Laura Desiree at the Toronto Burlesque Festival

Once again the lovely and talented Laura Desiree dominated the stage in her Rock n Roll Red Fringe outfit created by me! This time it was at the Toronto Burlesque Festival’s opening show where she strutted her stuff before a packed house of burlesque enthusiasts and performers.  Since the last time I blogged about this outfit we added another piece which is the flowing red satin skirt with fringe detail from waist to hip.  I love what the skirt added to the overall outfit and I think it finishes the look perfectly.  Check out these wonderful photos from photographer Ruth Gillson of the gorgeous Laura Desiree at the Toronto Burlesque Festival!

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Aviva the Mirage at the Toronto Burlesque Festival

Last weekend the outstanding performer Aviva the Mirage took the stage at the Toronto Burlesque Festival.  I was lucky enough to get to dress this blue-haired beauty for the festival!  I had so much fun working on this outfit that included a long flowing robe, tiger print one shoulder leotard, panel skirt, bra and panties.  The combination of the wild tiger print with the rich raspberry purple skirt and robe was so elegant with just a hint of Bettie Page sass.  I look forward to making more outfits for this burlesque babe in the future!

Photos by Photolena

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The Two Piece Playsuit

One of my favourite vintage trends for summer is the two piece playsuit!  The term ‘playsuit’ is usually used to refer to a garment that combines a top and shorts all in one (also known as a ‘romper’) or a top and pants (also know as a ‘jumpsuit’).  You could also use the term ‘playsuit’ to refer to a combination top and bottom that are made from the same fabric, or combination of fabrics, also known as a two piece playsuit.  The bottoms on a two piece playsuit could be pants, shorts, a skort or a skirt.

The two piece playsuit speaks to a time when quality and custom clothing was more common in fashion.  Nowadays most of the clothing we buy is mass produced in factories overseas and is cheaply made and not meant to last.  In the 1940s, 50s and 60s when you were likely to see this kind of playsuit set they were often made by tailors, local designers, and from home-sew patterns and included fun matching details that made the separates a completely co-ordinated outfit.  To me the two piece playsuit is not only very convenient and practical (who doesn’t love co-ordinating separates?) but it also looks elegant and super sweet!

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Gatsby Garden Party

On Sunday I attended a 1920’s Gatsby themed garden party at Spadina House in Toronto with the lovely Leelando Calrissian!  We had a fabulous time getting all dolled up in our 1920s attire and lounging on the beautiful lawn behind the historical mansion.  There were more amazing outfits than you could imagine, some real 1920s vintage, others simply inspired or reproduction.  The women were decked out in lace, pearls, bias-cut frocks, cloche hats, beaded bags, with many gorgeous parasols scattered throughout the crowd.  The men adorned themselves with boater hats, suspenders, linen suits, sock garters, spats with many pocket watches on fobs.  Live bands roared with jazz on the main stage and small groups played the ukulele at the garage stage.  The main event was the fashion parade and costume contest with prizes from Malabar, Aviv restaurant and the Rose Emporium.  Leelando and I were very jealous of the grand prize winner who will be receiving 2 dozen fresh cut roses every month for the next year for winning!  Please enjoy my photos from the Gatsby Garden Party!

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Leeland looking regal at Spadina House
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Gorgeous Gatsby Gals!

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Croquet anyone?
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Authentic 1920s gown!
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These ladies were simply divine and playing a round of badminton!
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The swinging band!
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This chap had an amazing pair of sock garters!
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Yep, we ordered a pizza.
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Fashion parade!
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More fashion paraders
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Slacks on a woman? How modern!
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Costume Contest winners!

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Dolly’s Bettie Page Striptease: Part 4

This is the final set from my Bettie Page inspired Striptease photo shoot that I will be posting on this blog.  The last few images. which feature a helpless Dolly in bondage, have been deemed too racy to post here but fear not!  If You Fall Photography and Classically Curvy are currently working on a gallery show of the full Bettie Page set!  Stay tuned for more info and for now please enjoy these final shots!
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Part 3

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Photos by If You Fall Photography

Meryle Trouble’s Psychedelic Floral Dress

I love making outfits for Meryle Trouble because she always has such wonderfully creative ideas!  About a year ago Meryle came to me with the psychedelic 60s floral fabric and let me run wild with it.  The result was this fabulous, fun dress!  I love the way this look turned out and Meryle is totally rocking it!

Photo by Who Do You Love Photography

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Dolly’s Bettie Page Striptease: Part 3

In part 3 of my Bettie Page inspired striptease photoset it’s time to strap on some fetish boots and have a little fun!
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 Photos by If You Fall Photography

Sinful Sunday

My fabulous go-go partner Betty Quirk and I will be shimmy shaking it this coming Sunday (May 11th) at Cherry Cola’s!  Come watch some quality burlesque this Mother’s Day and even bring your mom!

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Photo by Ruth Gillson from Peeler’s Playhouse.
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Bunny Angora & Chow Mein from the Harlettes with Dolly Monroe & Betty Quirk from PeepshowTO

A Perfect 14

A wonderful new documentary is coming out about plus size models and our current beauty standards called A Perfect 14.  As a plus size woman I am so thrilled to see a new standard of beauty emerging in our culture.  It’s about time we stop putting a size on beauty and start respecting and celebrating the diversity of the female form.

 I wanted to share this photo set with you today because this is my Eff Your Beauty Standards moment.  At 210 lbs I could not be more happy with my body or the way I look.  Beauty has no size. I am proud of my body and I would rather spend every day loving and embracing myself than being frustrated that I don’t fit into the tiny box society has labeled “ideal”.  Who cares how much you weigh?  Who cares if your thighs rub together or your arms jiggle?  Why should that prevent you from feeling fabulous?  Don’t let anyone else’s beauty standards dictate your self worth.  Be yourself, love yourself and embrace who you are.

xoxo Dolly

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Photos by If You Fall Photography 

Burlesque Photos with Haley Friesen

A few months ago myself and a bunch of my burlesque pals (Betty Quirk, Sevvy Skellington, Meryle Trouble and Dante Him) had a burlesque themed photoshoot with Haley Frisen for her thesis project and here are some of the results!   Check out the rest of her amazing portfolio at www.haleyfriesenphotography.com 

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