Teenage Kicks are hard to beat-Lancome Juicy Tubes, 14.00@ debenhams.com

Stick 'em up-MAC Vegas Volt, 12.50 @maccosmetics.co.uk

My lipgloss is poppin' YSL style-Gloss Pur, 20.00@selfridges.com

TLC comes in this three; Kiehls Lip balm, SPF 15, 12.00 @kiehls.co.uk

Care to share about your most memorable smooch? Or your favourite lip salvation?

New girl crush alert. New girl crush alert. New girl crush alert.

Meet Veronica Varlow. She is a dee-lish combination of pulp film vixen, pin-up girl, and femme fatale. She has a 1950’s-inspired clothing website Danger Dame, designed to bring out the inner Bettie Page in every woman, and also performs burlesque at various hot spots around New York City. She’s multi-talented, multi-tasking and entrances her audiences with spellbinding glamour.

Come meet her, you’ll fall under spell too…

Describe yourself in 5 words, Miss V…
Brave, imaginative, sensual, magic, adventurer!

You’re a multi-talented, multi-tasking lady o’ fabulousness – what is it you do exactly and how do you find time to juggle it all?
I guess the best answer to that question is I do the things that I absolutely love to do in life. I find time to juggle it all because I decided to get rid of the stuff I hated in my life – namely working in a cubicle for 50 hours a week. That freed up A LOT of time.

You are renown for your foxy burlesque routines – how did you discover burlesque, or did it discover you?
My friends brought me to see a show at the Slipper Room when I first moved to New York City. I was absolutely intrigued by the women on stage because they were all different shapes and sizes and ages – being bold and strutting their stuff on stage on their terms. That night I realized that beauty comes in many forms and that confidence is the most sexy thing there is.

Do you have a ritual to get you amped up before a performance?
You mean besides sacrificing virgins?

I love how you describe the act of burlesque as weaving a spell on the audience – do you believe in magick?
Absolutely. And if you come to one of my performances, I’ll make you believe in magick, too….. *wink*

I’m a curvy girl, love the idea of burlesque, yet I’m a li’l bit scared – can anyone do it? Can you divulge any of YOUR old gypsy love magic for us minxes who want to rock our inner-showgirl please Miss V? What must-have traits would we need?

YES. Anyone can do it. Hell, everyone SHOULD do it. The woman who first inspired me to do burlesque was Dirty Martini who is a gorgeous curvy girl. The first night I saw burlesque – she was performing. She was so utterly sensual and had such a commanding presence. When I watched her from the audience, I wanted what she had – true confidence in her body and her self. She blew my mind with her sensuality and how she carried herself. Beauty comes in all different, gorgeous packages! The only must have trait is wanting to do it! Confidence will come, style will come and choreography will come. But you have to push yourself right onto to that stage to start to make a dream happen.

Your online boutique is called Danger Dame – love it! – is there a ‘typical’ Danger Dame girl?
Girl, there is nothing typical about a Danger Dame! We have to be covert! Undercover! Deadly! The one thing all of us have in common is that we include “World Domination” on our To Do Lists.

Who are your style icons?
Marlene Dietrich is one of my all time heros. She was able to effortlessly pull both classic glamour in glittering gowns and dresses to gender-bending with top hats and men’s suits with grace and style. She was a fashion trailblazer! But personally, my style icons have to be more than just a pretty look – the real reason I love Marlene is because of her sassy style of speaking her mind and letting everybody know! During WWII, the Nazis wanted her to return to Germany to be their ultimate star and she turned them down because she despised what they stood for. She became an American citizen and helped raise more war bonds for the US than any other star to help stand up for people’s rights. Now that’s a true style icon!

What five tunes would be on a Miss V soundtrack to life?
1. Like a Bad Girl Should by The Cramps (Because I’m a little bit bad….*wink*)
2. Harlem Nocturne by Sam “The Man” Taylor (The first song I ever performed burlesque to)
3. New Orleans Stomp by Louis Armstrong (in a former life I haunted that fabulous city – I know it)
4. Rawhide by the Dead Kennedys (It’s a song that comes up in Burke and I’s film Revolver in the script and is in the trailer and it always makes me smile.)
5. I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins (…because you’re mine…..)

What makes you jump in the air happy?
When life takes me on unexpected amazing adventures! It’s been doing that alot lately and I approve! The last time I actually jumped in the air happy was three weeks ago when we were touring in Sydney, Australia – the day was amazing – we explored all over Darling Harbour, at the last second decided to take a ferry to the beach, had a dinner on the boardwalk as the sunset, then rode the ferry back watching the lights dance on the water as we pulled up next to the Sydney Opera House. And then we heard music – and ended up sneaking into a Massive Attack concert that was happening outside. Listening to the music, being under the stars, in front of the Sydney Opera House, on the harbour – I couldn’t believe this was my life. And yes…I actually jumped up in the air happy.

What’s your biggest life lesson?
NEVER be afraid to do what your heart tells you to do. It is always right. Live your dreams and don’t be afraid of what others think. That’s the biggest lesson I learned.

What’s your secret to success?
I think about if the 8 year old me would be proud of what I’m doing. If the answer is yes, I’m on the right road to success in my eyes…..

The Sassy List…what’s your favourite:
book: The Master and Margarita
movie: Why, MY movie – Revolver!
shop: Agent Provocateur
city: New Orleans has been seducing me lately, but my love affair with NYC is long-standing.
hangout: Shanghai Mermaid
website: www.dangerdame.com – Yes, bbs!
make-up brand: Purple Lab

Go visit her and her gorgeousness – www.dangerdame.com

Quick an’ Easy?
Feeling a little bit fruity, but only have about ten minutes before you have to leave for work/can’t really be bothered before you go to bed? Then the best thing to use is a toy with a small motor, which hits the nerve endings of the clitoris directly and help you reach your destination quicker. According to Steph, the best products to buy are the ones with different speeds and pulsations built in so you can beat to the rhythm of your own drum and avoid ‘numbing your fun’. Because they have smaller motors, they are also usually quieter and are good for solo sessions.

SASSY RECOMMENDS; Clockwise from LEFT; LAYAspot magenta, 43.00@funfactory, LELO Mia, 36.95@lovehoney.co.uk, Pink bullet vibrator, 10.00@annsummers.com, LoveBunnies, 10.00@lovehoney.co.uk

Big Boys
A toy with a larger motor, creates a lower, yet more powerful vibration that has a deep and throbbing sensation that travels through your muscles, rubs against the clitoris indirectly, hits the g-spot and is the next best thing to sex. Steph’s best recommendation is Fun Factorys bestseller, the Semirealistic SmartVibe which has 8 speeds, 3 pulsations and a BOOST button for that crucial ‘O’ moment. For dual penetration, vibrators like the famous Ann Summers Rabbit, stimulate the clitoris and internally and if anything else giving you a good once-over, with different types of waves and throbs.

Double the Fun
If you are using a toy with a partner, Steph says it is best to find a toy that works the clitoris, easy to hold and operate and is small enough to be used at the same time as sex. If you are a beginner, she says it is best to experiment together, beginning with a vibrating ring-I recommend Durex’s Play ring- and then work up towards more ambitious toys, like the We-Vibe II, which hits the clitoris and the g-spot and can be attached to your man.

Semirealistic SmartVibe, 55.99@ funfactory.co.uk,Doc Johnson Jenna Velvet Jewel Multispeed, 16.99@lovehoney.co.uk, Rampant Rabbit G Pulse Remote, 49.00@annsummers.co.uk, Play Ultra, 10.99 @shop.durex.com, We Vibe II Clitoral and G-Spot Vibrator, 77.49 @ lovehoney.co.uk

Ain’t Nuthin but a G thang
Or so they say. Dispelling the myth, that it doesn’t exist, Steph says, that you have to find a toy which suits you. The G spot is usually an inch or so inside the vagina, behind the belly button, and to be able to reach it during penetration, the focus must be at the tip of the toy, otherwise you won’t feel the benefits. The Delight, by Fun Factory has been designed to reach the G-spot at the same time as stimulating the clitoris, and it has been awarded as Sex Toy of the Year by Company magazine and was the Winner in Good Housekeeping’s Sex toy survey.

Electric Feel
Erotic toys can be made of many things from the more luxurious wood and glass crystal, to the flexible and jellier feeling toys. Although these are usually made of natural silicone-which doesn’t degrade or fade, some of the cheaper varieties contain bad emollients and solvents that can be absorbed by internal mucus membranes, and are harmful to long term use. Steph says to avoid any toys that smell really plasticy, as they usually contain these types of solvents. If you want to save the world, and rock your own too, there are many sextoys which are now rechargable, and the new Click N Charge range from Fun Factory also do this.

SASSY RECOMMENDS; Shiri Zinn Minx vibrator, 99.00 @ exclusivelyeve.co.uk, , Hot and Cold Ceramic Dildo, 115.00@ coco-de-mer.com, Promises G-Spot vibrator, 18.00 @annsummers.com, JimmyJane Little Chroma special edition inked, 108.00@exclusivelyeve.co.uk, The Delight, 85.99 @ funfactory.co.uk, 16.99@lovehoney.co.uk

Good Vibrations
Of course, this guide would be no good, if we didn’t recommend where to shop from.
My personal favourite is Coco De Mer, the erotic emporium which hosts a variety of products from lingerie, oils and books to toys and accessories. I also really like Pleasure Chest, which is stateside -NY, LA, Chicago-as it stocks similar items and salons, and their staff are just great. Steph’s favourite is Shhh! in Hoxton Square, London, where she says the staff are really helpful and informative as well as showcasing samples of the toys. It depends on the experience you want-a group of girls usually find Ann Summers a haven for toys and games, which is great for those that want to have fun sex, rather than an erotic experience. It’s also a great place to take your man, as he won’t find it too intimidating. For those shysters amongst us-me included!- lovehoney.co.uk and exclusivelyeve.co.uk are brilliant, as they are really female orientated, but boys might prefer sextoys.co.uk which is more factual.

But no matter where you shop, or what you buy, be safe and only do what you feel comfortable with. Sassy AND Sorted!

If you have any questions, or even care to share, comment below!

Here are our top tips for this springs uniquely fun and crafty salons…

Super Swingers and Fascinators…

We have mentioned Ruka@ Sugarlesque and What Katie Did, a few times on Sassy already, so we are quite excited that they’ve decided to team up on nipple-tassle and hat making classes at the Portobello Road boutique. Pastie swingers can learn how to embellish and create burlesque nipple covers for £30.00, and top-hat or fascinator lovers can go wild with feathers, ribbons and trimmings for £45.00. The classes on Sunday 6th June and Sunday 4th July, run from 12.30 to 5.30 and if you choose to go to both, they are available at the lower price of £65.00.

Find out more at www.whatkatiedid.com, or to book, email sugar@sugarlesque.com.

Neck-a-loada this…

We told you a few weeks ago, that one of our favourite jewellery makers, has shut its doors to the public, but this is still not stopping Leona Baker at Lady Luck Rules OK!, from sharing her wisdom with the world. From personalising glittery broken hearts, printed acrylic pendants, fuzzy wooden animals and learning about techniques that can be applied to not only jewellery, but clothing, stationary and homeware, her workshops promise to teach you about the beginnings of product making, like where to buy materials and sampling, to finishing and detailed production information. The three hour classes run on the 23rd, 25th May and 12th June at Superette, Off Brick Lane, in London and are only £25.00.

For more information, email; leona@ladyluckrulesok.com

Beauty-Queen…

Nadira Persaud AKA the Make-Up Mistress, has made up the faces of many: Jaime Winstone, Beverley Knight, Denise Van Outen to name a few, and has also created the make-up and hair for Agent Provocateur and various ELLE and Marie Claire shoots. Now she’s on-hand to offer her expert advice, with her Makeup Mistress Makeover.. Teaching you how to perfect your makeup, she will educate you how to get Lush luxurious Lashes, and show you how to achieve an instant face lift with her High Brow lift. Not only this, she will go through your makeup bag and show you what works-and doesn’t work, so you have star quality all the time.

Contact Nadira through her website;www.nadiramakeupmistress.com

Please Yourself…

Getting to know yourself is one of the most intimate and expressive things you can do, and those clever people at Coco De Mer in London, have formulated a whole range of erotic-based salons from Tricks to Please a Man, Spanking and our featured Please yourself, which is all about female masturbation. Rachel Foux is on hand to teach how to do this and show you how to make the most of your, uhm, potential. Apparently even the staff at Coco De Mer, who are highly experienced in the sexual arts, learned a lot from this lecture, so it’s surely saying something!
Find out more at Coco De Mer.

So, Ms L and I have taken a little time out to get inspired and drop some fun times, so I thought that it’s only fair to pass the feel-good feeling on, let you know what we’ve been doing (and buying, because c’mon, no one needs a break from shopping, right?!)

The bank holiday weekend was spent retro-stylee. We lunched at a BBQ and then went to the travelling fair with some tins of Strongbow – I know, I know, but I did pretty much co-ordinated my outfit to the can, that’s got to be a good thing hasn’t it? – and sang and danced to Lady Gaga’s new tune. Love her, or hate her we just can’t resist wanting to take a ride on her “Disco Stick”.

Our new thing du jour, is to only snog on dates as opposed to offering a full menu of service. We don ‘t know if its to do with the recession, but later on in the pub, we were speaking to lots of girls and boys who said they too are relishing a good pash-up over a drunken smash-up. It seems fitting then, that last week I was sent a gift of Urban Retreat’s Lip Service. An exfoliator, base to keep colour in, primer to moisturise and gloss to make your lips zing and I feel like I got some of the best bee-stung, kissable lips in town.

£19.50 www.beautique.com

To chill, I read the hilarious “Its Not Me, Its You” by Charlotte Ward. Punchy, straight-to the point and plenty of moments we can all relate to, although there are also a LOT of moments that made me realise my break-ups have been a walk-in-the-park in comparison – I just couldnt put it down. Break up stories don’t usually appeal to me, but hey, we’ve all been there with the Kleenex and the ice cream tub, haven’t we? Whether you’ve been scorned or not, this is a must-read.

£5.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Im off to the white isle of Ibiza next week, so I treated myself to a treat in the form of a screenstar-esque bikini from Pistol Panties. Its not often I get to feel like Brigitte Bardot in St Tropez, but this well cut bikini not only covers my derriere the way it should, its so very, very pretty that I could forgive the price tag.

www.pistolpanties.com

Finally, what with the amazing bank holiday weekend I’ve had, and the fantastic things I’ve been doing and looking forward to, this ring seems to sum it all up – I know I’ll be glancing down at it and twirling it round my finger when I’m feeling glum at work. ‘Think Of Wonderful Thoughts’ by Disney Couture. Walt might have misled us with his fairytale endings, but it’s the moments of joy, that spring from thoughts that make a girl feel the real magic.
£25.00 www.asos.com

A to the DD

If you’re a size A to a DD, you’re incredibly lucky as the world is pretty much your bra! As broad as this sounds, every retailer worth its salt should stock your size. Nevertheless, I’m told frequently by A and B cups that they want bigger breasts, which is fine but I also want to take the opportunity to say that there are excellent products out there like balcony, half and quarter cup bras that give shape and sex appeal – the latter two being something any size over a D find difficult to pull off. As for C to DD cups, what a lucky girl you are!

Budget Babes
You lucky ones can get away with something these F’s can’t – Arcadia. Feel free to snatch and grab from Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge. And beyond this – H&M, and pretty much, the rest of the British High Street – get shopping, g-friend!

Girly Glam
Yes, Master gloriously does what it says on the tin, with its decadent yet cheeky collections. Lascivicous is innovative and highly desirable with a masses of sexuality. Miss LaLa’s will sing to your inner movie star and make you want to lounge around with tousled hair and Brigitte Bardot pouty lips. Seriously.

Ba-Ba Boom a la Bust
Agent Provocateur, Coco De Mer and MYLA are your weapons of choice. Feel free to use them any which way you want……

Volupte Vixen (AKA Big tits)
So you can’t get bras that don’t have huge straps, and all the bras you see are frumpy and unfashionable, right? WRONG. You’ve got bangers that just need to be banged up properly. The name of the game is support and comfort, because lets face it, you just aren’t going to feel like a glamazon unless it’s both of those things, so start educating yourself as to where where the pretty ones are hiding, even if you do have to put up with the straps – if I do, you do!

Budget Babes

Some high street shops do go up to a G cup. Good old Marks and Spencer’s have the Ceriso and Adored ranges which are purrity and very fashion-led. Asda are also great too – the Katie Price range is excellently priced for moulded cup bras with pretty detailing. La Senza is also very good for acidic clashes and pretty patterns.

Girly Glam
Masquerade and Cleo are delightful. Both a daughter of the Panache brand, Masquerade caters in balcony styles, and Cleo in plunge styles. To rival this, there’s even more choice from Freya and Fantasie, the daughter of the Evedon brand, which is pretty much available everywhere. You are spoilt for choice, ladies.

Ba-Ba Boom a la Bust

It’s really hard to find more luxury plus size cups that go beyond F, just because when you reach beyond that, the bust in question has to be tailored properly which is not easy to mass-market in price point compared to the brands in Girly Glam (above). However, there is some choice – Chantelle is decandent and feminine and goes up to an F in some ranges and Miss Mandalay has gorgeous styles – try Paige. The most exciting news is that Elle Macpherson Intimates launches it DD-G range later this month, so keep your eyes peeled as it is sure to sell out – I know, I’ve seen it! Finally – if you want to be super naughty, like me, Agent Provocateur does go up to an F cup – F stands for fox, doncha know?

SOLUTIONS-because it wasn’t ever going to be THAT easy to give you advice!

Odd ones
Let’s go for unique – tres chic. One is bigger than the other. I can assure you this is completely normal, and you don’t need to think about going to Transform to enquire about getting a boob job.  To even things out, you can get padding in silicone, foam and even bead form, I’d recommend the cheaper silicone. Luckily, you can get half cups which is handy for slight differences and full cup, for obvious differences.
completely recommend Fashion First Aid for this as they have lots of handy tools to use and make the best of your bust.

Hot Mama
Hot Milk are for sexy new mothers and mothers to be. With cotton inside cups, and stretch lace for the top panel, the bra offers lift and growth. You should pick your usual size, and check that you can fit your fingers in between the flesh and the cup at the top of the bust, this means you can wear throughout pregnancy and during feeding, meaning you make the most of your bra! Also try Elle Macpherson maternity, or Agent Provocateur for sexier styles.

So to summarise here are my final tips;
1.  Get measured make sure you’re wearing the right size – more tips from me in the ‘About Us’ section.
2.  It’s trial and error, all brands offer different fits, so experiment until you find out what suits you best.
3. Make sure you’re comfortable and will feel comfortable to wear your lingerie – there’s no point splashing out 150 pounds plus otherwise!
4. You are a Sassy Minx. You are sexy and your body is something to be treasured and pleasured. Believe it.

And of course, if you need some help or a bit more direction, please feel free to ask me down below – I dont usually give people that opportunity !

There are moments in a girl’s life when she feels freakin’ lonely. My lonely time is usually the Sunday after a heavy night out, when I look not-so-glam, I’ve eaten chocolate for breakfast and cried my eyes out to SATC the Movie for the gazillionth time. For me, the morning after the night before is one of the hardest things about being single, but staying in that dark place for longer than I need to is not cool, but the good news is that being single doesn’t need to equal lonely – embrace the alone time, make every hour Me o’ Clock.

Restoration Stations
Use your ‘alone time’ to restore and fill-up – my insta-cheer-up is to give myself a beauty treatments, because quite frankly, I’m worth it. I’ll be frank, manicures and pedi’s bore me, but they do make you feel a bit proud when you open doors and stuff and get a flash of pretty. Treat yourself to fab prodz – face masks/peels/hot oil treatments. Get a good blow dry and add some va-va voom to your sho-sho-shoom.  Arrange to go out to lunch with your parentals – a dose of fam can give you a much needed fill-up of warm and fuzzies – although a slice of home might not be your cup o’ tea if they drive you barmy. Still, at least your mother will be impressed with your pretty nails!

Elegant Touch 5 second high shine glosser – insta-glossy fabulousness. £1.49

Papaya Enzyme Peel – Once you smell the scent of the Papaya and Pineapple extracts in this natural exfoliating fruit enzyme mask, you will know it is about ‘me’ time.  Feel your skin brighten after 10 minutes of application as this non-granular creamy mask takes action and moisturises, nourishes and protects the skin. £26 www.timetospa.co.uk

Collection 2000 Hot Looks nail polish – so many cute colours and at a credit crunching £1.79 a bottle, you can afford to paint each nail a different colour!

“…Saturday Night and I like the way you move…”
Reclaim Saturday night. In the 1950’s, Saturday night was when gal-pals got together, dressed up to the nines and went to a dance – sigh. Grab your Saturday girls – pamper and preen, stick on some false eyelashes and your dancing shoes, and celebrate the weekend, looking good and your friendships. When you’re fun, carefree and happy, there’s nothing more attractive, non?

Cherry-red Cinderella shoes by Miss L Fire – AH-mazing. Want. Need. Must have.  www.dollydagger.co.uk £85.00

Join the Bollywood bombshells and become a devastating heroine with these feisty feathered falsies – Eyelure Bollywood lashes – Heroine £8.00

Lets hear it for the boys…..
Boys are cool, especially when they’re in a non-threatening mate shape. They tell you everything you want to hear, and everything you don’t too. They make you laugh, and if they’re not tight, they buy you drinks too. Just try to avoid having sex with them, it will only lead to every kind of awkwardness. Instead indulge in platonic fun time – if you love Guitar hero, you’ll dig DJ hero – get your own Jodie Harshs/Tidy Boys/Pete Tong and combine them with your inner Sophie Ellis Bextor.

www.djhero.com

You are complete, right now.
You don’t have to be in a couple to feel good about yourself, you’re not completed Jerry Maguire stylee by a boy – for sure, there are definitely perks to a relationship, regular sex most definitely being one of them, but if you’re without beau, this doesn’t mean you should be without pleasure – here’s a little something for all of us, bloke or not.

www.passion8.co.uk

Karma Chameleon
Treat yourself how you would like to be treated. Respect yourself; don’t settle for anything less than butterflies, don’t accept toxic friendships, don’t have sex with someone unless you really want to, and don’t try to be something you’re not. Buy yourself pretty things, tell yourself you’re fabulous at least once a day and buy yourself a bunch of flowers every week – fresh pink lillies always put a smile on my face.

What does Me O’ Clock mean to you? Please share your alone time treats with us!

Minxes, take my hand and come on a trip to Scoopsville City.

Why?

Because I’ve hooked up with the radular Zoe Larkin, the designer-girl responsible for creating the ‘Blake’ brooch that become an iconic addition to the craziness that is Amy Winehouse’s beehive – I know, awesome, right?

I’m a li’l bit in love with all of Zoe’s Love From Hetty & Dave creations, but my totes favourite is the double sided personalised heart necklace – le sigh. I want it in pink with a silver chain and for it to say ‘Sassy’ on one side, and ‘Minx’ on the other – hot, non? All her creations are handmade and are perfect-o for rockin’ up a blazer, a girly dress or a big ‘do ala Miss Winehouse oh, and I’m a li’l bit in love with Zoe too, as we share a love for the same inspir-o girls, 1950’s tattoo designs and Frida Kahlo – come share in the awesomeness that is Love From Hetty & Dave…

So Zoe, what’s Love From Hetty & Dave exactly? Care to share?
Love From Hetty and Dave is all about handstitched leather jewellery and accessories, in bright colours, and designed with a sense of humour, guaranteed to cheer up an upside-down smile.

What made you set it up and what’s the inspir-o for your awesome prods?
I studied Silversmithing and Jewellery Design at university, but I don’t think my heart was really in it.  Then I discovered the loveliness of working in leather, and being a bit of a crafty lady at heart, began handstitching appliqued handbags.  Over the years, i scaled my designs down, and now mainly make squashy brooches, and necklaces. I’m particularly influenced by Mexican arts and crafts, with a bit of fifties kitsch and rockabilly thrown in for good measure.

When did you realise you were a creative girl who could make pretty, pretty things for kick-ass girls?
I’ve always been a creative girl – only truly happy when my hands are busy making something, be it outfits for Barbies when I was teeny, or gigantic plush hotdogs more recently! Love From Hetty and Dave came along about 4 years ago, and that’s when kick-ass girls could get their mits on my pretty, leathery creations…

What’s your fave prod that you’ve created?
Ermmmm, this is a tricky one.  I created a beaut of a bag with a shrimp curled up on it, in pink and chocolate and gold leather, many moons ago. It took me forever to make, and was one of my first designs, but I have never been able to sell it. I saw this as a sign that I should keep it for myself.  Shame.

Can you share a li’l bit ’bout your creative process please, Zoe? Tell us about a typical day – is this your day job?
I’m a bit of an unorganised mess, so it amazes me that I have managed to make this my day job. Particularly as I waste much of my time hunting around for one of my many, many pairs of scissors, or a pen that works or something stoopid!

I usually wake up quite early, and if it’s a good day I go for a swim in the sea before I start work. It’s a good way to wake up and think about what I have to do for the day.  Then the rest of my day is filled with sewing, emails, updating the blog and website, and coming up with new designs.  I have a vast array of lovely picture books and I keep scrap books, going back years, filled with nice things I cut out of magazines- these are always a good starting point for new ideas. I usually work into the night – I find it hard to just sit around doing nothing – I always have to keep my hands busy, so if I’m not sewing stock, I have a knitting or cross stitch project going on.  I’m a non-stop crafter I guess.

Do you have to be all business-y too? How do you manage to juggle being creative and rocking the business side too?
I try to be all business-y, but I’m not very good at the serious stuff.  Luckily my product speaks for itself, so I don’t have to do the hard sell, which means I can concentrate on the lovely creative stuff!

Can you share your own top 3 shopping destinations – pleeeaaseee??
Oooh, does eBay count?  I am a total eBay queen!  My last purchase on there, was a metallic green spandex catsuit, with hands and feet, all attached and a crotch zip- brilliant, yet disturbing.

I heart Brick Lane for vintage shopping. Unfortunately my favouritist vintage shop has long gone- I got an amazing vintage, boobalicious dirndl there, and a beautiful turquoise Mexican dress.  They had vintage from all over the world- it was grrrreat! I miss it.

Goldhawk Road in London for fabric shops.  I nearly wet myself with excitement the first time I went there. Every type of fabric under the sun, I swear!

What 5 tracks would be essential to a Love From Hetty and Dave soundtrack?
Super Freak- Rick James
The House of Bamboo – Andy Williams
I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
S s Single Bed – Foxx
Warm Leatherette – The Normal

Who are your style icons and inspir-o-girls?
Frieda Kahlo. I want to be her, sans hairy face. Stylish AND an artistic inspiration – what better combination?

I’m also a little bit in love with Edith Piaf, after watching La Vie en Rose.

Ooh, and Amelie. Who doesn’t love Amelie?!

What are your five must-have life items?

• A leopard skin fur coat (faux of course)- I don’t know how I lived without one for so long!
• Matching underwear. Always.
• Some sort of music playing device. I cannot live without music playing in my ears.
• A Chanel handbag- I’m working towards this one.  A massive must-have!
• I, personally, must have a house with a swimming pool, at some point in my life.  It’s always good to have a goal to work towards!

We love to visit new places – can you introduce us to your city? what would be your perfect way to spend a day there? what would you do? Where would you go?
I’ve only recently moved back to my home town of Bournemouth, after a few years of London living, so I’m still getting to grips with this place.  The pace is very s-l-o-w, which has taken a bit of getting used to, but seeing as I practically live on the beach, I guess the perfect way to spend a day here is an early morning dip in the sea, while the beach is empty, and the sea is calm, followed by the most amazing breakfast of pancakes with summer berries and maple syrup, I have ever experienced at the Overstrand along the prom. I love love love eating out, so probably afternoon tea at the Print Room in town, then fish-licious dinner at West Beach. Basically, lots of sea air and eating is my perfect day!  Finished off with a cider fest at the local! Nice!

Who and what makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
My brother’s children are THE BEST!  I have a niece and two nephews, and I absolutely love them to pieces!  They are the most hilarious, sweetest, loveliest, crazy kids ever, and spending time with them makes me super happy. There’s never a dull moment when they are around!

What’s your motto for life?
Work hard and be nice to people. I have that Anthony Burrill print in a massive frame on my wall, and I think it’s a pretty good motto for life.

Also, ‘Chin up, chest out, and don’t forget that smile’ when things are a bit tough.  I think my friend’s mum made that one up, but it’s a good ‘un!

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite…
Shop: Liberty
Book: This Is For You by Rob Ryan
Website/blog: Oh, eBay, always!
Hang-out: The beach
City: London
TV prog: Diagnosis Murder- I heart Dick Van Dyke!
Food: Green & Blacks Maya Gold choco
Must-have beauty item: Chanel liquid eyeliner

Go check out all the Love From Hetty & Dave goodness – if you can choose just one item, then g-friend, you are better at being a girl than I!

First up – big apologies for the sporadic posting here at SM, but I’ve got a good excuse, honest…I’ve moved house!

Yep, hang the pink bunting, Sassy Minx HQ has a new pile o’ bricks – it’s a by-the-sea girly pad and while it’s not entirely pink and fabulous just yet, I’m channeling Martha Stewart – the domesticated goddess Martha, not the fraud/prison dwelling Martha – to make sure that it will be very, very soon, by making lists.

I am a list-making freak.

Fact.

I am obsesso-girl about making lists, I love the satisfaction of writing things down and crossing them off, it soothes me. Is that weird? Anyway, I love it, especially when I have a cute li’l list making book to make my million, gazillion lists in….

Isn’t it cute? It’s £3.50 from – www.juicylucydesigns.com The gorgeous Miss Juicy Lucy makes quite possibly the most adorbz line in stationery EVER, but this li’l list-making book is my absolute favourite and is where I’ve made my next list, my things-I-want-need-must-have-for-my-new-home list. Wanna see it?

This cherry Red Lips phone will be perfect for when I’m reclining on my pretty pink sofa and chatting to a pretty, pretty boy who’s telling me how fabulous I am.  £24.99 – www.dollydagger.co.uk

I am having a heart-bursting love affair with Paris and to remind myself of my sweet, sweet love I’ve absolutely, positively got to have this Famille Summerbelle beautiful map of the city I adore.  £45.00 – www.bodieandfou.com

This pair of Venetian-style floral etched mirrored angel wings make me sigh out loud, aren’t they just beautiful? £189.00 – www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

I plan on having a black and white boudoir and would very, very much like this silk-screen printed above my bed – who wouldn’t? $25.00 – www.madebygirl.com

I’ve already set to work creating the cutest, most pink-filled bathroom you ever did see, and these Cath Kitson candles would be the perfect-o, sweet-smelling accessory for a chilled out bath time – le sigh.  £8.00 – www.cathkitson.co.uk

This vintage inspired distressed looking metal 1950’s Pin-up ‘boudoir’ wall plaque is adorbz. Want it for my kitchen – love, love, love!  £9.99 – www.gracieella.com

If you have any other items of cuteness – I like pretty/retro/tacky – you think the Pink Palace might need, please hook me up!

I was walking in my ‘hood yesterday in a Miami Vice meets Chanel ensemble – think stripe boat top, tulip mini and white linen jacket with gold pearl jewellery, with Ms L who was working a tattooed Heidi Seeker cardigan, black dress and pink hair foliage, when out of a passing car came “OI OI SWEETHEARTS!” Needless to say, we both laughed at this, uhm, gesture and agreed it was decidedly better than the unintelligible “AWIGHT!” that was shouted at us half-hour previously. We then broke into a Sex And The City style convo about the art of the chat-up, or to Americanise, the pick-up.

The worst chat-up line I’ve ever heard was “I can tell by the beauty of your eyes, you’ve been hurt.” Seriously, WTF? Flummoxed, all I could do was stare open-mouthed at the idiot that pulled that one out in the curry house at three in the morning. It’s wasn’t dis-simular to the one I heard on holiday from someone who had handpicked me for their last chance saloon-shag. When I politely declined, he said, “you must have had a bad experience before.” The only nerve that didn’t get touched for either male, was the very one they were trying to stimulate.

The funniest one I’ve heard is “Kiss my cactus” which led me to choke on my drink as I snorted with laughter, and the worse one was “has anyone ever told you, you are the most beautiful girl in the world? No, I didn’t think so” when I was fifteen and attending a disco at my friends private school. Perhaps that’s why I am not a fan of posh/tory boys?  But whatever lines have been used, and beleive me minxes, there have been many, they have all have been met with laughter, a flirtatious ‘Hello’ or a witty retort Marlene Dietrich would be proud of.

And so girls, the next time you’re met with an “oi, oi, sweetheart”, ensure you have these prods of love to make him whisper sweet nothings…

Him: “Wow, you have an amazing smile…”

You: “Why, thank you – yes I do – it’s Mac, dontcha know?!” MAC lipstick, £11.24

Him: “I’d like to call you, whats your number?…”

You: “Tell you what, give me yours, I’ll write it in my Smythson of London address book and make my decision later!”

Smythson of London address book, £77.00

Him: “I’d love to see what’s under that dress…”

You: “Baby, this talk ain’t cheap…”

The Elise Collection – www.lascivious.co.uk

Him: “Do you believe in love at first sight or shall I walk on by again?”

You: “No, but I will just so you can check out my pretty, pretty shoes!”

Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Shoes – Lady-Dragon – £78.00

Him: “Hey Baby, what’s your sign?”

You: “You tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine, not before I’ve checked our compatibility, obv.”

Check your compatibility with your copy of Sextrology by Stella Starsky, £9.74

Care to share your chat-up line stories, minxes? Or do you have a Mae West style comeback that we should all keep in our holsters – please share!