News

Underbust on Skin Shots International; Marriage Equality in California

Photographer Ama Lea has been published on yet-one-more magazine cover, and of course, I’m thrilled!

Megan Massacre in Exquisite Restraint underbust, photo by Ama Lea

Megan Massacre in Exquisite Restraint underbust, photo by Ama Lea

Megan Massacre is wearing a custom underbust in a size 18 with spiderweb embroidered ribbons appliqued on top. Contact me if you’d like more information and custom sizing.

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Halloween will be here before you know it!! This is the perfect time to get that corset you’ve always dreamed of. It’s a bit of an investment, but what better time to unveil it to the world but Halloween? Please contact me with ANY ideas you have… request other items to go with your corset (skirt, tops, fingerless gloves, capes) and let’s see what we can create FOR YOU!

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August 4, 2010 is a landmark day for those of us excited about the prospect of Marriage Equality in California, and it’s possible impact on other states in the union. Because the personal is political,and my business life and personal life are intertwined, I am proud to write here that I am absolutely thrilled with this ruling, and await with baited breath to see how any further appeals impact this. The idea that I would be a second class citizen if I wanted to marry another person of my same gender does not sit well with me as an American. This is a victory for some of my closest friends and family, for Californians, and for me.
I like Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statement asking for the ruling to be upheld so much I’ve copied it here if you’d like to read it:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker issued a ruling invalidating Proposition 8:

“Judge Walker had the great responsibility of deciding whether Proposition 8 violates the Constitution of the United States. He heard in-depth arguments from both sides on fundamental questions of due process, equal protection and freedom from discrimination. There are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and I am glad that all viewpoints were respected throughout the proceedings. We should also recognize that there will continue to be different points of view in the wake of this decision.

“For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all Californians to consider our history of leading the way to the future, and our growing reputation of treating all people and their relationships with equal respect and dignity.

“Today’s decision is by no means California’s first milestone, nor our last, on America’s road to equality and freedom for all people.”

Elegant, but not simple Exquisite Restraint

Pink bubblegum Underbust... Exquisite!

Pink bubblegum Underbust… Exquisite!

This is my classic pink Underbust corset I am offering in my Etsy store at a special price.

You can add trim… bling it out… even paint on it!!

It is suitable for tightlacing and needs your love.

All the details and easy checkout here in my Etsy Store:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/45489691/pink-bubblegum-corset-underbust-waist

Exquisite Restraint underbust in pink taffeta

Exquisite Restraint underbust in pink taffeta

Comic Con and Exquisite Restraint Corsets….

are not together this weekend.
Sadness.
But I’m thrilled for all my friends who could make it. If I were there, I would wear one of my costume creations:

Naughty Maggie Simpson, created by Simone of Exquisite Restraint Corsets

Naughty Maggie Simpson, created by Simone of Exquisite Restraint Corsets

It’s not too early to think about Halloween… or that giant event you are going to. No matter where you are, there’s a Comic Con, Labyrinth, Dragon Con, Faery gathering, Vampire Ball…. please contact me here for costumes and costume pieces. We do more than just corsets and have some surpises coming up in the near future!

Stay Beautiful,
Simone
Owner and Designer,
Exquisite Restraint Corsets… True Corsetry for Women & Men
www.exquisiterestraint.com
www.exrezcorsets.etsy.com
www.myspace.com/amoeba_jane
www.facebook.com/exquisiterestraintcorsets

Exquisite Restraint Corsets made appearances at Labyrinth of Jareth 2010

I made it to Labyrinth, Friday night only, July 16th, and it was so awesome!
I accompanied Clockwork Couture, and proprietoress Donna Ricci was sporting an original corset design made exclusively for Clockwork Couture.

Donna vending, www.clockworkcouture.com

Donna vending, www.clockworkcouture.com

In case you don’t know, The Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball was created 10 years ago and held annually here in Los Angeles, www.labyrinthmasquerade.com. It is most certainly named after David Bowie’s Goblin King of the film. The masquerade features all manner of fantasy, faeries, goblins, and the steampunk crowd have found a home there.
Here’s a lovely client of mine, Sheyne, sporting a corset I made that coordinates with her incredible costume:

Sheyne is wearing Exquisite Restraint with her incredible costume, while the camera flash did weird things to the fuzzy trim over my bust!!!

Sheyne is wearing Exquisite Restraint with her incredible costume, while the camera flash did weird things to the fuzzy trim over my bust!!!

Yep… that’s me in curly hair! I am a Time Traveler, Crazy Corsetmaker and Reformed Whale Hunter (historical whale bone!) but I come across as more of a pirate. That’s ok… I got giant scissors!

There were so many great costumes at Labyrinth. So much creativity in one space. Sheyne ended up in the LA Weekly online Slideshow of the event. It’s worth clicking play to see more of the beautiful people… and fairies… and goblins… and creatures of the night!
http://www.laweekly.com/slideshow/labyrinth-of-jareth-park-plaza-30403699/37/

Ama Lea takes pictures of Exquisite Restraint Corsets

Megan is wearing an 18 inch waist Underbust, custom spiderweb ribbons added.

Megan is wearing an 18 inch waist Underbust, custom spiderweb ribbons added.

As promised, some incredible images by Photographer Ama Lea…. I’ll tantalize you with this one, and post some more ASAP!
Photo: Ama Lea
model: Megan
hair/mua: not sure, but I’ll get that credit asap!

Write to me for info on ordering an Underbust corset with mixed fabrics and ribbon trim added to the outside… a design element I introduced to the world 9 years ago!

It’s not a goblin… it’s Simone of Exquisite Restraint Corsets!

For those of you in southern California,and flying in for the occasion, the Labryrinth of Jareth Ball will be staged July 16 and 17.

I am so excited because I will be there in attendance, socially, as there are not actual vendors. It’s all just fun, fun, magic and socializing… fairies, vampires, pirates, oh my! And goblins and steampunkers and more light blue contact lenses than you can stand…. and probably that guy who hangs out in front of Graumanns.

I hope to get some great pics of myself with my friends, especially the proprietoress of Clockwork Couture,

Pocket watch included! Find this at www.clockworkcouture.com

Pocket watch included! Find this at www.clockworkcouture.com

and those ghostly hunters League of S.T.E.A.M.
Here’s a taste of their Victorian services… making it’s way onto the Huffington Post, no less! Wally Wick is elated.

Stay Beautiful,
Simone
Owner and Designer,
Exquisite Restraint Corsets… True Corsetry for Women & Men
www.exquisiterestraint.com
www.exrezcorsets.etsy.com
www.myspace.com/amoeba_jane
www.facebook.com/exquisiterestraintcorsets

Exquisite Restraint Corsets sure do get around!

I file this one under “You Know You’re Famous When…..”
Someone is reselling one of your corsets on e-bay. hee hee!
http://item.ebay.com/350369931901

An oldie... I guess it's now "vintage" found on ebay, Exquisite Restraint, baby!

An oldie… I guess it\’s now \”vintage\” found on ebay, Exquisite Restraint, baby!

Actually, it’s not my corset, but their corset… and for the life of me, I can’t remember who got this one. I can tell you it’s an OLDIE!! I may have sold it locally, here in Los Angeles, or I may have given it to a model. Now it’s a mystery that I gotta dig into. I’m not bummed that the person is selling it. Far from… the person has to make money.

But the corset looks so forlorn there.. all upside down (yep! photographed upside down) and labeled “34” when it’s a 22 inch waist.

Anyone wanna get this for me to put in the archives and Corset Museum for 10 Years of Exquisite Restraint in 2011? Because I’m pretty sure I made this one about 8 years ago! I will dig in the archives because I know I have photos of it from way back when.

did you attend INK N IRON? Exquisite Restraint needs to talk…

Can you prove it?

Get 25% off a new CORSET order!
Write to me with a pic of you at Ink N Iron… some sort of ticket stub…link to a Tweet or Facebook or MySpace update… some creative way to show you were there.

You get 25% off a new Corset order. This is a chance to get that corset you’ve been thinking of… the one you’ve been designing in your head for your next burlesque show.. the one you want to wear to a special event.
(Not eligible for any corsets listed on Etsy. This is 25% off the retail price listed in the Catalogue for an “off the rack” – off the Size Chart corset order. Or, 25% off a custom sized corset. Great directions for taking Your Measurements here. )
Go to CONTACT and tell me how awesome INK N IRON was.
Not in Los Angeles? Not a problem…. I have much success communicating online and working long distance to create a dream corset, which can be shipped in time for that great performance or special event in your future.
This offer good until August 1, 2010.

Elizabeth Welchman in a custom Overbust corset, Photo by Holly West, 2010, http://hollywestphotography.com/

Elizabeth Welchman in a custom Overbust corset, Photo by Holly West, 2010, http://hollywestphotography.com/

Ama Lea has CORSETS at Ink N Iron 2010

I finally hooked up with photographer Ama Lea this week and got some corsets to her for Ink N Iron, the giant tattoo and pin-up con at The Queen Mary, Long Beach.

I’m so glad I did. Ama Lea’s work is stellar.. visit her site and go to MUSIC for some killer photos of model and singer Lisa D’Amato… and friend of Exquisite Restraint Corsets!

I do believe Ama Lea is doing offsite photography for print and media of Hot Rod Betties, Tattooed Beauties and Pin-Up Cuties (howz that? : P ). I wish I could be there… *sigh* but I’m chained to the sewing machine. I do know there will be so many of my buds there, like Bryan Barnes and veteran of pin-up, Mitzi & Company. Here’s a killer photo by photographer Jeff Davidson at the Ink N Iron Pin-Up Contest years ago in an Exquisite Restraint Corset that Mitzi owned and loaned to the model!

Ink N Iron 2007 photo by Jeff Davidson of Cosmic Frog, San Diego

Ink N Iron 2007 photo by Jeff Davidson of Cosmic Frog, San Diego

got WEDDING? Exquisite Restraint Corsets is ready!

Exquisite Restraint is starting a new campaign to reach all brides, and couples.

Leslie, the Longwood Pirate, and her extraordinary, creative Pirate Wedding

Leslie, the Longwood Pirate, and her extraordinary, creative Pirate Wedding

We take care and give attention to brides, whether Cruella, Bridezilla or Disney Princess…. we can create a lovely corset for your creative Steampunk or Goth wedding to match an existing skirt.
OR, let us sew madly for you, top to bottom, from YOUR IDEA and WEDDING THEME.
Having been shown in “Offbeat Brides” and with many happy bride clients, we know we can create the wedding ensemble of your dreams.
Here is Pinkee and Pony’s incredible Dia de los Muertos wedding in 2009:
http://offbeatbride.com/2010/02/dia-de-los-muertos-cemetery-wedding#more-4505

Exquisite Restraint is also expanding to offer Mens items, such as Waistcoats, cummerbunds, ties and ascots, to match your wedding theme.

Master Feenix modeling our Beaded Skull Men's Underbust, wardrobe his own, 2007

Master Feenix modeling our Beaded Skull Men’s Underbust, wardrobe his own, 2007

Contact us and let us know your wedding wardrobe ideas.

As a mainstay among Hollywood costumers, we also have access to milliners and other costume mavens. Let us know your crazy original ideas!

A sample of our hats-- Black veiled fascinator-style hat... base color can be changed.  Ask about multiple hats for your bridesmaids.

A sample of our hats– Black veiled fascinator-style hat… base color can be changed. Ask about multiple hats for your bridesmaids.

We now have a phone number for your very serious Alternative and Offbeat Wedding Inquiries. Please call us in Los Angeles at 323.665.0288.
We are committed to helping you make your wedding as unique and creative as YOU.
Stay Beautiful,
Simone
Owner and Designer,
Exquisite Restraint Corsets… True Corsetry for Women & Men
www.exquisiterestraint.com
www.exrezcorsets.etsy.com
www.myspace.com/amoeba_jane
www.facebook.com/exquisiterestraintcorsets