Showing posts with label nerd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nerd. Show all posts

Friday, January 27, 2023

Cosplay for Every Day - Nerding It Up!

I've been testing out my abilities to create an everyday cosplay look. Something that can be worn in normal day style, but shows off my nerdy tendencies. I've surprised myself with some of the little things I have come to find in this. First of all, I didn't think my wardrobe would match my ambitions. It is pretty limited. However, it has given me a challenge and rise to match it. Second, it is pretty simple to do! Here are some simple styles I have been using.Let me know your thoughts. And feel free to challenge me with a character! 

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

While I haven't played the games, I have loved Lara Croft since watching the movies. Or more to be precise, the idea of her. After all, Indiana Jones was amazing!

This look is easy to do in everyday style. A pair of jeans, or leggings, booties would be preferable, a dark green top, black tank underneath, and if you are really good - the classic Croft belt! My belt is plain, but fits.
I threw in the leather cuff and for fun, I'm carrying a handgun like she did. Though mine isn't nearly so big as the one she had! On a side note, this picture was hard for me to post. Shows my size a little too much. Makes me even more aware of the need to lose weight. So while dressed like a total hero, I feel great about myself until I see myself through the lens. Any other cosplayers feel like this out there?

Steampunk

This is a favorite. And I have been wanting to find more pieces to incorporate. I've been researching skirts and shirts. Definitely want to get another vest. But little things go a long way. Star with a plain tee, layered with a vest. Over that (because it was cold) I added a red duster. I admit the bright red isn't quite Steampunk, but I'm working with what I had on hand. The skirt is long and ties at the top. Added the cameo choker. If you really want to finish it off, add your own top hat! And don't forget the boots.

To give you an idea of just how dressed down this is, here is what one of my fully done up Steampunk costumes was like.

Elf

This was perfect for the holiday season. But I generally dress like this even when it isn't near Christmas. I even had the idea when my son said I looked like Link from Legend of Zelda.

My son now borrows ears from me. He is building his own Dark Link cosplay. 
These were gifted to me by my Mom who found them on Amazon. Black leggings and boots, white under tank top, green shirt and because it was cold - a grey duster cardigan.
That is all I needed. I did up braids in the hair. Added an Evenstar necklace when I wanted to be more Lord of the Rings elf.
I feel as though there is potential to expand on this one, but that will come later when I get some other things.
Like another cuff bracelet. I wore the Wonder Woman one I had on the one wrist.
If you are wanting to be more like the average any kind of elf, a necklace like this one from a Paparazzi jewelry consultant works well. 
Apocalyptic survivor

One of my other favorites for its simplicity is the survivor. From prepping to learning archery, I don't think there are many of us out there who haven't wondered about the possibility of some kind of event that turns our world upside down. More so than we saw in the pandemic. But cosplaying one as though I stepped out of a video game? Oh yeah! By the way, shout out to one of my favorite, yet most stressful, survival games so far - DayZ.

Obviously, I wouldn't carry the bow around. But I thought it looked cooler for the photos. Because it is colder out, I'm wearing my Walking Dead beanie and my IDF jacket from Israel. I've paired it with a regular shirt and leggings. Boots are a must, though I would strongly say that the better kind for this are combat style boots. Sadly, I don't currently own a pair. But that is a goal in this new year - get a pair of combat boots!
I borrowed my husbands airsoft rifle. Though if crap hits the fan, as they say, then I'm sure the real guns will come out, right? My husband likes to make silly comments and that is why I'm looking at the camera in this one. Never take your eyes off your target!

And balance. Something I seem to forget at the first round. I also put the hair in braids as you don't want it getting in your way!

Super hero

Personally, I prefer Wonder Woman. But this Superman shirt is the only one I have to work with right now. I was given this shirt because one of my names start with S. So it is my Super shirt!

My husband said I look as though I'm landing, ready to shoot people with my laser eyes. So I glanced over and took this shot for him! Though the only people getting Moms laser eyes today, are my kids....
Boots and leggings - as usual. Superman shirt - or add your favorite character shirt. I use this sleeveless cardigan that when the wind catches it, flows behind me like a cape! I always feel super when I wear this one!

Star Wars

I want to branch out on this one too. I love Star Wars! But this is my first attempt. I went plain style. Think of Leia as a General. Start with the hair. Having long, thick hair I need it to stay out of my way. 

I wore the Maleficent cloak (came from Hot Topic years back) with a long white tank and shorter tan shirt underneath. Paired with grey leggings and boots again.
Now, you might want to pair it with a slight amount of bling. I did!
This bracelet is on Amazon. It is the homing device used by Leia and Rey. I can call in reinforcements when the kids get too crazy!
I have done a version of Harley Quinn too! Though I wasn't able to get a picture this time around. I promise to do that in a later post. And to think, that one was triggered by a single necklace I was given!

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Completing the Dream - My Own Personal Library!

My sister-in-law gave me this wonderful kit a while back. To be able to make my library all the better. Well, now that we have moved and I have unpacked almost all my books (still have at least one bin left), I have started to mark books that I know I will not ever want to get rid of. 

It has always been a dream of mine to have my own large library. On my bucket list, my wish is to have a wall-to-wall bookshelf. While I haven't achieved this goal yet, my husband did come up with an idea to build a reading nook in the master bedroom one day. Which means my favorite books need to be ready! 

Why bother with something like this? 

Think of how often you have borrowed a book. But you can't remember who loaned it to you. This way makes it easy. Open up and look in the cover to see a beautiful sticker marked with the name of the books owner. If you ever loan out a book, one that you love, you want the person borrowing to be reminded that it was yours.  

Checking out the kit

There is so much in the kit to use. Stamps, stickers, pencils, a book to write your book list down - well, just watch the video to see what I mean!

I'm so thankful to my sister-in-law for this gift. My dreams are coming true in a beautiful way!  If this is a goal you have, here is how you might start making it a reality.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Steampunk Every Day!

My everyday cosplay HAS to include Steampunk. While there are several ways I could accomplish such a feat, I have started off simple. I don't want to wear the top hat every time I leave. And some days are too warm for a velvet-ish jacket. But there are other items I like to wear to get into the groove of 'punking while taking in the sights around town. This one was a comfortable option for me.

My mother sent me this amazing skirt that has a corset-like waistband that ties in the front. The slit is high on the side, so I can wear it on warmer days too. I wear my black suede boots. Moving upwards, I am wearing a simple red T-shirt with a simple black vest over it. I'm hoping to expand my vest collection. My 14 year old son also likes them in his dapper look. Makes me so proud! It was a cold day, so I am wearing the long red duster that matches the shirt. I probably should have gone with the grey one that matched the skirt though. I'm also wearing a choker that my mom sent. Steampunk is very much with the Victorian styles. So cameo jewelry is a great addition.

What do you think? What would you change? Another one I have is a white top, black vest, leggings and a velvet-like jacket. 

Do you have a style in the 'Punked range you like? Let me know in the comments below!

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Another Everyday Cosplay - Star Wars Style!

As a fan of the original (and some of the newer ones) Star Wars saga, I decided to try my hand at what an everyday cosplay would look like for it. This wasn't one of the Padme Amidala looks, though her queenly styles have always been a favorite for me. Nope, went a little on the plainer end for this one. 

Brown boots for the dusty desert travels. Grey leggings for comfort and ease. You can't see it, but I'm wearing a long white tank top with a tan tee over it. This is just because I like something covering my rear when I wear leggings. But the color scheme also matches the outfits you'd find on somewhere like Tatooine. Even in the hottest areas, you want to cover up more, so a dark cloak was added.
For me, it was chilly again today with light sprinklings. So yes, covering up a little more. Finally, there is the hair and accessory. I only used one this time. The bracelet that my mom had sent me when I was planning to go to the symphony. It is the Tracking Beacon (Homing Beacon in the movie) one you can find on Amazon. Rey and General Leia Organa Solo had them.
I love it! Simple, yet adds the perfect touch. Going with simple, I did 4 braids and styled them as you see. If I do something more along the Queen Amidala look, I'm sure it will be quite a bit more sophisticated. I used to love trying to do my hair in ways that would come closer to mimicking hers. 

Well, that ends this version of my cosplay in everyday style. Until next time! In the meantime, why not tell me who you would love to dress as, or perhaps you have an idea of who I should try? Let me know in the comments below!

Monday, May 31, 2021

Living As A Miniature Nerd

I started following Grandma Gets Real on Instagram and Facebook. She has an amazing hobby! Photographing and collecting Barbie dolls in real life ways. I used to laugh and say that I wanted an Elf on the Shelf to goof off with around the house. But then I saw Grandma Gets Real and the wheels really started turning. 

Even Wonder Woman does glamor shots.

I've been making Barbie accessories for my girls. Books, furniture, dresses, crowns, necklaces - anything I can get an idea for online. Pinterest and YouTube videos can be treasure troves! I love seeing what others have done and trying my hand at recreating them with my own flairs. 

                           I told you, Diana. Amazon women can't buy shoes from the Barbie stores.

I'm still in my infancy as far as creating realistic photos, but I'm working on it. I'm learning the right techniques. While figuring out our new camera. But I thought I'd share the new Instagram account I've set up as well as some of the photos I've been taking. Mine centers on the Nerd style. 

                                   Link did it again. Left his fairy in a bottle, just lying around.

I created things, using other things. Take this entertainment center, for instance. It came from parts of wood from a Dollar Tree plane kit. 

                                                       This ^ came from that...

Her drill was the plug in part of the headphones cord. And those speakers (pink things) were earpieces from the headphones. I jazzed them up with a little nail polish. 

These were tiny plates that were chipped and yellow (think yellow from the 70's). I spray painted them white and then used rub on transfer stickers to doll them up elegantly.


If I ever find more rub on decals, I totally plan to get more! These are amazing. Super easy to use, but all kinds of beautiful. I'd love to see if there are other kinds. 

I've also started collecting the mini brands from Zuru. They are replicas in miniature of the actual brands we buy in stores! The perfect size for your dolls needs. I can't wait to start putting these kinds of things in the photos. Maybe making my favorite recipes... They come in mini toy brands too. I give second duplicates to my daughters for their Barbies. But out of 4 balls, I've only had 1 item be a duplicate so far. And only 1 defective item.


I just love surprises! 

What do you think? Did you love playing with Barbies when you were growing up? Do you ever wish your life could be duplicated in Barbie world? I used to wish I could be her size or smaller and see the world from that angle. Like in the movie The Secret World of Arietty. As a Borrower, where 1 basil leaf can be used for a years worth of meals. Where a stick pin can be a sword. 

        Tall girl problems include getting shorted when you can't test it out before purchasing.

My photos will always include characters that fit my nerdy joys. Star Trek, Star Wars, Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, Wonder Woman, and even Phantom of the Opera. I can't wait to expand out. Since I haven't been able to cosplay, I'm planning to do it through my dolls.

                                                     Reporting to Captain James T. Kirk!

Monday, March 29, 2021

Letting My Inner Nerd Style Free!

 I've spent way too long in jeans and a T-shirt. So, I'm letting the Nerd shine loud and proud! And just how am I doing that? By wearing the clothing that shows it off best. 

I've been putting a lot of effort into creating a style board on Pinterest lately. I want to climb out of the wardrobe rut and return to consciously deciding on matching looks that express who I am. I used to style myself after Trinity from the Matrix movies with a long duster, knee high boots and black knee-length skirts. I wore cargo pants and corset tops. I'd have worn boots all year around, except I learned that was considered a no-no in the fashion world. I felt amazing! I didn't care what people thought of my look. I was me. Even more so, as I look back, it was when I was coming to the realization that I was a nerd. Not your broken glasses-fixed with tape, pocket protector-wearing, kind either. My style was eccentric. And I like to think that some part of me, still is that way. Just more refined...

(Zyia Havana tank, over blue tank, blue cardigan shirt, Evenstar necklace)

Fast forward many, many, MANY years. I have had 4 kids. I'm happily married to a guy who thinks I'm beautiful no matter what I look like. I have lived quite the seasoned life. I'm no longer flat-abs, but my hips and rear are definitely far more curvaceous. These are things that I'm taking into consideration as I plot out the types of clothes I want to wear. 

Creating my first favorite outfit!

I had asked for this long vest piece and received it for Christmas. It goes perfectly with my long sleeve, blue Superman shirt. Though, for the summer months, I will be looking to get a short sleeved Wonder Woman shirt. Wonder Woman is definitely my hero and I want to be able to show that off all year long. This red cardigan vest is like wearing a red cape, but in a classier form for everyday wear! Over the winter months, I paired them with jeans and my black boots. I felt like I could easily be Super Woman. 

But like I said, this outfit only works for the winter time. I needed a summer version too. So I found these shirt pieces at the local Goodwill. I can wear it with my jeans and ballet flats. I also wear the leather wrist band my mom sent me. Sadly, the Wonder Woman shirt you see here is a little on the tighter side. Downside to not being able to try things on before buying these days. So I mostly wear it around the house now.

My most recent additions are these Nerd+faith shirts that my husband and I got. I usually don't like matching him. Feels weird. But we saw these, and couldn't resist! I also like wearing mine with the red cardigan vest. After all, what Vader girl doesn't like her cape?? 

My next project was inspired by this elegant necklace that I got from Ms. Kara, who is a Paparazzi Consultant.
I immediately fell in love with it. Red is my color (can't you tell?) and this one screams HARLEY QUINN! So I have decided to try to create an outfit that goes with the necklace. Want to see more jewelry that will inspire you? Check out her Facebook page HERE. She truly is the Princess of Bling.

These outfits are me! These are my style beginning to shine forth. They raise my self confidence and make me feel beautiful. I can't wait to put together more looks like this. What is your go-to look?

Thursday, December 1, 2011

My first blog

Okay, so after much encouragement and prodding, I've decided to start a blog. I can't say this is going to be the best ever or that many people are going to bother reading it. But.... here goes!
I'm currently a mother of two boys. I spend my days taking care of them. I also enjoy reading and writing. I often help my friends with editing their English papers since my English skills are awesome. I'm a nerd and quite proud of it. English, history and learning are things that I can spend hours doing.
I'm fluent in American Sign Language. Coupons and meal planning are a must though I'm not an extremist at either. And even though I'm all grown up, the kid part of me that refuses to grow up still enjoys creating with Legos >.<
I think that's enough of an introduction for now. I'll close by saying, I hope this blog is informative and fun for everyone. Until I write again....