{Wonder Woman Series #3} Dita Von Teese...

{Dita in high school}



Born as Heather Sweet in West Branch, Michigan (Same state as I was born in) she grew up enthralled by the Golden Age of Cinema, pin-up imagery, and vintage lingerie. Naturally blonde, she transformed herself into the glamour doll you see today. She's been performing since 1992 and has become the biggest name in burlesque since Gypsy Rose Lee and is credited with bringing back the art form of burlesque back into the spotlight for new admirers to love & enjoy.

Dita styles herself and has her own distinct brands, having launched perfumes, lingerie, books and many other items, she is a fully self made women. She creates and directs all her own shows, right down to the very last crystal on each costume. Though her style and appearance may not suit everyone...you have to give her credit for going for what she wants and creating the world she wants to live in. She's head strong, intelligent, creative and talent drips from her very being. 





What many may not know about her is that she's an advocate in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Dita was MAC Viva Glam spokesperson from 2006-2008 and in 2009, she participated in the H&M/Fashion against Aids t-shirt campaign. She's performed and appeared at several events for Amfar & was honoured with their Award of Courage in 2008. Her status as a burlesque star and modern day feminist has also garnered her an invitation to speak at the Oxford Student Union. 

But, for me she has meant something else. Some years ago, I was sexually assaulted by someone I knew & thrown into a world that left me terrified and filled with hate at being a woman. I drowned myself in self harm, baggy clothes and cut off anything that resembled femininity in any way. When I finally started the process of healing, I was asked by my counselor to pick one woman in the world that I loved & could look at and find what I had lost and that for me was Dita...many ask why I wear dresses every day...that is why...Dita being herself gave me the courage to drag myself off the ground and find the beauty of being a woman again & now every time I wear a dress or anything that makes me feel feminine...in my mind I am kicking the crap out that person who tried to knock me down by what they did....it is my armour, my war paint in a way! It says this is me and no one will ever take it away from me again and that's why I'm such an admirer of Dita & dresses & the joys of being female!


Right, enough of that ;) I hope that Dita's words - even if her style is not for you will in some way empower you to be yourself and most of all LOVE being a women and all that we can be, no matter what it is!!

Have a great day dolls
xoxoxo



P.S. I was being brave & telling a deep story for the first time ever...but if it can help other girls/women in the world to stand up & find their voice...then all will be worth it! And if you do need help....tell someone, don't keep it inside...you are not alone & it's not your fault! 



“Ignore the critics… Only mediocrity is safe from ridicule. Dare to be different!” 



“I like the idea of being whoever I want to be.” 



“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches.” 




“I advocate glamour. Everyday. Every minute" "Glamour above all things.” 



The most prolific women in fashion are not "of the moment," they dare to be different and have distinctive style that does not change from season to season, it only evolves.



My look and my style is a combination of inspiration from many things, and from decades of my own personal evolution.




I would rather look at someone who has overdone it than someone who is wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. I love when you see an old woman who's been wearing her makeup and hair the same way for 40 years.



I once second guessed my instincts and had a stylist come over to my house and help me go through my vintage collection with me, and I remember she picked up a beautiful pair of 1930’s shoes and said "these would look SO cute with jeans" and that was the moment I realised that she knew nothing about me (I don’t even own jeans) and that I was best off staying true to my own personal style rather than let someone else tell me what is right and what is wrong, and putting her own tastes on me.



Marlene Dietrich...knew her own style and took risks and wore pants when people said it wasn't glamorous and was a terrible thing for a woman to do. She had a signature style. Greta Garbo, too. They embraced their own cliché and their persona, and I love that. Women love to dress up now, but I feel like there aren't a lot of risk-takers.




Glamour is about creating illusion. I’m clearly all for the illusion, partially because I also love to strip it all away at times and reveal my vulnerability to those I want to. It’s not about hiding.




True sexiness has many facets. The elements include things like confidence, strength, intelligence, and humour.


66 comments

  1. Great post Kizzy! Dita is endlessly fascinating - I love her look but my, what a commitment! I dread to think how long it takes her to create herself anew each day...

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  2. I love Dita's attitude. The high school pic was a curious thingy, I never saw her as a youngster before. She looked so ..different than now! Pretty of coz.
    xo, Lara
    http://laralizard.blogspot.fi/

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  3. She is such a beautiful woman! And thank you for being brave and sharing that horrible memory. You are a truly strong woman!

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  4. I never saw the blonde version of Dita! She's really a beautiful woman!!
    Fabiola

    wildflowergirl
    Facebook page

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  5. Dear Kizzy, she is such a beautiful woman and a strong one as well. Great that you fought though the dark place - and came out shining again. Love your optimism and zest for life :))
    Have a lovely day sweet doll,
    Axx

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  6. I am a huge fan of her! Love her style!

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  7. Thank you for sharing your story Kizzy. Every woman that owns her own story takes the power away from those that may abuse it. I didn't know this about Dita before - she is truly a role model and true to her own style!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  8. Well, may Ditta's fierceness be with all of us! Thanks so much for this beautiful post. I admire your courage, strength and vision. And I am so happy that you recover from the incident. Much love! Xo,

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  9. Dita is a Goddess! I knew of her photos and her glamor, but now I read all the phrases she said ... I totally agree with her ​​thoughts, and her outlook on life ... Being different and unique!
    I'm surprised that she is a natural blonde!

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  10. I'm happy that you are so brave ... I had similar problems to you when I was a kid ... an uncle abused me for years ... when I grew up, this fact was erased from my memory until one day the memories came back to my head soon ... and wore torn jeans and baggy shirts all the time .. I was very rebellious and angry for many years ... You have awakened feelings shared ...

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  11. Oh the horror you have been through Kizzy :(
    But the way you've dealed with it is so amazing. I would never have guessed such a glorious and elegant woman like you would have endured such a thing but it is often such things that make the best woman the way they are isn't it?

    This is very beautiful post, made me think a great deal!
    You know, I've alway been a dress kind of girl and in the last few years people have really quiestioned my style and I've even begun to dress a little like others from time to time. But you are MY Dita. You help me remember that one should dress in what one feels best in.
    I've sat reading this in my pj's but I'm going to go in and put a dress on right now, because that's what I prefer to wear and there isn't enough femininity in this world today.

    Cannot really say what impact you and your blogs has on me but I sure am glad you excist.

    x

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  12. Dita is a godess .... So are you!
    I'm so proud of having you as my friend!
    Love
    Nina

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  13. We love her!! So sexy!!
    Kisses
    Francy&Stef
    Chic With The Least
    Also on Facebook and on Bloglovin’

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  14. I love Dita!!!!


    New post on my blog: http://www.allyouneedisfashion.com/2013/04/insta-moments.html

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  15. I salute your courage for telling us - Hope it helps others - I'm very happy for you that somehow recover from that terrible event -
    Dita is exceptional isn't she?
    Thanks for sharing the first pic so interesting
    She has fab style - so do you Darling

    Have a great day

    hugs

    Ariane xxx

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  16. I'm a big fan of Dita..... but I'm a big fan of you too.
    Quite often you make a small part of my day shiny and happy.
    Keep blogging!

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  17. Oh my goodness she looks totally different in high school. She is such a gorgeous woman.

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  18. First of all, thank you for sharing something so personal. It made me feel frozen just by reading your words and I am so glad to hear you found strength to overcome something so frightening.
    And thank you for sharing Dita's story. I didn't know much about her until now, but I've always admired her loyalty to her own style and the fact that she's always so polished, groomed and so incredibly feminine.
    x

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  19. You just keep impressing me more and more, and is certainly one of the strongest and wisest women I have (n)ever met! :) Now I know why you like Dita so much too! She's really the perfect role model for women, who shows that it's ok to look like a woman in a world where it has almost become looked down on - like you're some kind of antifeminist if you dress in a way that might make men stare at you...And the fact that she does it all herself makes it even better! I don't think burlesque would have been so popular today if it hadn't been for her, so I'm very grateful for that! :) And I really hope that person who sexually assaulted you knows that you came out on the other side looking, and being, like you are now. That he didn't win! That just makes him look so tiny compared to you I probably wouldn't even notice if I happened to step on him/her with the heel of one of my stilettos! Oops... ;) <3 <3 <3

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  20. Couldn'r recognize her in the high school picture!

    New post on my blog:
    http://namelessfashionblog.blogspot.it/2013/04/cecilia-di-foglio.html

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  21. You know, I can't honestly say I'm mad about her. But I do admit that she does manage to project a beautiful image, and her self-confidence is admirable!

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  22. Kizzy, thank you for sharing your story. It's horrible what you went through and how it continues to this day. I truly believe sharing these type of things helps others who may have experienced the same. It gives them the courage to persevere. Your STRENGTH is amazing! I love Dita and I didn't know she was a natural blonde! I love her black hair. HaHa She's done so many wonderful things. Excellent post doll!

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  23. Kizzy I have really enjoyed reading this post as well as your personal story. Your honesty is so refreshing and much appreciated. I am so sorry to hear about your incident but I am so happy to hear that you are doing much better now. It's never fun to hear stories like that but you are right, your voice can help someone and it has helped me! Recently a immediate member of my family was sexually abused on the streets of Stockton only blocks away from our home and although I know this did not happen directly to me, I am constantly thinking of the right words to tell her to help her believe in humanity again and to let her know that there are good people out there. Your kind thoughts will assist me in helping her thru this rough period in her young life. Thank you so very much for your strength and kindness!

    -Nico

    www.SatinAndSalt.com

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  24. She is stunning indeed, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  25. Dita is a STAR - i really admire her glamour!

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  26. I absolutely adore Dita Von Teese and know how much you and Miss Meadows adore her too so I was expecting to see her soon enough in this series, if anybody deserves the title of being a Wonder Woman in today's modern era it's most definitely her!

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  27. I've had a girly crush on Dita for a very long time now. I love her clothes, her make-up, her hair and the fact that she does what she likes and is who she wants to be. I'm happy you chose her as a wonder woman!

    Sorry to read about your sad story, it must have been terrifying, but I think it's a good thing that you can share it now many years later and help and encourage others to get through it.

    Have a nice weekend!
    xo Irene

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  28. LOVE Dita von Teese - everything about her including that she dyed her blonde hair black and doesn't tan and looks even more beautiful for it

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  29. She is stunning and I'm so happy that you find such a role model in her. You are an amazing and inspiring person. It has always shocked me when I hear of how many people have gone through such a horrible experience. I'm so proud of you and am proud to have gotten to know you through blogging. You are beautiful inside and out and I appreciate you sharing something so personal more than you know. I love this post and commend you for opening yourself up to us. You are incredible and inspiring! xox, my friend

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  30. i love love love her style... love that she makes pale skin like mine sexy! haha!

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  31. You are a true survivor Kizzy.. They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. You have persevered and are now an amazing wife, mother, and role model to all. You are Wonder Woman! Wonderful photos of an extraordinary woman. I like her peach comment:)

    Have a nice weekend ahead!

    xxleslie

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  32. She is so gorgeous and strong!! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
    -Jyoti
    Style Delights Blog

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  33. So sorry for what you had to go through! You are a strong and beautiful woman who is special for overcoming the difficult times in your life! I salute you!

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  34. Love everything aboute her: her style, her demeanour, the way she dances...
    She's so feminine and glamourous...
    xoxo
    Patricia

    http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com

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  35. I didn't know that she was blonde!!!!
    Great biographic post doll!!!
    xoxo

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  36. I had no idea she was from Michigan! I am too :)
    Loved all of these quotes. She truly is a fashion icon!
    Isn’t That Charming.

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  37. I find her incredible and love that she was the woman you chose to look to for inspiration~she's such a champion of originality. I also recently had an experience with a stylist that so did not work for me, it is a good confirmation that we have to trust our style, there's just no other way to find happiness :)

    xo Mary Jo

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  38. Great Bio post :)

    I something see pictures of her but it was interesting to know a bit more about her as well :)



    Have a great weekend :D

    Kisses !!

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  39. she's incredible, I really love her photos and originality!
    x

    www.be-your-own-hero-now.blogspot.com

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  40. Wow she has had quite the transformation - I love her vintage style!

    XO
    Pearls & Paws

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  41. I never thought she was originally blonde
    love the transformation.
    She's one of those glam women who's got her own style.

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  42. wow... she's so amazing... i started to like her now!

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  43. Wow, you've left me speechless with this one, I knew a fair bit about Dita, but thanks to you even more now and what an amazing woman she is.

    I also am a little shocked that you've been a victim of sexual assault too... Having followed you so long on this blog, it's a little shocking to hear something like this... From your blog, I see you as a strong, beautiful inspiration Kizzy!

    Thanks for sharing the #mightylove too!
    Hope you have a super weekend.
    x.o.x.o

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  44. i love dita and i love your friday post...
    i need to read this post more in full though but came to say lots of love xxxxxx

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  45. just read re ur assault. you are so brave to tell us all and an amazing woman for getting through it. girl power always xx well done for speaking out xxx

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  46. I love her!!! she is an inspiration.
    http://rock4less.blogspot.co.uk/

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  47. Beautiful woman!!! great pics!!!
    Have a wonderful weekend, dear!

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  48. First I want to thank you for sharing your story. It is amazing that you have found courage to overcome what happened and you should be proud of yourself, it is no small thing. It makes me so sad that sometimes people make victims feel guilty and sometimes even stigmatise them...our society just has it wrong so often...

    One problem that I have with feminism is that sometimes I have a feeling that the message is that we shouldn't look like women or act like women...like being a women is something that is somehow fundamentally wrong. What should we do? Dress like guys and act like them?

    There is this idea that to be feminst you shouldn't know how to cook or do anything that women have done so far. I'm just not that Carrie from the Sex and The City type. I don't store my sweaters in my oven and I don't plan to spoke pot when I'm thirty. If that is being emancipated forget it. I've know how to cook since I was eight and I'm gradeful to my mum and granny for teaching me all that "womanly skills". What is the big thing? The more you know the better.


    Do you know what I mean? Like for example if a women decides to be a firefighter, the newspapers will write about her and noone will write about women who raised five kids or something like that.

    So, I see why you chose Dita for your role model. Her message is that it is ok to be a women or at any rate to look like a women. For that I do admire her.

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  49. She is absolutely perfect!!! I really love her!!!

    Style Without Limits
    Facebook

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  50. She is so beautiful!! :)

    Kisses,

    NEW POST!

    Babi
    www.voguebuster.net

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  51. Dear Kizzy, my heart breaks at the thought of what happened to you. I admire you for telling your story, for exposing a painful memory in order to help other women. I send you a big hug to thank you and to say that love is the cure. Dita is such a lady, I admire her femininity and unique style. Lots of love dear!

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  52. “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”

    I love this quote a lot and started to google to find out the source of this quote. That was how I knew of Dita Von Teese. She looks so sweet in High School. Quite different from the sultry, sexy image she portrays.

    I'm sorry to hear about your plight and I must say you have been really really courageous to share it on your blog. I'm so glad that you are this positive sunshine that we all see over here despite the trauma you went through.

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  53. U always impress me! love this post!
    We have international giveaway. please join us!!

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  54. I appreciate the way u pulled urself from that disaster.Not many of us can do it ! Super proud of you now. God bless.
    ✿thefashionflite
    ✿twitter
    ✿Bloglovin

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  55. I have always loved her style! Ever since I first saw something about it, I was an intant fan of Burlesque. It's so elegant and powerful at the same time.

    It's great that Dita helped you win something back that you lost through a horrible experience like that. I'm really sorry it happened to you, but I'm really proud you are working on it, and in such an fabulous way too. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story. I understand it must be a very big step for you. So well done!

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  56. She is stunning!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  57. Have a nice Sunday my dear!!
    xoxo

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  58. First of all I just want to say thank you for sharing something so personal on your blog. While I can't say exactly that I know what you went through I did unfortunately experience something similar. I finally realized it wasn't my fault when some jerk tried to cop a feel on a bus and I was in my gym clothes with no makeup and frizzy hair. After that I realized it doesn't matter how you act/dress/look. If someone wants to be a slimeball predator, they will.

    And I agree; Dita is amazing. I flip through her book or look for pics of her online when I need style inspiration. Her style is always flawless.

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  59. Oh Kizzy!!!!!
    That is so brave to tell your story. I admire your strength & courage!!!! You are such a beautiful woman inside & out. I was physically abused in a relationship when I was 15-16 by an older guy. It really had a deep effect on my self esteem. I am much better & have learned a lot but I do get the deep pain and sorrow.....
    I'm so glad you are the amazing happy woman you are now!!!!!
    We are strong!!!!!!

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  60. kizzy this post is a prick to the heart... very touching! thank you :) i also had my dark days but like you i was able to overcome! keep doing what you love to do! i salute you!

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  61. Absolutely stunning woman. I love Dita's style very much! So sorry that happened to you dear, but glad that you were able to find Dita as inspiration and hope. Staying true to one's self is the only way! xx/Madison

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  62. Thank you so much for being vulnerable! The world-in one form or another-is always attacking women it seems.
    Either we are "too emotional," "too weak," "too unlike men," "too much."

    The amount of violence against women is insane! I think this has been my favourite post in a long time!

    I am going to read some more information about Dita too now!

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  63. What a lovely and creative woman! :D

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  64. You are an inspiration and are very brave. Strength comes in many forms....Thank you for sharing your message and story. -Jess L

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