Guest Burlesque Contributor

This beautiful steel boned corset is crafted in a specially made floral jacquard cloth. Giving the wearer not only the hourglass figure but a truly unique corset. Introduced with summer in mind, the vibrant turquoise will make the wearer stand out at any event.

- 14 Steel Bones
- Steel Busk Front
- Modesty Panel
- Lace Up Back
- Lush Floral Jacquard Cloth
- Vibrant Turquoise Colour

- 100% Cotton Twill Lined
- MRP £80

Available now from stock at a special introduction price, in sizes 22" to 32".
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Suspender Clip Corset in Red & Black

£16.94

A beautiful, elegant corset in red floral tapestry creates a great moulin rouge look. Two suspender clips with black ribbon bows add more detail to the design.

This corset has the following features:

-12 bones
-Red/black floral tapestry satin
-Adjustable criss cross ribbon laced back
-14 1/2" in length
-Two matching suspender clips
-Modesty Panel

This corset has been introduced in response to customer requests and is not steel boned.

Sizing -
Small - 8/10
Medium - 10/12
Large - 12/14
Extra Large - 14/16
XX Large - 16/18
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Beige Steel Boned Corset With Ruffle Trim - £39.95

£24.95

A corset with something a little different is always appreciated and this corset is no exception. This corset has been designed to emphasis the waist reduction it gives. The front panels are made in a print cloth with the rest of the panels on the corset made from a plain cloth. This helps give the illusion of a very dramatic waist reduction and draws beholder's eye to this reduction. To compliment this there is a ribbon ruffle trim at both the top and bottom of the corset, which at the top also provides cleavage cover for the more modest wearer.

- 14 Steel Bones
- Steel Busk Front
- Modesty Panel
- Lace Up Back
- Delicate Beige & Gold Print
- Contrasted With Plain Satin Panel
- Ribbon Ruffle Trim
- 100% Cotton Twill Lined
- MRP £80
- Buy Now While Stocks Last

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Midnight Corset In Blue Satin With Diamonte Detail

£15.00

Diamonds are a girls best friend and a corset with diamonte on is a cherished possession.

The midnight corset also has a ruffle trim at the top and bottom of the corset, which as well as looking great preserves the wearer's modesty at the bust and hips.To finish off the look, this corset comes with a free g-string.

- Steel Busk Front
- Lace Up Back
- Free G String Included
- Electric Blue Satin
- Diamonte Detail
- Black, Electric Blue Or Red
- 12 Bones

This corset has been introduced in response to customer requests and is not steel boned.

Sizing -
Small - 8/10
Medium - 10/12
Large - 12/14
Extra Large - 14/16
XX Large - 16/18
find out more

Midnight Corset In Red Satin With Diamonte Detail

£15.00

Diamonds are a girls best friend and a corset with diamonte on is a cherished possession.

The midnight corset also has a ruffle trim at the top and bottom of the corset, which as well as looking great preserves the wearer's modesty at the bust and hips. To finish off the look, this corset comes with a free g-string.

- Steel Busk Front
- Lace Up Back
- Free G String Included
- Red Satin
- Diamonte Detail
- Black, Electric Blue Or Red
- 12 Bones

This corset has been introduced in response to customer requests and is not steel boned.

Sizing -
Small - 8/10
Medium - 10/12
Large - 12/14
Extra Large - 14/16
XX Large - 16/18
find out more

Camoflage Waist Cincher Corset

£45.00

Here by popular demand, the camoflage print waist cincher.

- 10 Steel Bones
- Steel Busk Front
- Modesty Panel
- Lace Up Back
- Camoflage Print
- 100% Cotton Twill Lined
- Branded Corset
- MRP £65

Available now from stock at a special introduction price, in sizes 22" to 32".
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Best Sellers

Beige Steel Boned Corset With Ruffle Trim - £39.95

£24.95

Black & Gold Chinese Dragon Brocade Corset

£59.95

This is a truly unique addition to our range. This corset is made from a Chinese dragon brocade in rich gold and lush black colours. It is the most luxurious way to achieve the much sought after hour glass figue.

- 14 Steel Bones
- Steel Busk Front
- Modesty Panel
- Lace Up Back
- Rich Gold & Black Brocade
- 100% Cotton Twill Lined
- MRP £85

Available now from stock at a special introduction price, in sizes 22" to 32".
find out more

Jacquard Floral Waist Cincher Corset In Turquoise

£50.00

The vibrant turquoise waist cincher is a great way to welcome the season. Made from a beautiful jacquard cloth, this waist cincher will give you the hourglass figure in style.

- 10 Steel Bones
- Steel Busk Front
- Modesty Panel
- Lace Up Back
- Lush Floral Jacquard Cloth
- Vibrant Turquoise Colour

- 100% Cotton Twill Lined
- Branded Corset
- MRP £65

Available now from stock at a special introduction price, in sizes 22" to 32".
find out more

Plus Size Pencil Skirts, Bolero's & Steel Bone Corsets

Finding The Perfect Costume - 9 September 2010
So, you've got your performer name and your head is spilling over with idea's...but there wouldn't be much of an act without a costume! It really depends on the type of act you are doing as to what style of costume you go for. For example, if you are doing a classic fan dance you may opt for just a rhinestoned bra, thong & pasties. If you are plotting a comedy routine then costumes are often themed and very varied.
What you wear isn't just about what looks great, but what works on stage. It is important to consider how you are going to get your costume off on stage i.e. do you need a corset with a zip? a skirt with velcro? tie-side pants? etc.. You want the striptease aspect of the act to be as smooth as possible, minimising any problems that might occur. A burlesque wardrobe often contains staple items that are easy and effective to remove on stage for example: stockings & gloves. I'm not saying every performer uses these items, or in fact that every performer should use them, but they are often utilised as you can really accentuate their removal and put in some snazzy moves while doing so! If you are going to be removing stockings, then you will also need to consider what shoes you're going to wear and how you will take them off. I would recommend shoes without fiddly buckles and straps as this will just complicate things and if you are nervous they will seem twice as fiddly!
This week I started a dressmaking course for beginners. I'm hoping that I can apply the skills I learn to help me create more of my costumes myself. At the moment I tend to customise costumes myself, however I generally get someone else to put my idea's into action when it comes to corsets and underwear from scratch. My favourite boutique to order costumes from is right here in Manchester and is called Kiku. It is run by the lovely Lynn and Sean who are both happy to go out of their way to help you get exactly what you're after. Lynn makes some of the items herself and is a very talented dressmaker so it is easy to discuss design idea's with her. Sadia Bashir is the behind the scene's dressmaker who creates most of the corsets and costumes. Last year she re-created 3 stunning outfits from Ray Caesar artworks that myself, Lola Pops and Daison Merriere modeled at the Ray Caesar art exhibition here in Manchester (see picture).
There are of course many costume designers out there, but if you are based in the North West and want face to face consultation on costumes, and a finished product you will be over the moon with then look no further than http://www.kikuboutique.co.uk/

Throw out those diet books and get baking!
We've all heard the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it" - well ladies, if you own a corset..then eat away!! A corset will hide a multitude of sins, including mass cake consumption! I am rather partial to cupcakes myself and love to bake the tasty, colourful little cups of joy! Unfortunately being wheat and dairy intolerant doesn't help matters but luckily for me recipes do exist for those of us who are challenged on the food front...phew!

There is something so very indulgent and glamorous about sparkly, colourful cupcakes. When you consider how cupcakes are wrapped up in their delicate casings and dressed with lashings of icing, sparkles, flowers and fruit etc... then it's no wonder that cupcakes and burlesque are the perfect match. Not only does every burly girl love to give into the temptation of the buttery, cakey goodness but some even create whole acts based upon their love of cake! From acts that involve emerging from a giant cake, climbing into a giant cake, eating cake, baking cakes and dressing up as cakes - you name it, the burlesque world has it! I mean, what could be more delicious - a gorgeous woman dressed from head to toe in glitter and glamour, confidently strutting the stage while indulging in one of life's little pleasures - a big slab of cake....perfect!

If you want to add a little extra glitz to your cakes then why not try edible glitter? You can purchase edible glitters from this website - http://www.edible-glitter.co.uk/. The tiny pots of glitter really do go a long way and could brighten up any dreary work place, sugar coat bad news or just bring a bit of added sparkle to your day! The website also sells other cupcake goodies including cases, other toppings and cake stands.

Photo Credit: Sherry Trifle

What a weekend!
Wow..what a weekend! I crammed as much burlesque busying as I possibly could into my 2 days of freedom!! To kick it all off I taught my first ever burlesque workshop on Saturday morning. Vintage Pamper Box run by Betty Bee and Lilly Von Pink is a fabulous girly pamper day where ladies get the chance to learn how to do 50's hair and makeup, learn some burlesque moves and end their day by taking part in a real pinup photoshoot . I was honoured to be asked to teach the burlesque workshop and I enjoyed every minute of it! The ladies all picked up the moves so fast, they were sliding their stockings off like they'd been doing it from day 1! I think we have some budding burlesque starlets there and it's wonderful to think I may have pointed them in the right direction. I'm pleased to say I will be teaching more workshops at future Vintage Pamper Boxes, for more information on the pamper days go to http://www.bettybeevintage.co.uk/pages/vintage-pamper-days.php

From teaching on the Wirral I hopped straight in my car and headed to Edinburgh to perform at Va Va Voom as part of the Edinburgh fringe. Well, it was my first trip to Edinburgh and it was love at first sight! What a gorgeous city - stunning architecture, quirky shops, mouth watering food...what more could you want?! It literally blew me away. I felt myself falling into another one of my daydreams where there is cabaret on every corner and glitter lining every street - but this time it was true! You name it, the Edinburgh Fringe has it! From well known comedians, to one woman shows, to musicals, to cosy pub stand-up, to big circus shows; the talent really is overwhelming and inspiring. One night really wasn't enough to make the most of the infamous arts festival and I wish I had had more time to take in the shows and sights. However, I am already plotting my return so watch this space!

The Festival Season is Here!
Yes, it's that time of year again - when we throw on our patterned wellies, spf 50 and drink cider in a field - you know what I'm talking about, the festival season is here! As a lady who likes the finer things in life this time of year always poses some difficulties for me...for example how do I keep my fringe neat and straight after 3 days of not washing my hair (or probably brushing it), how to balance practicality with style & glamour and how to look ladylike while covered in mud, wearing a 'pack a mac' and drinking wine from a bag..
I'm not suggesting that I wear corsets, false eyelashes and stiletto's to festivals (although wouldn't that be fabulous!) but I'm not the type of girl who could go prepared with just the 1 pair of knickers, the dress on my back and a dodgy festival hat. Oh no.

So here are 8 festival must haves for the glamorous festival go-er out there:

1) Babywipes & makeup remover wipes - essential for that daily shower!! All over body mud mask is not a good look!
2) Batiste - dry shampoo that will leave your hair smelling pretty and looking a good deal cleaner than it did previously
3) Perfume/body spray - you need something to mask the smell of portaloo
4) Faux fur coat! Mine is an old faithful that I bought from Primark about 6 years ago! But is perfect to add a little vintage chic to any festival outfit
5) A stylish pinup hat such as a sailor hat, army hat etc.. looks very cute and will also protect you from getting sunstroke which is a high risk when you're out in an open field drinking all day.
6) Cordless gas curlers or straighteners - tame that tent hair!
7) Sparkly sunglasses - Great for protecting yourself from the sun but they will also hide a multitude of sins!
8) A headscarf - Once your hair goes past the point of no return, this will make you look less greasy teenager and more extra from the film Grease.
9) Plastic wine glasses - so that you can eat your pot noodles and sip cider while pretending you're dining at the Ritz
10) Ear plugs - so that when you are all partied out you can get some beauty sleep ready to do it all again tomorrow!

Boost your confidence
Burlesque is a fantastic way to boost your confidence, meet new people and have some fun! For many burlesque is a hobby and a glamorous one at that! But for some it is much more, it is a business. Every business needs to promote itself and advertise to get work and burlesque is no exception. There are various tools for doing this, for example: social networking, websites, showreels, business cards, press releases and promotional pictures (this is a non-exhaustive list).

In many ways we are very lucky to be establishing ourselves in today's burlesque market as there is so much out there in the way of help. There are sites dedicated to burlesque, burlesque nights popping up all over the country, burlesque societies at university, a plethora of books and DVDs on the subject and of course social networking is at a high with more people connecting than ever before on websites such as Facebook. All of this makes it much easier to get our names out there in the burlesque community and beyond. However, although it is much easier to get our names out there to begin with, it is also much harder to make an impact as a performer and become established on the circuit. This is largely due to the high volumes of burlesque performers out there today, it seems that everyone is giving it a go! Which, don't get me wrong, I think is fantastic! However, it does mean working that little bit harder to remain individual and memorable to your audience. It also means that in the first stages of your performance career it is advisable to take on as many bookings as possible to build on your experience, and making the most of the promotional tools out there. There is no substitute for stage experience and it will teach you the most valuable lessons you will learn in burlesque. So my advice is, once you have your persona and you have 1 or 2 acts in your repertoire, get up on stage and give them a whirl! See what reactions you get and use this to build on your performance and find what sort of acts and costumes suit you best. It is also a good idea to get some good promotional pictures early on that you can use on business cards, press releases, social networking sites etc. to get your face and name out there. So what are you waiting for!

Image- Lola Pops by Katie Catfish

Variety is the spice of life
They say that variety is the spice of life and I would certainly agree. This week I've been a busy burly bee, performing at a variety of events around the North. On Thursday I shimmied the night away at 'Rock n Hula Burlesque & Boogie' in Liverpool, on Friday I titillated an audience at a 50th birthday party and on Saturday I lounged around the Lowry Hotel for a photoshoot with the very talented Juninho. I love weekends like this! I can daydream that I am a full-time glamour puss who spends my days relaxing in the sumptuous surroundings of exclusive hotels, and my nights doused in glitter and jewels bumping and grinding my way across the continents!

And then it's Monday again, and I find myself somewhat conservatively dressed at a desk typing away to the sound of silence. Yet at the back of my mind I am still day dreaming, still plotting routines and costumes and leaving the tell tale doodles of new costume ideas strewn across my desk!

So maybe I'm being a little over-dramatic..but what did you expect?! My day job isn't quite as mundane as I paint it, in fact this week to keep me entertained while I work I have been downloading the Ministry of Burlesque podcast 'Tassel Time.' It is an inspiring collection of interviews held by the Decadent Gent with some of burlesque's best known personalities of today. There are interviews with Missy Malone, Leyla Rose, Kitten DeVille, Dirty Martini and Immodesty Blaize, to name but a few. I have found them truly motivating and inspirational. I think they are a must for any budding burlesque performer who is about to embark on their own burlesque journey, or in fact anyone who is interested in making their way in the entertainment business as it really gives you a fantastic insight into the industry. You can download them now on itunes or from http://www.tasseltime.net/.

Photo: Missy Malone & Leyla Rose

Want to Become A Burlesque Performer - 9 July 2010
So, you've decided you want to become a burlesque performer? Great! First things first, it's time to create a persona. This is really important for any performer as it helps to shape the kind of acts you will create, how you brand yourself and of course the all important performer name. Questions to ask yourself are: Do you want to be a classical or a neo-burlesque/comical performer? Are you going to be a cheeky cheesecake cutey or a sassy screen siren? This is a great place to start. Of course, it doesn't mean that you can't do both classic and comical routines, but most performers will find that they lean one way or another. I think it helps to have this is in mind before coming up with your performer name. Your name isn't just a label, it's a brand and a promotional tool; you want to make it memorable and not too similar to others out there, so make sure you do your research.

I chose the name 'Fanny Divine' for a number of reasons. First off, my nan used to call me Fanny-ock when I was a little girl. Nans are great aren't they, but where they get these oh-so-flattering nicknames from we'll never know! However, the name grew on me and as a result kind of stuck through to my teenage years and even in my first work place. So when it came to choosing a performer name I knew it had to be Fanny, and I chose Divine to compliment it and add a little glamour and luxury. I love how my name makes people react - from giggles to gasps, it causes the kind of reaction I hoped my acts would have on the audience, and of course it's certainly a memorable name!

Now that you have your name sorted, it's time to begin brainstorming for act inspiration and costume ideas. So stay tuned for more hints and tips to kick start your burlesque career!

Fanny Devine An Introduction - 21 June 2010
As this is our first official meeting, I feel it is only polite for me to introduce myself! My name is Fanny Divine, although this wasn't what I was christened (that would have given the vicar a slight shock!) I've studied both Philosophy and Law at University and have a penchant for corsets and unaffordable lingerie. Past jobs include pink lady at Agent Provocateur and assistant at a sex shop. My current job? Burlesque performer/pin-up model/office worker...

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of a life of glitz and glamour (and no, I don't mean the page 3 kind). In my dreams I would be doused in diamonds, draped in silk gowns and never seen in public without a pair of satin gloves and a stunning millinery creation.

Now in my mid-twenties I still dream of that glamorous lifestyle, but have come to accept that my childlike views of glamour and beauty were to say the least, a little unrealistic!

As a burlesque performer, I am often asked whether my evenings are spent lounging around in maribou babydolls, sipping champagne and answering love letters. Of course, I always say yes! But any burlesque performer will know, that the pursuit of a glamorous lifestyle is far removed from that in the movies! Bruising from tight-laced corsets, chafing from tassels, glitter in places you didn't even know existed, fingers covered in cuts from sewing fringing onto underwear late into the night and glue gun burns... These are just some of the side-effects left out of the movies and books!

Of course, it's not all bruises and glue gun burns. As a burlesque performer I am privilege to an underground world of creativity and often eccentricity. I have performed alongside some truly talented individuals and have met some of the friendliest, nicest people along the way. On top of that, I love not knowing exactly what my weekends will bring. For the most part I find myself performing at various burlesque and cabaret events around the country, from relatively small & cosy shows to larger scale theatre productions and music festivals. On the other hand, every so often I can be seen standing scantily clad outside shops handing out flyers on a breezy day, or perhaps as a Bettie Page walkabout, inappropriately attired at a family event! What ever the burlesque world throws my way I enjoy every minute of it as I know that when I'm sat at my desk on a Monday morning ready for another mundane week in the office, I can smile a cheeky knowing smile – the guy sitting next to me doesn't have a clue what I did on my weekend!