ON THE STREET Angela McIntosh, also known as Angel Blush @angelblushnz, is Nelson’s own pinup star, having been a finalist in the Miss Pinup New Zealand Pageant and soon to compete in Miss Vintage Australasia. Angela shares with us her vintage style secrets.
What are you wearing? My dress is a mid-century vintage reproduction by pinup couture, purchased pre-loved from Trademe. My hat is 1940s halo style, bag and gloves are true vintage and shoes are vintage reproduction by B.A.I.T Footwear.
What is your style? Vintage pinup, the 1940s and 1950s era.
What is most of your wardrobe made up of? Vintage reproduction dresses.
What is your approach to shopping? Quality over quantity and trying to find pre-loved items whenever possible.
What is your all-time favourite purchase? My dark blue velvet evening dress that I wore in last year’s Miss Pinup New Zealand Pageant. It is a mid-century reproduction from La Femme En Noir and has a vampy, film noir feel. The length (just below the knee) means that I get a surprising amount of wear out of it, rather than a floorlength gown that would sit neglected in my closet!
What has been your worst clothing disaster? I am a Burlesque performer, and last year at a local showcase right as I was about to go onstage, the zip on my 1950s evening gown completely, irreparably burst, and I was unable to go on stage. Luckily I have an amazing local seamstress, at Grey Door Clothing Alterations who was able to replace the zip.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in? A winter coat in your preferred style that is flattering and makes you feel amazing.
Do you have a style rule you always obey? More of a preference than a rule, but I only wear skirts/dresses that fall on or below the knee, which keeps my look more authentic to the time period, and is more practical.
If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be? Rita Hayworth, specifically her 1940s era eveningwear.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing… Anything that doesn’t make me feel amazing!
Tess Jaine
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