous. I laughed at myself because Erin (the owner) was right in front of me....I just didn't see her. She was super welcoming and super nice.
I don't recall if I bought anything on my first visit to her shop....but now I can't go in her shop without purchasing something. She keeps her selection fresh, affordable and has quite a variety!
When I asked Erin if I could interview her for my blog....she happily accepted. I met her at her new location in Downtown Container Park. We sat down for about an hour and half and I chatted it up! Per usual - there were lots of "squirrel" moments and laughing....and a little shopping on my end!
With that...here she is, Erin of Vintage NV
Who or what influenced you to delve into the vintage / pin up world?
I think the reason why I really liked it was because when I was in High School, I tried everything. I was a hippie, I was a raver....I was everything.
I can see you as a raver.
I had this big curly hair, some big rainbow bright pants. I tried everything. I never really felt comfortable in all the scenes that I've tried. The clothing is a big part. In Pin Up, I feel feminine, I feel beautiful, you know....it fits my body. Nothing else ever really did. I've always been a big fan of retro....like mid-century modern furniture stuff. My parents were really into it and I grew up with that. But for actual Pin Up clothing...it made me feel way more comfortable in my own skin as opposed to wearing big baggy pants. It's more feminine, more beautiful and a timeless classic look. It made me feel better about myself and it make me want to work on myself a lot more.....so that's why I got into it. It's perfect for curvy girls. I never felt comfortable in the clothing I wore. There are those girls that can wear pants that aren't high waisted that fall off my butt because they don't fit correctly - but with this, it fits the body so much better. You feel like a woman in clothing like this, you're not wearing cut off shorts where your ass is hanging out. The clothing now-a-days is crap.
I agree.
How long has it been since you've entered the scene and how have you evolved since taking on this lifestyle?
I've always been into retro. I actually bought my first Pin Up skirt from Pin Up Girl Clothing when I was in high school. I think I was a freshman in high school. When I got it, it was too small. But now I wear because now it fits me! I got into it maybe about five years ago. I was at the Art Institute and going to school for photography. I got a Pin Up shoot for one of my assignments. I just loved everything about it. That took me into Pin Up photography - that's what I wanted to do. Then I kind of started dressing in the style. I liked how it fit me, the cut was nice on me. That's when I started getting into it. I didn't really buy a lot of Pin Up clothing. I bought clothes from Ross and places like that (I was a college student) and I dressed it in the way of the Pin Up style....and it worked really well for me. It was so much more flattering. About four or five years ago is when I really started dressing like that. I'd always been into it, I just didn't know how to go about it. You need to know how to dress in a way that's flattering for your body but is still classy. About three years ago, when I opened my shop, is when I really started researching brands and researching all things Pin Up - hair, nails....stuff like that.
**insert a side convo about busty girls having a hard time finding true vintage**
What is your favorite piece of repro or vintage clothing that you own, why?
I have this dress that I bought for a 20's party, from Collectif. It's a long gown, it plunges and it has a mermaid bottom to it that is absolutely stunning. I love it! Every time I wear it, I feel just like a movie star. It's gorgeous! Its black, it's shimmery and silky but still stretchy so it forms to your body nicely. It's so beautiful! I got it last year - they also have it in an eggplant color. It even has a little train. It was perfect for the Great Gatsby party I went to. I had a feather in my hair, I wore pearls. It was perfect.
What is the most exciting / fun event while being Pin Up?
I've never done Pin Up pageants or anything. I was a judge for one....oh, you were there!
*Erin was a judge for Ms. Holiday Hellkat in December. I was a spectator.*
That really was fun! It was nice seeing all the outfits. Oh my gosh, that one girl that made her skirt...the white one....oh my God, gorgeous! I really enjoyed that. I like to go to the pageants. I like to go watch. That's why I love going to Viva, I love to look at all the outfits. I would never get on stage because I'm shy and I'm really bad in front of people.
What gave you the idea to open up Vintage NV?
When I graduated I didn't do anything with my degree in photography. I went to work in my boyfriend's tattoo shop. After that I didn't really work but I got a job at another tattoo shop. I didn't really do anything with photography. I knew I wanted to do Pin Up photography, but I was so burnt out on taking pictures. Especially with taking pictures of other people that I didn't want to take and not my style. I didn't like having a checklist of what the photo needed. That's not creative for me. Once I really started getting into Pin Up, there was only one other Pin Up store in town, she had great stuff, but it wasn't what I was into. I wanted a store that I would shop at and buy what I wanted wear. I got ideas, hit up Pinterest and and said that this was what I want to do. I think it'd be really great. It would be really fun to just open up a clothing store. It's difficult....really, really difficult but I just thought it would be fun. To be honest, I never thought it would actually work. My dad really liked the idea because he loves going to auctions and stuff like that. That's where we get a lot of our furniture and home accessories. He loves that. He loves finding unique items. It was something that we could do as a family, together. That was something that I loved too....it was something that we'd get excited about together. He said "I'll do all the furniture and house accessories and you do all the clothing." That's when we decided to open. I was toying with the idea of doing that or having a food truck....actually.
Do you cook?
There is one thing that me and my family love to make and they are called runzas. They don't have them here. It's like meat and you make a cabbage mixture....like a coleslaw mixture and melt it down and then you put it in a bread pocket. It's kind of like a papusa but it's nto fried or anything like that. It's in fresh baked bread. When I make them, everyone loves them. I took a bunch of them to my boyfriend's tattoo shop - I made, like....twenty and they were gone in five minutes. That make me think....I kinda want to do that. But then it just seemed like a lot of hassle trying to run something by yourself...you know none of my family lives here. They are all in Nebraska. So yeah, it was either that or the shop. I just felt that I would be better at running the shop by myself. I don't have any employees - so I run the shop by myself. I do all the ordering by myself. People come in and I help them. I do everything. This is a lot easier for me. PLUS....I love shopping, so I get to order stuff. I'm like....shoes?! Yes, this and this and this....thank you. It's easier and more fun for me to pick out stuff for the shop and do this on my own than try to run a food truck....drive it around town and...yeah.
 |
| Runza! Om nom nom nom |
What have you enjoyed most about having your shop?
Dressing people! I love to dress people. I think I'm pretty good about knowing what would look good on what body type. That's what I really love. I get a lot of girls that come in here and say they love this style of clothing but it doesn't look good on them or that it doesn't fit the correctly. Then I have them try on one thing and they fall in love with it. People will say that it won't look good on them and then I pull something out and say "try this" and will say no or they don't like it. But I'll tell them to just try it and then they fall in love with it.
**side note - I am full on GUILTY of doing this to Erin. Then I reluctantly try on what she gives me and end up falling in love!**
I also love helping people "come into their own" with this style too. I try to keep it girly and fun so people can use these clothes as everyday wear. They clothes I sell can crossover into modern wear too. The quality is good because I only order from places of quality. If I don't like the quality when I buy something and receive it, I'll mark it down. The way I price my items is "what would I pay for this"?
**Enter a looooong rant about clothing and the quality difference, Harry Potter, photography, our favorite bloggers & Instagram accounts.**
What was the topic again?
LOL this is what happens every interview! It's not just you.
What is your favorite way to accessorize your outfits and why?
So, I'm really getting into brooches. Ooooh my God, I love brooches. Did you see the one over there that is hand carved? How cute is that? With the little bird?! I've been really getting into the earring thing. I am starting to make them for myself and the plugs.....I'm super excited about that. Purses....I'm really into purses. Shoes! I have a closet full of shoes. It's just all shoes. My boyfriend tells me "you don't even wear all of them...not even half of them." I told him that I can't get rid of them....what if....I'm just not going to get rid of them. I'm a huge shoe person...I love shoes. Oooo, sunglasses. Actually, anything that makes my outfit more fun. But for right now....I'm really into brooches. Oh! You know what else I love?! Sweater clips. I loooove them!
What is your must have makeup product and why?
Okay...so I always see this and it drives me up the wall. Women that wear lipstick that don't wear lip liner. You need lip liner to make your lips look crisp. It will lock the color inside so it doesn't bleed all over. Lip liner is a biggie for me. I do liner and I fill in about half of my lip with liner and then the rest I do lipstick.
If you could pass along one tip to vintage / rockabilly / pinup ladies...what would it be?
Dress in a way that is going to make you feel comfortable and good about yourself. You can be the sexiest, most amazing girl in the sexiest dress ever - but if you are uncomfortable, everyone around you will be able to see it. Have confidence in what you are wearing and be comfortable in what you are wearing. I have seen girls that look absolutely gorgeous and are wearing gorgeous outfits and have everything going for them but can see that they aren't comfortable. It doesn't look right and it doesn't look good. How you present yourself makes a big deal. I have girls come in and they think they will be comfortable in something they like but are uncomfortable in it. If they are uncomfortable in the dressing room, they are going to be uncomfortable the whole time they wear that dress. When someone asks if they look good in a dress, I tell them if it isn't comfortable, don't buy it - which is rare for a shop owner to say. I know people....and if I can see that you aren't comfortable in that dress I will let you know to not buy because you will never wear it again. I'm here for people because I want them to look and feel their best.....to be comfortable and confident. I want you to walk out with something that you are super excited to wear and will help you create a memorable experience. I wouldn't want to lie and say it looks good and then leave a bad taste for someone not to come back to my shop.
When our interview came to a close, Erin ran off to the restroom and I started trying on clothes. I say it all the time, why was I not born rich?! I want all the pretty things!!
707 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(Second floor in Container Park)
By the way...she ships internationally too!
By the way...she ships internationally too!
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 10pm
Sunday 11am - 8pm
All of Vintage NV's photos done by New Romantix Las Vegas
Vintage NV is in the process of creating a website - so be on the lookout! In the mean time, you can follow Vintage NV via social media:
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| This interview was conducted while sipping Sutter Home Moscato - classy :) |
Hope you enjoyed this month's Sipping & Socializing. Please let me know if there is anyone you would like to read about!
Cheers!
Essentially,
Evie xoxo
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled....there may or may not be a giveaway in the near future :)
Oh man, she seems like a total firecracker! No wonder you love her shop -- it's a serious cave of wonders in there! Is she the one who helped you find that glorious pencil skirt? If so -- always listen to her because it's amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteNow I feel like I have to try out lipliner...