Anywho, enjoy!
My much coveted modern flapper look!
All images from Google Images
~The Retro Natural
The hair, the makeup (yes, yes the photos are black and white but you get the idea!) the style, the moxy. Ahhhh, I love flapper girls of the 1920s! Some were bad girls who partied too much and stayed out smoking and drinking way too late but we've all had some fun nights like those and besides, carpe diem, no? I get a kick (pun absolutely intended) out of the shenanigans of women in the 20s because it was a tough time for us and I really take delight in seeing women do what they want and for me, working your damn job, rebelliously cutting your hair and rolling down your stockings makes for a very rad lady! I kinda wanna dress up as one for Halloween but I'm torn on that and Josephine Baker. Hard decisions, I tell you!
Anywho, enjoy!
All images from Google Images
Anywho, enjoy!
All images from Google Images
Pardon my recent bout of laziness...I'm off for Martin Luther King Day and I've been in the house resting, still have some residue left from the flu and my throat's been a tad tickle-ish and sore.
If you're in the loop as it pertains to the natural hair movement that's spread like wildfire in the last few years, you know that natural haired gals test out many products. It's just something ya gotta do when you're looking to figure out what works on your curly head of hair. I tried a decent number products in the first few years but settled on a few staples. Gals who like to try out products sometimes become obsessed with trying out products and become known simply as "product junkies". I'm not one of them. It seems my weakness has been hair setting. I'm very much interested in trying out pretty much every roller or hair setting device out there..but I won't be because I'm taking a break..but we can still go over the various ways of getting different looks with different rollers and setting tools, can't we? Thank you for indulging with me!
I've tried Curlformers but I don't enjoy sleeping in them so I don't think I'll be using them regularly.The curls actually fall out pretty quickly (so don't brush your hair like I did in my tutorial!) plus the stick broke and I haven't gotten a new one. Maybe I can just fix it. Either way, they're much more of a hassle and that trumps everything else.
I've tried satin covered foam rollers and they do work well but I have to use more of them so my hair actually dries all the way..I've taken some down and noticed damp hair so more is more..less isn't best!
I've tried out flexi rods, by far my favorite to use because they deliver great results. Plus my hair is shiney and bouncy with minimal effort. If I put too many in my head (10-15) they're not fun to sleep in but it's manageable. Normally I use 10-15 the first night and can use less the next night because my hair's been elongated a bit by them. For me, these are probably the best rollers ever!
I've tried out magnetic rollers and while the result is okay, it's often a hit or miss with these things. I think it has to do with mastering the technique needed to put them in. They take too long to put in too, I always have to re-roll and re-pin.
I'd like to try out wave clamps to see what 20s style finger wave looking styles I can come up with. I'm not sure if I'll get the look I want though, I haven't seen them used on curly hair, only straight hair.
I also would like to try water wave combs. Again, not sure how I'd perfect the use of them, but I'd give them a go to see what I could come up with. Check out this patent for them. Neat, right?
Rag rollers are on my list too..someday..It'll take me a while I'm sure before I try all these rollers out. These are modern ones, you can make your own with strips of fabric though. I may opt for that since it's a much less expensive method.
Annnnnnnnd Ryler Stylers, yep, I kinda wanna try these out too. Curly B, a fellow natural, was inspired by the retro styles and did a great tutorial using them. Check it out!
So there you have it, rollers and the such that you can use for waves and curls. Twisting can work too but it depends on what look you want to get. Merry hair rolling!
~The Retro Natural
If you're in the loop as it pertains to the natural hair movement that's spread like wildfire in the last few years, you know that natural haired gals test out many products. It's just something ya gotta do when you're looking to figure out what works on your curly head of hair. I tried a decent number products in the first few years but settled on a few staples. Gals who like to try out products sometimes become obsessed with trying out products and become known simply as "product junkies". I'm not one of them. It seems my weakness has been hair setting. I'm very much interested in trying out pretty much every roller or hair setting device out there..but I won't be because I'm taking a break..but we can still go over the various ways of getting different looks with different rollers and setting tools, can't we? Thank you for indulging with me!
I've tried Curlformers but I don't enjoy sleeping in them so I don't think I'll be using them regularly.The curls actually fall out pretty quickly (so don't brush your hair like I did in my tutorial!) plus the stick broke and I haven't gotten a new one. Maybe I can just fix it. Either way, they're much more of a hassle and that trumps everything else.
I've tried satin covered foam rollers and they do work well but I have to use more of them so my hair actually dries all the way..I've taken some down and noticed damp hair so more is more..less isn't best!
I've tried out flexi rods, by far my favorite to use because they deliver great results. Plus my hair is shiney and bouncy with minimal effort. If I put too many in my head (10-15) they're not fun to sleep in but it's manageable. Normally I use 10-15 the first night and can use less the next night because my hair's been elongated a bit by them. For me, these are probably the best rollers ever!
I've tried out magnetic rollers and while the result is okay, it's often a hit or miss with these things. I think it has to do with mastering the technique needed to put them in. They take too long to put in too, I always have to re-roll and re-pin.
I also would like to try water wave combs. Again, not sure how I'd perfect the use of them, but I'd give them a go to see what I could come up with. Check out this patent for them. Neat, right?
Annnnnnnnd Ryler Stylers, yep, I kinda wanna try these out too. Curly B, a fellow natural, was inspired by the retro styles and did a great tutorial using them. Check it out!
So there you have it, rollers and the such that you can use for waves and curls. Twisting can work too but it depends on what look you want to get. Merry hair rolling!
~The Retro Natural
Hey lovies!
I've been down for the count for a few days battling the flu - it's so awful, oh so awful - but I'm feeling much better now and getting the last of the virus out of my system. I only took off three days from work which isn't too bad..most people are out a week or so. So I'll get back to posting now!
I've been down for the count for a few days battling the flu - it's so awful, oh so awful - but I'm feeling much better now and getting the last of the virus out of my system. I only took off three days from work which isn't too bad..most people are out a week or so. So I'll get back to posting now!
The Afro. Well..my take on it. It's not as round as they were in the 70s but it works.
I'm donning one for the time being and it's a nice effortless style that brings out the "watch yo' mouth!" in me, ha! It also makes me wanna watch blaxploitation flicks... I love Pam Grier!
I'm giving rollers a break because I'm noticing that the hair near my hairline has been breaking off a bit..I believe it's the roller setting I've done. So, I'll let that go for a while. You have to be mindful of when things aren't benefiting your hair. So I'll be twisting and braiding more..I'll do roller sets once in a while or for a special event/performance.
Are you taking a break on a setting routine or style that hasn't been benefiting your hair? I gave up puffs too because my hairline doesn't like that style for a long period of time.
~The Retro Natural
I'm donning one for the time being and it's a nice effortless style that brings out the "watch yo' mouth!" in me, ha! It also makes me wanna watch blaxploitation flicks... I love Pam Grier!
I'm giving rollers a break because I'm noticing that the hair near my hairline has been breaking off a bit..I believe it's the roller setting I've done. So, I'll let that go for a while. You have to be mindful of when things aren't benefiting your hair. So I'll be twisting and braiding more..I'll do roller sets once in a while or for a special event/performance.
Are you taking a break on a setting routine or style that hasn't been benefiting your hair? I gave up puffs too because my hairline doesn't like that style for a long period of time.
~The Retro Natural
Still fawning over old photos from archives.gov....absolutely delightful!Click to view them larger!
Yep, Ms. Lena Horne!
...and Ms. Josephine Baker!
~The Retro Natural
Hey lovies!
Happy New Year to you all! I hope this year brings you good health and good old-fashioned fun! This year has been a tough one but also a fun one. I've gotten to do things I've never done before like perform and I've cultured friendships and be more social. The economy falling on its face was pretty bad and though I could feel its effects, I still managed to take delight in the little things. I haven't shopped as much as I'd like but I'm very happy with where my wardrobe is at the moment.
So about the video, it'll take me another day or two because I've been extremely lazy and my editing software has been giving me the finger for some time now. I'll be able to get that posted soon but the photos from the show are here and I wanted to share a few with you. I really enjoyed switching from a drag king to a burlesque performer in one night. It was very fun and it flowed so nicely! Next show should be in March and I'm super excited as always! Marlon Brandingo makes a comeback and Chi Chi Chambray makes a debut. I'd like to thank Vanessa Adams Photography for capturing these really great shots!
Hope you enjoy!
Happy New Year to you all! I hope this year brings you good health and good old-fashioned fun! This year has been a tough one but also a fun one. I've gotten to do things I've never done before like perform and I've cultured friendships and be more social. The economy falling on its face was pretty bad and though I could feel its effects, I still managed to take delight in the little things. I haven't shopped as much as I'd like but I'm very happy with where my wardrobe is at the moment.
So about the video, it'll take me another day or two because I've been extremely lazy and my editing software has been giving me the finger for some time now. I'll be able to get that posted soon but the photos from the show are here and I wanted to share a few with you. I really enjoyed switching from a drag king to a burlesque performer in one night. It was very fun and it flowed so nicely! Next show should be in March and I'm super excited as always! Marlon Brandingo makes a comeback and Chi Chi Chambray makes a debut. I'd like to thank Vanessa Adams Photography for capturing these really great shots!
Hope you enjoy!
Photo credit Vanessa Adams Photography
~The Retro Natural
I went to an afro punk meetup where we decided to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa and we chose a location that had both cultural significance and a beautiful art deco look. The Biltmore was a luxury hotel that Black American's couldn't enter. How nice is it to enter those doors that our relatives from the past couldn't? It's a beautiful atmosphere so I soaked it all in noticing the details and art that seemed to fill up any spaces that normally would've been blank.
My sister came along but I don't like to post photos of people without permission, so sis, if you're reading (waves) let me know if you'd like your mugshot here on my blog! :)
I managed to get a snapshot (albeit is an angry looking one) of my face/hair/makeup. My camera is a bit special and my sis wasn't the best at figuring it out so you'll be presented with a horribly blurry photo of yours truly. It's art!
The drinks were beautiful and really good. I had a 1920s Dream, a very girly drink of pineapple and orange juice with vodka I think. There was also a drink called The Black Dahlia, named after Elizabeth Short who was last seen alive at the Gallery Bar (where we were) before she was murdered. Interesting facts and conversations and drinks. The holiday lights added a nice warmness to the rooms. Hope you're enjoying the end of the year!
~The Retro Natural
My sister came along but I don't like to post photos of people without permission, so sis, if you're reading (waves) let me know if you'd like your mugshot here on my blog! :)
I managed to get a snapshot (albeit is an angry looking one) of my face/hair/makeup. My camera is a bit special and my sis wasn't the best at figuring it out so you'll be presented with a horribly blurry photo of yours truly. It's art!
I loved that all the little things were different..the signage holders are so full of life..most hotels only really have dull, gold easels that hold your signage at hotels. This hotel lobby was so overwhelming, I hardly knew what to take a photo of..I got away with maybe 10 shots or so.. (didn't want to look like a tourist in my own town) and I think I did pretty well considering the crap camera I had.
~The Retro Natural
Happy holidays everyone! I'm enjoying my days off so much, I have to make myself come online!
One of the things I don't have many memories of is old photographs of Black Americans from the 30s, 40s 50s (outside of my own family album that is!). Back when I was a kid (oh my, I sound old!) we didn't have the internet and it was rare that Black kids saw photos of Black people in books and magazines...let alone from the Roaring 20s or the 30s - 50s. You'd have to spend some time in the library and that wasn't likely because you had to be there for homework projects - who wanted to stay after that was all said and done? So, as an adult, I like seeing searching for photos of Black Americans from time to time checking out what was goin' on way back when. I stumbled upon these photos and was amazed that such great photographs of Black women in the military were archived. I see men all time time but hardly any women. Nice job archives.gov!
These really made me smile. Hope they make you smile as well!
One of the things I don't have many memories of is old photographs of Black Americans from the 30s, 40s 50s (outside of my own family album that is!). Back when I was a kid (oh my, I sound old!) we didn't have the internet and it was rare that Black kids saw photos of Black people in books and magazines...let alone from the Roaring 20s or the 30s - 50s. You'd have to spend some time in the library and that wasn't likely because you had to be there for homework projects - who wanted to stay after that was all said and done? So, as an adult, I like seeing searching for photos of Black Americans from time to time checking out what was goin' on way back when. I stumbled upon these photos and was amazed that such great photographs of Black women in the military were archived. I see men all time time but hardly any women. Nice job archives.gov!
These really made me smile. Hope they make you smile as well!
Photo Credit: www.archives.gov
~The Retro Natural
Since many peopl celebrate many different traditions, I'll just say Happy Chrismahanukwanzika to all of ya. Whatever you may be celebrating today, more of that! :) I'm on vacation until January 3rd so I'm feeling as sluggish as ever..supremely sloth-like! I haven't been taking many photos but I forgot about a few i had from the last holiday.
I wore my hair in rolls for Thanksgiving, I pretty much combined my Gibson Roll with some pseudo victory rolls..natural victory rolls...maybe I should coin the term natra-rolls for rolls done on curly/kinky hair?I'll work on a tutorial, I feel psychic, I feel questions inquiring about one coming up very soooooon! haha!
~The Retro Natural
I wore my hair in rolls for Thanksgiving, I pretty much combined my Gibson Roll with some pseudo victory rolls..natural victory rolls...maybe I should coin the term natra-rolls for rolls done on curly/kinky hair?I'll work on a tutorial, I feel psychic, I feel questions inquiring about one coming up very soooooon! haha!
I've been having a lot more fun this holiday season than I did last year. I figured I'd post a few snippets from my shenanigans. My hair's not really retro but sometimes it's less about the hair and more about the festivities! Warning: lights, glitter and fun ahead!
Hope you're enjoying your holiday festivities thus far! I'm sure I'll be sharing more snapshots!
~The Retro Natural
Went to a tree trimming party..my hair caught on fire but all was well. Luckily I have tons of hair! Stay away from votive candles gals! Great party Natasha! :)
A better view of my crochet holiday fascinator.
I went to a holiday party and this was my white elephant gift ( I swapped for this one, they're so sparkly!) that I went home with. They're glittery earrings made from a cd! I'll show a better shot of my fascinator down below.
A very retro musical Rudolph, his nose even lights up!
Somewhat close up shot of my friend's X-mas tree, one of the most unique ones I've seen!
Retro ornaments are the best!
I danced and did karaoke at the end of the night...what can I say, my glass of wine overfloweth! Oh and this is a different crochet fascinator, it's mistletoe! I thought it'd go great with the crochet sweater/skirt combo. Again, awesome party Ang 'n Kat!
~The Retro Natural
I don't have any photos from the show yet but here are a few that I've put into a little collage for the time being. I didn't get good video of the drag routine but there will be photos!
I'll be back with more soon!
~The Retro Natural
I'll be back with more soon!
~The Retro Natural
Hello Lovies!
I'll have a few photo snapshots from the oh-so-fun drag and burlesque performances I did for BENT soon (and I may post a snippet from my numbers as well!) but one thing is for sure, I absolutely love performing burlesque and I'm totally going back for more ;) ..in the mean time, who knew that coloring photos by hand was a trend back in the old days? I thought it was a special developing sort of thing. Either way, I love it ...perhaps even more since it's DIY!
Check out this post over at 16 Stone Vintage on hand colored photographs
Enjoy!
~The Retro Natural
I'll have a few photo snapshots from the oh-so-fun drag and burlesque performances I did for BENT soon (and I may post a snippet from my numbers as well!) but one thing is for sure, I absolutely love performing burlesque and I'm totally going back for more ;) ..in the mean time, who knew that coloring photos by hand was a trend back in the old days? I thought it was a special developing sort of thing. Either way, I love it ...perhaps even more since it's DIY!
Check out this post over at 16 Stone Vintage on hand colored photographs
Enjoy!
~The Retro Natural
Love this tumblr I recently found, Vintage Black Glamour. Visit and peak at all the loveliness that's taking place!
Fajr of Stylish Thought has a lovely post on ...
Fajr of Stylish Thought has a lovely post on ...
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