Q. What does the group do? A. We're a family-friendly public service pinup group who provides "woman power" for historical, pro-veteran/troops, and pro-first responder events. We also raise awareness for PTSD.
Q. How do I get involved? A. Join our group, Queen City Victory Dames, on Facebook. Click on “Events” to see what’s coming up. Read the directions and information there. Then…show up looking fabulous!
Q. What happens at events? A. It depends on how we are asked to assist. Sometimes we just wave and smile, posing for pictures with the public. Other times we escort act as usherettes or sell items to raise funds for our group and the organizations we support. We also hand out goody bags, participate in awards ceremonies, march in parades, or assist with paperwork.
Q. What do you sell? A. Right now, Support Flowers and fascinators. These are quick and easy hair flowers on a hairclip. We have materials available, paid for out of the money we raise, if you would like to help make some.
Q. What charities do you work with? A. Mostly, Tri-State Honor Flight, the USO, Guitars4Vets, Operation Homefront, DAVA, and Warrior Weekend to Remember.
Q. What is an Honor Flight? Info here: https://www.honorflighttristate.org/about-us We welcome our heroes home at CVG airport after their flight.
Q. What is expected of me within this group? A. We have extremely lax membership parameters—we don’t ask for dues, we don’t have minimum volunteering hours, and we encourage women of all looks and backgrounds to join. At the same time, we do not tolerate gossip concerning other members or pot-stirring. If you have a problem, question, or issue, please directly ask an administrator rather than whispering amongst yourselves or ostracizing members. That doesn’t help save the problem. Save the drama for your amazing victory rolls!
Q. What is expected of me at events? A. We expect you to: -Attend if you say you are going to (unless there is an ABSOLUTE emergency) -Stay for the time you have committed to (unless, again, there’s an ABSOLUTE emergency) -Treat all members of the community with kindness -Act respectfully towards fellow group members both online and in person -Commit to the task to which you have been assigned
Q. May I drink at events? A. If alcohol is available, as at a dinner or banquet, members over 21 may drink moderately-- within reason. Know your limits. If you are intoxicated and reflecting badly upon the group, we’re not afraid to plop you in an Uber.
Q. I want to help, but I don’t have any historical clothing. How do I get started? A. There are several places on the Internet to start building your Victory Dames wardrobe. First, go to https://vintagedancer.com/ for a great and quick tutorial on fashions for the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Pinterest also has many vintage photographs. You’ll be surprised to find that a lot of modern clothes can pass for styles from these decades. It’s best to look for “retro repro”, which is brand-new clothes made in vintage style. Actual vintage can be expensive and difficult to find. If you like, however, Toast of the Town is a good place for vintage material. Try searching “40s dresses” or the like on Amazon, and you will see some inexpensive results. Better quality merchandise can be found at Lindy Bop, Oblong Box Shop, Pinup Girl, Tatyana, just to name a few. Ask fellow members for advice.
Q. I’m not comfortable being in public and having my picture taken. Can I still help? A. Absolutely. If you’re not comfortable in public, you can also help with Support Flowers, making cookies, or coordinating volunteers. Just ask an administrator!
Q. That hair looks so complicated! Help! A. It’s not so bad once you get the hang of it! When you’re first getting started, it’s perfectly fine to keep it simple, such as simply wearing a ponytail for 50s dress or pulling your hair into a snood with 40s outfits. Many styling tutorials can be found on youtube. A good starting place is Cherry Dollface’s account. The Freckled Fox also has wonderful picture tutorials at http://www.freckled-fox.com/p/hair-beauty_4.html Victory rolls can be done a million different ways. Search out some tutorials, and experiment until you find what works best.
Q. Can I just wear a Halloween costume? A. We advise against this, as Halloween costumes typically are cheaply made and play on inauthentic stereotypes instead of actual vintage fashion.
Q. Can I bring my kids to events? A. Victory Dames membership and events are open only to women over the age of 18. However, we occasionally attend community events to which we have not been specifically invited, such as Honor Flight welcomes. In this case, a note will be made on the event, and appropriately dressed and behaved children are permitted. If children are dressed historically, we ask that they not dress pin-up fashion, but as a child in the 40s/50s/60s might be. We are a family friendly group and wish to retain adult fashion to adults only.
Q. Can my kids help behind the scenes? A. Absolutely! We welcome the opportunity for kids to do something concrete to help our troops and first responders. They are fondly known as “Bobby Soxers.” Occasionally we bake cookies for the organizations we support, make Support Flowers, write letters for the Mail Call portion of Honor Flights. Children are welcome to help with these and more—look for details on our Events section.
Q. Where can I get some business cards? A. Our business cards are general and blank on the back to allow you to share information with anyone who asks. We encourage all members to carry them at events to spread the word about our group. Ask any administrator.
Q. Where can I send people for information about the group? Website: http://victorydames.weebly.com/ Email: [email protected] Twitter: @victorydames