A new series of guitar picks featuring several of my pinups will premier later this week at NAMM 2010 in Los Angeles, CA. The picks are licensed exclusively by Steve Clayton, Inc., a US based, family run custom guitar and accessories business with many years of experience. It was a pleasure working with the owner Steve and his daughter Chrystal to develop this line of picks based on my pinup girls, since we all know how well pinups and music go together. If you’re going to NAMM, check them out (and pick up some of my pinup picks) at Booth #4590, Hall C … and don’t forget to tell them I sent you

the image above is from the new 2010 Clayton catalog which will premier at NAMM 2010

I just added some new info to my website about my feature in “How To Airbrush Pin-Ups” by Frank Season. I was photographed earlier this year creating one of my pinups for this one of a kind how to book. I chose to work with Kay O’Hara again for this piece, because to me she is one of the quintessential retro pinups - embodying everything that is great about these gals.

The book is available now for pre-order from Amazon.com

How to Airbrush Pin-Ups

Every once in a while (and even more often lately) I get reaffirmation that pin-ups are in from the big names in fashion and beauty. Such is definitely the case with OPI’s Retro Summer collection of “pin-up perfect shades for summer”. I LOVE the cute red polka dot swimsuit that the model is wearing in the ad, and the cute bi-plane’s banner calling out to “retro-girls” fits the bill to the “T”. I’m not sure about all the different nail colors, but the coral and red shades seem right on target for super pin-up style, and the retro ponytail holder brings me back to when I was five years old!

I get lots of e-mail asking me for vintage resources on the internet. The eVintage Society is a great source for all things vintage. The site contains links to vendors that will outfit you in style for the upcoming VLV weekender in Las Vegas or any other rockabilly themed event. Their blogs are also a fun read. And I agree wholeheartedly….red patent leather is up there with leopard print and polka dots!

There are lots of new resources online to help you get that retro style pinup look. Even mainstream mass merchandisers are getting in on this trend. Perhaps most notably, the Spring ‘08 Victoria’s Secret collection has an entire Glamour Girl section (with everything from lingerie to office attire to swimsuits) that’s full to the brim with corset styling, high waistlines, capris, polka dots, and peep toe pumps.

This is my fave! A cute capri jean with corset style sweater and amazing peep toe pumps. VaVaVaVoom! If you want that pinup girl look, this is a great new resource - but don’t forget to check out some of the retro style retailers in the links section of my website for even more authentic retro pinup style.

When looking for inspiration or motivation, I often go to my bookshelf or watch a favorite movie. Then, of course, it always helps to study the masters of the pinup genre. I’ve compiled my favorites - available from amazon.com!

I receive a lot of e-mails asking me questions about where I get my inspiration or what tools I use, so I’ve compiled a list and created a shop (powered by Amazon.com) that features all of my faves. I love on-line shopping, so I’ll be adding products often!

Shop Susan’s Faves