Cholaville!

OK, maybe some of you knew this but I had no idea. Its showing up my newbie naivety.

This is the def of a Chola: Chola’s & Cholo’s go back for hundreds of years, but the Cholo/Chola style really started in the 1940′s, in Los Angeles. Funny songs like, “Lean Like a Chola” sing about the “sharpie pen” eyebrows and “thick eyeliner”! It’s got big bangs, thin eyebrows, dark lined lips, big earrings, bandanas, freshly pressed Dickie pants, white tank tops, top buttoned plaid shirts, woven military style belts, and sometimes some gold name jewelry!

Or this from the urban dictionary: Cholas are hardcore latina gangbangers. They usually have thin, arched, angry-looking tattooed-on or penciled-on eyebrows, brown or dark red lip liner, ‘Monroe’, eyebrow and nose piercings, tats, Converse or Nikes, flannel shirts, lots of gold jewelery (with their name and crosses), crunchy gelled or moussed hair either down or gelled in a high perfect ponytail either straight back or gelled in a design, and they go out with cholos.

And here is a short vid about Chola make up by Kandee Johnson:

The desire for pin-up girls really came into it’s own with the development of the movie industry. Audiences flocked to see their favorite stars in their latest movie, and then sought to have their pictures on their bedroom walls or in magazines.

Soon fans were clamouring for photos of their favourite movie or theatre stars, and so an industry of glamorous photos to cheer people up in what was an era of drabness and war began.

Katherine Hepburn, Betty Grable, Maureen O’Hara to name but a few were made more famous by their photos being used on calendars, stuck on schoolboy lockers and in army barracks.

There were man’s ideal of the “perfect woman” and the movie studios invented fictitious life stories around them to make them even more appealing.

Retro Pin-up girls represented everything an average woman in the street aspired to and reflected a glamorous side of life that was sadly missing in the forties and fifties.

In the thirties such stars as Vivien Leigh, Greta Garbo and Dorothy Lamour had graced our screens and given us all an outlet outside our ordinary lives. As it was gradually realised by the movie moguls that there was a great thirst for glamour pin-ups so the industry began to grow.

Central to all of this of course was the glamour photographer. Gradually these photographers became almost as famous as the models themselves, and by developing new ideas about how to capture the best images possible, the pin-ups became more and more sophisticated.

The pin-up photo of Jane Russell in the film “The Outlaw” however caused a lot of controversy and was considered at the time to be extremely provocative and daring. How times have changed!

The servicemen’s lives during World War II were relieved by their pin-up photos which were plastered over the walls and lockers in their barracks. “Nose art” painted on the cockpit of planes became the norm and helped the men to face the horrors of the war and brought some normality to what was a terrible time in their lives.

The pin-up photographs became a tool in the advertising and music industry. It was soon realised that a glamorous woman’s photo could sell products such as washing machines, cars etc. So another industry was born.

The music industry used pin-up photos of the artists themselves to promote their new albums and so it was not just the movie stars that were being sought after.

Newspapers started to appreciate the selling power of the pin-up and began using more and more glamorous pin-up photos in their papers and magazines.

Agents for actresses and singers recognised an opportunity for free publicity and started to supply newspapers and magazines with photos of their clients for publication.

The fashion industry itself started to use glamorous stars to promote their designs and shows and so the pin-up girls became more and more in demand. What had started out as a trip to the theatre or cinema for relaxation and a time away from the day to day drudgery of everyday life became a huge and successful industry within itself.

Wednesday August 11, 2010

Much of the performance art in the Berkshires exists in a realm of seriousness that makes the area the cultural mecca that it aspires to be. But for all the well-curated acts and discerning patrons that the theater festivals, orchestras and dance companies bring to the area, the need for a respite from high culture in exchange for a raunchy good time is pretty strong.

Enter: Burlesque.

Operating at the extreme northern and southern ends of western Massachusetts, and on the periphery of conventional performance art, two groups of women have made it their missions to offer an alternative. And while burlesque has a long history, just like dance, theater or orchestral concerts, it is a form of art meant to lampoon those traditional forms and to give the mundane an air of importance on par with Mahler or “Macbeth.”

“Historically, burlesque shows were works that were laughing at some higher form of performance, like opera or ballet,” said Heather Fisch, director of Burlesque from Across the Tracks, a troupe based in Great Barrington. “Burlesque houses operated as part of a broader culture that was not meant for women or children or high-class snobs. They were meant for working-class men, mostly. It was a supply and demand form of entertainment.”

In Williamstown, Nicole Rizzo’s Gypsy Layne burlesque troupe has been supplying a demand since the beginning of the year, and she has

been earning accolades in the process. Rizzo views the success of her troupe as an sign that the community is hungry to support grass-roots artists.

“Everybody who I’ve spoken with has been very supportive of what we’re doing here,” Rizzo said during preparations for a recent show at the Red Herring. “The arts community has really been behind us. Today I even met with (North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright) about us moving to North Adams. He is so much on our side.”

Gypsy Layne will continue to perform at 11:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Red Herring until Sept. 22, when it will move to Main Street Stage in North Adams. Eventually, Rizzo, who is originally from North Adams but spent the past 10 years honing her performance chops in New York and California, said they would like to get into doing dinner theater and work more with local artists.

“If I’m going to be here, I’m going to make this my home,” she added.

When she first returned, she knew exactly what she wanted to do: “I came back determined to give to the arts community and to do burlesque.”

So far, so good. But burlesque has had a tumultuous relationship with the area in recent years. In southern Berkshire County, the memory of the Lenox Library fundraising event that ran afoul of local statutes for performances is still fresh in some people’s minds. But neither Rizzo nor Fisch have received negative feedback from the community.

“I think it’s a shame that all that happened in Lenox,” Fisch said. “But everyone is different with how comfortable they are with their own sexuality and what they see. If someone thinks it’s vulgar and isn’t into it, that’s fine. But I haven’t had anyone say to me that it’s bad to do burlesque. To me, it feels OK if everyone involved feels OK.”

The questions raised by performing this type of entertainment are part of the reason it exists.

“A lot of it is about women learning to be comfortable with their own bodies,” Rizzo said. “Through this process, I have seen the women I work with grow into much more confident people.”

The politics of feminism and female identity are a central part of Burlesque from Across the Tracks’ performances as well.

Part of the reason Fisch wanted to start this troupe was an “interest in exploring what a sexualized performance is as a woman, because there are certain political feminist undertones to what we do, and there is a question about sexuality and objectivity,” she said.

“At this point we’re a group of eight highly conscious women, which makes everything we do an exploration of sexualized entertainment,” Fisch said. “There is a level of awareness in that, which is different from burlesque in the past.”

While both groups teeter on the line of risque, there are differences in the performances that show the two directors’ different performance backgrounds. Rizzo’s resume reveals a dancer and choreographer at heart, with some theater expertise thrown in for good measure, including stints with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, New York’s Fringe Festival and off-Broadway performances. Her Gypsy Layne production offers a testament to her experience in the world of dance, with its synchronized ensemble numbers and high-energy music-video-inspired interpretations of burlesque through the ages. In fact, her bio reveals that, “her abiding love of dance thrust her into the music video scene, and ultimately landed her the gig that would lead her into the world of Burlesque.”

Fisch, for her part, comes from a family of musicians and a deep interest in physical performance. She studied at Barcelona’s prestigious Escula de Clown and was a theater major at Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington. For several years, she earned a large following as an accordion player and central figure in the gypsy-klezmer-rock band Bella’s Bartok. But she wanted to get back into theater.

“I like the idea of burlesque, and I am interested in variety acts and vignettes that include characters and plot lines, emotions and things like that,” Fisch said.

Her group is billed as a “libidinous physical theater troupe” that offers more than just a burlesque performance. The performers were part of a class that focused on creating vaudeville characters and personas.

“I knew there would be more of a draw for a ‘burlesque and vaudeville class,’ and not just ‘vaudeville class,’” said Fisch, who added that she will be teaching classes in the fall in Northampton and Hudson, N.Y. “Burlesque is so enticing because it’s sexy.”

Gypsy Layne Burlesque performs on Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. at the Red Herring in Williamstown and will move to Main Street Stage in North Adams on Sept. 22. For more information, visit gypsylayne.com. Burlesque from Across the Tracks will perform on Aug. 27 in Great Barrington (place to be determined), Aug. 28 at The Copperworks, 34 North Pearl St., Pittsfield, and on Aug. 30 at Club Helsinki in Hudson, N.Y. All shows start at 8 p.m. For more information, visit heatherfisch.com.

Ladies Classic Retro Pinup apparel to spice up your wardrobe attire.

PinUp Girl clothing looks great on many body types as these hug your curves and the neckline accentuates your bust. You can get this look started with a Smart Pencil Dress and some funky stilettos.

Popular styles are from the Betty Page Collections varying from the popular Accountant Dress, Jazmin Dress, Substitute Dress and the gorgeous Switchblade Skirts and Dresses.

Most are considered Pinup Retro Styles and will make your current outfit sizzle. Just by adding one of these items enhances your wardrobe pickings.   From sexy waist cinchers to pencil dress skirts, and go have some fun at your next party with a Polka Dot Dress ‘ala Betty Boop !

Cute and inspired by classic Hollywood stars like Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe, the classic pin-up dress is glamour and style wherever you go.

Be a stunning retro knockout with Switchblade Stiletto Womens Waist Cincher Dress. The sweetheart necklines reveals little cleavage area, adding less is more sexiness and femininity. knee-length dresses,crinkled chiffon ruffle tops with slimming control and belted waists are favorites

Often we are asked ‘How do you create vintage pinup hair to go with a vintage gown?’   To the rescue is Amanda Hallay and her video showing you easy steps to creating several types of  1940′s vintage hairdos.

FOR SUMMER BRIDES

If you’re getting married during the summer, rain and humidity can cause your worst wedding day hair nightmare — attack of the frizz! And it can strike when you least expect it — like right before your photo shoot begins. (Yikes!) To help keep your ‘do in place before, during, and after the ceremony, keep these spring hair tips in mind:

OFFBEAT WEDDING

Try a decorative headband or tiara. Not only is it a chance to buy a great accent piece for your gown, but strategically placed headgear can also keep an updo in place and long hair under wraps so that your look stays put throughout your wedding day. (Plus, did we mention that headbands are back in a big way?)

Apply generous amounts of moisturizer products to your hair. It can way down your hair initially, but in the long run, it will be your hair’s biggest ally.

Pin up a playful ponytail or braid. Big hair and rainy, humid weather just don’t match. If you use a light moisturizer gel to create a sleek half-ponytail or a neat front braid, you’re less likely to have height issues. In addition, you’re giving your hair a mold to follow as opposed to giving it too much freedom. Twist your ponytail to the side (’80s style) for added style, or use a decorative pin to hold wispy bangs in place.

Stay away from curls. Your gorgeous, bouncy curls (which probably took hours to create) don’t stand a chance of winning the war against an unexpected downpour. When you’re brainstorming style ideas for spring, think softly pinned buns or sleek updos.

FOR SUMMER BRIDES

The most popular season to marry can also bring the worst hair horrors if you don’t plan your style carefully. With sunny days comes a lot of heat, which isn’t always hair-friendly. Before you tell your stylist what look you’d like, here are some things to think about:

Just say no to gel. Any style that requires a good amount of heavy hair gel is not ideal for a summer bride. Heat will loosen the gel and cause it to liquefy, which can be a messy (and sticky) situation for you and your groom. Gel also has a high concentration of alcohol which can cause your hair to dry out under hot conditions. If you must use gel, pick a very light formula and have your stylist use a hair dryer (set on warm — not high!) to make sure it’s fully dry and will hold throughout the day.

Keep you hair off your face and neck. If you’re going to have an outdoor wedding during a rather hot part of the day, make sure you’re not going to sweat your hairstyle out. If you plan on getting down to your favorite tunes at the reception, low buns, neat bangs, and sleek, long styles are a bad idea. They will get messy and start to come apart after they react to the sweat on your neck and forehead.

Consider a short ‘do. If you’ve ever wanted to go for that great, short style you’ve been eyeing on your favorite movie star, this could be the time. Shorter hair will behave better in the summer heat and will help you feel cooler and more comfortable. Just remember to try the cut you’re interested in well before your wedding day just in case you’re not happy with the new look, or you’d prefer to style your new locks a different way.

FOR FALL & WINTER BRIDES

You can say bye-bye to heat and humidity as the autumn and winter months roll in, but you’ll have some other seasonal elements to worry about, like wind, heavy rain, and snow. This can lead to dry, static-prone hair, so try on these harsh-weather hair tips and tricks for size:

Pick a flexible hairstyle. A good example of this would be to choose a style that involves big, luscious curls and uses a light spritz, with the understanding that by the time the wind has its way with your hair, you’ll have looser, wavier curls for your reception. Both looks can work well and you’ll enjoy them much more if you planned it that way.

Avoid heat-styling devices. Overusing hair styling tools like hot rollers, curling irons, or flat irons on your wedding day can lead to rough, over-processed, split ends that are much more likely to respond (negatively) to static.

Stick to a pomade. Get extra hold without worrying about a hair spray or gel drying out your hair. Pomade or styling cream will finish off your look and fight static cling (veils are notorious for this!).

Use a deep-conditioning treatment. Beginning to do this weekly about a month or so before the wedding day will help keep your hair from drying out when you need it to look its best. And if your hair is processed or colored, doing so is a definite must!

Prom Dresses

When shopping from prom dresses choosing the perfect prom dress is an important decision! Do you go short or long? What color should you choose? Strapless, halter or strappy? So many decision when sorting through all of those prom dresses!

Is this prom dress right for my school?
When shopping for your prom dress, consider if your choice would be proper for your school. Movie stars walking the red carpet do not need to show a lot of skin to look sexy and stunning.

Does the color of this prom dress look good with my skin tone?
Skin tones can be divided into “seasons” depending on some key characteristics.

“Winter” complexions have blue or pink undertones. Skin can be pale white, yellowish-olive, or dark. Winter people are generally brunettes, with deeply colored eyes. Many Asians and African Americans fall into this category. Winters should try prom dresses whose colors are sharp, stark and clear. White, black, navy blue, red and shocking pink all go well with winter complexions. For lighter colors, wear icy tones rather than pastels. Avoid subdued tones like beige, orange and gold. Try these Unique Vintage options:

“Summer” complexions, like winter complexions, have blue or pink undertones. Skin is pale and pink. Summers are often natural blondes or brunettes with pale eyes. Summers should choose prom dresses that are pastels and soft neutrals with rose and blue undertones. Lavender, plum, rose-brown and soft blue suit summers well while black and orange do not. Take a look at these Unique Vintage options:

“Autumn”. Autumn complexions have golden undertones. Many redheads and brunettes with golden brown eyes fall into this category. Autumns should try prom dresses whose colors have golden undertones, like camel, beige, orange, gold and dark brown. Avoid colors with blue tones, like navy:

“Spring.” Spring complexions have golden undertones and are usually creamy white or peach. Spring people generally have straw-colored or strawberry red hair, freckles, rosy cheeks, and blue or green eyes. Springs can try prom dresses with warm colors like camel, peach, golden yellow and golden brown. Avoid dark, dull colors. Check out these Unique Vintage options:

Does the shape of this prom dress work with my body type?
Everyone has things that they don’t like about their body. When shopping for prom dresses, keep in mind that the right dress can hide flaws. Keep your particular body type in mind when shopping. You can accentuate the positive and downplay the areas that you don’t like. Whatever type of body you have, you can find a flattering dress to fit your shape.

When looking at prom dresses think about what your body type is:
Triange Body Shape: Triangle body types are categorized by a wider waist and smaller shoulders. Triangle body types also generally have a full lower half of their body. Flattering this body type is easy following a few simple rules. Flattering any body type is done by focusing on emphasizing the positive, and by minimizing the negative. The trick is to draw attention away from imperfections by the way you dress.

Try wearing light colors on top, dark colors on bottom. Simply put, dark colors hide, while light colors magnify. Select prom dresses with sleeves to draw the eye out, making shoulders seem wider, and balances out the larger hips.

Wear a prom dress that fits. Prom dresses that are too big look sloppy and unfinished, and doesn’t disguise narrow shoulders. Prom dresses that fits the shoulders exactly and simply draw the attention elsewhere looks polished and attractive. Find a good tailor. This especially applies to large busted triangle body types. In order to get a prom dress to fit properly, it is sometimes necessary to have it properly altered. Other styles of prom dresses that are not flattering on a triangle body shape include boat necks, anything without collars and scoop neck shirts.

Apple Body Shape: Women with apple body types tend to have an average to large bust, a wide waist and thin legs. Flat rear ends, narrow hips and wide shoulders are also key characteristics of an apple. Focusing on the positive–the arms, legs, and bust; while camouflaging the negative–the waist in particular; is the key to flattering an apple body type.

Choose prom dresses that have tops with details such a ruching on the sides, knotting, pleating or ruching. These details will draw less attention to the tummy area, which is an apple body type’s trouble area.

Wear v-neck or scooped neckline shirts. They accentuate the bust, which is a key feature. Any shirt that has an interesting neckline works well for an apple body type.

Dress in monochromatic prom dresses or add just one more color. Keeping the number of colors down creates an illusion of length, which draws attention away from the waist.

Wear dark-colored on the lower half of the prom dress. To draw attention from the waist and flatter the apple body type, dress in a lighter colored top.

Wear prom dresses that hit right above the knee. Flattering the legs, the best characteristic of an apple body type, is easy in a mid-length skirt. Beware, though—prom dresses that are too long, that hit below the knee mid-calf, for example, will not accentuate the legs, but draw negative attention to the stomach.

Hourglass Body Shape:
An hourglass body type has moderate to large bust and hips, and a small waist—generally 10 inches smaller than the bust and hips. The hourglass is the most highly desired body type for women due to its femininity. Dressing to flatter the hourglass body type focuses on proportion, since the top and bottom half balance out so well.

Choose prom dresses with tops that define your small waist. Wrap tops, tie waist tops or belted tops are great examples of this.

Show off a great bust. Scoop necks tops and V-neck tops are examples of tops that do this for an hourglass body type.

Avoid necklines that hit high on the neck like turtlenecks. They draw attention aw

Secrets In Lace is the worlds premier supplier of authentic 100% nylon stockings, elegant lingerie, garter belts, girdles and bullet bras. Our products are worn by the worlds most famous and influential people. Only they know what lays beneath their classically elegant attire……their “Secrets In Lace”. We invite you to share in this incredible feeling and expression of femininity

Secrets In Lace Fully Fashioned Stockings

I love this VID. Here are some things that come to mind.

• Chris Tucker in the 5th Element
• Michael Jackson moves
• Miss America
• Kill Bill (Pussy Wagon)
• Pulp Fiction

And these amazing Gaga Kostumes: Crime Scene Outfit, Beer Can Hair Rollers, and those Cigarette Glasses kicks ass!