Vegas Day 1: History, Pinups, and Hair

We are off to Vegas today. The boyfriend and I try to have a yearly adventure out of our home state and we happen to love Las Vegas. So it worked out perfectly with our spring breaks aligning with the yearly pin-up event Viva Las Vegas. We packed up our 1950's attire and plenty of hair products and off we went.

First stop, the hair salon. No good pin up is ready without fabulous hair. Before trekking it out to Nevada, I had to make a stop at one of my favorite local shops, Pin Up Culture. At their new location, they offer hair and barber services, photography sessions, and wonderfully cute clothes. I made an appointment with their pin up hair stylist at their grand re-opening a while back and was so excited to have my hair transformed, but first some history!

Betty Grable sporting victory rolls

The classic hairstyles of the 1940's and 50's are always beautiful to see but unfortunately a little complicated. They do take some practice and preparing but I highly recommend them for a fun night out. Among the best known is the victory roll. Its name comes from the World War II era and heightened patriotism. When done correctly, the two barrels made of hair should form a V-shape on top of the head. During World War II, Americans experienced food and material rationing. To help relieve civilian fears and spirits, the U.S government published manuals and pamphlets to encourage wartime cooperation and participation. Even though the war was being fought abroad, Americans back home could do their part through war bonds, victory gardens, so why fashion. It became a visual way to support the American cause.

An asymmetrical victory roll set 

World War II has long been over, but the hair styles are never gone. Victory rolls are one of my favorite styles because it is so iconic and unique. It instantly brings you back to the glamour days of Hollywood and oozes that classic style we all admire. I can generally do my own victory rolls but for Viva Las Vegas I thought it would be fun and educational to get my hair done by a professional.

With hair done, we are finally ready to hit the road!

The drive to Vegas from San Diego is roughly 6 hours and takes you across the San Andreas fault, past Death Valley and the Alien Jerky stand (I recommend the abducted cow jerky). Luckily, we are making the journey in an air conditioned vehicle. A hundred and fifty years ago, travelers were less lucky. Crossing the United States was often a dangerous voyage and Death Valley claimed many victims during the Westward expansion.

Finally arriving in Vegas is always something to celebrate. We chose to stay at the Stratosphere since they offer a good deal to guests for their shows. The one we came to see was Pin Up starring Playboy Play Mate of the Year, Claire Sinclair. The show brings classic calendar pin up girls to life with musical numbers, a live band and singer, and dancers. The show we attended had a special co-star, Sabina Kelly, a pin up and tattoo model. She and Claire were funny and clever. They captured the playful and smart atmosphere that burlesque is all about. Hair and burlesque were the perfect combination to get us ready for tomorrow's rockabilly day.