02.17.09
Posted in As Seen On, Dance Fashion Dish at 1:55 am by roxie
If people are going to see them anyway, they might as well look nice, right? Our new Dance Panty is a comfortable brief to match your costume, available in different cuts and colors to suit your dance floor needs. However, when performing, you can actually dress them up a bit so that they become a costume piece themselves, rather than just blending into your look. So, the Dance Panty can actually become a “stage panty!” If you’re looking to make them a little more flashy, here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Add rhinestones and/or sequins. Either scatter them, or create an attractive pattern. (You could even go patriotic with this, wearing a red and white skirt with blue “star-spangled” panties.) Use a strong glue and give them plenty of time to dry. Be careful washing them afterward, as well - it might be better to hand-wash and let them air-dry, or set your dryer on a gentle/delicate cycle.
2. Add a lightweight fringe, ruffle, or strand of beads. The hips are always moving when on stage, so accenting them is a good idea! Fringe, ruffles and beads would be a unique way to add some movement, so that the outfit dances with you at every shake, twist, and spin (as pictured below in costumes designed by e.K. using our dance panties and matching bras).
Burlesque Dance Troupe La Femme Fatales before their performance at Club Ivar in Hollywood, CA
3. Attach a lightweight, hanging belt or wrap. A matching, stoned, or differently colored belt, a la Halle Berry in Die Another Day, is also a nice idea.
From simple, convenient dance briefs to “stage panties,” there is plenty of room to add originality. And, now you have some ideas to dress them up and make them unique! Shop the Dance Panty at e.K. Clothing today, and if the mood strikes you, have fun and get creative.
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02.09.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 12:10 am by roxie
Love is in the air… er, it’s supposed to be, since Valentines’ Day is coming up! Single or taken, it’s a time to show love. It’s also a time to show off – your fashion sense, that is (And that’s especially true if you are hitting the dance floor!). We at e.K. Clothing can help.
First, consider color: Typically, women step out in red, pink, purple, or white (plus universal basic black, especially for accessorizing). But what are you really saying with those colors? Color psychology suggests that bright red comes across sexy, passionate, dramatic, and adventurous. It’s a magnetic, assertive color that demands attention, seeming spontaneous and even a little impulsive (wink, wink). Deeper reds seem more luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated. “Word association studies invariably show red is perceived as the most sensual of all colors.” writes color expert Leatrice Eiseman, in her book Color: Messages and Meanings.
The Lattice Dress is a great style, flattering to most body types, in red. The O Ring Asymmetrical Dress is also a lovely, longer look in red, burgundy, or black, with an unexpectedly angled hem (much like the Ruched Halter Dress). The Front Bow Tank Dress is a more playful look. And, if sophisticated is what you’re after - the Long Sleeve Beaded Sparkle Dress is also available in red (or luxe gold).
Purple, a color close to red, seems sensual, dramatic, mysterious, and rich. Many of our dresses come in a sensuous, deep purple. Our Sweetheart Dress is a shorter, sweet style in a lovely, pinkish purple magenta tone.
Pink is the cousin of red: “Bright pinks are intensely theatrical… When red seems a bit cliché or is in need of a more playful or youthful attitude, hot pinks, magentas and fuchsias are excellent stand-ins,” writes Eiseman. Bright pink is a festive and vibrant, playful and flirtatious color that seems hot, high-energy, and wild - even tropical. Light pink on the other hand, seems more delicate, youthful, and innocently feminine; it is a tender hue that is romantic, affectionate, and soft. The Ruffle Cross Over Dress is a feminine and flirty design that comes in many colors, including our lovely mauve pink. Check out our dress page for more fun and feminine pink looks.
White is gently romantic, and gives off a sense of purity, friendliness, and approachability. Lovely styles in white include the Flowy Skirt, and the Floral Lace Dress, both with subtle touches of delicately feminine, sheer or lace fabric at the hemline.
And finally, black, the polar opposite of white, looks strong, classic, and modern. It’s elegant, sophisticated, powerful, and balancing to the spontaneity of red and pink. In accessories, it can add elements of elegance and come across subtly upscale. Close to the body, it can enhance the strength of the silhouette. And, of course, “black is slimming” is a phrase echoed in the minds of women everywhere. Thankfully, many of our dresses are available in black, for a subtle and smooth look. The Cross Tie Wrap Dress is fabulously figure flattering, especially in black. The Gathered Sparkle Dress is similarly well-cut; with a halter neckline, it creates a sexy and sophisticated hourglass silhouette in red or black. Looking for a more ruffled, romantic shape? We’ve combined black with red trim (or with fuschia trim) and Spanish flair in the Short Flamenco Halter Dress.
Now, you’ve been armed with extra color information, and style suggestions to consider for this upcoming holiday that celebrates love - so, light some candles, put on some music, and go shopping! And whatever you’re wearing this Valentines’ Day, remember to accentuate your best features. If you have great eyes, sweep on smokey shadow. If you have great lips, top them with red or pink gloss – and maybe even a little shimmer for good measure. Add some coordinated jewelry, spritz on a lovely fragrance, and don’t forget accessories like great shoes and a nice bag. Then, wink in the mirror at your fine, loveable self, and step out in style.
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02.07.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 11:39 pm by roxie
Fishnets are quite a classic in dance, especially for ballroom, theater jazz, and showgirl numbers. We sell several brands of dance fishnets at e.K. Clothing, but there are slight differences between the two. So I, Roxie the e.K.C. Blogger, tried on a beige pair of each, to write up a comparison for your convenience. Both brands are good, so it’s all a matter of preference, but perhaps the following comparison will help you in your quest for the perfect pantyhose:
Lightweight Fishnet Pantyhose: They have a slightly softer feel at first touch than the medium weight stockings, and are quite soft on the legs. When dancing, as the legs slide together, the feel is light and smooth. The waist is a comfortably soft elastic band with just enough texture to stay in place. As with most tights or pantyhose, it takes a bit of adjusting the seam around the foot to place it in a comfortable position.
Medium Weight Fishnet Pantyhose: The fabric for this pair is a little tougher at first touch. With the durable, more coarse fabric, they might tend to shift on the legs less with movement - they seem to ‘stay’ put with just a tiny bit more grip. When the legs and knees come together, as in latin movements for example, the friction of the netting sliding against itself can be felt more distinctly than in the other pair. The waistband is just a bit thinner, but also stays in place well. At the bottom, a footpad gives the heel and arch, or toes and arch (after some adjusting) a place to rest. But, since the style is one-size-fits-most, the pad is not likely to fit across all of the foot, for most wearers (I wear about a size 5.5 – 6 shoe, and it didn’t cover my entire foot).
So, there you have it. The major difference is the texture, fabric, and feel of each, with the light weight pair feeling softer (like typical nylon pantyhose women might buy at a department or convenience store), and the medium weight pair feeling thicker, or coarse. The waistband variation is minimal, so the other distinct difference is the element of the closure around the foot, the seam vs. the footpad. Both look similar on the leg, feel comfortable, stretch well, and look good to dance in.
What does the buying decision come down to? That’s individual. Feedback from our customers is generally that the light weight fishnets are softer and more comfortable, while the medium weight (or “showgirl”) fishnets last longer and stay in place slightly better. When in need of fishnets, there may be a few differences, but as mentioned above - it’s all a matter of personal preference.
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