The New York Pin-Up Photography Meetup Group

In these days of sex tape-leaking starlets, it’s nice to celebrate a time when red lipstick and some eyelash fluttering went a long way. That’s what the folks at the New York Pin-Up Photography Meetup Group aim to recapture.

Founded in 2006 by film producer Brandon Herman, the club boasts 1,000 Meetup members and 20 to 25 hard-core fans at its monthly gatherings and photo shoots, which have taken place at Coney Island and Long Island’s American Airpower Museum. “One time we went for a sunset sail on a gorgeous 100-foot wooden sailboat, and the models had on nautical bathing suits and captain hats,” says Herman. Drool.

The club’s next get-together is Monday 6 at 7pm at Lucky Jack’s (129 Orchard St between Delancey and Rivington Sts, 212-477-6555). To join the party, sign up at meetup.com/nypinupclub. Worried you won’t fit in? We’ve graciously whipped up a starter guide to retro culture. Tyra Banks wishes she knew this stuff.—Katie Hintz

Get the look
The Pin-Up Group’s models suggest keeping your face clean and simple—rosy cheeks, winged eyeliner and red lipstick. Sin Dee, 24, says the perfect shade of lipstick is “Marilyn” by Manic Panic ($10.80, manicpanic.biz). The Jackson Heights dweller also has an easy routine for pinup hair: “Work mousse into damp hair and roll big, fat curlers in sections on the top of your head,” she says. “Tease big for volume, recurl with your fingers, pin in place and hairspray like hell—voilá!” Rina Vernovskaya, 18, a model and student, suggests clipping on a flower. “Target sells them,” she shares. “Girls with darker hair should try red roses or carnations; girls with lighter hair can do sunflowers or daisies.”

Buy the clothes
“The perfect pin-up outfit is anything highwaisted and tight,” says 21-year-old Ashton Warren, who has been involved with the club for a year, modeling and baking pinup-shaped cakes for its parties. “Strapless sweatheart necklines and heels with bows or polka dots are also great. You can find a lot at BettiePageClothing.com.” Sin Dee likes Reminiscence (50 W 23rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 212-243-2292) for lacy camisoles and Family Jewels Vintage Clothing (130 W 23rd St between Sixth and Seventh Sts, 212-633-6020) for dresses. GirdleBound.com is a favorite of Dolly McDermott, 25, a second-grade teacher who has done modeling, photography and hair for the club. “They have bullet-bra girdles and garters,” she swoons. “The reissues start at $75 and they’re brand-new; you can even get them dyed different colors.”

Next: Go behind the scenes at a Pin-Up Club shoot!