Do you remember the nights of staying up and watching B Horror Films hosted by Elvira? Well those nights have returned in a litte event we like to call Mistress Macabre’s Dinner Theater.

Join us for a night of hair raising fun as Amber DeVille and Miss Malicious host a screening of Psycho at Excuses Cafe, Presented by Pin Curl Magazine. $6 to get in, $15 gets you dinner and wine with your entry. Your evening includes: a film screening complete with audience participation, horror movie trivia, and prizes galore! This is a night you don’t wanna miss!

Mistress Macabre’s will take place the first Thursday of every month at Excuses. This monthly event kicks of March 4th!

Photos: Ben Britt and Daniel Driensky

Dallas Burlesque Festival, billed “The Sexiest Show in Big D” took place last month at the Historic Texas Theater in Oak Cliff, one of the oldest sections of Dallas. Only two years old, the festival, produced by Elisa Davis, Ginger Valentine, and Black Mariah, grew by leaps and bounds over its inaugural year. While ticket sales for 2010 were about the same as 2009, the festival spanned two nights, which meant all festival goers had the luxury of their own seat. The sold out production grew to host over 50 performers spanning seven states and two countries. The DBF gals also decided to add a featured performer to the line-up, Angie Pontani of New York headlined the festival. Due to the 1000 plus attendees in 2009, the media was ready this year and gave Dallas burlesque lots of attention the week prior to the show.

While Friday night’s showcase was hectic and had some technical setbacks (the wrong music was cued up and took seven minutes of silence to fix, at which point the crowd became agitated, the producers were also thrown a last minute curve ball when the fire marshal was called in due to questions about the venue’s safety, which resulted in ticket holders being turned away.) By Saturday night the Dallas Burlesque Fest crew, in a large part due to stage manager Nick, got all of the kinks ironed out. Saturday night’s performance was nearly flawless, and the energy of the crowd was amazing! Pin Curl was on hand to ask festival attendees to share their experiences. Here’s what we learned:

Jessica Dawn, from the audience perspective:

I arrived Friday night eagerly anticipating the event. Both Pixie and I were excited to attend as audience members instead of working the event, either off or on stage. When I arrived, there was confusion at the door with the different lines you needed to be in and though it was a cold night to be left waiting a half hour for the house to open- it was neat to listen in to those in line with us and what they were anticipating the event. The Friday night showcase was performers bustin’ out the crowd favorites. The show was a little rough with a couple of snags which the emcee, radio personality Jesse- handled with flare and aplomb. I had a friend with me who had never been to a Burlesque event before and she (of course) fell in love.

Saturday night was less line confusion but still a long cold wait for the house to open. A group behind me that had not been to a burlesque event before worried whether or not it would not be worth the wait. I reassured them it would be, but I’m not quite sure they believed me.

I have to say Saturdays showcase was FABULOUS. Many of the acts, routines and performers, were new to me, which was quite a treat. The production on the second night was much tighter and seemed to run very well from the audience perspective. The sound quality this year was a vast improvement from the year before as was the closer attention to crowd control. It was easy to see that the team had learned a lot from last year’s event and applied it skillfully to this one. At the end of the show I did run in to the couple that had stood with me in line and I asked them if they had thought it was worth the wait in the cold. Their faces lit up with smiles, assuring me it had been and they were very excited about next year’s show already.

Jessica Dawn’s favorites? Angie Pontani’s veil routine Friday night, and Roxie Moxie’s Saturday night routine, about which she remarked- a Vodun who kills herself at the end- gotta love it!

Jessie, the festival’s emcee

Terror aside I had a ball at Dallas Burlesque Festival. Emceeing such a huge show over the course of two nights was totally out of my realm of experience…as a dj I am usually hidden in a small studio where it is just me and a mic. It is a totally different animal to be thrust in front of a paying crowd AND have to be entertaining; which is probably why I spent both days TREMBLING and slightly horrified. But once I was in the Dirty Martini/Ellingson inspired Wonder Woman gown it was all right.
 
Highlights for my role include the Cat Butt Gum intro for Athena Fatale, seeing Angie Pontani’s dazzling bongo number live, ohhhhh and Lily Wilde’s explosive dance routine…. that was MOM upside down for sure….WOW! Small wonder she earned a standing O. 

 
Mostly I LOVED the goofball Jigglewatt boys who kept screaming “GOD BLESS AMERICA“ during Fridays show. That was actually helpful because the crowd was kind of rough and unresponsive. They gave me someone to focus on and to play with.  I got them good on Saturday when I wore the lacey see-thru Immodesty Blaize gown with the Swarovski merkin. They were screaming again as I came out on stage so I looked down at my bedazzled merkin and then, stared right at them and said “you know… if my cooch were a rifle it would go BLANG BLANG!” and I blasted a few very pronounced rat-a-tat-tat pelvic thrusts in their direction…the incredulous yet radiant look on their faces was worth its weight in rhinestones. Hilarious. They were cool too because they helped us raise some additional money for Patriot Paws Service Dogs and comedy attempts aside, that was really the passion that fed my participation in this wonderful event.
 
I am eternally grateful to Ginger Valentine, Elisa Davis & Black Mariah for inviting me to be a part of Dallas Burlesque Festival. I would love to do even more on the scene and in any capacity be it as an emcee, pantie wrangler, seat-pointer-to-er, program hander outer, dressing room fixer upper etc… the ENERGY and the art of burlesque really captures the primal essence of what it is to not only be feminine but also to be powerful without having to apologize or downplay it. Burlesque celebrates the female body in ALL of its forms and that is an electrifying combination that is as beautiful as it is intoxicating. I am woman hear me RAWR!

Vivienne Vermuth, performer in Friday night’s showcase and make-up artist Saturday night

At 6 pm on Friday Feb. 5th, the Texas Theater was fairly quiet, except for the low hum of crew bustling about setting up. The only signs that the biggest burlesque event in Dallas was about to happen was a white screen, that had clips of Bettie Page and Tempest Storm rolling. They smiled their Mona Lisa smiles, as if they knew the festival was going to be amazing – and they were right!

Burlesque festivals – To the dancers, it means a chance to hone their skills, strut their stuff, and meet other like minds from other parts of the nation/world. To the audience it means a chance to see a WHOLE LOTTA STRIPPIN’ GOIN’ ON, and a lot of different interpretations of burlesque, from classic to modern and beyond. This was my second run at DBF, having performed in the inaugural fest the year before, and I was determined to leave my big, glittery pawprint! This year I performed in the Friday night showcase with a new sea-inspired routine to Styx’s “Come Sail Away”, complete with glittery Guitar Hero controller, and helped backstage as a makeup stylist alongside LaDonna Hearne and Ruby Redlocks for the fashion show models on Saturday. This allowed me to enjoy the fest from all angles, and meet people on all sides of the show, as well enjoy the entire showcase on Saturday.

Without a doubt, this years’ fest certainly had something for everyone. There were great local artisans showing off their wares . Being in line with offering all side of burlesque, the fest featured pole dancers from The Girls’ Room in Dallas on stage before the shows, and local models took the stage in fashion shows both nights for Electrique Boutique and Jupiter Moon 3 custom corsets. The burlesque acts also varied greatly; some of my favorites included Viva La Muerte’s (Chicago) tribute to Creepshow, Angi B. Lovely’s (Dallas) aerial silks, …The emcee for both nights was the lovely Jessie Jessup, and she kept the audience laughing and cheering on the ladies onstage. The audience was outstanding, and I think Dallas has gained a new legion of burlesque fans!

The biggest and sincerest applause goes out to the entire cast and crew who put this together, and to the three producers (Elisa of the Ruby Revue, Ginger Valentine, and Black Mariah) for putting on this fest and upping the ante with each year. All in all, the show was a rousing success, and I know I walked away from it feeling fantastic! Met some great performers, got to talk to a lot of fans, and generally had a great time! Can’t wait til next year – can you?

Rouby Joule, Performer

I was honored to perform in both the 2009 and 2010 Dallas Burlesque Festivals, and though the 2009 show was a smash hit, I thought this year’s show took it to another level.  I love how the Dallas community of photographers, producers, designers, models and performers comes together to support this festival, and this year it seemed more focus was channeled toward the performances themselves. It was wonderful to have such a seasoned and capable tech crew running sound, lights and stage managing.  The theatre itself was a bit on the chilly side, especially in the dressing rooms, but it’s a historic building after all.  It was a small price to pay for such a beautiful stage. Having some reserved seating for the performers was a big plus, as we learn so much from watching each other, and from feeling the energy of the crowd all around us!  The audience was very enthusiastic and responsive, seeming to gobble up every act like candy.  I got to perform both Friday and Saturday nights, and the show and crowd on both nights was outstanding.  Some new fans even made the trip from Houston for the show.  I must say that having female producers who are also performers gave a rare spirit of camaraderie and heart to the entire event.  We were all invested in it together, body and soul.  

Jennifer, Jupiter Moon 3 Corsets, Vendor

Dallas Burlesque Festival was an absolute blast.  Even as a vendor, I had a great time.  The energy was fantastic, people were really enjoying themselves, and the performers were top notch.  I am so glad it was a two night event, because with that many people in attendance, it would have had to run all day to cram them all in to a one day event!  I personally had my best night vending, twice over; I was a happy camper!  I also had a fashion show to kick off the evening, and I couldn’t have been happier.  I had eight great ladies modeling for me, and it went off without a hitch, especially for not having a single rehearsal!  It was a great little fashion show, and the crowd really seemed to enjoy it.  All in all, it was a fabulous show, I have only heard wonderful things, and I sincerely hope to do it again next year!

Have a little extra time on your hands during the cold winter months spent inside? Check out our list of Pin Curl Magazine’s Top Five Vintage Movie Picks for Winter.

Burlesque Undressed­­
2010. Produced by and Starring Immodesty Blaize

The mighty Immodesty Blaize has done it again in her documentary of The Tease Show which was a smashing success in Europe. One of the most famous modern burlesque performers Miss Blaize is featured throughout the film, as well as performances and interviews with the biggest names in modern burlesque including: Perle Noire, Kalani Kokonuts, Dirty Martini, Michelle L’Amour, Catherine D’Lish, and Kitten D’Ville.

Burlesque Undressed chronicles the history of burlesque from its European roots to its American Revival. Also included in the film are interviews with burlesque legends Dixie Evans, Satan’s Angel, Lily Ann Rose, and The First Lady of Burlesque April March.
Burlesque Undressed is now in theaters in Europe, and will be available on DVD there in February. Which begs the question — but what about the American fans? Glad you asked! Dallas will be home to the U.S. film premier! We are proud to announce the U.S. film debut of Burlesque Undressed, as well as live burlesque performances by some of the top stars in the film including Immodesty Blaize will take place in Dallas in March and is presented by none other than Pin Curl Magazine!

Watching all the talent, glitz, and feathers is a high definition spectacle not to be missed (not to mention Immodesty Blaize’s first ever performance in Texas!)

I’m No Angel
1933. Starring Mae West and Cary Grant

Nominated for Best Picture in its day, I’m No Angel may be the legendary Mae West’s best film ever. The story of famous glamorous shimming side show performer turned lion tamer, this is a brilliant woman chasing her dream story. Curveballs are thrown at her when she falls in love with a man, only to have her ex interfere, but she wants it all — and she gets it.

Some Like It Hot
1959. Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon

This Oscar-winning film, finds two struggling musicians running from the mob. In order to avoid being killed, they dress in drag and join an all girl band, but things get complicated when one of the musicians falls for a female band mate. This comedic thriller is sure to become a favorite!

The Notorious Bettie Page
2006. Starring Gretchen Mol

While Bettie fans give this film mixed reviews, it did earn two SAG nominations and is well worth a watch. This film focuses on a side of Bettie few knew, the innocent, naïve country gals that she was. Chronicling her life from her very first shoot to her legal battle, which all but forcefully removed her from modeling, this film strives to give an accurate pictorial of the Notorious Bettie Page.

**There is also a new Bettie Page documentary in the works. This one claims to be an authorized biography, made with Bettie’s full cooperation. For more info and projected release dates, visit the official site Bettie Page Reveals All.**

A Wink and a Smile
2009. Produced by and Starring Indigo Blue

This film documents the lives of ten ordinary women, as they enroll in and complete Miss Indigo Blue’s Burlesque training course. With performances, clips, and interviews from almost all of the heavy hitters in Seattle’s current burlesque scene, this is a show every fan of neo-burlesque should see.

An excited child waking up Christmas morning to find an adorable new puppy, what’s more timeless? If you’re thinking of adding a four legged friend to the family this year, please adopt. Think of every reason you can to purchase a pet, rather than adopt…..now give us ten minutes of your time, we just might change your mind.

In the U.S. over 7 million healthy dogs and cats are euthanized every year.

That’s over 19,000 per day! If you live to be 100, and said the name of one animal every day that was euthanized, you would not be able to honor the memory of even 25% of these animals. In Dallas/Ft.Worth alone, over 100,000 dogs and cats end up in shelters annually, with 69% being destroyed. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

You can be part of the solution.

Choose the Right Pet for You

Thousands of animals are surrendered daily by owners who chose the wrong pet for their lifestyle. By taking the time to choose the correct pet for your situation, you may save a life. Here is a website that helps you make the right choice.

Never buy an animal. Choose adoption.

This is simple supply and demand. If no one is purchasing dogs, breeders will stop making more. Hopefully one day we will get to the point that all dogs and cats have been adopted and being a “responsible breeder” is possible and viable. We are not in danger of that day coming any time soon.

Myth: I want specific purebred. This means I have to purchase my dog.

Fact: There are rescue groups all over the country that deal with specific breeds. You can get a purebred dog without purchasing a dog.

I have two beautiful purebred Siberian Huskies. I adopted one, and rescued the other when his litter was left on the side of a Texas highway. They are beautiful, fun, and loving dogs and I am constantly complimented on them at dog parks all over the city- and I didn’t pay a penny to a breeder.

Links to Purebred Rescues in Dallas/Fort Worth:
Adopt a Husky
Adopt a Pit-bull
Adopt a Cocker Spaniel
Rescue a Greyhound

There are countless others, just Google “Adopt a ______ (breed) & _________ (city you live in)”

Spay/Neuter

Myth: It is cruel to spay/neuter an animal.

Fact: Recovery time is a matter of days in most cases. Spaying and neutering also eliminates a slew of health problems for your pet including: pregnancy complications, reproductive cancers, hernias, and Perianal gland adenomas.

Myth: I have a purebred, and he/she is too beautiful/smart/exceptional not to reproduce. I am giving a gift to others by creating more dogs/cats in this line.

Fact: No matter how exceptional your pet is, the fact is that pet overpopulation has reached crisis levels. There a literally millions of animals in shelters waiting to die. If even 1% of those animals are as amazing as your pet, that’s far too many to justify intentionally making more animals.

Myth: I will be a responsible breeder.

Fact: I argue that there is no such thing. Responsibility involves looking out for the welfare all of all animals, not just the ones you have in your yard and who can add to your income. What happens all too often is unwanted pregnancies. No matter how closely you watch your pet, there is a stray animal watching them closer, and they will break fences and leashes to mate with your pet. The results are often unwanted mixed breeds that end up in shelters, and ultimately are put to death.

Myth: It is too expensive to spay/neuter.

Fact: There are low cost programs all over the country, the most notable being the SPCA. At the Dallas SPCA you can spay/neuter a cat for $40-$45 and a dog for $50-$100 based on weight. Contact the clinic here to schedule an appointment.

Can’t Take on Another Full-time Pet, But Want to Help?

Foster Animal Rescues all over the country are in dire need of foster families. Many cover the costs of the foster care including vet bills, food, medicines while you provide a loving temporary home. While being a foster parent can be challenging when it comes time to release the pet to a permanent home, the rewards are amazing!

Donate Donate time or money to an organization that rescues animals. Or purchase items from their stores for everyone on your holiday list. Something as simple as choosing to purchase your holiday cards from a rescue organization can save a life, and encourage others to do the same!

Broke? Loving dogs and cats in area shelters are in need of folks to volunteer to feed them, walk them, and snuggle them.

Article & Photos: Ginger Valentine

It’s been a few weeks since my trip to New Orleans for the First Annual New Orleans Burlesque Festival and I am already missing the city. I can’t help it; those who’ve been there will understand. However, my objective is not to get too sentimental but instead share with you dear reader, the details of my latest adventure.

When I first arrived at the Westin, I had to dash across the street to the theater at the Harrah’s Casino for a tech rehearsal. I walked the stage while they tested my music. After 20 minutes and pausing to give fellow performer and Texan Ruby Joule a quick kiss on the cheek, I was free for a couple of hours before I had to get ready for the Mondo Showcase later that evening.

It was pouring rain (as it did off and on for the entire weekend), but luckily we had access to a car so Rose Darling and I (plus our gentlemen) took off to a fabulous spot on Magazine Street called Joey K’s. I ravished my roast beef po’boy in a most savage manner but no one seemed to mind too much. After lunch it was time to go back to get gussied up for the New Orleans Rum Party at the Westin Bar. At this point, my mind was already focused on that evening: The Mondo Showcase. Soon it was back to the room to gather my things and off to the theater.

I was so honored to have been selected to perform in this showcase, especially with so many performers that I admire and love. I don’t remember much from my show except waiting in the wings and listening to my intro. I couldn’t believe how much love was out there in the house, and I couldn’t believe that I was there about to do my number. After that I don’t remember much until after I’d finished my act. They had a really nice flat-screen monitor backstage so we were able to watch the show. Michelle L’amour blew everyone away with her heart number. That was the highlight for me.

After the show, Rose and I met up with Mia Vixen from San Diego and the Chicago crew (Michelle and her Starlets) at Coop’s on Decatur where I had a well-deserved Abita beer and fried shrimp po’boy. It was late when we got there, and nobody else was in the tiny restaurant, but in less than a minute we filled it with hungry strippers and friends.

And then finally, sleep.

Saturday I jumped out of bed early considering how late I fell asleep. We walked around the Quarter for a bit and had some breakfast (I use this term loosely) at The Napoleon House. We wandered a bit after lunch and window shopped at Trashy Diva and Fifi Mahoney’s and then we stumbled into the Daiquiri bar. Daiquiris are really popular in New Orleans and there are bars everywhere dedicated only to daiquiris. We each tried the Tiger Teaser (named after the LSU Tigers) which seemed to consist of Everclear and some kind of citrus. Saturday afternoon included more fun with beignets and coffee with Michelle and the Starlets at Café du Monde and then drinks at Tujaque’s.

After we stumbled back to the hotel room, I only had a couple of hours to sober up with coffee and a shower, get dressed and help Rose Darling with her hair. I must be super woman, because I got all of it done, Miss Darling’s hair looked fabulous and we took our seats for the Queens of Burlesque Show just as the house band was starting up.

The Queens of Burlesque Show was the best show I’ve ever seen. All of the ladies were so polished and beautiful. Each act was a little mini production all on its own. I strongly encourage any aspiring burlesque starlets to see as many top-notch performers live as much as possible, you learn so much. I was cheering for my Minneapolis sweetie, Ophelia Flame, but I was very excited to see everyone else too. Perle Noire was crowned the winner and deservedly so. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much energy and power in a striptease act. Catherine D’lish received 1st Runner Up and Lola Van Ella from St. Louis was the 2nd Runner up for her campy and naughty cake and frosting number.

After the Queens show, we dashed off to the House of Blues for the Late Night Burlesque Bash to cheer on fellow Dallasites: La Divina, Scarlette Switches and Rose Darling; Vivienne Vermuth looked dazzling as a stage kitten. Coco Lectric from Austin also performed as well as my friend from Denver, Fannie Spankings. The House of Blues was packed with fans and the girls gave them their all. Catherine D’lish capped off the show by setting the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest feather fan dance. It was certainly a sight to see.

There was one more show on Sunday, but we had to pack up and head back to Dallas. It was such an amazing journey and I’m so glad that my first national burlesque festival was in a city that I love so much. I can’t wait for next year, whether I’m going as a fan or performer, I am certainly going back and I can’t wait.

We asked Ginger Valentine to share her insiders’ tour guide to New Orleans as well as her favorite Louisiana recipes. Here’s what she had to say:

I lived in southeast Louisiana for about five years, and what an impression it left on me! Trips to New Orleans were frequent, and before I knew it, I had fallen in love (really fallen) with the city. I will never be the same. To keep my sanity I visit at least once a year. The following is a very short list of some of my favorite places to visit for food and drinks. I hope if you plan on going to the upcoming New Orleans Burlesque Festival that you will check out some of my favorite spots – you’ll probably see me there devouring a po’boy or giddy from one too many Pimm’s Cups.

Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club
This is the queen mother of all dive bars everywhere. Located near Tulane and Loyola in Uptown at 7612 Oak Street, this bar is nothing more than a glorified shack where you can get beer like Schlitz in a can. The bar is an old house and it’s in the middle of a residential area. It’s hard to tell whether it’s a home or bar. They say they open at seven, but things don’t really get going till 1 a.m. At my first sojourn to this truly locals-only bar, I found myself in need of the ladies room. You can imagine my surprise when a bartender led me to the end of the hall where there sat an exposed toilet. Ha-ha, joke’s on me. That one was just for show; they do have a private bathroom. Use it if you dare.

Café Du Monde
Sandwiched between the mighty Mississippi River and the French Quarter you will find Café Du Monde French Market on Decatur Street. Open 24/7, this is my favorite late-night spot for a quick pick me up after too many sazeracs and hand grenades. Famous for their scrumptious beignets (so much more than just a French doughnut) and café au lait with chicory, Café Du Monde is always packed no matter the hour. There is a perennial dusting of powdered sugar throughout, so think twice before wearing black.

Lucky Dogs
That famous red and yellow hotdog cart that you find parked throughout the French Quarter is more than just ordinary street food – it’s a Crescent City tradition. Sure, some may scoff at a greasy hotdog bought from a vendor, but this has a literary connection that permanently endears them to me. Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, A Confederacy of Dunces is part tall tale and part love song (albeit wacky one) to New Orleans. The main character, Ignatius Riley is briefly employed by Lucky Dogs, and what ensues is some of the funniest shit I’ve ever seen in literature. I suggest picking up a Lucky Dog and taking it to the corner of Canal Street and Bourbon where you’ll find a bronze statue of Ignatius Riley parked in front of the old store front of the D. H. Holmes department store.

Napoleon House
You want tradition? You want unique cocktails and the best damn muffaletta you can wrap your hungry mouth around? Then you want to go to The Napoleon House located on 500 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Built in 1797, story goes that this was a residence intended for Napoleon Bonaparte after his exile, but he died before he could move in. Now it’s the most famous place to get a muffaletta (call it a “muff” if you wanna blend in, but try not to giggle like me) and one of my favorite cocktails, Pimm’s Cup. The building really hasn’t changed much in 200 years, be sure to check out the cash register at the bar. And the bartenders wear arm garters there, which I think is really romantic.

Tropical Isle
If you want to get rowdy (I mean really rowdy), and don’t mind hitting up a tourist spot (but hey, I’ve even known some locals to have fond memories of this joint), then you have to go to Tropical Isle to get a Hand Grenade. Order the big one in the commemorative cup. About half way through your drink, you’ll swear it’s talking to you. Yes, it’s obnoxious and cheesy, but that’s usually how I like to start out my visit in the Quarter, but then again, I kind of turn into a hedonist once I’m in the 504, so I’ll just say I can’t help it.

Mother’s Restaurant
Not far from the French Quarter, you’ll find Mother’s Restaurant on 401 Poydras Street. This is a cafeteria-style deli that serves po’boys so good it’s hard for me to express my feelings without using profanity. When you go to Mother’s this is what you get: The Ferdi Special. Baked ham, roast beef, debris (crusty bits of roast beef that fall off during the roasting process) and gravy crammed in between two perfect pieces of crusty french bread are the key players in the Ferdi Special. I’ve stood in the line that wraps around the block (hungover and in the rain!) to eat a Ferdi special, and I’d do it again (and again) in a heartbeat.

Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop
If you keep walking down Bourbon, and then walk a little more, you’ll come across one of the oldest bars in the country. Built sometime before 1792, this bar is lit by candle light, and it’s easy to imagine yourself transported back 100 or so years ago, that is until your cell phone rings. They have all the usual New Orleans cocktails here, but I suggest trying a sazerac. This whiskey cocktail is one of the oldest cocktails (which is why it’s great to order it here) and it has such a yummy and distinctive flavor that you’ll always associate with the magic of New Orleans. I think this place is a piano bar too, but I can’t be for sure. I could have had one too many drinks and found myself singing along to a song that only I could hear.

Click here for Ginger Valentine’s Red Beans and Rice recipe.

By: Shoshana

Like most ladies, I thought I knew what size bra I would wear my entire adult life based on trial and error in a fitting room my freshman year of college.  I went to the lingerie shop in the mall, grab a stack of what I thought pretty and begin trying. I choose the bra that was least uncomfortable, looked at the tag, viola — that’s my size. Since then, whenever I need a bra, I just went to Target or wherever and grabbed that size along with my other daily essentials — soap, light bulbs, etc.  Apparently in ten years a woman’s body changes dramatically, which I wasn’t conscious of until I headed down to The Maddox Shop.

This lovely lingerie shop is in the Casa Linda section of Dallas, independently owned, and has amazing customer service!  My grandfather, who was an immigrant and owned a men’s clothing store, spoke of service like this. I thought it was long gone with the advent of superstores, I was wrong. I walked into the Maddox Shop where a little old lady asked me to take a number. I took one, and sat on the couch and waited. Within five minutes a different little old lady came an asked me how she could help. I explained that I had a gala to go to, described my dress, and stated I needed a comfortable bra that would lift the ladies to go with it. She escorted me to the fitting room, and then followed me in. At first, I was really freaked out by this. I had to imagine the old days of shopping with my grandma for back to school clothes (she always followed me in) and I took off my top. The little old lady stepped on to a stepstool so she could reach my chest and measured me. When she announced my size, I was dumbfounded. It was two sizes larger than I was currently wearing!
She disappeared and came back with the most comfortable bras I had ever worn. My boobs were happy and comfortable in their new home, and lifted up to show their appreciation. I even looked good in my old tee shirt! I figured I was on a role, so I got a bustier as well. Now, my body is not a fan of symmetry, which wasn’t a problem. The little old lady saw that one breast had extra room between it and the cup. She called in the store’s seamstress, who measured, then disappeared with my bustier, added some quick stitches, and returned it to me three minutes later with a custom fit!

While my little old lady, organized by order at the counter I browsed the store and found the best selection of old school lingerie I had ever seen! Full girdles, cone bras, and beautiful stockings were just some of the eye candy. I also admired the fact that The Maddox Shop built its business around catering to ladies who have special lingerie needs due to surgery and mastectomy. The store also carries a wide variety of sizes, where every gal from 32A to 48E can find a bra that’s right for them.

A Book Review by Shoshana

As a small business owner, my beginnings were modest and I looked for every way possible to cut costs, while still being effective. I also knew that marketing and promotion is absolutely essential for every business to get noticed and then keep itself in the spotlight. What I didn’t know is the best approach to tackle these goals. I wish I had found Successfully Creating and Selling Your Image Online by Amanda Brooks sooner.

It’s true this read is book 2 (Advertising and Marketing) of the Internet Escort’s Handbook Series. Don’t let this stop you; put your preconceived notions aside and read this book from a business perspective. While Ms. Brooks is writing from the background of a successful online escort, she provides amazing insight to making the internet work for you in any business..

Like so many small business owners I have a website and consider it a major marketing tool, but have no idea how it really works. I just pay a web designer and I’m done. Successfully Creating and Selling Your Image Online taught me about SEO optimization (how to get higher on Google’s list), what a good web designer should and should not charge you for, how to create banners, as well as countless free-lance resources I didn’t know existed.

Are you a pin-up model or burlesque entertainer and want to keep your legal name and stage name completely separate and untraceable to one another? This is the book for you. In Ms. Brook’s line of work, anonymity is essential and she has learned the ins and outs of being as hard to trace as possible, and here’s a tip: just buying privacy with your domain doesn’t always cover your rear. In addition to a wealth of internet marketing resources and tips, Ms. Brooks also shoots down the popular tactic of reducing price and offering specials when business gets slow. With clear examples and illustrations Ms. Brooks proves why this is a really bad idea and works powerfully against you.

Although it would seem a unlikely place to look for tips on running a legit business, Successfully Creating and Selling Your Image Online is well written, easy to follow, and loaded with valuable information on making the internet work for you. It is an easy read and a powerful marketing and self promotion resource, and a book I recommend every small business owner pick up. For more information on obtaining a copy of your very own, visit EscortMBA.com