Today I am absolutely thrilled to be interviewing one of my favourite humans, rockabilly pinup model Carlie Michelle of Bombshell! Carlie is a pinup model, burlesque performer, incredibly talented artist and all around bad ass woman – and she manages do it all with a wonderful sense of humour and genuine kindness. She is such an inspiration to me and I hope you all enjoy this interview! 🙂

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your blog, Bombshell!

When I first started my blog, I knew I definitely wanted it to be pinup and rock and roll inspired because those are two huge passions of mine. As my site progressed I decided I wanted to write articles, tips, reviews, etc that everyone can benefit everyone no matter what any kind of style and interests and not just people in the rockabilly/pinup lifestyle. Even though my site is still rock and roll pinup based, I don’t limit myself to only talking and writing about those two things. I like writing and posting about anything I want. It feels more natural and organic that way.

When did you first get into the vintage and rockabilly lifestyle? What was it about it that drew you to this way of living and expressing yourself?

I’ve always loved the vintage lifestyle. I grew up watching classic Hollywood films and classic burlesque performers and I always thought the style and clothing were so elegant and beautiful. I also feel happy when I watch classic films. What drew me to pinups and that lifestyle is the creativity behind it. I have an art background and love expressing myself in many forms, including fashion and wearing rockabilly/pinup styled clothing allows me to fully do that. Also I’ve always loved dancing and the first time I tried burlesque, I instantly fell in love with it. I love doing burlesque and it’s another way to express my art and creativity.

Tell us about how and why you became a pinup model. How did this journey begin for you?

I used to do different forms of modeling and doing pinup was the most fun and comfortable for me and I felt the most beautiful so I decided to just mainly do that kind of modeling. I still enjoy doing photoshoots with different themes that aren’t pinup-based but pinup shoots will always be my favorite.

What is it like being a pinup model?

Being a pinup model is wonderful. I have so much fun doing it which is the most important thing for me.

What do you love the most about it?

I think the thing I love most about doing pinup is the way it makes you feel. You feel so confident and beautiful and I love dressing up and adding some extra glamour to my life. I’ve helped do vintage hair and makeup on past shoots for other models and I enjoy seeing them love how they look and feel gorgeous as well.

What is the hardest thing about being a pinup model?

The hardest thing about modeling is making sure you work with legit, respectful, and professional people. This goes for any type of modeling. Definitely do your research on photographers and the people who organize them before you decide to do a shoot.

How has your life changed since becoming a pinup model?

The only thing that changed my life a bit is that I sometimes get recognized from other pinup and burlesque performers, photographers, etc., which is very cool. I’ve also been in more publications a lot more in the past few years. which again is really exciting for me. Besides that, my life hasn’t changed.

What would you like other women to know about the pinup/vintage/rockabilly lifestyle?

I would like women to know, especially ones who want to be pinup models, that you can do pinup shoots and/or have a rockabilly style outside of shoots at any age, shape, and size. When I’m out and about I’ve had women compliment me and my style and then they tell me “I could never be able to pull that off.” When they say that, I tell them that they can absolutely be a model pinup and adapt the style. Being a pinup girl is all about confidence and can be a very positive experience. They pinup/rockabilly is all about expressing your self, and your body and feeling gorgeous no matter what.

What would you like other women to know about the modeling industry in general and the pinup modeling industry in particular?

9. This is pretty much the same thing I said for question 4 but I can’t stress this enough. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS PUT YOUR SAFETY FIRST! That’s the most important thing. NO SHOOT IS EVER WORTH YOU COMPROMISING YOUR SAFTEY OR DEALING WITH UNPROFESSIONAL PEOPLE!

I know being a pinup model can’t be all glamour and photo shoots, so can you tell us about a typical day in your life?

I work from home which is very nice. My typical day includes me waking up, enjoying my coffee while sitting down and watch a morning movie which is usually a horror movie (I love watching scary films first thing in the morning.). After I’m more awake, I do a little exercise which is either belly dancing drills, burlesque, During the day, I go out to do any errands or appointments first. When I get back home I work on my artwork and my writing, and sometimes film a little video on my youtube channel. My husband usually is home from work in the late afternoon, early evening so we spend our time together having dinner and watch our favorite shows or a movie and just relax together.

How would you describe your day to day style?

I would describe my style as eclectic. Even though my style is mostly vintage/pinup inspired, I don’t limit myself to only wear vintage or rockabilly clothing. I’ve always been in love with fashion since I was super young and even though fashion wasn’t my major I still took some fashion design courses at my art university and loved them. (I still have my fashion portfolio.) I dress how I want to and how I’m feeling that day. I love wearing a cute vintage clothing as well as wear classic gorgeous clothing such as my tailored suit. As long as I love and feel good about what I’m wearing, I’m happy.

Who (or what) is your personal style inspiration?

There are definitely more than one person that inspires me but my favorite is Audrey Hepburn. She is my favorite actress and is a HUGE FASHION ICON! Every thing she ever wore both in films and in her regular life was always so effortless and elegant. I have several books just dedicated to her fashion. I also get inspired by fashion magazines (pinup and regular) and have a fashion folder from ripped pages and pictures that inspires me and my looks.

Do you have a favorite vintage or modern fashion designer?

Again there are several fashion designers that I absolutely love but here are some tops. Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Hermes, Chanel are definitely my top favs. As far as rockabilly/ pinup brands that are my favorites include Sourpuss Clothing, Hellbunny Deluxe, Voodoo Vixen, and Pinup Girl Clothing

What are your hopes and dreams for your career as a pinup model?

I’m not sure actually. I’m just enjoying doing pinup now.

What would be your absolute dream collaboration or photoshoot?

My dream collaboration, photoshoot and youtube video, would be with Cherry Dollface. Also I would love to do a double burlesque performance with Dita Von Teese. I’ve met Dita and she is so classy and very kind.

 

Aside from fashion and modelling and all of that fun and wonderful stuff, what would you say are your favourite things?

My favorite things include practicing Wicca. I’m very spiritual and started Wicca since I was thirteen. Music is also another favorite of mine. Music is a must for me and I grew up in a household where we all listened to rock and roll music. My parent’s are HUGE ‘BEATLES’ fans and had a whole room with Beatle Memorabillia and I seriously thought the Fab 4 were my uncles.

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE watching movies especially HORROR FILMS! I’m a self-proclaimed HORROR WHORE.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and your life?

Something’s should remain a mystery. Just kidding! (WINK WINK). I would like others to know that my family means everything to me. I love and appreciate them and their support. I also consider my close friends part of my family!

Do you have any words of advice for women who might be thinking of getting into modelling or becoming a pinup model?

Besides me talking about being safe in an earlier question, my main advice for new models is to just have confidence in yourself and what you do. Also do not let ANYONE discourage you from doing what you love to do.

Do you have any exciting plans for 2018 that you’d like to tell us about?

I’m being published in four magazines and publications which I’m very excited about. Also I have some more avant-garde photoshoots coming up. And of course working on new art series, pieces, and creations. Basically just continuing to do what I enjoy!

Where can we find you online?

On online you can find me at these places:

Blog Site: bombshell2016.blog

YouTube: CarlieMichelle

Instagram: CarlieMichelle66

Facebook: Carlie Sorat

Twitter: @carliesorat

Deviant Art: https://carliemsorat.deviantart.com/

Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/Heidihawthorne?asc=u

 

Thank you so much Carlie, for taking the time to answer my questions! It has been so much fun getting to know more about you! I wish you all the best in everything you do! ❤

I hope you all enjoyed this interview with Carlie! Isn’t she awesome? 🙂 If there is anyone you would like to see interviewed here in the future, let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best!