Secrets of the Starlets – Neo-Burlesque Beauty

nuts4chic - fashion

Lifestyle

Fashion

By Kate Pierce

As our daily lives get busier and become filled with the office, the gym and the tube, it’s no wonder that we crave a little escapism from time to time.

And what better way to do this than to journey back to a time when women were glamorous, confident and elegant, no matter what they had to do in a day. In the 50s housewives, burlesque performers, striptease artists, silver screen starlets and cabaret girls had one thing in common - they all loved to look and feel good. With the recent revival of burlesque, we’re seeing a lot of retro-inspired couture on the catwalks.

The current fascination with all things glitzy and glamorous is partly down to Dita Von Teese - the world famous fetish model, practitioner of the ‘new burlesque’, and a heroine for all aspiring vamps and vixens, and the men who worship them. Her book ‘The Art of the Teese’ is double-sided, with one side devoted to fetishism and the other celebrating burlesque - everything from the history and famous performers, to make-up and costume tips. The text is accompanied by tantalising and sumptuously decadent photographs that are guaranteed to seduce any reader - perfect for aspiring uber-vamps and tassel-twirling divas.

Isabella, 23, a fashion student from London, explains: 'Modern fashion is so structured and minimalist these days – we end up craving a softer look and clothes that flatter our womanly curves, rather than trying to hide them. That's why the clothes from the 40s and 50s are so popular, because they're all about embracing our femininity and celebrating our bodies – whatever shape they might be. When was the last time you saw clothes specifically designed for hourglass figures in a high-street store?'

With this look, the emphasis is on glamour and indulgence, and so fabrics and colour plays a key role. Starlets are tactile, sensual women who enjoy the feel of silk, satin, chiffon and fur on their skin. They add lace, feathers, sequins, diamantes, ruffles and bows to simple, classic pieces – adding an understated touch of glamour to whatever they pull out of the wardrobe. They select fabrics that stretch and fit neatly to their shape, emphasising their figure without being too tight or restrictive. There is certainly no denim in a burlesque beauty's wardrobe.

As for colour, anything overly bold or bright should be avoided – with the exception of the siren's signature colour, deep red. Black is good as a base colour, along with smoky greys and charcoals, and delicate polka dot prints. If red is too strong for your taste, stick to pastel shades like candy pink, baby blue, lemon yellow, mint green and cream. These colours look perfect in the form of pretty twin-sets, teamed with classic black pencil skirts, heels and a string of pearls for 50s housewife chic.

Every item in an aspiring starlet’s wardrobe is designed to fit, flatter and flaunt her figure - so you can throw out, or at least hide, those baggy t-shirts, shapeless jumpers and old jeans. Highlight your waist with a wide or skinny belts, depending on your preference, and - if you dare - invest in a corset for killer curves and a cleavage to die for. For during the day, opt for slinky fitted trousers, pencil skirts, 50s swing skirts and pretty tops with tiny bow detail or edged with lace. Dresses are a key part of this look and luckily there is a style to suit every shape - from baby dolls and empire lines, to red carpet strapless gowns and wiggle dresses. For some inspiration, check out the Danger Dame online boutique and its stunning collection of retro style and film noir chic - a haven for wannabe vixens! (www.dangerdame.com)

With this look being so closely linked to the art of striptease, the key is to add accessories to layer an outfit – the complete opposite of the minimalist, heavily tailored looks we've seen lately. Gloves, hats, fascinators (hairpieces), wide belts and seamed stockings add an element of theatre to every outfit. For a really dramatic look, go for feathers, fans, ruffles and bows, sequins and rhinestones. Shoes should, of course, be heels – as high as you can comfortably walk in – and should be round-toed or peep-toed. Patent stilettos are a sure way to stop traffic but pretty pumps with bows or leopard-print flats are just as good if you've got a lot of walking to do.

The burly-Q queens and striptease artistes relied on their natural beauty to captivate their audiences, so heavy foundation and fake tan are out of the question. Go for a light foundation with a subtle blusher to highlight your cheekbones and a glossy, deep red lipstick for the ultimate pin-up girl pout. For the eyes, go with long dark lashes and black eyeliner – as much or as little as you dare. Hair should be immaculately styled – ideally pinned back with a jewelled or feathered clip, or falling in soft waves around the shoulders.

Every starlet knows that while the clothes and shoes are important, it's what's underneath that really matters. Yes, we're talking about underwear. If your hosiery and lingerie make you feel good, you will walk taller, smile more and sparkle everywhere you go. Sheer hold-ups or seamed Cuban-healed stockings are essential, and bras should be underwired and structured – with a little padding if you need to make a little look a lot. Go for rich colours, luxuriant fabrics and pretty patterns – polka dot for girly chic or leopard print to satisfy your inner sex kitten. For your burlesque bottom, go to Agent Provocateur for flimsy, flirty panties or Damaris for uber-femme knickers with extravagant satin bows – guaranteed to make you feel like the belle of the boudoir.

Whatever you choose to wear, remember that the most important part of the look comes from within. Starlets are confident, bold and sensual - but not overtly sexual - and they walk tall, with a slight sway in their hips and their heads held high. Embracing our forgotten femininity and inner glamour can add magic to mundane tasks, so why not transform your wardrobe and become a sexy, smouldering siren this winter.

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