Dear Constant Reader,
Any warm up is better than no warm up. And yes, you have to warm up.
Dear Constant Reader,
To refresh stale costumes that can’t be washed or dry cleaned, pack them with a sachet of baking soda to absorb odors and a sachet of lavender to cover any lingering aromas.
Dear Constant Reader,
Most bras are right-handed (that is, the right side overlaps the left). If you’re having trouble with a one-handed pop, make sure you’re not trying to use your left hand. Sorry lefties!
Dear Constant Reader,
Count out your rhinestones before you start your project and split them up by garment area.
That way you won’t go overboard on one bra cup and have only a dozen remaining for the other.
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday again and here’s your tip:
Get an outside pair of eyes on your routine. Seek out knowledgeable critique and incorporate it.
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s great to surprise the audience. Do not surprise the tech crew.
Talk to the MC, the stage manager, the stage kittens, the lighting guy, the DJ, &c. If they know your needs in advance, you’ll look that much better on stage. You can avoid all sorts of problems by communicating in advance and clearly explaining any special features of your act.

P.S. This was *not* inspired by anything that happened at the Expo — everyone was lovely and communicative.
Dear Constant Reader,
Today is the first day of The Great Burlesque Exposition of 2012! I’ll be spending all weekend in a fog of glitter, taking classes, watching shows, teaching & learning, and coming back with more tips for you!
You are never as good as you could be. Never stop striving to improve.
Dear Constant Reader,
Replace standard garment zippers with jacket zippers — the kind with the big, chunky, plastic teeth. They’re not as pretty or subtle, but less likely to get stuck or break. And they do less damage to your skin than metal zippers, just in case you zip yourself (ouch!).
Dear Constant Reader,
I’m sorry for my silence this week, especially after you got so used to me pestering you to vote every day. Things have been so busy with The Great Burlesque Expo just two weeks away. And immediately after it, the exhibit of costumes that I am curating opens at The West End Museum. So please forgive my lack of posting. But I couldn’t forget your Friday tip!
Rehearse at least once in full costume with all of your jewelry, makeup, and hairstyle. You might discover some issues you hadn’t considered.
It’s no fun to discover that something doesn’t work when you’re on stage, like your false eyelashes and your domino mask are incompatible or that your dangly earrings get caught in your necklace when you turn your head. Try it all out together in advance and you’ll have time to make other plans.
Dear Constant Reader,

Vote for the Boston Babydolls! Last chance!!! (Really. I think.)
Today’s tip comes from Devora Darling:
For good posture, keep your collar bones lifted. Imagine you’re wearing a sparkly necklace and you want it to reflect light onto your face.