Farewell: Bettie Paige

Today is a gloomy, gloomy day.

The absolute Queen of Pin-ups, the Godmother of Cheesecake Modeling, the short-bang trendsetting and asfixiating beauty Bettie Paige is no longer alive.

She died this morning at a Los Angeles Hospital following a heart attack. She was 85 years old.

If I deeply mourned the loss of Cyd Charisse and Dorian Leigh earlier this year, my heart is aching and grieving the death of Bettie Page. Here are eight reasons why:

1. She is the first woman I researched when testing my own sensuality and sexuality. And I am sure she is the first woman modern day rockabilly girls and pinup followers look up to, when making the transition from cute to catty, from gloss to red lipstick, from flat hair to raven bangs, from sitting on a chair to posing on a chair and from experimenting soft porn to taking a liking for bondage.

2. She is one of the few people in her line of work who is able to disappear for nearly 30 years only to return as a cult classic, an inspiration to a much younger generation and a money-making genius. You see, in 1957, in the height of her career when most garages and male-oriented workplaces had a poster of Bettie hanging on a wall, she disappeared. She apparently suffered mental conditions, got married and divorced three times, lost all of her money and suddenly recovered from everything after becoming a born-again Christian.

3. Fact: She inspired the director of my all-time favorite Action movie to create the female protagonist with a Bettie Page look: Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction.

4. Fact: She was photographed more times than Marilyn Monroe and Cindy Crawford, combined.

5. She and I share a high school memory: We were both voted "Most Likely To Succeed".

6. She was actually named in a scandalous investigation regarding elected officials involved with pornography.

7. She made some of her most popular and skimpy costumes and bikinis featured in pictures that have circled the world.

8. She was known to offer quotable quotes during interviews and conversations, including some of my favorites --

* "Being in the nude isn`t a disgrace unless you`re being promiscuous about it. After all, when God created Adam and Eve, they were stark naked. And in the Garden of Eden, God was probably naked as a jaybird too!"

* "I never kept up with the fashions. I believed in wearing what I thought looked good on me."

* "I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer. I wasn`t trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time. I didn`t think of myself as liberated, and I don`t believe that I did anything important. I was just myself. I didn`t know any other way to be, or any other way to live."

* "I never was the girl next door."

Rest in Peace, Bettie Page...

Cupcake Cravings

My deep and heartfelt apologies for being absent from this blog so long. I just got busy with several domestic matters here in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where the Burlesque Show at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino is irresistibly feathery, glittery, sparkly, sassy, sexy and fabulous, with a classic 1920's feel!

But as I return to the provocative pages of my recently abandoned blog, I decided there would be no better topic to discuss than--- cupcakes.

I recently learned about a new lingerie designer whose pieces are both delectable for the kitchen as they are extra sweet for the bedroom.

Her name is Emma Amies and she's the founder, designer and CEO of Cupcake Lingerie. She's from England and she's still in Fashion School -- but if her preliminary designs are this ruffly and the lingerie prints this girlie and flirty, then we have a winner! (Check out some of her designs pictured above). The best thing about Ms. Amies is that she uses only environmentally-friendly materials for her work!

Perhaps, we should buy a few lingerie sets and call our sexy photographer Jenni Lee Cupcakes (who is launching her own porn site) very soon. We (or you) should commission Jenni Lee Cupcakes (http://www.jlcupcakes.com/) to photograph us in cupcake lingerie, while eating a Cherry and cream cupcake baked in my very own kitchen while wearing the cutest, pink and black, lacy, high heel platform shoes featured in one of my favorite online shoe stores (http://www.pussycatshoes.com/) and also featured above.

Finally, to end the night on a cup-cakeish note, make sure to stock up on my favorite set of lip glosses all shaped like perfect little cupcakes of different flavors and lids, and sold at Urban Outfitters and all over the Internet (see them above) and once you pull out the cupcakes from the oven, in your pink and black heels, wearing cupcake lingerie and cupcake lip gloss, make sure our friend Jenni Lee Cupcakes is set in place so that when the door bell rings and your husband walks in with a long day's worth of lusty thoughts about you, she starts clicking her camera away as you and your lover make your way to the bedroom, cupcake tray in hand...

Mmmm...Creme Brulee Martini

If ever a fetish existed for a lady who already enjoys plenty of luxurious and sexy oddities, it has finally been discovered. On a recent night out in the town, near the beach, by the airport, my hottie and I decided to walk into a bar called the Sports Harbor (in Marina Del Rey). The bar is very nautical and woodsy --wooden pool tables, jukeboxes, tall wooden chairs a muggy carpet, old TV's, older folks: a genuine pirate ambiance. And as I sat down, listening to a delicious Lenny Kravitz classic and wondering what to order from the seemingly Whiskey-only options, the bartender glanced at me and said: "I know what you'll like". Ooooh, I thought.

So he conjured a few different liqueurs and pulled out a perfectly crisp and delicately fragile martini glass from that rugged, splinter-prone, dollar-bill bearing bar. He then poured the contents of the mix into the martini glass, whose rim had been coated with powdered sugar. I received it from him, took a sip...and Stupéfier! A brand new fetish in my life: The Creme Brulee Martini. If the little French dessert pleases you, then the drink is sure to provide orgasmic reactions of sorts. It's sweet on the lips, warm on the tongue and soft on the throat. It's absolutely heavenly and everything about it, gustable.

Try it at home:

Ingredients
1 ounce stoli vanilla vodka, chilled
1 ounce Kahlua
3 ounces half-and-half

Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake vigorously.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass; garnish with a light sprinkle of sweetened cocoa powder.

Enjoy! Oh and don't forget to be next to the cutest guy in your life when you're done drinking your martini. He'll enjoy that.

Project Runway

Dreamy Dames!, there's no need to wait for the next episode of Project Runway 5 before we decide who's our favorite designer.

The most girly and bunny-esque designer is undoubtedly our adorable Kelli Martin (pictured above). She is creative and cool, she's fun and flirty. She loves details as much as we do and she's often inspired by Betsey Johnson and Thierry Mugler... wow, SWANKY! She went to fashion school in L.A. but applied her knowledge in her native Portland, Oregon where she has designed guitars, clothing and even opened her own shop called Black Market, a boutique that carries everything from Japanese frilly dresses to Gothic nylons for a mysterious and seductive night. We wish Kelli the sweetest of luck and believe in her abilities to create the most vintage inspired, jaunty burlesque and modish pin-up dresses a network fashion show has ever seen... just observe her grocery store creation where she used bleached vacuum bags that created a green, marbleized skirt, thumbtacks that took care of the waistline, coffee filters as the chest decor and not shown is the notebook spiral that closed the back of the dress and other perky details.

Good Luck Ms. Kelli Chic. We enjoy your Oeuvre d'art!

Farewell: Dorian Leigh

Once the photo shoot was over, this picture became one of Dorian Leigh's most popular images. There she was: a slender Texas girl in New York with a light complexion and short hair.
But as she stood in front of the camera -- what the lens captured was unequivocal -- a statuesque dame with uncanny elegance, a mystical gentlewoman with striking blue eyes and a demoiselle who simply helped shape the Golden Age of Haute Couture, attractively.
Unfortunately, for the world, Ms Dorian Leigh is no longer alive. She passed away at a Virginia nursing home at the age of 91 on Monday, July 7.
We adore Dorian because in the middle of her fame and excessive salary ($300,000 was way much for a model in the 1940's), she wanted to help her sister, Suzy Parker, rise to fame as well. So she helped catapult Suzy's career and the joy she expressed when her little sister landed her first major contract, was also shared when Suzy overshadowed her own career and became the highest paid model for Coco Chanel and eventually far, far more popular that Dorian.
But regardless of Suzy's fame, Dorian was on the cover of some of the world's most important fashion and beauty magazines and served as a muse for many of the photographers and artists of the time. Then she became an icon for Revlon cosmetics.
Described as a woman with "intoxicating sensuality" and "sexy without saying a word", she had five failed marriages and numerous lovers...but best of all, she spoke openly and candidly about her affairs, without the fear of societal critique.
She lived a long, happy life, opened up her own modeling agency in Paris and raised five children.
Rest in peace, Ms. Dorian Leigh. In your honor, we will make it a point to buy more Revlon Make-Up.

Timeless Vixens: Be glad!

By the looks of bashful Betsy (pictured in black lingerie above) she has no idea which dress she'll be wearing to the Opera tonight. And our beloved Bridgette has arrived to the pageant without her swanky cocktail dress for the post-show soiree...

Oh no! What is a woman to do when her closet is full of fashionable fabrics and gorgeous garments but nothing seems convincing?

The answer is simple -- shop some more! But not just anywhere.

I have discovered a truly enjoyable shopping experience: a website that sells real vintage dresses from pre-1930's to the 70's. The featured pieces are so, very exquisite and intricately perfect.

As it turns out, the dealer not only sells her collection online, she posts new arrivals weekly and when asked (quite frequently, I imagine) she travels to people's homes for private sale appointments.

There are very many things I want to purchase from this website, including the mod hourglass black dress (pictured above), which sells for $370.00 or the Lilac Ruffle Chifon dress with the pink bows that is guaranteed to cause sensation anywhere. Unfortunately for us, the dress has been sold (sigh). The lucky Chanteuse purchased it for $380.00.

But be chipper - there are a multitude of great finds like a dress with sequined sparrows, a 1950's pair of blue suede spike heels, Andy Warhol inspired short dresses, Victorian beaded and metal mesh purses -- and my very favorite (besides the Couture Mariano Fortuny green silk gown): a 1960's Pauline Trigere Tweed Coat.

Check out the website ... and happy shopping!

www.timelessvixen.com

Anniversary Adventures

If you're married, you surely know life can be full of surprises: your partner doesn't care about wiping the sink after washing dishes or matching socks once they're out of the dryer or letting you have some more beauty sleep before asking for intimate pleasures. He hates to eat the same meal twice and will only eat home-made cake if the frosting is made from scratch.

Mmmmm.

Today is my one year wedding anniversary and although my sexy spouse is still sleeping (and probably dreaming about guns and beer), he's made me a very lucky woman thus far: he lets me go out with my girlfriends for martinis and music, he writes me love notes when I'm at work, he kindly donated our bedroom's walk-in closet just for me, he makes my breakfast and lunch before I go to work, he never falls asleep without showering first, he supports my love for burlesque, pinups and boudoir without seeming too interested and he protects me like a kitten but loves me like a lion.

So today, I plan on giving him a paper gift (specifically, a poster of one of his favorite movie characters), since that's what tradition indicates I should do.

And for all you ladies who want to know what gift to give your hubbies on the different anniversary years, here's the list:

1st - Paper

2nd - Cotton

3rd - Leather

4th - Fruit/Flowers

5th - Wood

6th - Candy

7th - Copper

8th - Bronze

9th - Pottery

10th - Aluminum

11th - Steel

12th - Silk

13th - Lace

14th - Ivory

15th - Crystal

20th - China

25th - Silver

30th - Pearl

35th - Coral

40th - Ruby

45th - Sapphire

50th - Gold

55th - Emerald

75th and beyond - Diamond

Have a happy day and remember: "All really great lovers are articulate, and verbal seduction is the surest road to actual seduction." Marya Mannes

Tribute to the Queen of All Berries

The Classic Strawberry Shortcake is the Queen of all things berry. Sweet, funny and cute -- she continues to inspire fashionistas of both genders and reminds us that her famous phrase, "Life is Delicious" continues to reign.

Strawberry Shortcake was originally created to grace the cover of children's greeting cards back in 1977 but a clever top executive for American Greetings, simply thought she was way too lovable to not present her to the world in bigger ways.

I personally have dedicated a corner of my room as a tribute to this fruity lifelong friend... I own a clock, an original record with her music from the cartoon, a watch, dolls and several other trinkets... and I continue collecting! (Good thing my husband doesn't mind half of the room being pink and girlie!)

Although cherries have become the most sought fruit in terms of jewelry and fashion for most pinup and rockabilly girls -- I kindly suggest we bring back the strawberry craze and here's why:

1. One cup of strawberries is only 45 calories and is an excellent source of Vitamin C and flavonoids.

2. Strawberry fruit juice can help discolored teeth.

3. Strawberry recipes can be fun, gourmet and eclectic like my favorite: Strawberry Shortcake (the dessert) with Grand Marnier Strawberry Compote and Chantilly Cream (my favorite New York City dessert), Strawberry Panachee, Strawberry Pistachio Mille-Feuillantines (a wafer delicacy) and even strawberry salsa!

3. This is a fact: the one and only classic Strawberry Shortcake character helped inspire fashion designer Roberto Cavalli (see runway models above, specifically the one on the right).

4. She also helped inspire the design of this most chic bathing suit (pictured above and sold at: www.delias.com )

5. Her group of friends include the likes of her pink cat, Custard, as well as Raspberry Tart, Huckleberry Pie, Apple Dumplin', Pie Pudding, Apricot, Raisin Cane -- and of course the villains, Sour Grapes and The Peculiar Purple Pie Man. (tasty!)

6. There's an Atari game about her, Strawberry Shortcake's Musical Match-Ups.

7. She has a savory perfume (for little girls) that we can use in an atomizer to smell even better after a strawberry bubble bath.

Cheers to the fragrant and savory red fruit -- and to character that makes it all the better: Strawberry Shortcake!

Destination: Tama City, Japan

If you've ever dreamt about meeting our favorite pink Kitty who makes us feel so warm, sweet and girlie and inspires us to anxiously await the next product - you are at the right place.

And no, I'm not talking about Sexy Siren, Ms. Kitty Baby (pictured above). The elegant enchantress and burlesque beauty certainly has a lot to make a lady feel inspired-- she is a U.S. Marine who works on fuel barges as a tankerman in Seattle, WA (meow!). She dances and poses pretty for Pinup photos and travels around the country impressing audiences with her moves and a cool band (The Aquasonics). Her tattoos include sweet sparrows, patriotic emblems and hearts (check her out www.myspace.com/misskittybaby ).

But this time, the pink Kitty we're referring to-- is none other than Japanese sensation, Kitty, (Hello Kitty's sister, see her on the tea cup right above). For those of you who love this not-so-furry feline and own stickers and pens and jewelry and charms with her face and feel like you simply can't get enough, it's time to travel to her house, in Tama City, Japan (about 30 minutes outside of Tokyo). My lover boy went there about ten years ago (Maybe that's why I always feel like a lynx when I'm with him -- ooooh). And he says it's the most exorbitant and lavishly ellaborated presentation of Kitty one could ever imagine.

In case you didn't know, Kitty's house is located in Puroland. It's Sanrio's version of Disneyland, except Puroland is much, much sweeter (and pink). There's a Cinnamon Dream Cafe, a sweet parlor, numerous restaurants, many thrill rides, a fairyland theater, boat rides lots of shops and of course, Kitty's house! Oh yeah -- and the end-of-night, goodbye show for all the guests.

There's a main street parade, a dinner show (see above) and Vivitix - a specialty boutique "for students and ladies" that sells limited edition Kitty items, like wine bottle stoppers and lacy nightgowns-- all with Kitty's face (visit the park's website: http://www.puroland.co.jp/ )

Tickets are 3,000 yen or about $25.00. Not too shabby.

But if flying to Japan is out of your budget at this time, you can always visit: http://www.hellokittyjunkie.com/ and get your daily dose of Kitty Goods.

Be cool & stay cool

Even with scorching heat -- there is one thing that can be left inside your car, or purse, or clutch -- that will never, ever, ever get hot: perfume and body spray. Yummm. I can already smell the vanilla and almond oil and rose petals and fresh peony and hydrangeas and jasmine-cinnamon combinations.

The dynamic City of Angels is experiencing wicked weather with temperatures rising to 113 degrees. Ouchie. Even a trip to the pool with our version of the Marylin Monroe vintage bathing suit, is too hot too handle. Today I just feel like going about my day wearing nothing but a fresh towel like our flirty grand dame pictured above (Gil Elvgren artwork) and to make it cooler, I would splash the towel with my all-time favorite fragrance: Lolita Lempicka (buy it now!).

Perfume has been around since the time of the Ancient Egyptians and the first fragrance ever named was Bouquet a la Marichal (Swanky!).

Today we have thousands of different brands to choose from and if you own more than 20 bottles (like myself) that makes you a deliciously smelly gal!

In any case, in order to avoid the aggravation of the hot, boiling sun kissing your soft skin as you make your way through the Farmer's Market (in search of fresh flowers), make sure to spray your body with the smelly substance. I recommend the most mainstream and easily available Victoria's Secret brand because they sell purse perfumes (like the ones pictured above) and they're affordable and sweet.

Just remember to never rub perfume because that crushes the molecules of the fragrance and ruins the scent. Just spray and go!