Barbara Berlusconi

I have always been fascinated by Italy, it's beauty; it's cuisine; it's family oriented culture. I remember being on holiday in Marbella a few years ago and in a fit of complete boredom decided to go to the local news stall to see if they had any books that were NOT written by Catherine Cookson or Stephen King (love Stephen King but I wasn't in the mood for nympho zombies or cell phones that blow your head up). I came across a book called the Dark heart of Italy and couldn't wait to get back to the villa to read it.

It mostly went on to discuss the infamous Italian bill payment system which usually required hours of waiting in post office queues as well as the length of time it takes for foreigners to find work and accomodation etc but for the first time I read about Silvio Berlusconi and the massive hold he had (and still has) over the country.

You may have heard of Berlusconi, he was recently voted in as Prime Minister for his third term amidst allegations of him having close ties with the Italian mafia as well as his unashamed attempts at changing laws which coincidentally benefited himself (one being the decriminalization of false account statements which he was arrested for on a previous occasion). In this country Silvio Berlusconi would have been locked up a long time ago but for some reason the Italians seem to see him as some kind of Robin Hood character, and those that dont idolise him, still respect him because of the money and the power he has managed to obtain.

Anyway, the reason I decided to talk about this topic was not to recount Mr Berlusconi's wrong-doings but to say how much I have come to respect and admire his daughter Barbara. She recently set tongues wagging when she was pictured coming out of a debate on "the role of business ethics in economic systems and the management of enterprises", the main point being 'what is the daughter of Silvio Berlusconi doing at a debate about ethics?' She has also revealed her opposition to her father's right wing views by talking about the need for ethics and social responsibility in business. Rather than reverting to name-calling she did this with dignity and pride by saying:

“It is true that I am Berlusconi's daughter, but this does not stop me being an independent person with a mind of my own. The Berlusconi name is esteemed by many, many people. A lot believe in him, many others feel a certain perplexity. I cannot deny my family origins. But I go my own way.”

I just can't get over how many obstacles this girl will have had to get across (mainly the shadow of her father) to show that she is her own person and should be respected in her own right.

Okay that's the Barbara Berlusconi fan club message over with, back to thinking about halloween outfit ideas for those going to Club Noir at the end of this month.

:)

Burlesque Festival in Glasgow

Glasgow will be hosting an annual Cabaret Festival scheduled between Sunday 5th - Sunday 12th July 2009. It will kick off with a high-profile charity gala and will include highlights from high profile Burlesque performers coming from all over the UK in shows, performances and small theatre productions.

This is absolutely great news. Glasgow has already been the place to be of late when it comes to Burlesque shows, the fantastic Club Noir nights (next one to be located at the Carling Academy, October 25th; Tickets £12) which have been so successful they are now touring in London, the monthly Cheesecake evenings in Capitol on Sauchiehall street and not to forget Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art school. It's great to see Glasgow has found a niche, hung onto it and shot everyone else down with all guns blazing.

The great thing about these evenings is they bring old-time glamour back to a Primark ladled society. Ladies, get rid of the polyester v-neck and shoehorn yourself into a glam corset or even a nice little 20's flapper outfit. If, like me, you are worried about showing off the baggy skinned product of your Mars bar obsession, then get yourself some decent magic pants or a.n other shapewear. It's amazing what these things can do, if you buy a decent make they really work!

I'm thinking about getting the dress in the pic, its from www.pinupgirlclothing.com and if I get the right shapewear underneath (and pray my boobs dont fall out) I think it will make me feel great on the night. Im also loving strappy boot heels that seem to be in shops everywhere, they are kind of a take on the gladiator sandal that was out during the Summer but with a bondage feel prrrrrrrrr.

I love seeing little businesses do well on My Space and came across 'Little Lily Designs'. After bringing up a small child Lily decided to start making her hobby of making bows into a business. It's done so well she is getting mentioned by the big Burlesque stars. These bows are so cute and really vamp up any dull old outfit. Check out her My space page or website at www.littlelilydesigns.net or you can try making your own, www.mookychick.co.uk does excellent little tutorials if you are a dab hand with the needle and thread.

I'm in the dressing up mood now so I'm going to go on the Google hunt for deals on some sexy but slimming lingerie...am sure my date Saturday night will more than appreciate it ;)

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