Just thought I would share some of my resources for the items I use when creating a burlesque number. These are places I purchase my items from. I do not receive anything from these companies- this list is my own personally tested, tried-and-true, compilation of sites that work for me.
Fishnets: I use Capezio Seamless 3000, and I always cut the waist off first thing. Unlike less expensive fishnets, these will not unravel when they are cut, and will last a good long while. They can also be mended with a needle and thread, like darning a sock. I don't have any one go-to site, as the price will vary, so check Ebay and discountdance.com
Gloves: For classic numbers, I like the 23" Opera glove in Satin . Finale Gloves has a great color selection and great prices (around $12)
Pasties: I wear, almost exclusively, Gothfox.com pasties. They are reliable, they will make anything custom that you can dream up, and the quality of their fabrics and crystals is incomparable. I still have my first pair, and they look just as gorgeous now as they did the day I received them. In addition, they do custom Merkins, V-strings, and have a nice assortment of accessories, such as Vegan Boas.
Pastie Tape/Glue: I prefer a good Medical Adhesive (and remover) over more traditional applications like Spirit Gum, but my favorite fastener is Indoor/Outdoor Heavy Duty Double-sided Duct Tape, more specifically 'Shurtape' carried at Lowes.com
Boas and Plumes: I have shopped this around, and for my money, I like the quality and customer service of Eskayfeathers.com. Their plumes are always very fluffy, and they are willing to work with you if you have a special request. I have a Wholesale license, but I find their pricing very close to Wholesale. Pair a few flowers from Michael's with some smaller plumes and a few rhinestones, and you have a gorgeous hairpiece.
In addition, Cindy at Fancyfeathers.com is pretty much capable of ANYTHING! Recently she was able to get me the amount of feathers I needed in the custom shade I needed, all while in the midst of BHoF....and still managed to make me feel like I was her only customer- feeling spoiled by that!
Swarovski Crystals: I use therhinestoneshop.com. Very close to Wholesale pricing, and very prompt shipping. If you are in the Phoenix area, you can take your costume pieces to the shop and try different colors right there....which means finding nice complimentary colors for shading, etc
It is perfectly acceptable to use a stone other than Swarovski. Preciosa is a nice alternative. I usually prefer to use E6000 glue and go with non-hotfix stones. I work with very delicate fabrics at times and the heat needed to place hotfix stones is not something I want to take a chance with.
Shoes: This is a very personal thing, so I'll just list 2 of my favorites, both have quick-releases, and are comfortable enough that I can wear them for an entire evening of social dance without hurting.
Character shoes (great for Troupe pieces)- SoDanca.com
Ballroom Shoes (great for solos) I like VeryFine.com
Glitter and Micas: This is also very personal. For a great lip/body glitter, the main thing you want to look for is size. The finer and more micro the glitter, the nicer it will wear. If you want to test this before investing in bulk glitter buying, a good starter is Martha Stewart's Glitter in extra fine, and it can be found at any Michael's store. It's rarely on sale, so be sure you download a coupon from Michael's before you go and you could save yourself up to 40% off.
Costuming: If you don't sew, the best thing you can do is find a good seamstress. Check with your local Ballet companies or Theatre Houses. You want someone who is familiar with costume work. Most of these seamstresses will be very reasonable, and will save you money in the long run.
If you are not ready to go that route, you can find some good foundation pieces and make them your own with trims and embellishments.
I have used and like corsetstory.com, although check Ebay because you can find alot of the same corsets at half the price if you're willing to look enough.
As for your foundation pieces (bra and bottoms you are going to build on), I highly recommend getting something that fits you well and that you're comfortable in. It's not a great costume if your bra costs $5, but keeps riding up on you while you perform. You can find something that is from a good, reliable company on sale almost always, and if you are covering it, it doesn't matter what it looks like, just remember to cover the inside as well. When you take it off, if the audience gets a peek at the underside, nobody wants to see something 'unfinished'.
A couple of my personal foundation favorites are Secretsinlace.com and Dottiesdelights.com. I just ordered an underpinning from vintagesuitsbymary.com, so I will update and review once I receive it. (I have since received this item, and i have to say it was worth every penny. Period-perfect, gorgeous fit, lush fabric and movement)
Remember if you are adding trim etc to a bra/bottom- you want a trim with stretch. If it does not stretch and you don't allow for that, you won't be able to get it on your body.
A nice stretch ribbon and some colored tulle simply cut can make a great skirt and you can customize it for your corset. A much more professional look than an off-the-rack mall or costume store purchase.
Lashes: A MUST HAVE or your eyes will not show up onstage. I like Duo clear lash glue. I also prefer Kryolan.com lashes. The lashes that are going to work for you depend on the shape of your eye and face. I usually have to cut the lashes before placing because my eyes are not that wide.
I hope you found this information helpful. If you have additional questions, or would like guidance, please feel free to ask here, or you can message me privately, and I will happily answer.
