Hello All!

I must admit to a shocking slackness with my little blog here. There’s not really an excuse – however I am endevouring to make this a bit more of a regular occurance. However onto more interesting topics…

Scoundrelles is the place to be if you wish to shake your booty like the Queen’s of Burlesque.

Classes run over a 6week period and can be found at the Indigo Room @ The Fringe Bar.

They cater to all levels from Beginners to Advanced and they are sure to bring your inner Bombshell out and proud!

While the classes themselves require you to only rock up in some shorts and t-shirts to learn your thing – we know that once you get home – you are going to want something widly seductive to wear to show off your skills.

Thankfully help is at hand. Between the Bustiers , Rhinestones and Corsets you will find – there is sure to be something to please you.

~Gemma

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.