Celebrating Burlesque | Los Gatos San Francisco Bay Area Photography

Gypsy Rose Lee and Dita Von Teese: Fabulous Forces of Burlesque

 

 

 

I have always loved the art of Burlesque and how it titillates the senses. And when the word Burlesque is said, two very prominent names come to mind; Gypsy Rose Lee and Dita Von Teese! These fabulous women are known for their wit, their beauty, and most importantly their style.

 

 

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Rose Louise Hovick, better known as Gypsy Rose Lee, joined the ranks of burlesque after a grueling childhood career in vaudeville with her talented siblings and her controlling stage mother, Mama Rose. Burlesque was her way of breaking from her past and embrace a form of entertainment that really brought her true essence to life. She also changed it in ways one would never imagine with her sharp wit and her expensive couture taste that dazzled the world over. She has been immortalized in the theater with the award-winning show Gypsy and literature with not only her own best selling novels and memories but literally hundreds of different pieces written in her honor. The show Gypsy has also been made into several different film renditions as well as appearing herself in many movies and TV shows. The best of all is grande modern burlesque shows, one most famously done by Dita Von Teese, all honoring how forever fabulous she is!

 

 

 

 

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Here are some inspirational fashions from the ever enchanting Gypsy Rose Lee!

 

 

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Heather Sweet, know the world over as Dita Von Teese, was a small town ballerina with bigger than life dreams of glory through glamor. She yearned for the old world existence of her role models from vintage Hollywood and the elegance the exuded. The moment she stepped into the big city there was no stopping her. She reinvented herself in the world of fetish modeling, often drawing inspiration from women like Bettie Page. Then she does it once more by reigniting the world of Burlesque, drawing from the only inspiration to draw from; Gypsy Rose Lee! She has since launched various different clothing, lingerie, hair, and makeup collections along with appearing in many movies, music videos as well as being a best selling author. She is truly an unstoppable woman!

 

 

 

 

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Here are some inspirational fashions from the lovely and enticing Dita Von Teese!

 

 

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Empowered, confident, intelligent women are the sexiest women alive! What better way to celebrate it than to honor the goddesses of burlesque!

 

Heather

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!

 

 

 

 

Sexy Accessories | San Jose San Francisco Bay Area Boudoir Photography

 

When doing a boudoir photo shoot keep it unique and keep it about you. It’s time for that sexy side to sizzle. The best way to do that is through accessories, but you never want to over accessorize simply because IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!! There are so many fun ways to do this that will not take away from that perfect shot!

Let’s go from top to bottom!

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Hats are a great start. Often times you can play with a lot of different close-up shots. And there is a hat for every look and every type. Everything from a big Hollywood glamor look to a rustic cowgirl look, you’d be surprised about its versatility.

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Now, personally, I am not a hat person. I’m not the only one either. But I can’t help but love a good headpiece of some kind. A great flapper style headband adorned with ornate fabrics and designs is one option that will enhance every picture.

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Tiaras and different bejeweled hair accessories are essential for the perfect boudoir bridal photo. The tiara is best when worn with an elegant veil, but is just as stunning by itself to make your inner princess come to life.

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But I can’t resist just keeping it simple and sexy with flowers in the hair. You can have a single rose sitting delicately on one side or have an entire arrangement placed throughout your hair of any flower you wish.

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Make a statement with an alluring mask. Entice those who look to stare deep into your eyes and become mesmerized. Be as subtle or as decorative as you wish with this fanciful accessory.

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Chokers are the sexiest types of necklaces. It hugs the neck with elegant styles and materials that make this ever sensual part of your body look longer and more delicate.

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Pearls are as simple as can be along with being as sexy as ever. Pearls pair well with every boudoir outfit, but it is even more desirable when it stands alone. Wear it close to your neck like a choker, wrap it with layers around your neck, or wear them long as the pearls follow down the center of your body.

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Go big and rocker with various types of draped chain. Gold is another personal favorite and letting the layers drape long and proud down every curve is so sexy.

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One option, if you are not into a chain like I am but still want to make a big statement, is to go with big colorful beaded pieces. The more colorful the better!

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But who could resist a wonderful jewelry set being the only outfit you wear. Let your jewels inspire the sexy in you.

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And what better to match with your exquisite jewels than a stunning fluffy fur stole or fur coat. It can be faux or no, colorful or simple, and always soft to the touch.

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Add a silky touch of something extra sexy with a pair of luxurious gloves. With such choices as lace, chiffon or satin, how could you not look glamorous? Have them long and simple or short and decorative to show off a unique you.

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Fans are the most beguiling accessory and always makes for a fabulous photo. Even more so than then any hat, the fan can be a great prop for a captivating close-up like no other.

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Body chains are the sexiest trend in boudoir accessories and with as many styles as there are ways to wear them you can not go wrong. When used for a photo shoot it often highlights the most arousing features.

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Belts can also be a great addition to your choice of outfit. With a corset waist belt, you can cheat! You have the same classic look of a corset without having to lose your breath or deal with to many ties.

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Chain belts are another great way to enhance your outfit and give you an edgy look that snugs closely and enhances your racy side.

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Garters! Need I say more? And with so many styles to choose you can be anything from a blushing bride to subtle hints of s&m, however the mood strikes you.

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Stockings? What’s more risque than stockings held up with a classic garter belt? It’s that vintage look that will never go out of style because it is so perfect, especially for a boudoir shoot.

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You’re going to need one sexy pair of pumps to really make your stockings complete. Any color, any style and however high you want them is the best way to make your luscious legs reach to the stars.

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But it’s not the only way to make your legs look spectacular. Boots! The higher the thigh the better! Make them look even more scandalous by wearing only your boots during your session.

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From head to toe and everything in between, make sure the true sexy vixen that exists within every pearl clutching lady shines brighter than a diamond.

 

Heather

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Wear Wednesday | Mountain View Los Gatos Bay Area Boudoir Photography

 

It’s night time and not a thing left to do. Date night is fun, but you want to make it unforgettable and dazzling. It’s time to go into your closet and pull out your trusty ‘After Dark’ look, complete with the perfect lingerie to finish the night off.

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Purple is the color of royalty and you deserve to look like a queen. It can be a very dramatic statement or show a softer side of you depending on the shade. From it’s darkest to it’s lightest shades this versatile hue never ceases to impress your love.

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Black is a go-to classic! It caters to every event. Whether it’s a gala gown, a little black dress or a wild rocker piece. The thing that makes black truly the best is the ability to mix and match colors and patterns since black goes with everything.

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Red is the color of love, lust, desire, and everything that makes an after dark date even more fun. It’s an extremely powerful color that evokes a very raw emotion in not only the person wearing it but the person staring at you from across the room.

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Dark teal is a color I feel is often overlooked for such an occasion. It is as versatile and sexy as your more classic colors. It also compliments every skin tone and body shape. Think of a colorful peacock when thinking of this magnificent color.

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I know solid colors are fun and flirty, but you want to spice it up even more. Well, all that glitters is glamor for your date night. Don’t be afraid to sport those hand-sewn crystal embellishments and shimmery sequence with a boost of color!

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No matter where the night takes you and that special ‘After Dark’ date, make sure it leads you to new adventures and experiences.

Heather

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retro Glam | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

 

 

Vintage never goes out of style, especially in the boudoir. And capturing this sexy elegance in a photo is as old as photography itself. And to look sexy for your love is even older. As old as time. The evolution of these delicate undergarments have a long history, but styles are often repeated and made better through the ages. As times change and needs of the boudoir do, so to must lingerie.

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Victorians were not as stuck up as one would think. They knew how to have fun and dress for the occasion, even in private. For the modern Victorian look a touch of lace here, a neck-full of pearls there and a breathtaking corset is all you need

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By the 1920’s women were not only politically free but a little more sexually free and their less constricting often more revealing lingerie was a sign of the times. Even the music in the bedroom became more exciting with Jazz.

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As Hollywood grew in popularity so did the need for looking like a star in the bedroom. Even with WWII taking all the silk, that didn’t stop the ladies from wearing the most glamorous looks! (Thank You Nylon)

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Can you imagine the 1950’s being sexy? Well, the truth is some of the sexiest styles we still use today came from the 1950’s. It has become the most copied look for vintage lingerie.

 

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So if you feel like you were born in the wrong era…there’s lingerie for that!

Heather

 

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!

Fashion Friday Inspired by Absinthe | San Jose Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photographyLast week I took my first trip to Las Vegas, and though I missed out on last week’s Fashion Friday post, I couldn’t wait to get back for this one.

Since my partying days (which were relatively tame to begin with) are behind me, I’m not crazy about heat (it was 109 F!!) and I’m not much of a gambler, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Las Vegas. Everyone says you have to go at least once, so I jumped at the chance to go for a short girl’s getaway.

Having lived in both downtown Boston and Manhattan, sometimes I miss the hustle and bustle of city life, and Las Vegas was just what I needed to make me appreciate California again, but still have a fabulous time.

It’s funny how things like long lines for everything (an hour to check in at hotel!!) and drinks at Starbucks costing at least $1.50 more each, are quickly erased from one’s memory. Aside from all of that, Las Vegas is a fabulous city.

Everyone raves about the Vegas shows, and those truly were the best part. We had only booked tickets for Michael Jackson ONE, and it was so amazing, we decided we should try to hit up another show the next night.

After asking several taxi drivers and waitresses, we settled on Absinthe, and I’m so glad we did! Everyone we talked to said Absinthe is impossible to describe, but totally worth seeing, and I’d have to say they’re right. The website calls it an “acro-cabaret variety show” and I’d describe at as an “adult circus/comedy/burlesque show.” (Here’s the trailer if you’re curious.)

It’s taking me quite some time to get to the point of this, but what I’m getting at is that the costumes were fabulous and immediately made me think of how awesome they’d be for a boudoir session.

While I’m personally not crazy about nipple tassels (which there were a lot of), I really loved many of the other pieces. Some of my favorites were the thongs with intricate rear details, and the super-sexy corsets.

You really need to see the show for yourself, but I scoured the internet for some burlesque-esque outfits that I think would be awesome to rock for a photo session. Starting with the least expensive, here are some of my favorites:

Frederick’s of Hollywood – Caged Lace Open Panel Panty

Curvy Girl Lingerie – Breathtaking Satin and Rhinestone Corset

Dita Von Teese – Countess

Agent Provocateur – Sandra Suspender

Feeling inspired by these extra sexy pieces? Give us a call or shoot us an email to set up a session today!

Nicole

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!

 

Fashion Friday Dita Von Teese | San Jose Boudoir Photography

I Boudoir Coterie Portrait photography have to admit, I didn’t know a whole lot about Dita Von Teese other than that she was once married to Marilyn Manson and is often seen showing off her curves in sexy lingerie, but when Danea told me about her new line at Bloomingdale’s, I decided it was time to find out more.

From my quick Wikipedia research, Dita Von Teese (born Heather Renne Sweet) is most famous for re-popularizing burlesque performance, and is also a model, actress and entrepreneur.

Her most recent entrepreneurial endeavor is her Bloomingdale’s lingerie line, and I have to say, it is gorgeous!

Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to actually check any of these out in person since the closest Bloomingdales is a bit of a trek from my house, but based on the reviews on their site, Dita’s line is not only gorgeous, but also good quality (as I’d expect from Bloomingdale’s).

This collection definitely has a lot of burlesque influence and is classically sexy. I really like how black lace seems to be the uniting element, but it’s accented with pops of color and other unique details. Here are a few of my favorites:

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What I really love about Dita’s lingerie is that it’s all timeless, which is especially important when you’re planning a photo session. No one wants to look back at what they were wearing in a few years and wonder “what was I thinking?”

Although red isn’t always advised for boudoir sessions, this set is gorgeous. Check out the details on the bra!

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And then there’s these panties! Is it weird that I wish they could show the back of these panties on a model? I guess it wouldn’t be appropriate for the Bloomingdale’s website, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this photo is not even close to doing them justice.

Dita Von Teese Bikini - Savoir Faire #Y22957 | Bloomingdale's

So there you have it. Has anyone tried on or seen this collection in person? I’d love to hear about it!

Of course, we’d also love to see some of this lingerie in the studio, so if you’ve got some and want to schedule a session, give us a call or shoot us an email today!

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

 

Nicole

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!