The Burlesque Underground

This sunday night Madame Natalia is holding the burlesque underground night, with our theme being LOLITA. The Mama of the Burlesque Underground- Madame Natalia- and The Order of Melbourne, present a wickedly tantalising and controversially seductive evening of burlesque, cabaret and theatre that is not to be missed!

Plus with the recent release of the movie Burlesque its amazing how many people I work with have a sudden interest in the genre. So armed with killer heels and my favourite blue corset I will be holding the hands of a few newbies as I welcome them to the world of burlesque.

If you fancy joining us please do at and shed your inhibitions, if you dare...

Sunday the 6th of February, 2011.

Tickets:$20 Full, $10 Group of 5 or more.

Doors open at 7pm, show begins at 9pm.

Starring Scarlett, Poppy Cherry, Foxtrot India, Natalia Ristovska and special guest co-host Paul Moder

NOTE: Show is strictly for those 18 years and over. Contains themes, scenes and concepts that may offend.

Official Burlesque International Trailer

Sometimes you just can't wait for a movie to hit the cinemas, right now that's how I feel after seeing the trailer for Cher's new movie Burlesque. Sure its not my era, and its not Dita or even Foxtrot India but hey if it helps sparks the interest in Burlesque and the huge list of performers, so far I'm behind it.

So whats the story? Basically the Burlesque Lounge has its best days behind it. Tess, a retired dancer and owner of the venue, struggles to keep the aging theater alive, facing all kinds of financial and artistic challenges. With the Lounge's troupe members becoming increasingly distracted by personal problems and a threat coming from a wealthy businessman's quest to buy the spot from Tess, the good fortune seems to have abandoned the club altogether. Meanwhile, the life of Ali, a small-town girl from Iowa, is about to change dramatically. Hired by Tess as a waitress at the Lounge, Ali escapes a hollow past and quickly falls in love with the art of burlesque. Backed by newfound friends amongst the theater's crew, she manages to fulfill her dreams of being on stage herself. Things take a dramatic turn though when Ali's big voice makes her become the main attraction of the revue.

Still interested then watch the trailer below. Sadly I don't have a confirmed release date only that its looking to hit cinemas round the end of the year. So keep your eyes peeled for it!

Style Icon

Style icon Dita von Teese is a woman I look to for a bit of inspiration when the days are grey and my normal red lipstick fails to inspire. For me she is the polished lady I’ve always longed to be. The type of lady you see around town wearing a hat and gloves, who goes to bed wearing curlers only to wake with a perfectly polished set hair do.

Dita Von Teese was born Heather Renée Sweet on September 28, 1972 in Michigan. She is well known for her fascination with 1940s cinema and classic retro style. Which I believe started at a young age and was fostered by her mother, who would buy clothes for her daughter to dress up in. She was classically trained as a ballet dancer from an early age, which she later incorporated this element into her burlesque shows, where she frequently goes en pointe.

According to research Dita worked in a lingerie store as a salesgirl when she was 15, eventually as a buyer. Von Teese has been fond of wearing elaborate lingerie such as corests with fully fashioned stockings ever since. Dita is best known for her burlesque routines and is frequently dubbed "the Queen of Burlesque"in the press. In her own words, she "puts the tease back into striptease”.

Apart from the burlesque aspect she is just one of those women who make you proud to be a woman. A woman with curves who is willing to embrace all that the lingerie and vintage world has to offer.

AUSTRALIAN BURLESQUE FESTIVAL pt1

Break out the sparkles and feathers the legendary producer of the 'London Burlesque Week' and self proclaimed 'King of Burlesque' Chaz Royal has teamed up with Australian producers and performers Dolores Daiquiri (Hi Ball Burlesque, Red Door Burlesque), Rosy Rabbit (Cristal Burlesque) and Sapphira (Shimmy Shake, UK) to bring you the biggest burlesque event in Australian History! AUSTRALIAN BURLESQUE FESTIVAL! Can you tell I’m excited?

Featuring Australia's most glamorous burlesque beauties, rising stars and International guests, its no wonder that this event has been on my calendar for months and I’m a tad excited at the weekend ahead. The festival has something for everyone, with showcases of different burlesque styles: from circus inspired to traditional glamour, from the most skilled and adored artists of tease to the rising stars of the new burlesque, the first annual Australian Burlesque Festival promises to go off with a bang!

But the big question is what’s on tonight…….Thursday 3rd of June at Blue Diamond

A dazzling night of variety entertainment, vaudeville & more.

Introducing 'Shimmy Shakedown - Variety Revue'

A fantastical concoction of tantalising tease with a dash of Variety, a splash of Vaudeville and a sprinkling of good old fashioned fun! Come and witness saucy starlets wiggle and giggle on stage and be enthralled by the antics of Australia's finest Vaudevillians all whilst you sip a cocktail or have a bite to eat in one of Melbourne's most elegant venues 'Blue Diamond', which boasts some of the city's most spectacular views and a truly delicious cocktail menu.

'Shimmy Shakedown - Variety Revue' promises to whisk you away to a golden era of cabaret entertainment, and as part of the first annual Australian Burlesque Festival will offer a diamond class show for today's discerning audience.

Whats around the corner

Thanks to everyone who is out there supporting each other and reminding a few of those, like myself, who can be at times forgetful about some of the fantastic events coming up. So if your around this fair nation keep your eyes peeled for glamour in your area, or hop a flight and come to mine.

What’s New Pussy Cat? This Brisbane event is a day to ohh and ahhh over all things girly plus as an added bonus one of my favourite corsetiere, designer and all round fabulous gal Ms Cassi Simpson of Silk Orchid www.silkorchid.com.au will be hosting a stall at this gorgeous event. It’s like a total girls day out with lots of amazing stuff to look at, and some fabulous prizes as well . On the day you’ll find her amazing catalogue for you to look through with most styles plus fabric swatches so if you ever wanted a corset and your in Brisbane take a few moments out to indulge.

Silk Orchid prides itself on prompt service, and excellent communication. Cassi loves it when customers come to her with unique ideas, and adores it when she can make your dreams come true. So come, look, love and shop! Held over 2 days, Friday 14th May 5pm-10pm, Saturday 15th May 10am – 5pm at the fantastic Lightspace, Fortitude Valley. Tickets are $30 and include a glass of wine and a shopping bag full of free gifts and services valued at over $250!!

Looking for something Melbourne based well empty that bank account and head to the Carlton Hotel (197 bourke street) this Sunday for the Hello Sailor Vintage Fair. The Fair will be held over 3 levels including the rooftop (where all the best kept secrets always are in my experience) from 12pm – 6pm.

This event also shows that fashionistas of Melbourne to care about that big wide world as there will also be a raffle for $10 per ticket with all proceeds going to Haiti to provide aid to the earthquake victims. With 3 Gift Packs to be won, worth up to $1000 each, these are truly valuable gift packs, so not only will you be helping Haitians get urgently needed medical attention, food and shelter, you could also win yourself a generous prize.

The Gift Packs include: Metal Couture ship necklace -$350, Cow hide rug - $100, Vinyl - $100, Vintage hats- $80, The Last Supper painting- $50, Scarves- $50, Meal voucher at The Grace Darling - $150, Gift vouchers from heaps of vintage stores - $50-$200, Title Book store gift voucher- $50, Assin gift voucher- $300, Tattoo Magic gift voucher- $200 and much more!

Some stallholders will be donating a percentage of their profits from the weekend, too. Please come and buy a ticket and help us raise much-needed $$$. We have already been very lucky with businesses, stallholders and friends making generous contributions to the appeal. We hope you can all show your support, too. Proceeds will go to Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) and The Sanson-Rejouis Family.

So apart from heart what else can you find at Hello Sailor…we there are quality vintage items and recycled designer stock in good condition, at reasonable prices. With 15 stalls over 3 levels (all being outdoors) allowing you to bask in the sun while rummaging through an excellent selection of Vintage jewellery, Trinkets, Hats, Shoes, Books, Mens/Ladies vintage/designer clothing, Accessories, Artwork, Homewares, Trinkets, Vinyl, Cameras, 60s-70s lampshades, 40s-60s hat collection, Animal ornaments, Vintage crockery plus more! See plenty of reasons to go, so hop to it

Now I can’t sing the praises enough of the wonder ladies of the Lindy Charm School. The Mistresses are back to take on Melbourne and Ballarat on July 10th, ensuring that beauty and femininity is all around you. Plus showing you how to do various hair styles and how to find which era is yours. They will also answer the eternal question when red lipstick is appropriate. All the details for their upcoming workshops are available on their website, so make sure your not late for class.

The Australian Burlesque Festival (thanks to SKM for the heads up for this one) is nearly here. Held in Sydney this June, you will transported amongst glamour, sparkles and beauty where ever you dare to look. With local and international guests you are sure to find someone who’ll make you blush, smile and probably want to join them on stage. So bring on the feathers and false eyelashes for an event to remember.

Watch this space for more events!

Red Queen Valentines Lingerie

Red queen

With the impending release of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland; and yes I am counting down the days. I have been hunting out some amazing pieces for you to feast your eyes on. This fantastic piece is from Barcelona Designers Bibian Blue.

Amazing outfit with gorgeous corset in red lace & velvet. Steel busk, steel bones, double linning, back lacing, and modesty panel.Gorgeous skirt ,available also separately from the corset,made of different layers of red tulle applied by hand. Bolero in red lace, silver linning and red georgette.

Is it too much to wear this to opening night?????

Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

Sweet and Innocent...so they think

MakeUp - Benefit & Mac
Cardi - Portmans
Dress - Peter Alexander Slinky Nightie
Flower - Made by C
Skirt (out of shot) - Route 66

Sometimes its less about the fashion and more about the details.

As spring fashion hits the world of Melbourne and stores are flooded with hats, feather and thoughts turn to frocks I've decided to see if I can bring some of that fashion fun and flair to work.
So today's outfit was aimed at being a bit sugar and spice. Apart from the usually lingerie inspired top which was actually a shortie nightie from Peter Alexanders Winter 2 Range worn under a tight black pencil skirt with blue trim from Route 66; I added my fav little handmade necklace and massive ivory flower.

Seduction thy name is Agent Provocateur

Normally I would save one of these beautiful stunning designs for my lingerie of the week but I just can't. Agent Provocateur have just launched their Autumn range and as always its to die for. Even though I'm heading into spring and summer these little gems have just enough colour to be forgiven to think they were made for us here in little Melbourne town. so now to the pretties

http://www.agentprovocateur.com

Lace Maiden

A balconette bra in beautiful honey comb patterned lace with a French lace trim. This design comes with two styles of removable straps to suit any outfit or mood. Shortie style sexy black brief in sheer French honey comb lace with ruched ribbon slot detail on front panel.

Debbie

Supportive long line style bustier style bra with functional centre front zip, made in sheer stretch tulle and decorated with gold AP buttons and contrast black stitching.

Stylish highwaisted jean style shortie is designed with fun stitched pockets, belt loops and functional zip.

Fifi

Flirty French slip in pretty pleated tulle and French Chantilly lace.

Camikazi Purple

Vibrant slinky stretch satin and French lace camisole, with adjustable spaghetti straps. Adorned with pretty satin bows and gold fixtures. This sexy short style brief made in slinky satin and French lace is a must have for bedroom and everyday!

Lingerie of the Week

So its time decided on what delicate piece of heaven I will start my week off with.

And the winner is......

Elegantly Scant
Red Delicious

From amazing local company Elegantly Scant, based in Australia, comes this stunning set. Part of the 'Do you think I'm sexy?' range you can mix and match the Red Delicious and Parfait item. Gorgeous frilled knickers made from 100% silk with four detachable suspender straps that can be attached beneath the frills.

Its fantastic to see this amazing style made right in my own backyard. So for all of you in Sydney (Paddington) drop in and check out their boutique.

XXX to you all

Burlesque Britain

As a lover of the vintage era lingerie it will be no surprise that I love Burlesque, so when reading the following information its clear why I had to help spread the word.

Below is from www.burlesquewomensinstitute.com

The BWI has been watching the development of the SEEL (Sexual Encounter Entertainment License) over the last several months with some trepidation and as it has now been thrust into the limelight by Camden Council, we now feel it is high time that we sprang into action and got our campaign under way.

The UK burlesque scene stands to be severly threatened by these impending changes which could herald the end of something we all love so much and for many of us is not only a way of life but our careers.

All we are looking for is an amendment to the bill that allows the removal of clothing as a performance as long as it does not result in nudity, and any establishments hosting an event with such parameters be exempt from the requirement to purchase a SEEL license.

The license has not yet reached the final steps to be passed through parliament but we need to highlight how a loop hole in the act could affect us, here are some of the ways in which you can get involved and support our campaign;

	Sign the online government petition [read more...]
	Print a copy of our paper petition for your club, event or night [read more...]
	Contact your local MP [read more...]
	Take part in our public demonstration [read more...]
	Come to our "Reverse Burlesque" night in Camden [read more...]
	Spread the word [read more...]

It's time to walk in the footsteps of our past,
the Luftwaffe didn't stop Mrs Henderson!,
so gird your stiff upper lip, join in the fighting spirit
and sign up to our campaign

Where can you go to support
"Revudeville" Fundraiser - 12th July 2009

We have been informed by our friends at Camden Council that any event involving stripping, nudity, has the word "Burlesque" in it's title or anything in the style of Dita Von Teese, will require a "Sexual Encounter Entertainment License" so we have decided to create our very own non burlesque revue in honour of Camden Council.

"Proud" Camden will be our hosts for a glittering evening where you will be delighted and dazzeled by a fine selection of performers from the UK cabaret scene, and some of the most beautiful displays of women getting dressed you wil have ever seen.

So come and join us for and evening of light hearted "Reverse Burlesque" which will stay strictly within the bounds of Camden Councils requirements.

Acts are still being confirmed but we can let you in on breaking news that our fabulous headling acts will be Jo King and Gwendoline Lamour!!!

from www.burlesquewomensinstitute.com