Friday, November 29, 2013
Local Filmmaker teams up with The Ruff Life for Tease-O-Rama tribute!
Local filmmaker, Attila Gyula Balazs, and five lovely models created this tribute to the old Tease-O-Rama films. Most lingerie provided by The Ruff Life Lingerie, including ranges by Lucy B and Lelo and lots of seamed stockings.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
How do I wear vintage 'now'?
Shopping for vintage can sometimes seem a bit daunting. Finding a piece that works with your wardrobe, wondering whether you'll really wear the pre-worn garment, and searching for styles that fit into the current trends in fashion are all issues that can arise... even when you're in love with what you've found. At the Ruff Life, we offer vintage pieces ranging from dresses with 50s silhouettes to 80s inspired business attire.
Mixing textures with fur or leather is a technique used by most designers for this season, especially with jackets and coats. You can get this Mulberry look by pairing our Pendleton jacket with a simple leather purse and heels.
2. Metallics
3. Pleats
Pleats are very popular, especially when it comes to skirts. Those clean lines, like the ones featured in this Jason Wu gown, add class to an already beautiful color. Our Mr. Chaus vintage dress echoes this trend while maintaining that 60s vintage feel with its elongated, knife-pleated neckline. Pair it with gold accents and a textured purse to finish off the look.
4. Capes and Wraps
Similar to the cape style, the wrap provides some extra coverage in the cooler months while giving you that Old Hollywood glamour. This white Celine dress below is an example of the wrap and its renewed presence in high fashion. Our blue vintage dress, with its subtle floral print and 50s silhouette, also features a matching wrap.
To match this Tory Burch look, you can add patent leather pumps and black tights.
6. Bags and Purses: Texture and Geometry
Following the accessories trends on the runway is interesting. For the most part, the accessories are following the same patterns as garments themselves. Texture, like the checkered weaving pictured above, is common. These bamboo purses, shown below, exemplify that mixture of texture we discussed before. The red has the checkered embroidery and the bamboo handle; it's oh-so-similar to this Bottega Veneta bag... and who is really going to know the difference, right?
Geometric shapes in purses is another theme you can see in the newly arrived and upcoming lines. We can compare our Ruff Life bags to one of the new Prada purses below.
But how do you put an outfit together that's 'in' now? If we look at the 2013-2014 autumn and winter lines of top designers like Bottega Veneta, Carven, Marc Jacobs, and Balenciaga (to name a few), we find that these couturiers are not only looking to the future for inspiration, but also returning their gaze to years gone by to reinvigorate their collections. This movement toward paying homage to the past in the fashion world is ever-increasing; some designers, like DKNY, Givenchy, and Prada, are even dusting off old patterns and silhouettes from past collections and sending them back onto the runway.
Keeping this in mind, we can take a side-by-side look at the vintage pieces offered at the Ruff Life with the biggest trends for the current and upcoming season. From over-sized coats to pleated skirts, our vintage garments and accessories can give you the sophisticated, fashion-conscious look of major designer brands without the burden of spending hundreds or even thousands on a single item.
1. Oversized Coats
Size matters this fall and winter! The bigger the coat, the more you'll start to resemble the runway looks seen in Paris, Milan, New York City. Pastels and bright colors are also on the rise even during the autumn and winter months. Just because it looks less than ideal outside, why should we have to look just as dreary?
Size matters this fall and winter! The bigger the coat, the more you'll start to resemble the runway looks seen in Paris, Milan, New York City. Pastels and bright colors are also on the rise even during the autumn and winter months. Just because it looks less than ideal outside, why should we have to look just as dreary?
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| Lanvin coat |
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| 60s Swing Coat, $42; Necklace, $24 |
Mixing textures with fur or leather is a technique used by most designers for this season, especially with jackets and coats. You can get this Mulberry look by pairing our Pendleton jacket with a simple leather purse and heels.
 |
| Mulberry textured coat with fur lining |
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| Pendleton Fur-lined Coat, $86 |
2. Metallics
Remember the bright metallics from the early 2000s? Well, they're back! From silver to light blue, from dresses to winter coats, this brilliant little addition to a garment can add that wow factor you've been looking for without being too "flashy." It's a great alternative if you prefer a little shine to be-jeweled items.
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| Marc Jacobs silver metallic suit |
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| Silver jumpsuit $15 |
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| Prada blue metallic winter coat |
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| Ruff Life Vintage Lilli Ann metallic blue coat |
3. Pleats
Pleats are very popular, especially when it comes to skirts. Those clean lines, like the ones featured in this Jason Wu gown, add class to an already beautiful color. Our Mr. Chaus vintage dress echoes this trend while maintaining that 60s vintage feel with its elongated, knife-pleated neckline. Pair it with gold accents and a textured purse to finish off the look.
 |
| Jason Wu gown for Fall 2013 |
 |
| Mr. Chaus Vintage pleated dress, $26 |
4. Capes and Wraps
To add a little something extra to your wardrobe, try a cape or a wrap. Either of these choices will add a little extra panache to the outfit you've got on. Here we can compare shape, not necessarily texture or design. However, our cape offers protection from the rain... something you don't see very often in this style.
 |
| Chloe, gray cape |
 |
| Vintage rain cape at the Ruff Life |
Similar to the cape style, the wrap provides some extra coverage in the cooler months while giving you that Old Hollywood glamour. This white Celine dress below is an example of the wrap and its renewed presence in high fashion. Our blue vintage dress, with its subtle floral print and 50s silhouette, also features a matching wrap.
 |
| Celine dress with matching wrap |
 |
| Blue vintage dress with matching silk wrap |
5. Texture
In the fashion world, designers have been playing with the theme of texture and patterns. Fur (as we saw previously), leather, embroidery, checkered weaving... the possibilities are endless! So, what will you choose? Here are some examples of our looks that fit this description:
 |
| Retro Bottega Veneta red wrap dress |
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| Ruff Life woven red dress with front tie $34 |
To match this Tory Burch look, you can add patent leather pumps and black tights.
 |
| Tony Burch dress suit with checkered fabric |
 |
| Vintage pastel pink dress suit with checkered weaving |
Following the accessories trends on the runway is interesting. For the most part, the accessories are following the same patterns as garments themselves. Texture, like the checkered weaving pictured above, is common. These bamboo purses, shown below, exemplify that mixture of texture we discussed before. The red has the checkered embroidery and the bamboo handle; it's oh-so-similar to this Bottega Veneta bag... and who is really going to know the difference, right?
 |
| Bottega Veneta woven purse |
 |
| Red Bamboo Purse $24 Red heels $18 |
Geometric shapes in purses is another theme you can see in the newly arrived and upcoming lines. We can compare our Ruff Life bags to one of the new Prada purses below.
 |
| Prada Black Lines Bag |
 |
| Ruff Life vintage black leather purse |
7. Neck scarves
A really fun way to spice up your wardrobe this fall and winter is the added touch of the neck scarf. With the possibility of wearing it so many different ways, it's a wonderful staple to have!
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| Miu Miu Neck Scarf |
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| Leopard print silk neck scarf $6 |
-Ashley Davenport; Retail Assistant at the Ruff Life Lingerie & Vintage
Friday, November 15, 2013
Kegels and the 'God, I hope I don't sneeze' Problem
Aside from lingerie, we've been surprised to find one of our top-selling products is something not many women openly speak about, kegel balls.
You may already be familiar with kegels, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. (See 'How to Do Kegels' below for more information on kegels.) The pelvic floor muscles can be weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, weight gain, aging and surgeries in this region. As the pelvic floor muscles weakens, orgasm become harder to achieve and, if achieved, less intense. Also, mild to moderate incontinence can occur, a.k.a 'I pee a little when I sneeze' and similar predicaments. Studies vary widely on the amount of women that will encounter this, but many suggest 30-60% of women will struggle with some urinary leakage in their life.
Okay, time for the good news: Kegels and kegel balls can prevent and/or treat these symptoms!
Most start by doing kegels and later move to kegel balls for stronger results. Kegel balls are weighted balls often connected with a silicone harness and strengthen these same muscles. When I began working out, I began by relying on exercise using my own body weight and moved to adding on extra weight as I became stronger. Similar theory with kegel balls, plus it helps to know where these muscles are and how to use them before shelling out money.
How to Do Kegels
If you haven't done kegels before, it is a fairly simple and discreet exercise. It is best to try while urinating to be sure you are tensing the correct muscles. If you tense and the flow of urine stops or slows, you have found the right muscles. Just tense these muscles anytime, and try varying speed and length of the muscle hold. For example, try holding the muscles for two seconds and then relax for two. Try holding for five and ten seconds and increasing repetitions (from 10 to 20) and sets (from 2 sets of 10 to 3 sets of 20). I would recommend doing these daily for a couple weeks before moving onto kegel balls.
I still write 'Kegels' on my daily to-do list as a reminder, but my mind needs see to it on a list, if it is going to happen!
How to Use Kegel Balls
I would recommend beginning at home the first time, as you don't want to be stuffing them back up your vagina in the supermarket. They WILL probably slip out the first time. I inserted my Lelo Luna Beads Noir in just like a tampon and proceeded to get started on the dishes, while occasionally adjusting the beads. Begin standing up, and add in kegels to keep the balls from making their escape. I only had them in for about 15 minutes the first time, then moved to 30 the next week. I generally wear them about 3-4 times a week and can just walk around for a few hours doing errands with them in. I remove the balls in the restroom by simply pulling the cord.
Lelo's Luna Beads come in Mini, Classic and Noir. Minis are supposedly for women under 30 who have never been pregnant, but I would recommend Classic size for anyone. If you have experienced intercourse without pain, I doubt Classic is going to be an issue. Classic also comes with 2 sets of differently weighted balls, so you can move up a size as you get more comfortable. Noir are smaller in diameter than the Classic but are have only have one set of weighted balls (same weight as Classic's heaviest). Black is my favorite color, and honestly, that's why the Noir beads are my go-to.
Bit of warning: The weights in kegel balls are little weighted marbles that move freely inside of the balls. It is an interesting sensation. Once I could hold them in well, I jump around a bit and felt like I had a pinball machine inside my pelvis. It was not unpleasant in the slightest but also not an orgasmic sensation.
We have Luna Beads Classic and Noir in store now. If you have any questions, feel free to comment, tweet, e-mail, or swing by the shop.
XOXO,
Merry
Founder of The Ruff Life
@therufflifeokc
therufflifeokc@gmail.com
You may already be familiar with kegels, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. (See 'How to Do Kegels' below for more information on kegels.) The pelvic floor muscles can be weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, weight gain, aging and surgeries in this region. As the pelvic floor muscles weakens, orgasm become harder to achieve and, if achieved, less intense. Also, mild to moderate incontinence can occur, a.k.a 'I pee a little when I sneeze' and similar predicaments. Studies vary widely on the amount of women that will encounter this, but many suggest 30-60% of women will struggle with some urinary leakage in their life.
Okay, time for the good news: Kegels and kegel balls can prevent and/or treat these symptoms!
Most start by doing kegels and later move to kegel balls for stronger results. Kegel balls are weighted balls often connected with a silicone harness and strengthen these same muscles. When I began working out, I began by relying on exercise using my own body weight and moved to adding on extra weight as I became stronger. Similar theory with kegel balls, plus it helps to know where these muscles are and how to use them before shelling out money.
How to Do Kegels
If you haven't done kegels before, it is a fairly simple and discreet exercise. It is best to try while urinating to be sure you are tensing the correct muscles. If you tense and the flow of urine stops or slows, you have found the right muscles. Just tense these muscles anytime, and try varying speed and length of the muscle hold. For example, try holding the muscles for two seconds and then relax for two. Try holding for five and ten seconds and increasing repetitions (from 10 to 20) and sets (from 2 sets of 10 to 3 sets of 20). I would recommend doing these daily for a couple weeks before moving onto kegel balls.
I still write 'Kegels' on my daily to-do list as a reminder, but my mind needs see to it on a list, if it is going to happen!
How to Use Kegel Balls
I would recommend beginning at home the first time, as you don't want to be stuffing them back up your vagina in the supermarket. They WILL probably slip out the first time. I inserted my Lelo Luna Beads Noir in just like a tampon and proceeded to get started on the dishes, while occasionally adjusting the beads. Begin standing up, and add in kegels to keep the balls from making their escape. I only had them in for about 15 minutes the first time, then moved to 30 the next week. I generally wear them about 3-4 times a week and can just walk around for a few hours doing errands with them in. I remove the balls in the restroom by simply pulling the cord.
 |
| Start using them for a couple minutes while do chores around the house. |
Lelo's Luna Beads come in Mini, Classic and Noir. Minis are supposedly for women under 30 who have never been pregnant, but I would recommend Classic size for anyone. If you have experienced intercourse without pain, I doubt Classic is going to be an issue. Classic also comes with 2 sets of differently weighted balls, so you can move up a size as you get more comfortable. Noir are smaller in diameter than the Classic but are have only have one set of weighted balls (same weight as Classic's heaviest). Black is my favorite color, and honestly, that's why the Noir beads are my go-to.
Bit of warning: The weights in kegel balls are little weighted marbles that move freely inside of the balls. It is an interesting sensation. Once I could hold them in well, I jump around a bit and felt like I had a pinball machine inside my pelvis. It was not unpleasant in the slightest but also not an orgasmic sensation.
We have Luna Beads Classic and Noir in store now. If you have any questions, feel free to comment, tweet, e-mail, or swing by the shop.
XOXO,
Merry
Founder of The Ruff Life
@therufflifeokc
therufflifeokc@gmail.com
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Lingerie Photoshoot in the Plaza
Photo by Mat Miller.
Galaxy Robe, La Fee Verte $220 Anouk Bralette, Eberjey $42 Anouk Culotte, Eberjey $28
Photo by Mat Miller.
Galaxy Robe, La Fee Verte $220 Anouk Bralette, Eberjey $42 Anouk Culotte, Eberjey $28
Photo by Mat Miller.
Lady Godiva Robe, Eberjey $84 Lady Godiva Chemise, Eberjey $62
Photo by Mat Miller. Kitty Nip Soft Cup Bra, Lucy B. $32 Kitty Nip High Waist Panty, Lucy. B $28
Photo by Mat Miller. Kitty Nip Soft Cup Bra, Lucy B. $32 Kitty Nip High Waist Panty, Lucy. B $28
Photo by Mat Miller. Charlot Bra, Parfait $38 Charlot Bikini, Parfait $14
Photo by Mat Miller. Charlot Bra, Parfait $38 Charlot Bikini, Parfait $14
Photo by Mat Miller. LEFT: Femme Fatale Bra, Gossard $62 Femme Fatale , Gossard $25 RIGHT: Silk Maid Panty, LELO $52
Photo by Mat Miller. TOP: Sinfully Yours Bra, Blush $42 Sinfully Yours Bikini, Blush $28 BOTTOM: Dentelle Balconnet Contour Bra, Elle Macpherson $65 Dentelle Thong, Elle Macpherson $24
Photo by Mat Miller.
Photo by Mat Miller. Kitty Nip Soft Cup Bra, Lucy B. $32 Kitty Nip High Waist Panty, Lucy. B $28
Photo by Rob Bennett. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lady Godiva Robe, Eberjey $84 Galaxy Robe, La Fee Verte $220 Kitty Nip Soft Cup Bra, Lucy B. $32 Kitty Nip High Waist Panty, Lucy. B $28
Behind the scenes photo by Rob Bennett.
Kylie and photographer, Mat Miller.
Photo by Rob Bennett. Jean romper, $18.
Behind the scene shot by Rob Bennett. French Maid lingerie set by Lelo, Bralette $48 Panty $52 Apron $24. Seamed stockings, $12.
Photo by Rob Bennett. Vintage beaded sweater, $18.
Photo by Rob Bennett.
LEFT: Femme Fatale Bra, Gossard $62 Femme Fatale , Gossard $25 RIGHT: Silk Maid Panty, LELO $52
Photo by Rob Bennett.
o
Photo by Mat Miller.
MIDDLE: Pure Indulgence Robe, Blush $78
BOTTOM: Gisele Pajama Set, Eberjey $88
Special thanks to Mat Miller, Rob Bennett, all our gorgeous models, Empire Slice House,
Saints, Plaza Discount Store and the Plaza District.
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