Bored with your tasseled pasties? If you're looking for something more fun and playful, pick up a pair of Tastie Pasties [1]. These accoutrements are the brainchild of two Seattle moms, Tiffany Thiele and Terri Rousch. "We are probably the most unlikely people on the planet to be making pasties," says Thiele.
The duo started their company over a glass of wine in December 2005. Thiele bought a pair of tasseled pasties but never wore them. She wanted something more beautiful, alluring, and playful; something that conjured up images of the sexy – but tasteful – fan dancers of the 1940s. Armed with scissors, glue guns and materials, the pair created flirtatious feathered pasties, floral pasties and butterfly pasties. "We laughed so hard while trying different things," says Thiele.
The designers have been amazed at the wide age range of their clients. Their whimsical pasties appeal to young women as well as women in their 60s and 70s. One woman wanted to wear them while vacuuming. Women who've had mastectomies and opt not to have nipples have received them as gifts.
"It's been interesting to see who this has appealed to. It's not just about sex. It's really about joy and emotional healing. Women in their 40s, especially-they're finding their authentic spirit," Thiele says.
But make no mistake-these fluffy little accessories are sexy, too. Brides buy the feathered variety like crazy.
"They're a labor of love; we spend a lot of time on each one," says Thiele.
Some of their favorite designs involve miniature cocktail parasols finished with tulle or feathers, pinwheels (they don't spin, feathers would get in the way), peonies, dragonflies and honeybees. There are pasties for holidays, and they make custom designs, too.
A generous amount of adhesive tape comes with each order for multiple wearings. Women wear them underneath sheer blouses, instead of swimsuit tops - and, of course, for hanky-panky. They're great gifts for bridal showers. Bike riders bought them for the outlandish Burning Man event in the Nevada dessert. Says Thiele, "It brings me joy to think of my pasties blowing in the wind on these riders in the desert."
Part of Tastie Pasties' profits are donated to Hope and Healing, a non-profit organization that provides support services for women with breast cancer. Tastie Pasties range from $25-$30 and are available at boutiques, online and at fairs.
Tastie Pasties are available at Bellefleur Lingerie Boutique [1]. Also, the company will also have a booth at Bumbershoot [1] and the Seattle Fall Wedding Expo [1] at Qwest Field Events Center.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
