West End Museum Remembers Boston's Burlesque Era

The West End Museum came alive with the celebration of Boston's Burlesque Era with costumes from celebrated performers. The closing of the exhibit, which was curated by Mina Murray, burlesque head mistress of The Boston Academy of Burlesque Education, was Friday, May 11th. The closing evening featured the Boston Babydolls, founded in 2006, who strutted their stuff! The director/producer Scratch of the Boston Babydolls looked on, proud of his troupe!

Betty Blaize, Mina Murray, Mary DiZazzo-Trumbull, and Bettysioux. Photo by Renée L'Abbe.

Beautiful Is Burlesque!

Beautiful Is Burlesque!
Ciao bella,
A few weeks back my husband David and I experienced a rare opportunity in Boston which used to be an every night occasion here in our fine city! The West End Museum gave us an evening of fine music and Burlesque. We admired a display of some of the best Burlesque Costumes from back in the day! Bright feathery gowns with embellished scarves, gloves and a few other "small things" set the tone of what was to come! Elaborately decorated g-strings and pasties set Burlesque dancers apart from other adult entertainers!

We enjoyed Kristen Minsky, of Providence, R.I., fan dance while sexy music was played by the well-known John Licata Sextet! Certainly reviving a nostalgic atmosphere the band played on and on!

Some other famous Burlesque gals were Sally Rand whose notorious fan dance wowed audiences for decades! She caused a national scandal by performing her first "obscene" dance at the 1933 Chicago's World Fair! Then went on to become the World's Greatest Fan Dancer!

Ann Corio was called the Burlesque Queen of Broadway and is well known for her acting as well. She performed at our very own Boston's Old Howard Theatre as well as the famous Minsky's Burlesque. Catch some wonderful black and white full blow-ups behind the bar at Scollay Square on Beacon Street of some of these divas.

A recently retired beauty (2009) is Angie Pontani. She incorporated ballet en pointe in her routine and worked a square of chiffon like a butterfly. This Miss Erotic World donned exquisite long brunette, wavy locks, which enhanced her delicate, graceful and seductive moves!

At Hubba Hubba in Cambridge, years ago, David and I met Dita Von Teese. In the pouring rain we made it to meet this adorable Burlesque Queen! Best known for her Burlesque act "Le Bain" where she swishes and splashes in a giant bubble bath in a giant Martini Glass! Her vintage style is reminiscent of the past and reflects in her stage performances!

So have in little fun in your life when "you take it off, but not all off"!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!
--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at http://www.allthatzazz.com/. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Makeup Tricks To Look Younger -- We All Need Them!

Makeup Tricks To Look Younger -- We All Need Them!

Ciao bella,

I have picked up many kinds of makeup this past year and the best way to use them! Here is what I found from the experts and myself. Tried and true are all these facts.

1. Using a primer after your moisturizer has set in is a must. Primer actually smoothes out your skin with a "cheese-cloth" effect making your face appear smoother! I've been using primer for years. Use alone or under foundation. Absolute magic!
2. Foundation for mature skin should be light and airy, not heavy and thick. A foam or air-brush spray foundation should be purchased. The advancement in technology of these new applications gives a flawless look!
3. A liquid illuminating high lighter (containing light-reflecting particles) should be used above blush line; on brow bone and can be mixed in with foundation to make skin look radiant and hide flaws! Truly a must!
4. Use a matte concealer under eye sweeping from inner nose to end of eye. Apply a pale yellow face powder with brush over concealer to make eyes bright and youthful. Works every time!
5. Use cream blush along the cheekbone for a dewy finish. Powder blush exaggerates fine lines and sits atop the skin's surface.
6. Enhancing shades of Rose lipstick give off a younger appearance. When applying lipstick, dab around the border of your lips making the edges soft not giving attention to fine lines around your mouth!
7. Use washable mascara since the waterproof is rough on removing and delicate lashes!

Well glamazons that's just a few of the secrets to a younger and better looking appearance.

I will be giving a private Beauty Talk over lunch and will give out name brands of product I have used and love! If you are interested call me for more info! Happy Spring and keep looking marvelous!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Wedding Fireworks Display, Boston Inner Harbor, Saturday, May 19th

Ocean State Pyrotechnics, Inc is sponsoring a wedding fireworks display on the waters of Boston Inner Harbor in the vicinity of Anthony's Pier 4, Boston, MA. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Boston has determined that fireworks displays in close proximity to watercraft and waterfront structures pose a significant risk to public safety and property. Such hazards include obstructions to the waterway that may cause marine casualties and the explosive danger of fireworks and debris falling into the water that may cause death or serious bodily harm. Establishing a safety zone around the location of this fireworks event will help ensure the safety of spectators, vessels and other roperty and help minimize the associated risks. This proposed safety zone will encompass a 450-foot radius around the firework barge.

The fireworks display will occur from approximately 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on May 19, 2012. To ensure public safety the proposed safety zone will be enforced immediately before, during, and immediately after the fireworks launch. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, then the proposed safety zone will not be enforced.

It's a Mad, Mad Men's World!

It's a Mad, Mad Men's World!

Ciao bella,

I always admired the '60s. I was just a kid but I loved the "cat eye" drawn liner as it swept across ones lashes, just like Elizabeth Montgomery's "Samantha" in Bewitched! The face make up, so pale, but yet with a translucent, luminous glow was seen in all the popular glamour magazines. Pressed powders, frosted blush with dramatic thick and sometimes spiked lashes were also trendy. Max Factor put out Eye Shadow Sticks of "Iridescent Beige Mist" & "Misty White."

Bronzers and Bronzing were also quite popular. Remember in the sixties having a tan was a good thing and fashionable since warnings of sun damage were still in the future. Sun worshippers used a mix of baby oil and iodine for what we would now call Snookie-esque color!

The hairstyles, from the flip to the beehive, were just what I wanted when I grew up! Oh and that Taboo Perfume that I would sneak a spritz from Mom's bureau! Hairpins and combs were what I wanted to own! Hairspray topped the list of all beauty products with brands like Adorn and White Rain. And for straight, flat bangs, just a dab will do of Dippity-Do and some of that pink hair tape!

Yes the seventh decade of the 20th Century was a place I wanted to be as a grown-up! My Mom's Jackie Kennedy-like bouffant was back combed (teased) and sprayed and took on statuesque proportions in more ways than one! Truly a work of art! Dreamy, creamy pearls were Mom's fav jewelry! All shapes and sizes.

All of it looked so glamorous to me! She and my Dad would attend Dahlia Balls, political parties with sparkly ball gowns and monkey suits! All their friends would come by for the obligatory cocktail and photo session! I was in awe of it all!

One evening last month, the 38th floor of One Federal St. was transformed into the offices of Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce as the Harvard Club of Boston celebrated a 1960s Mad Men evening and I got to live out my dream!

Under my leopard pill box hat was a coiffed French Twist, sprayed to death! Pearl drop earrings that were Mom's, along with her gold, Washington, D.C., Capital pin, 1961! I wore my John F. Kennedy for President button; David wore his Nixon/Lodge button! I also used my vintage leopard purse with ivory gloves and lots of creamy pearls were 1960s worthy! To complete the atomic-era look we picked up a pack of unfiltered Lucky's and passed them out! But I really feel that David's present for my Christmas Birthday, the champagne mink stole, had something to do with our winning the Best Dressed title for the event! I'll take it and my dream too!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

A Tale of a Beauty Career

A Tale of a Beauty Career

Ciao bella,

If I could write a book I would love to title it "If This Table Could Talk". After all, I've spent most of my career at a manicuring table, with draws I might add! More on the draws later!

In fact my Dad would call it "the ladies on the half hour" -- lovely every one! I've had the unique experience of listening to the most juicy stories, holiday fiascos, love gone bad, travel tips on what not to do, recipes for not only food but for the ingredients for a perfect storm pertaining to marriage and in-laws, wonderful trips, childhood memories, yes the bad and the very good!

"BLandover" was not so bland after all! From one of my first managers "Danny" I would hear please make sure you don't book the appointments back to back with ex-wife #1 and present wife #2! OK!

And make sure that when a lady books a manicure and she has a broken nail, fix it because it's like she has a broken arm! Of course he didn't say arm! But you get the point!

It's been quite a road of manicuring tables, chairs, bottles of nail polish, no shows, cuticle remover and nail files and nail glue. When I was graduating from high school Mom would say you must learn a career otherwise you'll end up smelling glue at the shoe factory! I decided to follow my Mom and Nana's career of cosmetology. I still ended up with glue on my table but it is a most esteemed tool since I abhorred acrylic and gel nails. I use the glue to wrap tips with silk and repair weak/ broken nails in a more natural way of preserving the health of the Natural Nail. It has become my insignia! Mary For Nails-the Nail Doctor!

I hate too many changes! I hate moving! In fact I am celebrating 20 years of living in the same building on Beacon Hill! I enjoyed my very own salon in Andover for 13 years but when health issues came into play I decided to play it down. Good ole Dad said work from our house after all Mom enjoyed her Beauty Shop here at the home in Methuen forever! All my lovely ladies followed for almost 4 years. I spent quality time with Daddy-o and he did greeting the ladies! Naturally all good things end.

I was back in Andover, which I loved, for only 6 months. It was one of those "too good to be true" and when will my bubble burst kind of deals. The owner had to move and when she did she told me we would not be using "draws" and that there were no draws on our new manicuring tables! Needless to say but bye-bye was in order!

So now I'm back to where I belong! Dellaria in Andover! Back to a hair salon where co-workers will greet me with open arms. And a salon from years ago that I knew my tombstone would bear my name in their parking lot! Full circle, as Leslie well noted. Oh yes I thought of "throwing in the towel"! But after all the "lovely ladies" have become my dear and most loyal friends. And we all need a good recipe once in a while!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Soften Up!

Soften Up!

Ciao bella,

Everybody feelin' that alligator skin just about now? I never really experienced it till just a few years ago. After all extreme temps and environmental changes will play havoc on your skin. First of all before we can see true results of our body moisturizer we must exfoliate the dryness which is dead skin. One of the best ways is in the steam room! Or even at home in a steamy tub! After about 10-15 minutes the steam softens that dry skin and it will just roll off with your fingers or a loofah sponge! Really! There is also a mitt that is used in the baths in Morocco. You can find the mitt in specialty stores. Works wonders!

Always remember that after exfoliating your product will WORK and go a long way! Then your skin is in for a good deep conditioning and moisturizing treatment. The KOSMEA line from Australia has a wonderful Rescue Balm that keeps skin glowing and soft! Formulated with certified organic Rose Hip Oil in a preservative free formula and used together with their Rescue Body Cream with certified organic Rose Hip Butter, I promise a baby soft experience!

LUSH has a wonderful Body Butter "BUFFY" -- with shea butter that is used in the shower. Has a great nutty scent! To kick-start a softening regimen on your feet that haven't seen the light of day for months, Lush has a "Stepping Stone Foot Scrub". Made with pumice, sea salt and cocoa butter, it will sure make a difference once barefoot season arrives. Tried it and loved it!

Once you exfoliate properly you must nourish your skin with excellent product to ensure healthy skin. The Rescue Balm can be used on cuticles, elbows, feet and heels, scars etc. -- a miracle in a jar! Call or email me with any questions on these fine products and where to purchase them.

So get soft now!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.