Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

My head is still awhirl from BurlyCon (and trying to deal with a post-Wrathskellar house), so today’s missive is about something fun and light — shopping!

There was a lot of good shopping at BurlyCon. My unplanned strategy was to hit the vendors early, so as not to miss anything I really wanted and then come back at the very end and take advantage of packing-up bargains.

And this was my haul:

Top row, from left to right:
A fascinator from Palomita Mar. She works in wool felt, so some of her pieces have elaborate cutwork. I dithered about this for a long time. I hate the color yellow, but it really pops against my red hair. When it was still there right before the vendor room closed, I knew it was mine.

A fascinator from Christal Blu Creations. She had just finished making it. Again, the colors looked great against my hair. Scratch pointed out that it was *not* subtle, but I think I have enough subtle in my wardrobe.

Second row:
A bunch of products from Atomic Cosmetics. Some I bought and some were giveaways (and there might be some gifts not in the picture). I think I’m in love with Dr. Jen and her healthy, luxurious cosmetics & skin care. She was closed when I went back at the end of the con, but that just saved me from dropping even more cash. Hopefully, she’ll ship (or come to the Expo).

Glitter eyeliner from Elektra Cosmetics. This was a total steal as part of their “we want to go home with nothing” sale.

Last row:
A hair flower from Amber Ray Accoutrements. I realized I didn’t have a hair ornament to go with my fan dance costume and it was nice to have an excuse to get a flower from Amber Ray. Her table is incredibly beautiful, heaped with sparkling flowers.

An under-g from Juliet. I bought some from her before and I’m quite happy with them, so why not get another? I also have a bikini she made that I think I bought at the first BurlyCon. Maybe someday I’ll even post a picture of me wearing it.

Next is one of the coolest things — fan staves! It’s not the greatest picture, I realize, but they are beautifully shaped – you don’t want to hide these behind feathers! Bordello Labs does beautiful work. I’m planning to get more from them for an upcoming project (shhh….). The necklace of the Victorian lady riding an ostrich was lagniappe.

The leopard print object is a tissue case by Pinky Shines. Pretty and practical (and the perfect price)! I’m glad I bought one right away because they were all gone later.

Not pictured is a tin of Jacqueline Hyde‘s Bad Things tea. I think it’s still in Scratch’s suitcase

Everything is resting on a vintage apron (it’s reversible! — butterflies on one side, purple on the other, with contrasting pockets) I bought from Melissa Flynn. Scratch loves shopping there because she has items for guys — hard to find at many vintage shops. He did extremely well with a smoking jacket and classic Wayfarers. He also picked up some cufflinks and a rhinestoned necktie from Haute Under the Collar.

Perhaps next a report on something less materialistic, like the classes or social events!

Dear Constant Reader,

In a mere week-and-a-bit, I’m headed to BurlyCon, an annual burlesque conference in Seattle. It’s been hard to think of preparing for that while my head is in The Wrathskellar still (and will be right up until a few hours before I leave).

Saturday night there is a movie PJ party and I haven’t the faintest idea what to wear. Normally I don’t sleep in anything (except a little perfume)! So, I’m asking you, O Constant Reader, to help me decide.

As usual, I apologize for the quality of the pictures as they were taken in my cheval mirror (which I only noticed later was rather dusty. It was the maid’s day off.)

Outfit number one: Red silk camisole & tap pants. Comfortable and suitable for lying on the floor with feet in the air. Will be ironed before being worn in public. See above note about maid and day off.

Outfit number two: Red silk slip, trimmed with black lace. Elegant, but requires decorous seating arrangements. Since we are to bring blankets & pillows, I expect there will be flopping about on the floor.

Outfit number three: Leopard bra, thong, and skirt set. Saucy, but not really sleepwear.

Whichever one is selected will definitely be worn with black marabou mules and possible a sheer black robe, trimmed with black & white ostrich feathers, if that impacts your decision.

So, my Faithful Correspondant, which outfit goes in the suitcase?