The Pasties And Pinups Burlesque Competition was held in Texas this year and drew an amazing crowd!

The Dirty Blonde kicked ass this round, wowing the audience with the blinding rhinestones, fluffy boa, and raunchy bump n’ grind of her “Pink Diamonds” routine!  Second place went to the incredible Ginger Snaps who rocked a sassy fan dance full of attitude!

The contest was put on by All American Pinups, and raised thousands for troops who are currently deployed and troops who have been wounded in action. A truly great cause.

And a big big thank you to all the wonderful event sponsors, including Lone Star Pinups, LoveSick Hairclips, Little Lily Designs, Retrospect Dry Goods, Darts Aloha Tattoo, and more!

Just take a look at this amazing prize package: a Luxe De Ville purse, photoshoot with Lone Star Pinups, leopard sunglasses, embellished hair flowers by the amazing LoveSick Hairclips, MAC red lipstick, eyelashes, fishnets, and more! I’m speechless!

Please “like” this Youtube video and send me to perform in New Orleans! (Just click this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfr7vF4ustM and hit “like”. It’s that simple!)

It’s official, folks! I’m a finalist in the Shake Our Souls Burlesque Competition!!!

What’s that, you ask? Why, that means that out of a field of hundreds of performers, my classic burlesque act has been selected as one of the final 3, and I’m so happy I could burst! Finalists have until the end of May to each get as many “likes” as they can for their videos. By the end of May, whoever’s Youtube video has the most “likes” wins a free trip to New Orleans and gets to perform there with Slow Burn Burlesque!!!

The competition is sponsored by the amazing new documentary “Save Our Souls“, a film about the kick-ass Slow Burn Burlesque troupe and the beat of burlesque in post-Katrina New Orleans. It takes us on a wild feather-and-glitter-filled romp through a city that has been “destroyed and rebuilt one pastie at a time”. Check it out! It’s truly an fun, intense, and beautiful movie.

The other two finalists are the amazing Lula Hoop-Garou of Dallas and Lady Jack of Chicago, and I feel so incredibly honored to be in their company! These are some seriously talented performers. So go to this YouTube site and like a video. Like 2 videos. Hell, like all 3 finalists if their videos all tickle your fancy. But one way or another, please get involved in this competition and help a lovely lady live her dream of performing in New Orleans!!!

And if you really want to lend a hand, here is a tweet you can send out and a short post you can put on Facebook. Thank you so much for voting and for spreading the word! It really means the world to me! *big hugs and kisses*

Please tweet this:

“Like” this tassel-twirling video and help a sassy burlesque performer! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfr7vF4ustM @_TheDirtyBlonde #burlesque @ThatBrlsqMovie

Please post this to Facebook:

I love this burlesque performer! Please GO TO HER YOUTUBE VIDEO, CLICK “LIKE” and help her win a trip to perform in New Orleans! Warning: Amazing tassel twirling ahead!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfr7vF4ustM

What’s a romper, you say?

In short, a skimpy curve-hugging playsuit. This adorable ultra-short item was introduced around 1900 as lingerie and became extremely popular in the 1950s as leisurewear.

Today there are two basic versions: day and night.  The cotton daytime styles make a perfect retro 50s outfit for summer days; while silk, satin, lace, and velvet styles invite slinky boudoir lounging.

Do your part to bring back an adorable and long-forgotten style! Just feast your eyes on some of these cuties. (Click photos for more info)

For day:

Sailor Romper by "Vintage Suits by Mary" in Navy

Fuscia Pink Romper by Lulus

Sweet Berry Romper. Available at Modcloth

Alabaster Inclinations White Romper from Lulus

Or night:

The Chelsea Romper by Zinke. Available at Faire Frou Frou

La Fee Verte Satin & Lace Romper. Available at Faire Frou Frou

La Fee Verte Ruffle Trim Romper. Available at FaireFrouFrou

The Maison Belle De Nuit panty.

Everyone loves a little cheek!

While stripping down during a burlesque reveal, we always strive for each piece of clothing (even our final skimpiest pieces) to be beautiful. Why start with an elegant sequined gown and elaborate feather-and-rhinestone-encrusted headpiece only to present yourself at the finale in a cheap boring thong from Electrique Boutique? (yawn)

Next time, try one of these beauties instead! All are available from Faire Frou Frou. Click on photos for more info.

The Damaris Dip Dab Classic Pink Bow Knicker

The Damaris Tutti Frutti Strip Knicker

"Kitty" Ouvert Knickers by Lascivious in Raspberry

Is this one innovative? Impressive? Spectacular?  Well, I’m not sure exactly how to classify it at all, but this act by Michelle L’Amour sure gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “cheeky performance”. It nearly had me rolling on the damn floor!

Just take a look:

Michelle L’amour performs “BUTTHOVEN’S 5TH SYMPHONY” from franky vivid on Vimeo.

Awesome!

The hot burlesque documentary Crazy Horse opens this Friday at The Angelika Theater!

Since its founding in Paris in 1951, the Crazy Horse has set the standard worldwide for elegant, elaborate, and breathtakingly beautiful strip tease. This new documentary by Frederick Wiseman takes us backstage for the first time, giving us a look at the countless hours of practice, choreography, and costuming spent behind the scenes to put on such a spectacular one-of-a-kind production!

This film is a must for burlesque performers looking to hone their craft! Watching consummate professionals like these strut their stuff on film will not fail to impress, and the jaw-dropping costume and lighting effects in this movie alone will leave you floored.

The Dallas premiere is certainly going to be a party! Snap up your tickets now from the Angelika box office!

Feel like being teased? Here’s a tantalizing trailer for the film:

I’ll see you there! (Friday, March 9th, The Angelika Theater at Mockingbird Station. Tickets on sale now!)

Oh God, the first show damn near killed me! Luckily, I had so many people helping and making it easier. The group of performers I had made an amazing show. The venue (1727 on the Levee) provided such a fantastic atmosphere.  And the flyer designer created amazing artwork! It was a rush. We sold out before the doors even opened! To have a sellout first production is such a great feeling. I also learned so much about what makes a great show for the performers, the audience and venue. I must have talked to over 200 people that night trying to get opinions!

The lovely Vivienne Vermuth.

What is unique about your productions? What makes them stand out from the crowd and continues to make them so popular show after show?

I really think about great themes and go from top to bottom to create a mood for each show. For example, my show on Feb 25th is a nod to vaudeville, specifically the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1913.  I have a bellydancer who performs with swords, a magician who is our emcee, a hoopteaser, some circus action, and even a vintage scarf dance! Its going to be an experience from the moment you walk in. I think my audience also see how much goes into each show and they delight in the escapism it provides.

The Showgirl Follies on Feb 25th. For the reasons stated above, but also because it’s at Sons of Hermann Hall, one of the most well-known historic venues in Dallas! I’m also excited about the Viva Dallas Burlesque show Technicolor Fairytales (which I hear also features a certain dirty blonde gal) because I’m debuting an idea I’ve had for over a year.

When you’re casting, what are you looking for in performers?

I look for happiness above all. I refuse to hire performers who looked bored onstage. I also look for backstage professionalism and thier desire to create a show and act that the audience will love. They have to have values in line with mine (as far as audience pleasing!).

As a producer, what advice would you give to performers who are applying for their first shows or just starting out in burlesque?

Go to shows!!! Patron shows and find the shows that you like best, and talk to the producers via email afyerwards (never at the show! We wont remember!) But definitely introduce yourself amd tell us you will send a followup email. If you dont know the show, style, or venue, then that may be a shock to you performing for the first time! Also, the producer will know you are serious about thier show and more likely to book you. Have videos that are easily found and accessible amd either a public facebook fanpage or website where pictures can be found.

What advice would you give producers who are just starting out and trying to build brand new burlesque communities in other cities? What are some pitfalls they should try to avoid? What are some great things they can do to help their local burlesque community grow and thrive?

They should also patron shows, and make sure they arent copying ideas straight out. As with any artistic medium, some general ideas may be used over and over, but they shouldn’t be a blatant copy. They should also develop relationships with other producers in the area and keep tabs as to avoid overlap. And most important, they should understand that producing is a labor of love of the art and the deep rooted desire to bring entertainment to the people. If these aren’t your goals, the audience will know and the feel of the show may suffer. And also realizing that not everyone has to produce! Sometimes helping others produce and create collaborative shows is just as great and benefits everyone.

I love reading burlesque411.com, and The Burlesque Handbook by Jo Weldon is amazing for performers and producers. I would also say ask local producers if you can help on thier teams, but be prepared for a crazy time!

Do you have a website? Where can people learn more about you?

I will soon be launching visforvermuth.com, with design by Lisa Loving and Koby Brown. And my makeup design site www.vivdoesmakeup.com is live!  Also follow my group on Facebook facebook.com/broadsandpantiesburlesque.

Thanks so much, Viv! Can’t wait to see what you think of next!

Latex Custom Couture Dress by Vex Clothing (VexClothing.com) - One-of-a-kind My Fair Lady ascot gown made entirely of latex!

Perfect for the burlesque stage or high concept themed photoshoot, these outfits are not for the timid, but they are attention-getting and fun!

Smooth and shiny and in bold high contrast colors, latex packs a punch for burlesque performances, especially if you’re portraying an animated character or enacting a super-kinky concept.

There are many gorgeous latex outfits out there, but here are a few creations that can really dazzle onstage. Far from the standard black dominatrix wear or simple nurse outfit, these couture latex costumes are true works of art! Click on any of the pics for order information and more about the designers. Have a look:

Star Wars Inspired Rubber Latex Catsuit by Shhh Couture (ShhhCoutureLatex.co.uk)

Super Mario Inspired 2 Piece Latex Cosplay Outfit (ShhhSoutureLatex.co.uk)

Snow White Evil Queen Inspired Costume by The Venus Prototype Latex Store on Etsy

Latex Marilyn Monroe 7 Year Itch Inspired Dress by Nimue's Latex (NimuesLatex.com)

Long Sleeve Latex Stewardess Costume (available at Zentai-Suit.info)

Latex Wonder Woman Costume by Nimue's Latex Fashions (NimuesLatex.com)

Latex Aeon Flux Inspired Costume by Shhh Couture (ShhhCoutureLatex.co.uk)

The Latex "Material Girl" Dress From Liberator. (Liberator.com)

So, which of these costumes is your favorite? Found an even sexier site for latex wear? Have an amazing latex costume you’ve used for a photo shoot or an act? Leave a comment and let us know…

The Lily Wiggle Dress from PandoraDeluxe.com. Available in a variety of assorted colors!

I’m sure latex is not your go-to fabric for everyday wear. These glossy ultra-form-fitting duds are a bit much for a casual lunch at the coffee shop down the street, but they’re a perfect choice for the stage, for photo shoots, or for that once a year totally-over-the-top party you’ve been invited to!

One thing’s for certain: wherever you go, a latex outfit is sure to get you noticed. This sleek plasticized material gives wearers an ultra-crisp, almost cartoonish appearance (Think Katy Perry or Wonder Woman).

There are a slew of online boutiques featuring latex pin-up inspired couture, and many of their fashions are miles away from the one-dimensional black latex dominatrix wear of years past.

On the contrary, these styles are candy-colored, ruffly, patterned, and altogether playful!  Here are a few favorites from ultra-hot designers Pandora Deluxe, Inner Sanctum, and Maggie Delena (click on the pictures for more info on these sexy clothing lines!):

The Marlene Dress from InnerSanctumOnline.com. Available in a variety of assorted colors!

Pinup Dress from MaggieDelena.com. Available in a variety of assorted colors!

Bella Frill Halter Dress from PandoraDeluxe.com. Available in a variety of assorted colors!

Lily Mini Dress from PandoraDeluxe.com. Available in a variety of assorted colors!

So, which style is your favorite? Is there another latex clothing company that features even hotter pin-up dresses? Have pics of yourself in some sexy latex? Please leave a comment and let us know…

Pinup styles are coming back with a vengeance. We’ve seen trendy wiggle dresses, pin curls, waist cinchers, and seamed stockings seep back into the mainstream and enjoy some much-deserved attention lately.

But some retro items are still sorely missed. And one of these is the adorable, cheeky, oh-so-cute bathing cap of the 1950s!

“Bathing cap?” you exclaim, with a puzzled look on your face. “Bathing cap?! Aren’t those just for grandmothers?“

The answer to that question is an emphatic no!

Not only do these items protect hair from harsh saltwater and chlorine (a must for those of us with high-maintenance artificial haircolors). But with one of these beauties, you’ll stand out from the crowd, look cute as a button, and sport real retro flair. Bathing caps (also called swim caps) used to grace the pages of Vogue. They were donned in movies by the singing  beauty Esther Williams and the iconically gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor.

If you’re lucky, you can snag a vintage cap from a resale shop; but they’re notoriously hard to locate.

Luckily, there are a few companies that have begun to manufacture caps once again. Here are a few of the top unforgettable styles:

And, for your viewing pleasure, here’s a lovely reel from the 50s about swim cap fashion. Some of them are absolutely stunning!

So, what do you think? Do you plan on sporting a swim cap this  Spring? Is this one fashion statement that’s too over the top for modern times? Which cap style is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know…