Never before seen photosof The Beatles surfaced this week, my ever beating teeny bopper heart was, of course, all a flutter. This little peek into the mayhem that swept through America the moment the fabbies hit the states in 1964 was captured by.....18 year old fan (wowza talent!) Mike Mitchell who managed to finagle his way backstage and into their hearts. The set of snaps is going up for auction at Christie's, let's hope with a catalog for the rest of us!
Carmen for Vanity Fair Italia by Ruven Afandor
Carmen Modeling in the 1940's, photographer unkown
by Ruven Afandor
"The World's Oldest Working Model" Carmen Dell'Orefice turned 80 last month. I know it's a wee bit late, but I had to throw this magnificent femme on your radar in case she hadn't popped before your peepers previously. Inspirational? Hell yes!
So, wearing a skirt whilst riding a bike in NYC is "apparently illegal"and warrants harassment by law enforcement?......Umm.....Well lock me up and throw away the key, because this is a daily offense I commit. Have a feeling there will be a mass skirted bike riding in homage to the "slut walks" that recently took a stand against this kind of nonsense.
Everyone's favorite vaudevillians are making an epic film, documenting their 15 year journey from campfire minstrels to world tours featuring the best in tin pan alley worthy tunes, tribal fusion bellydance, and cirque burlesque. The Yard Dogs Road ShowKickstarter campaign has only 14 days left! Help out your fellow captains of the creative and donate today, $5 is a lovely way to support the arts, even if we're all in a pinch. After all, where would we be without music, love, inspiration, and laughter?...They even have sweet little gifties for donors, from home made corn bread, cloche hats, to lifetime YDRS tickets!
Also on the auction front, Christie's has a very special estate on the horizon....That of the one and only Elizabeth Taylor with a portion of proceeds going to her AIDS foundation. The Rockefeller Center Gallery will feature her infamous jewels, wardrobe, memorabilia, and art in a public exhibition beginning December 3rd.
There will be lamé turbans and high ball worthy baubles a plenty, guaranteed! Alas, this is truly "Lusty the High Rollers Edition" but we can still go gaggle in person and pretend for a moment, right?....Just another reason I need to visit NYC this holiday season...Perhaps for yours truly's big 29th Bday....hmmmm.
These fun little 80's striped shorts were a great score at the GoodWill for only $1.99, but for years they've lingered in my closet because the length was just a bit "eh" and they're quite voluminous, more baggy bermuda than I'm into. So before heading out for a day of running errands, I brought out little Betty...
Meet Betty, my gorgeous, all steel 1950's sewing machine named after the most classic of all vintage cars, "The Belair". Stitching in style, she runs like a dream, and had never been used until I laid my mits on her! She was my birthday present from my fella last year, an amazing bargain at only $40! I actually cried when he gave it to me, I had always dreamed of finding the perfect vintage sewing machine...
So, out came the scissors, and a few inches off later...
Not quite satisfied yet, I'm thinking of using the extra fabric to add a cuff, some bows, or perhaps take them in a bit more so they'll fit like a true hot pant. Have you had any fun revamps on thrift store finds? Please share below, be sure to link photos, I always love seeing how my fellow vintage lovers put their own twist on ill fitting, wonky finds.
Idol: Barbie, 1959♥ Mantra: "Never love anybody who treats you like you're ordinary" -Oscar Wilde
Rev up your wolf whistle, this is a post sure to tantalize your peepers, featuring my favorite peelers, shakers, movers, and quakers in the beautiful world of burlesque.
By Ted D'Ottavio
by Amy Touchette
The World Famous Bob undoubtedly is one of the most inspirational women in burlesque. A modern bombshell with a twist, part Mae West with a touch of Divine, Bob has been at the forefront of the burlesque revival since the 90's. Advocate for eliminating sizeism in all of it's forms, (Yes, bashing thin girls is just as destructive and abusive in her book as discriminating against plus size gals. L-O-V-E.), mentored by drag queens in the early 90's, original siren ofThe Velvet Hammer Burlesque, avant garde performance artist, dream maker, tassel shaker, and body confidence coach, Bob embodies the pure creativity and empowered spirit of this beautiful art form at it's best. "The Dream Come True Girl" is a fascinating and motivating femme, one of the original radical self love warriors!
"It's our own fears that limit what's possible for us, and we never know what's on the other side of fear until we walk through it. I think it's good for people to hear that somebody who's established was scared once too." -Bob excerpt from Tassel Time Interview on fear and auditions.
"The most political and powerful act that a woman can do is fully enjoy her life." -Bob on body confidence, and taking to the stage to share her joy in what she does.
Want to know more about this wonder woman of tease? I suggest starting with her Tassel Time interview, a free podcast you can download on itunes! *See more details below under "Listen"
There are SO many amazing burlesque related documentaries popping up, I can't wait to share them all with you! Here is one that recently found it's way onto my radar!
Mark Winmill Boylesque Darling
I really enjoyedThe Art of Male Burlesquearticle on Filament Magazine's website. (Warning this is a NSFW site) I definitely love the movement. I personally have respect for anyone who has the guts to get up on stage and perform.
The Decadent Gent takes you on a magical journey behind the velvet ropes and into the belly of the swarovski beast. A wonderful U.K. based *FREE* podcast chock full of wisdom from the finest crimson covered lips in the biz, featuring Kitten Deville, Dirty Martini, and Princess Farhana to name a few! Tassel Time is available on itunes or through the official website!
Lilly Christine
Tempest Storm
Lilly Christine
The Rockettes
A little bit of eye candy for you in the form of my fave burly-q photos! Want a further peek into the burlesque's glittering past and present? Take a looksie at a few fantabulous resources:
Interested in taking a pair of tassels for a spin in your own boudoir or on stage? Here's a fun little tutorial that will have you twirling at home in no time! DIY pasties viaMookyChick
Yours truly doing a candy strip tease! *Big* thanks to my dear friend Fernando for snapping pics!
Stay tuned this week for a special post about my road to burlesque, overcoming fear, costume disasters, the bumps, the grinds, and all the in between!
