LA LA LASHES

I love fake lashes. The bigger, the better. In general I only wear them for shows or photoshoots since I get pretty much of my own lashes with a good mascara as well, but sometimes I might wear them in every day us as well, just for the fun of it.

Here are some of my best lash-tips for you:

* I've noticed alot of "how-to's" out there on the web when it coems to applying the lashes. My best tip for applying is the same old mantra that I've mentioned with so many other things : practice makes master. There's no other way.

* Be sure to choose a good, professional glue. All of us Itty Bitties use Duo.

* When you shop for lashes alwyas take one size bigger, fuller and longer than you first intended to. They still look pretty different on you than in their box. And what's the use of wearing false lashes if you don't look like straight out of a make up ad? In my opinion at least.

* You can modify the lashes a bit yourself; a lot of lashes are very long but rahter thin, for stage use I'm after a few thick long "cartoon-like" ones that will show from a far; I used a bit of water and glue to stick the lashes together to achieve the effect. Make Up Store has a couple of lashes ("Circus Holiday")with the right look that doesn't need modification.

* The thinner the lining of the lashes the better. Some may look nice with a linig of rhinestones or glitters but it will make them harder to glue on correctly. The ones with the lashes attached to a thin, almsot unnoticeable silicone strip are the best. You can always add a line of glitter or diamonds yourself later (you can buy those on pre-glued strips).

* Some recommend to put mascara on your lashes before applying the fake ones or to put eyeliner on afterwards. I say never! Do all other make up first. I put mascara on last, only a little, to make the fake ones stick to my own better. Sometimes I might have to fill in a bit more on the eye-liner afterwards.

* I never put the glue directly on the lashes, but on a small piece of paper and then, with the help of a pair of tweezers or a cotton pin, attach it onto the lashes. I use the tweezers for application help too. When applying I first check that it fits my outer corner correctly, but I press the lashes down in the middle first, then the corners. I glue them on my own lashes, right on the root, not on my skin. If there has to be more glue added to the edges put som on the tweezers and carefully add some. After a few second I press the lashes a bit upwards, then add mascara.

* As you may know you should cut the lashes to the lenght of your eye. My eyes are pretty wide so I seldom have to, but alwyas chekc the lenght before you start. You can use the small bits of the lashes cut off for a star-like effect; glue them "up sie down" in the outer corner of your eyer, under you underlahses. Seal with mascara.

* You can use the same lashes many times, but you have to clean them in between use. Carefully rip off the dried glue with a pair of tweezers. Afterwards I press the lashes against a make up removal pad and gently wipe them clean, after which I press them onto a tissue. Let them dry for a whole and place them in their box to keep their shape.

* It's fun to play around. Now for our Zombie Halloween show I'm going to wear huge lahes under my eye for a holed-eye effect, that will still make me look good.

CHERRY IN RED AND BLACK

Photo by Risto Kantola

This is me in dark locks and wearing part of what became of the sequinned fabric. In other words, just before getting up on stage last Saturday to premier my new number.

(I can let you in on so much as what starts out in black ends in blonde and there's a whole lot of glitter and shaking fringes in between but the rest you'll just have to catch yourself. *wink wink* Club Wanted X is coming up and so is our jazzy night at Storyville, more on those later.)

EDIT : You can see some pics of our (as wells as Burlesque Polaire's and Sugar Kane's) last week's show here.

CANDY SUNDAY

I have a bag I refer to as my ice cream bag. It's the colour. It makes me think of ice cream. So does my pink cardigan.

So dressed like this I felt like a bowl of ice cream (vanilla, strawberry licorice sauce. And some pistachio ice cream too, underneath. Not that I really like licorice sauce on ice cream. But anyway). Or Fazer's French pastilles in my grandmothers porcelain jar from when I was a kid, since as you know I like to dress like candy from time to time. And what a candy Sunday I had!

First I went to an elderly relative of mine who was wealthy and into fashion in the 50's and 60's and collected hers and her aunts old clothing she wanted to get rid of. Stuff you'd kill me to get your hands on I tell you - a 30's long evening gown in velvet, an amazing 50's satin brocade cocktail dress, a promenade suit with the perfect fit in mint condition plus some more dresses and skirts. (Yes I will twist the knife even deeper and add some photos eventually.)

Afterwards I met up with one of my sisters and my parents for a late birthday celebration; we had some cakes and pies and you name it at a café in a 18th century villa in a park just outside of town. Nice.

To top it all off I had marzipan and champagne for dinner.
As I said, candy Sunday.

(For those who wonder; the skirt is thrifted, the cardigan from Gina and the bag from one of the shoe shops in Kamppi.)

WINTER TIME

Did you all remember to turn your watches one hour back?
(After years of being watchless I now have one I could turn the time back on - one that will surely not help me to be on time but that will let me know how much I'm late and make me look more sophisticated to check the time from rather than my mobile phone; a watch necklace.)

Anyway. I would appreciate this one extra hour a lot more if it came on a Monday morning, instead of Sunday morning. Sundays are easy anyway. This one especially. But more on that later.

LIFE IS SHORT AND FULL OF STUFF

(That's me quoting the wisdom of my friend and burlesque gal Jackie O's new superb tattoo).

But yeah life is full of stuff and here's what's up for the moment :

* I received some of the stuff I've ordered lately. Stuff makes me very happy in many ways. (Not all ways possible, but many.) Ordering online makes me guilty and excited at the same time and picking up the stuff makes me ridiculously happy; it brightens up rainy days or hectic on-the-verge-of-a-burnout periods.


* Yours truly gave her harbor boys a laugh some time ago by answering the question of "what to do when you're underdressed" (my first answer being that I, of course, never am underdressed for any occasion...) by phone to a reporter, while wearing yellow safety clothing, heavy boots, trailer grease from the knees up and dirt from the knees down, loading a ship. The related photoshoot was fun and taken some weeks earlier. (I look like I'm about to eat you and anyone else opening the mag at that spread).


* This sea of sequins, pearls and satin ribbon will turn into yet another burlesque outfit of mine which will premiere on Saturday. Fanicest fabric I've ever bought (I better do that number a lot now). That and a whole lot more can be seen at the L-World party at DTM. (And yes I know, most of you don't live around here and won't make it but I'm going to wear this outfit-to -be on a photoshoot coming up soon so this time there will be pics!)

VAUDEVILLE BOUTIQUE

I'm proud of my friends - my fellow burlesque performers Mimi de FrouFrou, Lafayette Lestrange and Olivia Rouge have opened a shop for all burlesque and retro lovers in their home town of Tampere!




Vaudeville Boutique is a beautiful shop full of pretty, kitschy and delicious things from labels such as Stop Staring, What Katie Did and Kiss Me Deadly - not to forget a bunch of Finnish designers and friends as well; hats and fascinators from Fiona Timantti, accessories from Molla Mills, clothing from Mirkka Metsola and Olivia Rouge herself, plus many more. Olivia also has her small studio upstairs where she can sew you custom clothing.

The store is located just by the train station on Rautatienkatu 26 so if you visit Tampere you'll find it hard to miss. If you are a local I take it you've been to the store already, right?

For all of you everywhere elsewhere than around here the online shop is begin constructed.

This is surely the largest dressing room in Tampere! It actually is a room.

I payed the store a late night visit before a show of ours over there and got myself a hair clip from Olivia Rouge, which I attached to my angora beret instead of my hair. (Because you can do that too you know :)

(Ps. Mimi will be our guest star on Club Wanted in Novemeber!)

A SHIRT IS A SHIRT IS A SHIRT. OR?

(Yes, I am shamelessly using my cats for more interesting pictures.)

I have been asked to do an honest review on a shirt from Littlewoods. (I hadn't heard of Littlewoods before but maybe it's a familiar name for you if you' re from the UK or so?). The Love Label check shirt.

So why not; one can never have too many shirts. A basic cotton shirt is always useful and versatile since easy to wear in different ways. At first I wasn't really sure about how one reviews a shirt though; it's either a good shirt or then it's not.

Well this turned out to be a good one - I was positively surprised when I received it since I, to be honest, think it looks rather boring on the site. It has kind of a western vibe that you can accent by wearing a jeans skirt or a fuller skirt and "hide" by wearing a pencil skirt or high waisted wide trousers, like me. I am between sizes and tend to order the bigger one to be on the safe side just to find out that I am in fact not in between sizes but exactly the smaller one, and so it was in this case too. But a shirt doesn't really have to be skin tight, it looks nice with a bit of puffiness.
Thumbs up!

DRESSMANIA

Oh my. I just can't stop drooling over pretty dresses I spot online! Clothing porn. I am a total dress addict and for the moment there are quite many notifications from the post office about parcels to picked up that I'm waiting to receive (oh yeah!). And just as I've decided not to allow myself to order anything for a while I stumble across this beauty. Oh! What a shame to leave it all alone out there on the internet and not on me instead...
(Bettie Page clothing / ModCloth.com)

Ps. You've asked to see the results of what I've been sewing on in the previous post. They are stage outfits so I most likely won't be presenting them here, you'll just have to pop by at Club Wanted tonight for a peak then!

TULLE, LACE, CATS AND PEARL RIBBON, STRESS AND SILK

I am once again in a very familiar state - the one where I wish the day had more hours and don't have time for everything. (Or when I wish I were a millionaire with a couple of assistants doing all boring chores for me and me not having to work with anything else than what I want to). I'm still quite proud over the fact that I have achieved a lot so far- a part from getting up at 05:40 every day this week to go to work, I've sewn (and sewn very well!) not only one but two very nice burlesque outfits for my shows and even finding the time for a little lindy hopping in between!

You can see the first outfit in a re-vamped number of mine in Tampere, where I'm heading on Thursday with Lola Manchego and Tinkerbell to perform at the Sweet Jeena & Her Sweethearts record release party! There will be a lot of dancing, americana, swing DJ's, chocolate sweet hearts and lovley ladies on stage. (Getting up before six in the morning and doing the two-hours drive to perform in the late evening is less nice however...)

The second outfit can be spotted at Club Wanted VIII on Saturday!

Next week I'm going to sleep a lot.

BLACKER / COVER UP

If you have a bad hair day, cover it.
If you have a bad makeup day, paint over it.
If you dont know what to wear, wear black, and wear a lot of it.

(If you happen to go to a circus-themed burlesque party the same night it makes it easier not to spare the eyeliner, drag a scarf out of the closet and go all gypsy fortune teller from a travelling circus sometimes long before you were born. If you're not, go for it anyway, think silent movie star in an exotic role. The one a of gipsy fortune teller in a circus perhaps.)



The scarf is from Tunisia, the hair flower from Rascal, the earrings a gift, the eyeliner thick and covers most of the eyelid.

SUNDAY SONG

Good for lying in bed, waiting to get up,not being in a hurry, Sunday morning.
This one.

WALKING AROUND IN STOCKHOLM

Last week we did our short trip to Stockholm. We did a whole lot of walking in nice autumn weather and visited a whole lot of nice vintage stores and cafés, thanks to you and your Stockholm tips. I saw a lot of pretty things but didn't actually buy anything myself becuase you know, you don't always have to.

Unique and Season Friendly Prom Dresses - Shop Online

You need to be in style to stand out from the crowd in your best attire for formal occasions. You will be glad at the thought of getting something amazing prom dresses without having to go from pillar to post in search for the alluring one for the new season. Going about in retail stores can end up in finding nothing unique for amazing proms. Curious prom shoppers who want to go for some thing trendy can get quality formal dresses and some exciting new designer collection of prom dresses and wedding dresses in online apparel and fashion websites. Andy Anand who is one of the renowned couture designers considers online shopping as the best alternative as it saves time and money. "Online apparel websites will never leave our esteemed shoppers deprived of trend setting styles. Cool and vibrant colors are in with other color choices and as usual heavy embellishments of bugle beads, seed beads and floral embellishment is on the rise and are very demanding", says Andy Anand.

Online websites have an assorted range of Prom dresses for the beautiful you with unique season friendly styles and designer outfits at reasonable prices plus the chance to win a few on Valentine's Day. Yes, you got me right!! Valentine's day is on its verge of being celebrated with full enthusiasm and online websites are already celebrating it by the great Valentine special offers for the explorers. Special offers for esteemed explorers, to win a gown every week simply by registering to the site.

There are dresses and outfits for proms that have a special price just for a day and can availed by a visit. Not just winning a dress on Valentine's Day, shopping is a delight at the online extravaganzas with least botheration that could not have been imagined otherwise and that too when proms are about to begin. The prices start from as low as $ 39 with new range dresses with halter tube tops, spaghetti straps, prom dresses having middle or side slits. The bestsellers also include prom dresses with contrasting combination with crisscross knots and attires bearing splendid styling and sophistication.

Fashion centric shoppers can visit websites for efficiently crafted new prom dresses, wedding dresses and other formal clothing. Probable buyers have to act fast if they don't want to miss out on the fresh lot and Valentine's day offers and the season friendly new designer range of prom dresses. What is best about online shopping is, that orders can be placed by at toll free numbers displayed online to get ready delivery and customers can avail the benefit of getting their orders delivered right at the doorsteps within 48 hours with 24 hours shipping. Just go online and get yourself, the extra-ordinary makeover that you have always dream of but couldn't have fulfilled earlier. It's now possible in just a click for the most amazing prom style for 2009.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Unique-and-Season-Friendly-Prom-Dresses---Shop-Online&id=1964259

From Prom Dresses to Bridesmaid Dresses - Please Style Yourself Pretty

Stay Simple yet Beautiful

Simplicity is the key to beauty. A face heavily caked with make-up or a dress that's neither here or there destroys all attempts at creating a lasting good impression. True, you won't have all eyes on you at the doorway but the longer people eye you throughout the dance or the wedding service, they'll notice more than just your prom dress or bridesmaid dress.

They'll see your good skin, engaging manners, and beautiful smile. They more they look at you the more you'll be beautiful for them. But if you had your face heavily made-up or wear one of those hideous bridesmaid dresses you'll lose it all. Remember, people will remember the fiasco for a long time. You can't endure the thought, right? So better wizen up when you shop for prom or bridesmaid dresses.

Your dress and makeup should be carefully planned out because these should complement each other. Your makeup should enhance your looks not alter your face to something your friends can't recognize. An expert makeup artist won't stand the thought of your highlighting both your eyes and your lips. Either you do your eyes extra fancy and downplay your lips, or the other way around - that's the way it should be.

Dress to Impress Not to Shock

Bridesmaid dresses or prom frocks come in various designs to fit a theme. Choose one to enhance your figure, not show more skin. You definitely can't dress "slutty" for the wedding or the prom! Yeah, the prom or the bridesmaid gig is a girl thing but that doesn't give you license to wear a two piece sequined bikini with a tulle skirt masquerading as a gown.

A young girl like you should be wearing a dress that enhances your youth and glamorizes your looks without demeaning your femininity. A princess dress or a svelte bare-backed gown that fits well can boost your chances for the most dances.

Heed your mom's good fashion sense and look up the tastefully designed prom or bridesmaid dresses. If it is a prom or a wedding, dress appropriately, those shocking togs can have their day. You cannot allow people to talk of your fashion disaster the whole year!

What to Do

Months before the prom or wedding, start scouting for the dresses. Start with online shops catering to prom and wedding dresses. You will find scores of designer labels for rent or for sale. The same online shop will carry accessories - jewelry and shoes - to complete your prom or bridesmaid look.

For your makeup, if there is a look you like on a young Hollywood star, take the picture to a makeup stylist for her to copy the look and if you have the money to spare, have your face made up to check if it is perfect. Before anything else though or the countdown to the special day, go on a diet and exercise to fit into those prom or bridesmaid dresses and be styled pretty for the big day.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?From-Prom-Dresses-to-Bridesmaid-Dresses-Please-Style-Yourself-Pretty&id=1768837

Wedding Favors For Winter Weddings

Looking for some unique winter wedding favor ideas that have individual charm and elegance? Those snowflake bottle stopper favors are everywhere now and every store in town seems to run out of them by November. The chrome snowflake bottle stoppers are undoubtedly elegant as well as multifaceted because they can be used for Christmas or after Christmas in January. However, to add more creativity and warmth to winter wedding favors there are several more charming ideas for winter themes and favors.

If you have a knack for sewing and arts and crafts, then this is a beautiful Christmas ornament wedding favor idea. Make heart shaped lace pillows with tiny roses hot glued to the top and a ribbon with your names and wedding date tied on. They make wonderful Christmas tree ornaments for a December wedding. Decorate a tree with these ornaments and have your wedding guests take one as they go home. Your wedding guests will have a special remembrance of your anniversary as they decorate their own Christmas trees every year with your winter ornament wedding favor.

Another great ornament wedding favor idea that can be a little more expensive is to have ceramic ornaments made with your names and wedding date painted on them. Hang the ornaments on a small pine tree that can be near the bridal table. Have the DJ announce that guest may pick their favors from this tree. Another sparkling ornament favor is the glass blown snowflake ornament wedding favors. You can add personalized ribbons to these winter ornaments to create an intimate detail to your favors and it is more inexpensive than engravings and paintings on the actual ornament. The glass blown snowflake ornament is elegant, yet inexpensive and it works for both December and January weddings. Snowflakes can work as wedding favors well into February, since it is so wintry. Place the glass blown snowflake ornament favors simply on each napkin at each place setting at the reception. They can also be placed in an organza bag and personalized with a personalized ribbon.

A nice edible winter wedding favor idea is truffle boxes. Each little truffle box can be wrapped like a Christmas present. It adds to the whole Christmas mood of the reception and your wedding guests will receive miniature Christmas presents as wedding favors. The truffle boxes can also be filled with other Christmas edibles, such as snowballs or fill it with a fun Christmas surprise. Another great winter wedding favors idea are English Crackers. They fit into any holiday season party and they can be filled with winter wedding favor trinkets, such as a snowflake ornament wedding favors and Jordan Almonds. If you don't want to do a lot of wrapping and you are not looking for a Christmas look but a winter themed wedding favor, then take white bon bon boxes and fill them with snowballs, Jordan Almonds, or a wintry mint truffle and embellish with a ribbon that coordinates with your winter wedding colors. The bon bon box winter wedding favor idea is simple to make, yet it shows that you put in the effort to hand make your winter wedding favors.

Other great favor ideas for the winter are winter snow globe favors. Snow globes are always a favorite with guests young and old. The new "Mr. & Mrs. Snowman" globes are so adorable you can't help but smile! Mini Snow globes would be a sensation at any winter wedding and can be found at Chic Wedding Favors. Winter snowflake guest soap favors are great as winter wedding favors or winter bridal shower favors that sparkle as an accent to your winter wonderland. If you are looking for personalized favors, there is a great line of winter hot cocoa mix, coffee, tea, and cocktail mixes. The little packets come in winter designs and can be personalized with names and wedding date. Winter Mint Tin Wedding Favors are also very nice and useful. The tin will be a lasting memory even after the kosher mints are gone.

Be creative and don't be afraid to bring out your craft talents for your winter wedding favors. Your winter wonderland wedding will come alive when you use creative winter wedding favor ideas to make your favors for your special guests. If you don't have time to make favors, then there are many creative and designer favors available that will charming and impress your guests.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Wedding-Favors-For-Winter-Weddings&id=2878481

Florida Keys Weddings

Weddings in Florida can be anything from a romantic ceremony on the beach to a lavish wedding at a private island resort. Florida is considered the sports fishing capital of the world. It is also famous for its perfect, aqua blue waters. This makes it an ideal location for a beach wedding. The Florida Keys is filled with exotic locations to tie the knot. They have some excellent resorts and waterfront venues.

Marathon Key, which is the largest island in the Florida Keys, is known for its serene beauty and tropical breezes. This can be a great place for many who wish to have a quiet and private wedding. This island is famous for its sunset weddings. Many people consider getting married in the Lower Florida Keys because it offers the perfect setting.

There are wedding coordinators, commonly known as wedding planners, who arrange many of these weddings. They make all the decisions and make sure the entire event runs smoothly. It is always recommended to have a wedding planner plan out the event. Individuals planning on a wedding can also hire photographers and video shooting professionals. They help people capture the special moments. Many restaurants and catering companies offer their services. Seafood is the specialty at Florida Keys weddings, but there should be caterers who can handle any sort of food requests to suit specific needs and desires.

Florida Keys guides provide you with complete information on weddings. It includes wedding gifts, justices of the peace, wedding shopping, florists, photographers, hotel and banquet packages and jewelry. These guides assist people in making their weddings a delightful experience.

There are online guides also available that can assist in arranging for a wedding chapel or wedding location, musicians, catering, flowers, photography, the wedding ring as well as take care of chores like marriage applications and licenses. This makes it convenient for people to sit back and enjoy the wedding. A wedding in Florida is a spectacular and romantic event.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Florida-Keys-Weddings&id=411176

Find the Best Wedding Decoration Supplies

Retail stores have sections devoted to all things wedding, from do-it-yourself invitations and favors to table decorations. But for the largest selection of themes and colors, all you have to do is shop the World Wide Web. The Internet has everything you need to decorate specifically for your wedding. Any item you need, cocktail napkins, mints, or matches can be imprinted with your names and wedding date.

If you want to see your decorations before purchasing a large quantity of them, some online retailers will send sample swatches of colors for fabric items or a small sample item. Check out a bridal expo, they usually come to larger cities a few times a year, so one may be near you.

Before you by every decoration you think you might need, find out what is included at the church, if they have their own decorations and especially your reception site. Some venues actually include centerpieces of silk flowers or candelabras in the price of the reception. Also determine a color scheme so you only get what you need and think about how it will look with the colors that are already in the room where your reception will be held.

For decorations that are really personal or unique try home goods stores or craft shows. Craft shows are a great opportunity to find artists with unique talents that you could showcase at your wedding, and might even be something that you can keep to decorate your home. Finally, think thematically, color, season, and personality. If your groom proposed to you somewhere special and you can bring some of that décor to your wedding, it would be a great, individualized touch.

Make a list of everything you need and the amount. You will probably have more pews to decorate than reception tables, so you want to be sure that you have enough of each decoration. If you are going to be making anything yourself, purchase a few extra supplies...just in case!

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Find-the-Best-Wedding-Decoration-Supplies!&id=2856568