Recently the Miasma Belly Dancing Troupe rocked out at Sydney’s Hellfire.  They were awesome enough to send me a few pictures of their performance.

I must admit I am completely loving their outfits.  Thinking of making your own outfit?  Head to my store to see our new range of feathers, fans and boas.

Here are the duo, Angela and Katrina indulging in an elegant bow.  I am loving the stockings in ways I cannot express  actually and feel the need to now stock my store with about 50 000 version of them!

Here they are again. Note the side curl detail.  Adds a really cute touch to the look.  The top hat also gets +20 points.

More top hat action.  I think I might get one actually.

 Remember if you want to see Miasma in action you can head to their webpage for information on hiring them or classes.

On an entirely unrelated tibbit of information - I am off to Melbourne this weekend!

I won’t be able to respond to any emails sent over the weekend - but will go through any correspondance when I get back.
While I am down there I am hoping to book and see The Burlesque Hour.  As far as Burlesque performances go - I have heard great things about it and will look forward to seeing it.

If anyone else catches the show and would love to write a review, drop me a line.

Details of The Burlesque Hour for those who wish to catch it are as follows:

Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne
Dates: 7 August to 14 September
Times: Wednesday to Sunday. Wed & Thurs 8pm.  Friday, Saturday & Sunday 7pm. Late Show! Sat 9.30pm
Tickets: $38 full/$29 conc
Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs 03 9662 9966 or online www.fortyfivedownstairs.com. Table bookings available
Visit: www.moirafinucane.com

I have recently purchased myself a fantastic corset. (God bless having my own store I swear).

I cannot express how much I love this corset.  Not only does is give me a gorgeous hourglass shape - but It was so firm and supporting.  Everybody must have one of these in their closets!  I personally got myself the black pvc, and a satin one is next on the list!

Corset Details:

This style is the longest underbust corset in our range which fits snuggly under the bust and goes down over the hips, giving firm control to both the waist and hips. All of our corsets are front fastening, back lacing and are fitted with a modesty panel and an underbusk.
Front length 13.5″ (34cm)
Back length 13.5″ (34cm)

One of the things that most girls struggle with even at the best of times is our hair. However in this day and age of sleek easy ponytails and “up do’s” what on earth are we supposed to do when trying to achieve that perfect curl?

Never fear – Burlesque Baby has the answer. With her easy to follow “How to” guide – you will be ready to swan in front of the masses before you know it

You will need:

• Hair pins
• Hairspray
• Patience (and lots of it)

First

Brush your hair so that it is tangle-free, then make a ponytail with the front part of your hair. (If you have curly hair, straighten this part before you secure it). Back comb it slightly so it stands up like a quiff and secure it with LOTS of pins and hairspray.

Burlesque haircare tip: if you have shoulder-length hair, you could pin the ponytail into one curl just above your forehead and spray it into place.

Then

You can use rollers to put the rest of your hair into ringlets, or make a sleek bun at the back of your head. Secure it well so it doesn’t fall out in the middle of the street!

And

If you want to, you can add false (or real) flowers, gemstones, any accessory you want really to make it stand out. British burlesque performer Immodesty Blaize pins jeweled birds and butterflies into hers!

Good luck with the hair styling!

Remember - Adapt the look to your own style and you can’t go that far wrong!

You can check out Burlesque Baby’s total article at “Burlesque Hair Style Basics

For Burlesque Chic’s grand opening I had hoped to write something witty and insightful about Burlesque and its ability to make women feel like goddesses.

However that got me to thinking about the style that is Burlesque and what that means for you and more importantly your wallet.

A lot of people have the misconception that to be truly burlesque you must have feathers, fans, hairpieces and a big champagne glass to frolic in.
While this is very appropriate in terms of stage shows and events – how does this translate into everyday bedroom/office/shopping glamour?

Easily. With a little imagination and some key pieces you can find yourself channeling Dita Von Teese in no time.

While madly googling this topic to allow me to translate my thought succinctly – I came across this fantastic blog article that summed up perfectly my definition of Burlesque glamour. As Burlesque Baby perfectly puts it:

Allow me to redefine glamor: Forget the playboy bunnies, burlesque glamor is all about being a lady, although a lady with a naughty side! Make-up and hair should always be immaculate, and one should stand with confidence, but not be afraid to stand out. Burlesque is all about elegance and what you leave on is easily as important as what you take off. This is the new glamor.

If you follow the ‘less is more’ rule when it comes to burlesque clothing, you can screw that rule up and chuck it in the bin with any everyday trainers and once-white-now-grey bras. The modern day burlesque look is about high heels and old-fashioned glamor. You don’t have to turn up to Tesco in nipple tassels and an 18-inch corseted waist (unless you want to, that is) but even in the daytime, feel free to dress up!”

Burlesque Baby then goes on to list the Burlesque Essentials:

”There are hundreds of different looks you can adopt, but the essentials stay the same-

• Red lipstick (applied perfectly of course)

• Eyeliner (either big, smoky eyes or catlike flicks at the outer corners)

• A good set of sexy underwear! Stockings, suspenders - the works. (The lacier and more elaborate the better!)

• Heels (Yes, I’m afraid you must learn to walk with a wiggle - and heels are sexy!)

• Nails (They can be short, but they must be painted! Any all-over shade of red or pink is perfect, or you can leave the moons and tips natural - that’s what the 40’s pin-ups did)”

Well how do we turn the essentials into our look? Burlesque Baby details several idea especially pertaining to day wear. I suggest you read her entire article at:
“Burlesque Style Guide” by Burlesque Baby.

As this store specializes in the lingerie side of the clothing spectrum here are a few key pointers.

Corsets. A burlesque must. Whether you are interested in going all the way with a gorgeous steel boned Voller’s Corset or would prefer to start out simple the key is in the detailing.

The more ornate the better – however don’t be afraid to go for a simple corset style, especially if you intend on wearing the corset under a work jacket or plan to use a lot of accessories. Rhinestones are good, so are sequins, lace, frills and ribbons

Burlesque jewelery and accessories. Fans, feathers, fringe and beads. Have a look at some iconic Burlesque icons for some ideas.

As Burlesque Baby says

”If you want to take the look all the way, then a corset (and nipple tassels if you’re really brave) is the way to do it! Find the most eye catching, sparkling breathtaking outfit you can find and set it off with a manicure, perfect red lips, glittering false eyelashes, curled hair and a pair of the highest heels that you can walk in. (Some burlesquer’s add a small false beauty spot too.) There is no secret or “magic way” to perfect make-up I’m afraid. Just find a picture or style you like and practice, practice, practice!”

Amen.