Full details can be found on the Dr. Sketchy North Wales & Chester facebook page.

Mixing Burlesque and Life drawing in a open happy non-judgey environment!

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Catherine Duchess of Cambridge has been voted the most fashionable female royal according to a new poll.

The wife of Prince William scored a third of the vote pushing Her Majesty the Queen into second place with 21%.

The poll asked more than 1,000 female members of leading bingo site DottyBingo.com, to choose the most fashionable from a list of eight royal women.

Other royals who scored well were Zara Philips and Sophie Wessex who received 14% and 11% of the vote respectively.

Other than Her Majesty, older Royals did not fare particularly well in the poll with Princess Anne and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall both scoring seven per cent.

Younger royals also scored poorly with Princesses Beatrice getting five per cent of the vote and Eugenie three per cent.

Kate’s fashionable sister Pippa Middleton was excluded from the voted as she cannot be considered a royal.

A spokesperson from DottyBingo.com commented: “It is no surprise that Kate has achieved the top spot of the UK’s most fashionable royal, as for the last year she has hardly left the media spotlight.

“She is a real trend setter, as she only has to be seen wearing something once for it to be an immediate hit on the high-street. What’s more, because of the Duchess’ fantastic shape clothes fit her perfectly.

“Nevertheless, Kate would have had competition for the top spot if we had let people vote for her sister Pippa. However, due to the fact she is not a royal, we decided to keep her of the list.

“As we mark the one year anniversary of Kate and Wills’ wedding, it seems that the images of that day still influence how we view the style of our royals. For instance, we all remember the beauty of Kate’s dress and the fashion abomination which was Princess Beatrice’s hat.

“The Queen on the other hand has a timeless sense of style which continues to make her stand-out among the other female royals.”

“This just goes to show that traditional understated British elegance is winning through against some of the younger female royals.”

See below for a full list of the most fashionable royals:

1. HRH Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge – 33%

2. HM The Queen – 21%

3. Zara Philips – 14%

4. HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex – 11%

=5. HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall – 7%

=5. HRH Princess Anne – 7%

7. HRH Princess Beatrice – 5%

8. HRH Princes Eugenie – 2%

What do you think?

I love Kates style and the range of colours that she wears. But out of all the royals its the Queen I’m most eagerly awaiting to see her colour/suit choices.

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Poster design by Shane Horror – The Horror Business

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Dr. Sketchy’s is taking a trip up Norf! A drive up the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Morecambe Bay on the Sunny Lancashire Coast.  Once a hotspot for British holiday makers, the destination offered music hall magic and variety entertainment that is now being revived and relived at the hands of Goldust, epic event organisers extraordinaire!

The first ever Morecambe Variety Festival will be taking place May Bank Holiday weekend at The Winter Gardens.

The  Winter Gardens first opened in 1897 as The Victoria Pavilion theatre Dating from 1878, the original complex included seawater baths, bars and a ballroom. In the 1950s, the Winter Gardens were taken over by Moss Empires, however declining profits in the following decades led to its closure in 1977. Although the theatre building that remains today was listed the same year, the ballroom building was demolished in 1982.

Its faded glamour still holds so much appeal we can’t wait to get stuck in, in this my dream art studio, steeped in so much charm, it would be impossible not to be inspired by the echoes and whispers of performances past.

There will be a dazzling amount of things to do, see and experience over the Festival weekend. Think cabaret, variety, circus and sideshow culminating in a King Neptune’s Ball on Saturday night from 8pm.

Its going to be a real celebration of the area, the arts, vintage cabaret as well as showcasing some of the very best international burlesque vaudeville and cabaret artists on the scene today.

Headliners include:
Vicky Butterfly, Emmanuelle Clare, Juggler Rod Laver, Sword Swallower Bendini, Live contortion and side show, Circus from Frayed Knot, Chinese pole gymnastics from Ed Muir, Dr Diabalo and his side show
Sea Beasts pre show Carnival parade!!

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School joins the 1st ever Morecambe Variety Festival at Winter Gardens, May Bank Holiday – Saturday from 3pm!

Sharpen those pencils and dust off your chalks as you get set for a life drawing class like no other!
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School was set up to encourage everyone to the world of drawing and sketching, whatever skill level they’re at.There will be a variety of poses and lengths in which to draw, along with some fun challenges!

And who do our lucky classmates get to draw? Well, we’ve been fortunate to capture Morecambes very own Mermaid!!

Not ONLY that but we will have “Serpentina” a beautiful seductress of serpent style belly dancing to pose for you pencils.

This will be just a 1 hour taster session!

At our usual events you can expect to see burlesque performances, cheeky poses, plenty of sketching challenges, ear popping music, prizes and all within a good few feet of the bar!

Now REMEMBER you don’t have to be a superstar artist to enroll in a class ~ its truly open to all and the perfect night out for folks who are ‘I can’t draw-ers’, the ‘not surers’ and ‘cult explorers’….

You don’t need to bring a thing! Paper and pencils are provided. But if you prefer to bring your own materials, please make sure wet media aren’t any more messy than a neat watercolour set.

This event is FREE and open to all ages!

If you’d like to know more about our classes visit www.drsketchynorthwales.co.uk

Please do invite your friends to our page www.facebook.com/drsketchynorthwalesandchester

Event details for this particular event can be found here: Dr. Sketchy’s At Morecambe Variety Festival

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Stalls, Winter Gardens, Morecambe from 3pm.

I’ve booked the ‘Sunset Suite’ at a local Guest House and bags are packed!

I’m thrilled to be taking Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School & some select Extinct Design vintage items to this delightful seaside resort – reliving its past splendour and imprinting some memories of our own!

Visit Morecambe Variety Festival blog for some chat on the events, vintage clothing and Morecambe in times gone by!

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Yes were were at it again this week! More antics and high jinks at our Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School A Little Bit Grimm event in Chester.

Lola Lashes starred as our Little Red Riding Hood – lost in the deep dark forest of womanhood. After some quick

sketches… Red soon realised she was getting some tingly feelings… sketchers sketched on as we listened to “Like a Virgin” and talked about Adventures in Menstruating

After the break we were treated to a performance by Lola and Lolly Liqueur our Wolf Girl, who chased Red around the stage and gnashed her teeth before devouring her… or is that deflowering her?

We got to draw Lolly howl at the moon in this beautiful pose

Some final poses included both models – with Red overcoming and overpowering her hairy beast!

Sketch of WolfGrrl by Jonny Duddle

Gots to see more pictures?

Check out the Dr. Sketchy North Wales & Chester Facebook page or the Sketchy Flickr Stream

Photographer: Leona Turford of Alt Fashion

We LOVE it when you share with us your sketches please do post them to the facebook wall or email me madame@drsketchynorthwales.co.uk

Thanks so much to Chella Quint of Adventures in Menstruating who provided 2 of her fabulous zines as prizes and actually became our first Sketchy mile higher by joining in on our drawing fun whilst in the air!

And also as ever our wonderful media partners – Alt Fashion Magazine. Their latest addition is on sale now at www.altfashion.co.uk

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The beloved 60s sitcom starring Barbara Eden ~ I Dream Of Jeannie ~ will be the central theme to our next Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School event in Wrexham at Penny Black on 19th April.

Although Jeannie was often the sulky minx she was by  far the most strongest female character I had come across growing up. Ultimately getting her own way and running circles around those mere male mortals.

I’ve heard said the Jeannnie bottle represented feminine captivity and object treatment “her” life is devoted mostly to his (Major Nelson), and most of their problems stem from her love and affection towards “Master”, and her desire to “please” him.

My take on that? Pfft.

It was a fun happy show that opened my eyes to more exotic dress, mysticism with an iconic stunningly beautiful Jeannie who acts only to fulfill her ancient heritage.

In Jeannies world her powers override any disease and discomfort, she is happy in her pursuit and goals.

Steeped in fabulous 60s decor the look and feel of this infamous TV Series is still such a delight. Really looking forward to the poses and the pictures!

Her ‘Jeannie’ bottle was a palatial feminine hide-out in. I will be trying to re-create her bottle on stage with a plethora of bejewelled materials and cushions. In prep too of changing my sun room at home into the Jeannie Bottle! I like to take a theme and run with it!

After the scouring the Internet for a quick fix outfit, I was left wanting…

So have decided to make one myself. The costume itself caused much controversy at the time, evidently based on a Middle Eastern dance or ‘Belly Dancing’,  but to have Jeannie showing her belly button on TV at the time was a big no-no and lots of

To model as Jeannie will be Belly Dancing Teacher – Angel T’Lite. Also Singaporean sensation – Sukki Singapora will perform and pose for your pencils.

Tickets are available now from www.drsketchynorthwales.co.uk

Check out the event details here – Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School North Wales – We All Dream of Jeannie

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We wrap every gift in pink tissue paper and purple ribbons so you can send directly to your mother! Also when you go through checkout your receipt is sent to you via a link so nothing will be sent with the item. There are a variety of gorgeous treats available from dressing gowns, aprons, hair bows and other vintage trinkets that are perfect for mums everywhere!

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There’s nothing quite as thrilling as having friends around for an mid-afternoon tea and cake session; you can dust off your beautiful porcelain crockery, pick out your proudest vintage cups and saucers, dress the table in floral cloth and if you get time, bake some delicious cupcakes to chat over.

However, sometimes what we need is a chance to really let our hair down with the girls, an occasion where tea and cake just will not hit the spot!

Move Over Caffeine – It’s Cocktail Time!

Since the 1950s the housewives’ “Cocktail Hour” has been a popular pastime for women to gather and ‘chinwag’ about the happenings of the day; from beauty tips, their husbands, work and just about anything that has popped up in their life.

The Cocktail Hour wasn’t a shabby affair; the finest tipple glasses were polished-off and a smorgasbord of dainty treats were laid out for the ladies in attendance. The lady in charge of hosting such an evening would have a lot to live-up to; the newest and most exotic cocktails were expected, and only the yummiest of canapés would be on offer. There’s was definitely a touch of “Keeping up with the Joneses” for each lady hosting the Cocktail Hour, her drink selection and spread of appetizers were a reflection of her cosmopolitan tastes and experience, as well as a sign of her social standing and wealth – the pressure was on when it was your turn to have the ladies around for the evening!

Nowadays we’re a little less stuffy about our evening events, however, you many fancy taking a few tips from the sophisticated ladies of the past and try hosting your own vintage themed “Cocktail Hour” (or more than likely, an entire evening of Cocktails!)

Classy Canapés and Crudités

A classic of the times was the Vol-Au-Vent, a delicious pastry treat that has sadly fallen out of favour over the past few decades. The small, bite sized puff pastry towers were filled with everything from cheese to prawns in Marie Rose sauce. Next up was the “Deviled Egg” – these were sliced hard boiled eggs with the yolk removed. The yolk would then be mixed up with mayonnaise and mustard, and then placed back in to the centre of the halved egg white, basic but very en vogue for the time! The egg halves would be laid on a bed of lettuce leaves for the ultimate in stylish presentation.

Whilst we’re discussing appetizers of gone by times, we must not forget the classic art of wrapping half a melon in tin foil and adorning it with cocktail sticks of cheese, pickles and raw vegetables. This certainly wouldn’t look as classy these days at a contemporary dinner party, but it would look highly authentic at your vintage themed Cocktail Hour!

As for the crux of the event – the Cocktail. Almost every concoction would include Gin (who said anything about “Mother’s Ruin”?) and the combinations of exotic juices and foreign spirits were most definitely a sign of the times; people were traveling further than ever before, on both holiday and business affairs.

The Beachcomber’s Classic

A classic Cocktail of the day was the Mai Tai; this exotic drink was perfect for warm summer evenings, the scent of the citrus fruit bringing to the senses idyllic dreams of far away lands.

Ingredients

• 40ml White Rum
• 20ml Dark Rum
• 15ml Orange Curaçao
• 15ml Orgeat syrup
• 10ml Fresh Lime Juice

Shake all liquids except the dark rum in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a Highball glass and then float the dark rum on the top. Garnish with cocktail accessories, cherry on a stick and serve with a straw. If you need help for alcoholics in attendance, try making an alternate alcohol-free version of this cocktail using orange juice and grenadine in place of the rum and Curaçao.

Shaken or Stirred?

If you fancy something a little less sweet, another popular cocktail of the era was the Vodka Martini – it’s an incredibly simple yet sophisticated cocktail, and other than your desire for an olive or lemon twist, the only choice you will need to make is whether or not to take your cocktail “shaken, not stirred”!

Ingredients

• 55 ml Gin
• 15 ml Dry Vermouth
• Olives on cocktail sticks or lemon slices for garnish

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and stir thoroughly. Next strain the drink into a chilled (very important!) Martini cocktail glass. Add a twist of lemon or garnish with an olive on a cocktail stick.

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Our next sponsored event – fusing fashion & art with Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School North Wales & Chester

Featuring Kiki Kaboom who recently won the “Best Burlesque Performer 2012″ from the London Caberet Awards!

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Betty Grable as a cutie-pie cupid & always everyones Valentine x

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Want to know more? Visit our sister site www.drsketchynorthwales.co.uk

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We LOVE Weezi… and you will TOO!

Lisa “Weezi” Gaverluk the designer and maker behind the label creates a world that embraces the female figure, vintage cuts with a cute sassy edge that you will come to love.

Shes on a mission too! To make-over the ill-fitting, poorly made and mass produced market, one hot, sexy dress at a time!  Stocking in her own shop in London, Canada; a fabulous collection of handmade goodies that are unique, expertly crafted and that fit like a dream!

She explains “Fit and shape definition from a handmade dress based on 50s tailoring is going to define your figure…unlike yoga pants teamed with Ugh boots”  Now she’s not suggesting that we Von Teese are way to the corner shop but start making smart decisions on quality, hand made and well fitting clothes, you’ll start to stand taller, feel more confident and your clothes will last longer.

Classic vintage shapes are classic for a reason.

“Whether you are a size 2 or 22 the FIT of a pencil skirt will give you a wiggle in your walk and every woman can pull off the WIGGLE”

Extinct couldn’t be more thrilled to to have her as one of our Guest Designers – currently stocking a range of vintage inspired aprons and dresses.

Weezi is more than a fashion line, its a way of life!

Weezi’s tagline~ You can’t be pretty and smart everyday!

Do the smart thing. Shop Weezi. Be Pretty.

Pic (c) Inaglo : Model Sukki Singapora

Want to shop the range? SHOP WEEZI

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I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, if only life could be this sparkly all year round…. Oh?! Who am I kidding? It can. Relax and enjoy the ride folks 2012 will be our best yet! xx

Picture take by Mike Parsons of  Digitography at my recent Anti-Art School event.

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Be part of our Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art Class 2011 – last roll call for this Friday 16th at Scala Cinema & Arts Centre!

We’ll be the ones upstairs in the bar, handing out the the Christmas Candy canes, posing and performing for your pencils and getting you to take part in C-razy challenges!!

Love

Madame Ex

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