Burlesque
May 24, 2011
Although in many people’s minds “Burlesque” may conjour images of female strippers nothing is further from the truth. In its hey day, from the 1840s to the 1960s, it was a source of music and comedy wrapped around sexuality that kept audiences entertained.
In the 1860s, Lydia Thompson’s British burlesque troupe became the toast of New York City with their first hit Ixion, a spoof that had women playing men’s roles in revealing tights. It wasn’t until the later part of the twentieth century that burlesque gained its notorious reputation.
In the early 2000s, burlesque made a resurgence with many new shows cropping up in both Europe and the Americas. There are now shows in Manhattan, Chicago, Seattle, Montreal, and Oslo as well as Iowa (“American Pickers” Danielle Colby-Cushman’s Burlesque Le’Moustache).
The vintage look is always popular and right now Burlesque get-ups themselves are really hot. This look is especially popular because of the movie Burlesque, which embodies that showgirl vibe.
Premiering in 2010, it featured Christina Aguilera as a small-town girl who finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by former dancer Cher.
Taking some of these burlesquish tidbits and integrating them into your everyday life can be fun. Personally, as you know, I love the 50′s retro style in general, so its great to mess around with this. I don’t have a lot of time to get dressed in the morning, but if I experiment a little on the weekend, then I can try it out the following week at work. Remember, it’s never too late to become a fan, you won’t regret it!
Here are some cute outfits for inspiration.
And don’t forget to show off those legs! This panty and thigh high set are from StockinGirl.
Becka Panty and Thigh High Set
Pearls, leather, feathers, corsets, and hosiery, what more does a girl need? Oh yeah, your smouldering confidence. Get out there and knock ‘em dead!
- Azucena
Lingerie – Inspired Fashion
April 30, 2011
I have always loved the high fashion, straight off the runway look of lingerie turned into daywear.
But how does the everyday girl include some of these pieces without going too far? The answer my dear, is a little planning, and a lot of confidence. There are a few simple rules for this bombshell look:
1. Be careful, its very easy to get carried away with lingerie, I do that all the time. Make sure to keep it down to earth with contrasting elements. If you are going for a frilly piece, pair it with a structured jacket with simple, clean lines or try some cute boyfriend jeans with a delicate assortment of camisoles.
2. Corset tops are great for a boudoir inspired outfit. So are layered sheer fabrics; lace and pink or nude colors. Keep in mind to pair light colors with high impact colors like black to avoid being washed out.
3. Make sure to check all angles before leaving the house. Lingerie can be sheer, so make sure you layer accordingly.
4. Confidence! You are a sexy, stylish gal, so let everyone know it. There is no reason why you can not include some of your lingerie pieces into your every day outfits, so go ahead and experiment! Here are a few fun examples:
Ana Beatriz Barros, an international supermodel, wears a cute chemise with accessories to give off a hippie-chic vibe. Try that with our Christine Vancouver “Vinyard Babydoll Chemise”. Add in some statement jewelry and skinny jeans and you are set!
Vinyard Chemise by Christine Vancouver
One trend that is just hitting the streets is visible garter belts. This look would be perfect for an adventurous night out on the town!
The key to this look is finding the right length skirt for you. As a general rule, if you are a little more revealing on the bottom try to tone it down in the cleavage area to keep the outfit classy (and visa versa). Try our Jezebel “Cherished Lace Garter Belt” with the straps fully extended. Maybe add a structured blouse or jacket and finish it up with some thigh highs from StockinGirl.
StockinGirl Lana Lace Thigh High
The great thing about lingerie is that it can fit into every style. I love the ballerina type look of camisoles and pale pinks, but you can also take a lacy garment and pair it with a punk rock outfit. It’s all about contrast! Contrast provides intrigue, and that is the first step to being sexy!
-Azucena
