Masquerade!

It's that time of year again...when colleagues, friends, neighbors, and often complete strangers ask that redundant, yet all-important question: "WhatteryagonnabeeferHalloweeeen?" Well, since you asked, I'll give my pat answer: "Idunno." Yet.

However, I did happen to take a recent excursion to one of my favorite emporiums, Display and Costume Supply, to see what kind of goodies are arriving daily in anticipation of their busiest time of year!

I was thrilled to see they'd begun restocking their boa supply. During the summer months I couldn't find a decent ostrich boa if my life depended on it! They must not have realized that glamorous gals like myself often require boas on a mere moment's notice! Sheesh.

While I was there, I picked up, as usual, a couple pairs of white nylon elbow-length gloves. Intended as bridal accessories, I've found that these dye so beautifully with plain ol' RIT that I've been grabbing up as many as I can in order to acquire my own collection of glamorous long gloves in every shade of the rainbow!

The pieces de resistance of the trip were these two gorgeous masks I found in the ever-expanding mask and wig section (be still my beating heart!!!) They were only $4.99 each, and yes, they are indeed made out of cheap plastic with an equally chintzy elastic band...but...I mean...look at 'em! Aren't they just outrageously awesome...and just a little bit creepy? They look innocent enough posed here with feathers and pre-Katrina Mardi Gras beads, but...look what happens when I model them! They really come to life, don't they??

Dear Jonne...

This brooch-and-earring parure, a glorious jumble of multi-colored beads, rhinestones, and filigree, were a hand-me-down from my dear departed ex-mother-in-law, June. She was a bona fide wacky chick who loved to dress up, drink up, smoke up, party down, and generally have as much fun as possible...no wonder I miss her!



As "the daughter she never had", she bestowed upon me an assortment of beautiful rhinestone pieces along with boxes of other amusing odds and ends...including this amazing, eclectic set. I don't believe I ever saw her wear this particular ensemble, but I'll say it's circa 1950...the brooch is unmarked, but the earring backs are stamped Jonne.



I was prompted to do a little research, since I'd never heard of Jonne before, and was oh! so pleasantly surprised to find some of the most delightful vintage bijoux that I've ever had the pleasure of discovering! So do yourselves a favor, loved ones, and pay this link a visit! Love, Gams
http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectJonne.html

Gamsterdam Part II

Het spijt me...(that's "I'm sorry" in Dutch) but I must confess that your Gams didn't make the cut (sob!) for the Amsterdam Burlesque Fest...but...het geeft niet...(that's "it doesn't matter" in Dutch) because I'm just as pleased as punch to discover that, among all the international performers that were chosen, the only performers from the good ol' US of A are all from good ol' Seattle! Not only that, but several have also been featured in my favorite documentary, A Wink and A Smile! Here are the chosen few...

Armitage Shanks ~ from Circus Contraption, who contributed to the soundtrack of Wink ~

Fuchsia Foxxx ~ The Hot Pink Bellydance Machine ~ an absolute vision in pink and featured in previous posts ~

Inga Ingenue ~ The Little Blonde Bomb ~ also featured in my Princess Pink Dress post as well as in Wink, doing her famous, balloon-popping poodle act ~

Sydni Deveraux ~ known as Miss Yum Yum Give Me Some and/or The Golden Glamazon

Tamara The Trapeze Lady ~ Seattle's premiere burlesque trapeze artist...also a featured performer in Wink ~

So! I guess we can safely call Seattle the burlesque capital of Amerika (that's "America" in Dutch)

Heavenly!

Historically speaking, nothing...but nothing...has so successfully captured the imagination, or surpassed the allure, of a gorgeous pair of gams!! Case in point, this deee-lightful ad from the 30's! This is powerful advertising, friends, because now...seventy years later...it's thoroughly inspired me to run out and purchase dozens upon dozens of stockings...who's with me??



By the way, this video courtesy of glamourdaze...my newest
youtube obsession!

Wacky Mackie

Ahh...wouldn't it be wonderfully glamorous to someday be dressed head-to-toe by that Sultan of Sequins, that Rajah of Rhinestones, Bob Mackie?? I've been a fan of Bob's since my disco days...some may consider his creations more trashy than splashy, but you have to admit he knows a thing or two about over-the-top guh-lamour!! So...yes...I think it would be divine to be wrapped in a Mackie...but until then, I will happily settle for this unbelievably gorgeous "Papillon" scarf of his design, snatched from good ol' Good Willie's, 'natch. (Let's not tell Bob, but it was blue-tagged down from $1.99 to a mere 99 cents! Sshhhh!) Willya getaloada those kuh-razy eye-popping colors?? This baby is a whopping 36" square...big enough to constitute a piece of clothing...so...hey! I guess I really can have my bod wrapped in a Mackie...a butterfly cocoon, no less! How utterly thrift-o-gasmic!

Mardi Tube

Bonjour, mon choux!! C'est mardi! C'est Bardot! C'est Moreau! C'est burlesque! Viva Maria! C'est magnifique!

Copper Capers

This gleamingly glamorous copper choker is another one of the treasures I found in good ol' mom's jewelry box...I can't quite date it, and it's not marked anywhere, but I'm guessing it's probably 1940's...look at that classy little bauble at the end of the catch chain! Anyway, this snazzy bit of bijoux will be just the thing with the new glamorous gown I'm making! I couldn't resist doing another off-the-shoulder number...in fact, that may just become a signature item with the Gams...whaddaya think, tiddlywink? So, because I love you, I wanted you to get a gander at the glammy fabric and...ohmygawd! see how great it's gonna look with that coppery choker?? I'm getting all choked up just thinking about it! xo