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!

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!

Every Day Can Be A Cosplay Day! Starting with Elves!

I love to dress up. Doesn't matter what I'm doing. If I'm going out, I like to do so in my own style. 

Why do I enjoy cosplay on regular days? 

Being close to the holidays, I wore a green blouse and black leggings with calf-length black boots. I did up my hair too. My son walked in and said, "Mom, you kinda look like Link!" If you don't know who that is, look up Legend of Zelda. So I decided to pull out my elf ears that my mom had sent me for my costuming collection. Totally worth it! We had to run to the post office. The worker was dead on her feet. Tired. Didn't want to deal with another person. And working completely on her own. You could see it in her eyes. She told one customer ahead of me that she hated Christmas by the time it rolled around because she saw nothing but boxes every day leading up to it! I felt her pain. When I took my turn walking up to her, she barely glanced at me as she asked the standard questions. Poor lady. Then she finally looks at me and shock lights up her face. She forgot what she was saying for a moment. Then she collected her wits and went back on. But she kept staring at me. Finally, she asked me, "I know this is rude, but I gotta know. Are those ears really yours?" I wish I could say yes! I turned my head and moved my hair aside to show her how they just slide over my ear. She started laughing and I told her I was a cosplayer that took pride in showing off these things. So ask away! Maybe I get a lot of funny looks. But if I can make one person smile, or at least have them break out of the monotony, then it is totally worth it! 

I wore that look again a couple weeks later, but with some slight changes. We were once again going to the post office on a weekend. This time, the lady was there, but so was the funny guy. He's the one who suggested the prank of asking a Walmart employee if the chicken legs were from the front or the back of the chicken. Apparently someone has done this and stumped a manager... Anyhow! He called, "Next." I stepped forward. And that's when he glanced up. He grabs the counter, bent over laughing. "Well, hello Mrs. Spock!" He tried to get the lady to look, but she was past the point of even faking a smile. Can't blame the poor woman. But I made one person smile! 

We also went to Walmart afterwards. So many people were staring. But one woman steps up and says, "I love your ears!" Person number two! My day was made.

So here are some of my every day cosplay looks. Feel inspired? Tell me about it! Better yet, message me! I love seeing others' styles. 

Link from Legend of Zelda or Lord of the Rings elf? 

This look can go either way. It just takes the switch in accessories. I usually prefer to wear my leggings. I find they are easier on my back than jeans are. The flexible material adjusts better than denim. So I wore black leggings. I also chose to wear the black boots. If I was going more Link, I'd wear my brown boots. My mom found 2 pairs a long while back. By Dream Pairs on Amazon. They have lasted about 2 years now, I think? Love them! Starting to wear the heels out, but excellent boots at affordable prices. 

For the top, I have this green shirt that I wear over a longer white tank top. I don't like wearing the leggings without my shirt covering my rear a bit. The green one is dark. From East 5th. I love hunter green. I've been looking for clothing with this and other colors to add variety to my wardrobe. But this green works great for the woodland creatures - elves - that I love so much! The sides have details to help show I do still have curves. Having gained as much weight as I have has been hard on me, mind-wise. I don't often feel as beautiful as I wish. It was cold, so I added the long great sweater. Grey is just another color that fits the themes. My daughter says that when the wind catches it, it looks like I have a cape on. 

That is the main part of the look. Just simple, yet effective. The true cosplay part comes from the accessories. If I want to go elf, I need my ears!

My mom had sent me a big bag with multiple types of elf ears that she got from Amazon. I like these, as they just hang onto the ear. No glues or other adhesives. However, some are too loose. And with my glasses, I do have to tuck the ears under the glasses over my own ears to stay on properly for longer periods of time. But they look good, no? 

Leather bracelets like this, or even bracers are a favorite of mine. I LOVE Wonder Woman. This was another gift from my mom that has been included in so many of my looks. 

I wear this Evenstar necklace when I want to be Arwen from Lord of the Rings. The day I dress like Link, I was wearing this necklace that I got from a friend who sold Paparazzi jewelry.

I would love to expand to somehow do a Tauriel version. It will take some thinking though. My mother recently sent me a long, dark green top that I might modify to look like this. 

  

So this is just one look I've created for my everyday cosplay! Two characters, in the Elven realm! I need to work on a couple more. Like the every day version of Harley Quinn I want to do based on a single necklace I got... Yes, sometimes my ideas stem from a single item! 

Not all my styles are based on a character though. Some are just things that I can feel good in. I haven't been able to accept my current size. I still can't see myself as beautiful, but I can look generally 'good' in my own eyes when I pair things up just right. Like this one for colder days.

                        I enjoyed this one as it also matched my Mini Me doll.

What do you think? What character would you create an every day cosplay for?

From Drab to Fab With a Touch of Paint!

Steampunk has taken on a life around our home. We have it peeking out in various parts of our homes decor. I do this purposely, of course. I can't really take over the whole house, now can I? But decorating our home isn't the only place I have for Steampunk. I had been building my cosplay for the Time Traveler over the past few years. While I haven't worked on it with as much dedication as I would like, I have been able to utilize it. I was the Time Traveling Pirate in one of our homeschool meets. Traveling back in time to tell the kids all about the life of a pirate and the perils as well. 

Why we dress up

I have been enjoying the art of cosplay and costuming for a great long while. As a girl, I played dress up and used my imagination to act out my own fantasy. For my birthday one year, my mother created gowns for myself and my guests while we had a marvelous tea party. I always wanted a masquerade party one day! (Still wanting to do that.)

Throughout my adult life, I have attended Comic Cons and Gamer conventions. Free Comic Book Day events were my supplements in between conventions. I've even had photos taken with green screen technology to show off mine and my families creations in style. The last big event we dressed up for was the Renaissance Festival. Our whole family went as Vikings!

My mom has been very helpful in finding things to use in our costumes. Yes, plural. Each of us have at least 2 costumes. She knows us so well that she sent me some perfect masks. She likes us to have a variety. After all, I've introduced my children to cosplay and, like me, they thrive in it! They have no qualms about dressing up to go to Wal-Mart or the library. My oldest son will wear his finest and even straighten his unruly curls, just to run an errand! Fedora, dress shirt and vest, and slacks! More often than not, even a tie is worn. High praise for this proud Mama. My older daughter likes to wear this red and black medieval costume dress, while the younger daughter puts on whatever suits her fancy. We get a lot of looks, but as I remind my children, who cares?? We are doing us in our own way. I don't want my kids growing up to care what everyone around them thinks or worrying about what they say. If this makes them happy, then enjoy it! 

But I'm getting carried away

I was telling you that my mother sent us some masks. She sent 4. Two of them are plague doctor masks. I laughed at these. I'd been telling my husband ever since the 2020 mess, that I thought we should wear this kind during the lockdowns and mask mandates. We aren't able to wear them just yet, but I'm hoping that once I get the new rubber smell down we can do so. 

Then we have the Steampunk or Mecha cat mask. My girls both fell in love with this one. They take turns wearing it. My oldest decided it needed a makeover, however, and out came the paints.

I have to say I'm so proud of her taking initiative on this one. She painted in the details to give it more depth. And now she is planning out a costume to go with it!

When my parents came out to visit, my mom had given her a velvet-like blazer that has double-breasted buttons. We also found a hat from my mom that had goggles attached. And to finish it off, she wore her booties with the animal print pattern! Oh yes, and wore some of my black and gold 'gloves'. This kid was rocking her killer style and made me so proud for coming up with it herself!

   Then we have my mask...

The final one is mine. A Steampunk version of the Phantom of the Opera mask. I have done a female Phantom costume in the past. But this will take on a new look for sure! Of course, I had to touch up the mask and give it more character. 

       I needed to get some brown paint to add leather-like patches to it.

I designed the costume that will accompany it. I'm also still debating whether I should attempt to cut the eye hole slightly bigger to accommodate my glasses. I should wear contacts during cosplay, but I have such a hard time putting anything near my eyes... I have another style I want to try out next time, using a skirt and maybe a cape.

These were cheap masks on Amazon, but they are looking fantastic with just a little effort! What are your thoughts? Are you creating anything this Halloween? I'd love to hear about it. So leave me a comment below!

From Goodwill to Viking!

With our desire to go to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival this year, we chose the Viking weekend and began to prepare for it. Viking, or Barbarian, styled costumes is not something I would have ever thought to create without a reason like this. But the thought of trying something new was too strong a pull to disregard. So when my husband requested that we go that weekend, I knew I had to start planning our outfits. Amazingly enough, the whole family (husband included) wanted to dress up! I had my work cut out for me. From finding the ideas in online photos, to finding pieces we can put together, to completely creating the costumes - every bit of it was worth the effort. 

Step 1 - When it comes to cosplay, I am all about the details. I want everything to fit the theme and look right. To some degree, I even work to make it accurate. So I went online and found the styles I wanted to try to piece together for each member of the family. 

Step 2 - Making my lists and checking them off of each type of item I needed was key. Otherwise I'd get lost in creating and make (or buy) too much. Costumes for this are pretty simple. I knew I needed to look for fur and leather-like things to make this work.

Guys - vests, shirts, pants, belts, weapons

Girls - leggings, tunic/dress, vests and belts

So off to Goodwill we went. Amazingly enough. I found vests for 4/6 of us! All in some way furry-looking. Boys found oversized shirts to use in colors they wanted. I wanted them to at least be darker colors. Most of the styles I saw were dark. Lots of browns, black and grey. My older son picked corduroy pants that were way too big, but my husband told me they did that on purpose to look like the Vikings did... I wasn't convinced, but I went along with it. Normally, I'd choose something that they would use later on for other things. My daughter found this long sleeved, long dress. It was a maroon color that she fell in love with. I knew we could throw leggings underneath and her furry vest over the top. Add a belt and maybe some kind of decoration and she would be a beautiful Viking girl. 

And we even found a long Avatar spear that was foam. It stands almost as tall as me! Kids were excited about that. 

Step 3 - We needed embellishments! From medallion style things to hair pins or breastplates - I mean there were a lot of things to consider using. My Dad had sent us a 3D printer that we are in love with. I started glancing around ThingIVerse. I found the perfect pieces to print! 

My guys are going to have medallions attached to belts in some ways. You can find them HERE. 

For us girls, I found this HAIRPIECE that would make a breastplate for the little one and hairpiece for me. I even embellished them with paint as the print job wasn't the smoothest.

But I had to do some searching to find something else for the older girl. I wanted to make something special for her. So I found these earrings that are pretty small and thin, but my husband could make bigger.

Turned one into a decoration for a bracelet I made from the overflow of a belt I cut down for her. 

The boys knew we only had the one spear we found, so I was curious... I ran a search on the 3D print site and found just what we wanted.

This first one didn't come out pretty on both sides. My husband thinks he needed to add different supports.

But when he mounted it to the dowel, it works well enough and the kids love it!

The second one is absolutely amazing, but we did have to make the tip duller as I could see serious injury happening if that tip came into contact with anyone's flesh...

I took this jacket my mom had sent me way back and seam-ripped off the sleeves. From that, I started making some bracers. Tougher than I originally thought. Took me about 2 hours just to hand sew the one...

I finally asked my crafty-minded friends for suggestions. Amazingly, I learned that the hole punch will cut through pleather with little resistance.

So I did that, after cutting the desired sizes and shapes. Not the prettiest, but they will work just fine for a day at the festival.

The youngest one was the easiest and I finished hers first. She told me that Viking or "'Barians" had weird styled clothing because of the fuzzy jackets (furry vests). 

Once I added the bracelet and belt, the older daughter loved her outfit. She was hoping for bracers so I made some for her like her brothers.  

My oldest son wanted to be more of the Dapper Viking. I think he likes wearing his hat too much to skip the opportunity. So we are dressing up his style more than the others.  

I even told my husband I'd braid his beard. So he started letting it get a little longer for just this weekend. I would say this only works if you use some kind of wax or holding gel to keep it in place though!

Scarborough Viking Weekend Was a HUGE Success!

We had a great time at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival last weekend. I could spend each weekend there, in full costume, just seeing all the different sights and eating. One day really doesn't cut it! 

*Disclaimer: My family was hosted in exchange for writing reviews and sharing about our experience at the festival. All opinions are strictly our own. We were not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

I spent a lot of time and effort in creating our costumes for the event. We loved seeing everything from shows to the vendors. I will say the kids were a bit worn out and the eldest was being a grouch the whole time... But he is 13, so I blame those teen rebellion genes on that. 

My oldest daughter loved the ride, Barrel Bedlam. He promised to give her the insane version at her request. I was thinking she might not be able to walk straight after that ride, but she has amazing talent for keeping her balance! 

I love the old-style village look. Each road you walk is set up to really immerse you into the feel on medieval times! 

I love seeing other cosplayers! This guy really went all out with his. I had wanted to get my photo with him, but happened to be in line for food when he passed by. I'm so glad my husband snapped this photo instead. Some people invest a lot into the costumes they were. They also embrace their characters. It really makes the experience all the more fun.

Some artisans do more than just sell their handmade goods. They also show you the process in which they make them. This glassblower, for instance, showed how he crafted the beautiful bulbs and goblets in his shop with a demonstration.

We happened to catch the parade as well. They have a great array of actors that participate, showing many eras of costumes as you can see. 

We tried several types of foods. Sadly, by the time we got to the crepes that I love so much, the wait time was at least 30 minutes. But we did try the Lemon Chill. Quite the tart treat. I loved the smoothies they serve. My husband had his favorite - turkey leg. Dressed like a Viking and chowing down on one of those, you really do feel like you have been transported back to their age. We got the kids root beer floats too. It was a hot and dusty day, so it made a great treat! As did the ice cream we had... 

As for shopping, I finally have my own cup! With the attaching strap to wear it on my costumes and the lid. I didn't get to use it there as the dust blowing through the area filled the cup. But I'm looking forward to using it at home as often as I can! The dragon design I chose is one she rarely makes, so it was even more special. 

 

My husband also grabbed some Beard Buzz and Dragon Jelly from a vendor with a great variety of homemade beeswax products. The Dragon Jelly is to help with his incredibly cracked hands from work. The Beard Buzz was to help his beard be smoother and less irritated. Everything this guy makes is as simple as he can get it to ensure you aren't getting unnecessary oils and chemicals. I've been using the dragon jelly on my legs after shaving and I love how it feels. You can check out their products HERE. He is Nature Craft online.

Bathroom lines for women had some so desperate that they ran into the mens room... My husband was startled by one such woman. If you even THINK you need to use the restroom, and you are of the female variety, then you better go get in line immediately! Don't wait until you are dancing in the line and hoping you won't wet yourself.
Next weekend is one I'd love to try next year - Live the Fantasy! Fae folk come to life during that weekend. They have a Fairy Initiation Ceremony as well as the Spring Celebration. They will also have the Deaf Day this weekend! 

What are you thoughts? Have any of you gone yet? Or are planning to? I'd love to hear from you!