<![CDATA[www.ErisEveiller.com

<![CDATA[www.ErisEveiller.com - Blog]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 03:31:09 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Dress me up and Shoot me!]]>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:43:09 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2012/03/dress-me-up-and-shoot-me.htmlOooh...Pretty...Shiny fluffy feathery things. That's pretty much all that was going through my head when I found myself in the wardrobe at Steve Harts Studio. A walk in room filled with everything a woman could need to transform into a Burlesque Queen. Corsets in a multitude of sizes and colours, Underwear in a veritable rainbow of satins and silks and whole rails of items that I instantly desired. Not to mention a couple of other items to provide the cherry on top of the sequin Sunday. Oh and the thing I really loved is that the stock came from some of burlesque favourite shops, No cheap knock off Primani goodies, this is What Katie Did, Fairy Gothmother and Agent Provocateur territory.

I spent a Sunday playing on a trapeze, Riding a Rocking horse and just generally having a ball. I was in Slough to model some Donna Jane Coets and we were in 'Dress me up and Shoot me'. Steve Hart's Studio a giant Burlesque themed dressing up photo studio. This is the place to go if you've ever wanted to dress up and channel your inner pin up, pose in a giant Martini Glass or just want an excuse to have a giggly photoshoot with your friends while looking absolutely amazing.

It's a perfect place for those who maybe don't get a chance to wear sequins and feathers on a regular basis - you turn up, get pampered and preened and are then shown how to pose in a flattering way that celebrates your body - Gok Wan eat your heart out - How to look Good Naked.This is how to look Good Showgirl Style.

Oh and then at the end of it, you know you're going to have some simply amazing photos to remind you that you can still play dress up - at any age.

I had an absolute blast, and can't wait to show the images. Although I am now left wanting a Carousel Rocking horse...and a Trapeze...and a Martini Glass. Com'n how fabulous would it be to do my Stig Act finishing in a giant Martini Glass? With a Car sponge? Time to start a Martini Glass fund I think.

And since Steve is an absolute sweetheart, he's given me an offer to pass on to you. Mention 'Eris' when you're booking for groups of 4 or more. And you'll be able to book for just £99 each, including a free 10”x8” print for each person. The advertised price is £250 plus £100 for each additional guest, so that’s a saving of £150.

]]><![CDATA[Afternoon teas at the Dolphin Hotel Southampton]]>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:29:02 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2012/03/afternoon-teas-at-the-dolphin-hotel-southampton.htmlOn a whim this weekend, Penny my assistant and I, both had a craving for a serious Afternoon tea. Complete with bubbly, finger sandwiches and Scones, Mad Hatter optional. And until we have an instant portal to Fortnum & Mason we've been looking for the next best thing in Southampton/Portsmouth. Between us, we have very defined expectations of what makes an afternoon tea. Scones, Jam and Cream must be there. Smoked Salmon or Cucumber Sandwiches should make an appearance. There should be a tower filled with delicious morsels and it should be dainty yet filling enough that you feel unable to eat for the following hours. And a choice of teas to choose from, from earl grey to white .
Well we've never claimed to be easy to please, but if you can think of some promising afternoon tea venues, then let me know.

This time we headed to the Dolphin Hotel in Southampton with the promise of all the tea we could drink. And with the amount of gossiping we do, there was a lot of tea drinking planned.

The Dolphin Hotel is a historic hotel in central Southampton, currently owned by Mercure, in its past it's hosted Jane Austen, Lord Nelson and Queen Victoria and if you go back into the 15th century there are mentions of it being an entertainment venue/tavern, I love to think of it as a possible historic burlesque venue too. I'm pretty sure it wasn't - but hey you can't prove there wasn't comedic carrying once once the sun had gone down.

Now there are few signs of any exciting past, but a lot of boutique hotel style. The bar is a study of sophisticated greys and the dining room a refreshing blend of greens and whites. On a Saturday afternoon it wasn't exactly overrun. Penny and I had the dining room exclusively to ourselves. A pity as I'm sure if they made a focus of their afternoon

teas they could have a steady flow of customers. There aren't many places in Southampton that do a simply amazing afternoon tea, and while this place had the potential - it also felt like living through my school reports, it " could do better". On booking we were told the afternoon tea option is available in the bar or restaurant. We do much better gossiping when not competing against a corner television so we headed into the dining room. Initially we were looked after wonderfully - Glasses of bubbly were swiftly followed by a plated afternoon tea. Mini finger sandwiches, a Scone and 3 profiteroles each. The sandwiches were very dainty (one was the size of my little finger) and despite the lack of salmon or cucumber, they were yummy. The scone was perfectly baked and even with the cream and jam heaped on top, it held its own. The chocolate free profiteroles were a strange option to include in an afternoon tea to us, but I ended up dotting mine with jam to give an almost mini classy doughnut taste.

The food was lovely (even if we were slightly disappointed at the lack of a tower) but we were then inducted to the most Kafka style ending to a tea party I've been to. The waitress enquired as to whether we were ready for our dessert, feeling full but curious, we nodded. This was followed by her returning and saying she'd been mixed up and there wasn't any. Not that we minded, mistakes happen even with the best intention. But then the restaurant manager approached and said we would be getting dessert as we'd gone for the full afternoon tea, the kitchen was in fact making us some profiteroles. We then sat ....and sat....and since we were gossiping we hadn't realised the amount of time that was being taken. In fact, it was enough time for the Lunch shift to finish, us to realise the dessert, our thirst and our table were forgotten. And then it was onto the hunt to find someone in order to pay the bill.

I still like the idea of us leaving just as a tower of profiteroles appeared to a confused someone in the Bar

The food was lovely, even if not quite up to our standards or Fortnum & Mason's - the service confusing. But I'd be willing to return soon. 3/5

Oh and if anyone is looking to invest in a Hampshire Tea room, you need to talk to us. We're pretty sure we know exactly what you should be focusing on and we're also very willing to commit ourselves utterly to the research. Let no scone lie unturned..

]]><![CDATA[Just a lil Homebody]]>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:50:09 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2012/03/just-a-lil-homebody.htmlThis month has what is possibly the least travelling involved for the last year or so. I'm performing in Fareham and Portsmouth, Photoshoots in Southampton and the New Forest and on top of that I get to see some of my Favourite people performing at the same night.

Want to come along?

Burlesque at Club V (Fareham)
Burlesque at Scarlett Sta (Portsmouth)

Hope to see you there xxx
]]><![CDATA[Restaurant review - Rancho's Southampton]]>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:22:37 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2012/01/restaurant-review-ranchos-southampton.htmlRanchos Southampron

I went into this Steak and Burger restaurant with some friends, fresh from seeing ‘The Artist’ and we were 100% hungry – Time to really give into the temptation of the 100% all you can eat ribs.

This was the first visit for me to Ranchos and stepping in both J & I were really impressed with the feel. Nicely lit, decent furniture and while the bar is small, it’s decently stocked. Although some really good cocktails and some boutique beers wouldn’t have gone admiss. I’m pretty sure all the rib wall building Fred Flintstone types could cope.

The key thing to note is that it was busy – boy was it busy. And the staff had their hands full. I’m going to guess that someone was ill or they aren’t normally so full up but the staffing was an issue. We arrived early and were asked to wait by the bar. A same size group arrived 15 minutes after us for the same timeslot and were seated before us. We were asked if we were ready to order before we’d got menus. We asked repeatedly for the rest of the cutlery (someone decided only half the table needed forks laid out) and then we were asked again if we were ready to order 10 minutes after we’d already ordered.

Now I’d rather be asked twice to order then not at all – but it added to the general sloppy impression.

The menu covers a lot of ground, apart from Ribs there are a couple of south American influences with Empanadas and fajitas, you’ve got Burgers and a couple of different steak types to pick from. Oh and any place that has Bread and Butter as a side gets an extra point for me. I find very few foods can’t be improved by making an impromptu sandwich. Weirdly, you have to ask for the all you can eat Ribs as we couldn’t see any information about it anywhere.

Now I’m not a huge Rib fan, but when done properly I dive in to the sauce pools along with everyone else. Ribs for me should cover you, your table and anyone unfortunate enough to be sat near you with layers of sauce. I want to dip my chips into it and suck the juices from my finger. What ended up on my plate were ribs…but not as I know them.

            These were huge meaty ribs…with a little itty bitty brushing of sauce on maybe 3 ribs. They just had no taste. They didn’t appear to have been marinated, slow cooked or seasoned. Now I know that a kitchen churning out hundreds of one product might not bother with marinading hundreds of Ribs but com’n guys at least cover the shortcomings with BBQ sauce! Instead it was left to us to order extra sauce and drizzle it on to our food. The salad actually had the least taste of any food I’ve eaten (that’s including rice cakes) and we stopped after the first plate of Ribs. Not cause we were full…but just because we didn’t want to eat any more…Which for a group of self professed gluttons is a little sad.

Of course you’d think that on a Rib night we’d all order the obvious but J was seriously craving a burger. I stole a bite and it was alright, but I couldn’t help agree with her that as burgers go, it could do with some work. The meat was tough and tasteless and just like the ribs, it needed more sauce.

The chips? Now the chips were good. But I don’t think I’ll be going back to get a second portion.

1.5/5 Not completely awful, and good enough if all you want is to eat your own body weight in protein.

]]><![CDATA[Something looks Gelishous]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:29:15 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2012/01/something-looks-gelishous.htmlThose of you that have read my Geleration review will be aware at my disappointment about the long lasting claims. I love the gel nails – I just don’t like the costs (and fibs) involved. But this Christmas I got a Gel nail set. And just like a kid at Christmas I barely paused for breath before playing. And all I can say is – get one!

I no longer care that it’s only going to last me two weeks as I can just do my own manicure when I need it redone. (Although I do still love having someone else do a hand tidy first).

The main set was a Gelish Brand (a brand that does have super reviews) all the various layers of polish and a couple of neutral colours along with some ‘fun’ colours bought from China a brand called Laquee Reth (that are much cheaper). So far the longest they’ve stayed has been 8 days – but that’s more due to my impatience to try another colour more than anything else.

And here are my tips for at home gel nails.

Keep some baby wipes nearby – and some Q-tips.

Before starting – rub on some sun cream on your hands, before using a nail scrub to remove any reside.

Try to keep a thin border around the outside when applying the colour on the nail. I’m not sure how true this is but I was told it helps bond the colour.

If your UV Lamp doesn’t have a timer – then use one on your phone. I ruined some nails thinking ‘that will do’

You can use any colour nail varnish (or even glitter) – it won’t last as long but you’re still looking at at least a week. (just make sure to let it air dry before putting on the top coat.)

After the top coat has cured, wipe over with a drop of oil for extra shine

Don’t just peel them off when you want rid – remove them properly. I have these funky looking things from Amazon to let my nails soak.

Oh if you do by some – I find the Laquee Reth varnish not only cheap and cheerful, but easier to use then the Gelish.

I’ll pop up a ‘How to’ this month if anyone is interested.

]]><![CDATA[The traditional January health kick]]>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:16:38 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2012/01/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit1.htmlAh January – that time of year where you struggle into your previously comfy jeans. Surrounded by the wrappers of the last of the Christmas Chocolates and the empty Champagne bottles you think to yourself that this has got to stop and like a pendulum swinging away from the calorie laden nibbles you start hunting out lettuce leaves and feeling virtuous as you battle your food demons.Well at least for a day or two.

            And yep, I’m firmly in my denial stage (hell yeah, I feel fine without sugar, caffeine and Dairy) but I know it won’t last. However – the gym schedule is back on track after the Christmas break and my morning smoothie may well be a habit that sticks. So for today’s Covets and Craves here are my new year new picks:

Gym kit

            You can always tell the fresh new gym goers, it’s not enough that their trainers have not a since drop of sweat, mud or tears on them – but they are either dressed in super shiny high tech gym gear or they raid the back of the cupboard to pull out some old leggings and oversized T-shirts. I’m not saying this is wrong – but face it. Neither will make you feel good as you try to stop collapsing into a ball on the floor. You either look the part (as you’re lapped by the OAP on their cool down) or you catch a glimpse of yourself looking like a pile of laundry having a heart attack. The answer is here: Wellicous.

Comfortable without being slob like, The colours are toning and calming* and above all, they make you feel as though you really are the kind of person who would pick a green smoothie over a bacon sandwich, without thinking twice about it.


Go have a look at them here: www.wellicious.com Right now. Go on – treat yourself. They’ll make you feel better as you try and work out why the plank was ever invented.

VitaMix

            I’ve heard mixed reviews on their customer service – but no bad reviews about the working product. This is one of those super powered blenders that shreds all it comes in contact with. (It puts my cookworks blender to shame). But like most superpowered toys, this isn’t casual purchase territory. You’re looking at £400 - £500 easily.

If anyone has one (whether they use it or not) I’d love to hear your thoughts.

]]><![CDATA[Covets and Craves]]>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:27:33 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2011/12/covets-and-craves10.htmlCovets and Craves

Sorry to anyone in training to be the local scrooge - But with the first window on my Advent Calendar comes the start of my favourite month and this week's covets and craves is inspired by the start of the Christmas preparation period.
Hotel Chocolat Advent Calendar:

It's just not a Christmassy December without a cardboard box containing a daily dose of chocolate. And for the last three years I've loved my Hotel Chocolat calendar - a daily dose of luxury. And yes it might be more expensive than buying a cheap calendar at Tesco's, but you not only get good chocolate -you avoid the disappointing feeling when you open up the window to discover a sliver of chemically tasting chocolate.

http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/advent-calendars-CHCAdvent/

Scandilicious

I'm making a rare exception to listing stuff I want to include something I have. I just think you should have it too. Especially if you like to cook.

I have a weakness at the moment for all things Nordic. I'm devouring Swedish fiction, I'm desperately wanting to visit Helsinki soon, and I'd love to go above the arctic circle and gaze on the northern lights and I'm becoming near expert at making Cinnamon Buns.Last May during my time at the Hay festival ( www.hayfestival.com/ ) I was lucky enough to listen to Signe talk about her cook book Scandilicous and promptly bought a copy. And since then I've been making the best cakes ever (FYI - Try using the sponge recipe from the coconut cake for cupcakes - it's sublime). Not to mention the fabulous Cinnamon buns. And the non-baking recipes are pretty good too.

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/signe+johansen/scandilicious+baking/8698895/

That Dress

How's this dress for something truly amazing? Just the thought of wearing this over a tight laced corset makes me start to melt inside. Trust me - anyone looking for a vavavoom dress - look no further...and if you do wear it to the office party then I think the world needs photos.

www.belladonnasboudoir.com

]]><![CDATA[For those who always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop]]>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:18:53 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2011/11/for-those-who-always-get-the-fuzzy-end-of-the-lollipop.html I am really looking forward to the upcoming Marilyn Monroe movie. Monroe is one of my favourite style icons. Her off duty style is completely at odds with her ‘Movie Marilyn’ look, and it’s so classic it wouldn’t look out of place now.

From the pictures available, it’s easy to see she seemed to prefer a soft toned palette, Creams, Greys and Blacks with soft block colours. She had old favourites that she rewore (even once they were stained) and as opposed to the naively se y character she often portrayed on film, she dressed in a what is seen now as an exceedingly modest way. High necklines and turtlenecks, trousers and form skimming dresses.

            But off course she could turn it on when she needed to – As an actress she knew the value of her image. At appearances, premieres and nights out she could turn up the wattage and play the character. Out would come the low necklines, the figure hugging dresses with the diamonds and furs. Wearing whites and Gold’s she would stand out in the resulting publicity photos looking luminescent – and draw the eye every time. In an era before stylists, she managed to create and control her look

I’m not expecting to be blown away by the movie – but I am expecting to come out with a new mental shopping list. It looks as though the costume department on the movie really excelled themselves, especially with the underwear (by the fabulous - What Katie Did - www.whatkatiedid.com/)

There’s a lovely dress like Marilyn article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2011/nov/15/marilyn-monroe-film-costume-designer

]]><![CDATA[Shock ! Horror! Burlesque is naughty again.]]>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:59:52 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2011/11/shock-horror-burlesque-is-naughty-again.htmlI like vintage…but there is a case of taking it too far. Looks like some people in Iowa are hoping to tap into the golden era of prudery.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=iowa%20citation%20burlesque&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjezebel.com%2F5846800%2Fburlesque-show-cited-for-accidental-breast%2Bflashing&ei=s4LUTo_FBMbV0QGA2dXdAQ&usg=AFQjCNGShH0ZHWd_ngh0LHlB0aXI_C9fWA
            Over here on the British side of the pond, we have (justly or not) a very mixed idea of American values. It’s a huge nation so it’s not surprising that values appear mixed. It is after all the country where you have people who live like it’s 1700 with people who like their in a MTV video. But we also get the overall impression (ignoring the fundamentalists) of a culture with a live and let live ideal. A overall feeling of ‘hey, that’s not for me…but if you want to live your life on a pogo stick then knock yourself out. And good for you for going for it’. I’m sure it’s not all as clear cut as that, but seeing as we’re now in the 20th century I was still surprised to read about the burlesque performers cited for prohibited acts.

            It’s no longer the golden age of burlesque where you have the Minskys of new york being pulled in to court on a regular basis to defend their shows (or to provide the courtroom a good laugh). Reading the Minsky books you get an idea of the humour the minskys felt at the time – not only were the judges on their side, but it provided amazing advertising. But now? There is no longer a cop warning light system – we no longer design costumes with ‘privacy curtains’ to satisfy censors and as for raciness, you can find a music video within minutes that could be considered more indecent.


            But for someone who decided to go and see ‘The Naughtiest show in Iowa’ and then discover that they think a womans body is indecent and should not be shown seems a bit strange. No matter that one of the performers concerned had a costume malfunction or that quite frankly when we get down to it, they only showed their chests, this person felt the need to report it to the police who seemed to be quite happy to do their duty (at the cost of the $20 ticket price to the tax payer) and issue the citations. Well I suppose they couldn’t ignore it – after all the instigator had made sure he had his evedence by recording and a citation is as good a way to advertise now as it was back then so hopefully they’ll find a way to use it to their advantage – if they can convince the owner that is…

]]><![CDATA[Covets and Craves]]>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:49:09 -0800http://www.eriseveiller.com/1/post/2011/11/covets-and-craves9.htmlOk - well this weeks covets and craves just has to be about the vintage range from Triumph .

Like any vintage loving gal who's built sandcastles in her past, I do agree that you can't build something truly amazing without the right foundations. From Michelle Williams to Christine Hendricks, any vintage inspiring goddess says that the key to the look involves the right underwear.

It might not be as comfortable as a T-Shirt B, It might not allow you to slump back or to ignore an expanding waistline - but it does make you feel and look more feminine*. The days I wear a Corset, stockings or Girdle I feel conscious of my body. I stand straighter, I feel more feminine and whatever I wear instantly looks better. Take any dress and add a corset and all of a sudden you're filled with that vavavoom.

On my santas wish list is this corset:

& These

And best of all? Right now it's 30% off online.
http://shop-uk.triumph.com/

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