NanoWrimo did swallow me whole*

So why didn't I use my carnival of a closet for this year's Halloween costume?  Confession: I wanted to be Harley but I was a little nervous about premiering the costume at a con.  I know, me nervous about wearing ANYTHING? She who flounces about in public in things most folk would be embarrassed to leave the house in?  Who puts on hats, gloves, and seamed stockings whenever she can?  Who has no problem wearing a cosplay to a movie completely unrelated to it?  Or perhaps dinner out as Captain America on a day that isn't Halloween?

Crazy eyes, also a some what blurry look at the makeup.

Well, we all have our comfort zones.  And for me fem versions of male characters had become a con comfort zone.  Oh yes, I have Death but have you ever noticed how she isn't sexualized like many other female comic book characters?  Harley represented the deep end to me and since I'm not one to do things by halves I decided to go for it.  But with a little caution.

Yet another poorly drawn concept sketch. Those little shapes in the corner are ideas for pattern pieces.

The costume itself presented some other challenges.  There's a lot of Harleys out there and while I find inspiration in looking at other cosplayers I certainly don't want to straight up copy someone else. I don't know where the 1920s style came from but once it hit me I was churning out concept sketches.  I like that it fits with Harley's gangster's moll voice.  I also like that it's something I've never really seen and reflects my own style as well as Harley's.  Plus, comfy.

This dress seems good for dancing.  Must go dancing in it some time.

Let's start with the dress:

Fabric - As mentioned, I was having trouble finding the right fabric and once I found it I realized the cost of fabric alone would be twice my cosplay budget.  While I always go over budget I felt like it was bad to go that far over with one purchase.  So I strolled the aisles of the fabric store looking for something that was even close to what I had in mind.  Needing two particular colors in the same fabric made this an extra challenge.  All I could find was 100% polyester.  I am not a fan of polyester.  I don't sew with it and I try to limit it's presence in my ready made clothes.  But, standing in the fabric store, I realized that if I wanted to be Harley - this was it.  I told myself that if I didn't get the fabric now, I'd have to do something else.  Or completely re-evaluate my plans for the costume.  So I bought it.  My major complaints about the fabric were how badly the fabric frayed and that after pre-washing the fabric lost most of it's drape.

Notice how I managed to hide most of the neat details on my costume?  I'm very good at that.

The pattern - In the past I've made two twenties style dresses by adapting commercial patterns.  I was ready to try self drafting.  Which is actually another one of the reasons I didn't go with my ideal fabric - I would have been quite upset if the dress was a failure and I ruined that much expensive and beautiful fabric.  I looked at tons of reference photos, drew pictures, and thought a lot about construction.  I used plain old brown package wrapping paper to create the pattern pieces.  The pattern worked well except I had made it too long and had to cut out about a foot and a half in the middle and reattach the skirt to the bodice.  I'm excited to try making another 20's style dress again because I have all sorts of ideas for improving construction. 

The sequins look better than this in real life, I swear

The decoration - Initially I was on the fence about adding lace but as I messed up a bit on putting the neckline together - I decided the lace would nicely cover my mistake.  I wanted to bead the dress but I found the fabric to be too flimsy to stand up to the weight of beads so I used sequins instead.  There are still beads there - I used them in the middle of the sequins to help hold them on like I've seen on other garments.  I've never put sequins on anything before but once I got the hang of it - it was kind of fun.  Plus I love the results.  Sparkly.

Best close up shot of the hat.  Also, no glasses so you can better see the makeup.

The hat:
I had a hat in mind but I figured the dress was the priority.  I was going to make a quick scarf to wear ala Clara Bow (my other visual inspiration for this costume.) but I ended up making something too big to use.  I decided since I had everything I needed to make the hat I might as well go for it.  I used veiw C from this pattern and it was super fast and easy.  I didn't look at the instructions though.  And I didn't use fleece like I was supposed to.  I have to say, I think I'm in love with sewing hats.  It takes so little fabric and goes so fast.  It's the beading that was time consuming but like with the sequins, the results were worth it.

The bag:
Harley carries a little black handbag sometimes but that's sort of boring.  I took fabric I already had (a cream colored linen) and made a little bag.  I beaded the dollar sign (hugely time consuming) and bought some pretty gold cord and voila - a fancy beaded bag that doubles as a loot bag.

Other accessories:
Earrings - The red one is part of a pair I made back when I made beaded jewelry.  The black one is from a pair I got as a gift (Thanks S!).
Gloves- Captain America to the rescue here.  I took one of the gloves I no longer needed for cap and bought a black pair from Sock Dreams.  I used the remaining lace to edge the gloves.  Of course now I have an "extra" pair of mismatched gloves.  I'm sure I'll come up with a use for them.
Gun - Bought at a party store - definitely something not something I was interested in making.  I do have plans to alter it so it fits with the costume better but those had to wait til after Halloween. (As my friend says: "Eh, it's just Halloween." Cons are when it's important.)
Shoes - the prettiest shoes in the world from Miss L Fire.  How I wish I'd had the money to get them in all four colors - it would have been awesome to wear one black and one red.
Stockings -Both from sock dreams but different pairs.  One with a red seam and one with a black seam.
Shawl - the little scarf that turned out way too big.

The whole thing?   Went off well.  I was particularly proud of my makeup.  I do need to do some minor adjustments on the dress - to improve fit - nothing cosmetic.  And then there's the gun - so this baby isn't quite con ready but I do think once it is I will have fun walking the con floor in it.  Though I'll probably still have nerves the first time.

Watch out Harley! Wonder Woman is behind you!

Even if Harley isn't completely done and I've got updates/revisions I'm working on for other cosplays I'm already thinking about a new one.  I want to try to do some simple ones - using the supplies I already have.  I've got someone in mind already but I don't know if I will do that one or work on updates on older costumes.  There is a con coming up in January that I hope to attend but I'm not really sure what I want to wear yet. 

* Well not only the novel - I obviously did other things but when I'm churning out 2,000-3,000 words a day I'm not too interested in spending more quality time with my computer.  Right now I'm less than 10,000 words from winning.  My novel is horrible and makes no sense.  So all is progressing as expected.

Sadly, Batman didn't show up

Okay, so first of all, since 2004 I've been doing this every November:

So right now I'm mostly trying to get a novel started.  However, after teasing for months I felt like I should at least share this:

Yup, a 1920's style Harley Quinn.  I'm sure you already guessed it.

Because I don't have time right now to put together a whole post on my costume.  I did get photos - not great ones mind you (I swear what looks clear and fine on the camera is blurry 75% of the time.) but photos.

I will have more photos, details, and an explanation for why I chose not to got the closet costume route this Halloween in a full post.  Next week.  Unless I get swallowed by a novel.

Halloween Costume link round up

It's down to the wire.  If you are still casting about in desperation for a costume - hopefully these links (or Imelda's video) will help inspiration strike. 

The Trashy Diva blog has lots of ideas.  I especially like this one .  Mostly because it encourages people to not go buy stuff they will never use again.

Take Back Halloween is full of brilliant ideas for those who are sick of the traditional "sexy" costume.  My personal favorite is Rosalind Franklin and it's a super easy closet costume type to boot!

Head on over to Closet Case Files for some wonderful Iconic costumes.  I would add Janis Joplin and Dorthy Parker to the mix as well- and not just because I may have been them for past Halloweens.

Have you seen the massive Halloween Series on  New Dress A Day ?  31 Thrifted/closet/on the cheap costume looks.   They are all amazing but I think The Artist is certainly near the top for me.  Can't wait to see the rest.

Curious about my costume?  If I have a chance I will post a pic on Friday - if not Sat.  Either way - have a massively Happy Halloween!

A photo and a suggestion

Any guesses?

Been busy this week with work on my costume and other things.  Just wanted to leave you with this teaser photo and to remind/inform you that ComicFest is this Saturday.  Go and enjoy.

A costume fiend's guide to closet costumes: Part Two

Okay, here's some other ideas.  Not knowing what someone has in their closet I can't guarantee any of these will work but hopefully they will get you thinking about ways in which you can create a costume for (almost) free.  I'm also noting "bonus buys" - items you have the option of buying that won't cost a lot of money but will be a nice touch.

I cannot say how much I love this photo

Punk - I've actually done this for a friend and I also punkified my second doctor costume once but I figure you got enough of my mug in the last post.  Tartan, fishnets, bandanas, leather and jean jackets, buttons, patches, blue jeans, studs, docs, etc . . . Have a shirt destined for the rag bag?  Tear it more and "fix it" with some safety pins.  Heavy and messy makeup. 

Bonus buy: funky colored hair is great so if you're everyday hair isn't quite as wild as some folk - get some hair chalk or spray color to make it more punk.

Dent is the gent on the right.

Arthur Dent - Put on your favorite PJs and robe.  Don't forget your towel.  So easy I feel silly even bringing it up.  Seriously, when I did a search for the reference photo I found another site that listed Dent as a suggestion for a cheap costume. 

Bonus Buy: Pimp your "electronic book" with a "Don't Panic" decal.  This is the one I have on mine.

 

I don't think Jason is wearing enough red here.

Mighty not yet morphed Power Rangers - I was thinking of this already but when my brother brought it up and I just had to mention it.  Remember how the rangers always wore the color of what ever ranger they were even when they were in their regular clothes?  Go through your closet and see what color predominates.  That's your ranger.  Also, this would be an awesome group costume. 

Bonus buy: Check out thrift stores in the toy and jewelry section for something that resembles a communicator.  Wear it and talk into it all night.

Be sure to click through to check out more wonderful photos

Suffragette - Have a long skirt and high necked long sleeve blouse?  Or a long dress?   Make a sash that  says "Votes for women" - a sharpie and an old sheet are all you really need.  Failing that you can always make a sign.  Put your hair up and add a hat if you have one.  Instant suffragette.

Bonus buy: In the US the suffragette colors were purple, white, and gold (purple, white, and green in the UK) so pick up some ribbons in the appropriate color and make rosettes.  Tutorial here.  Pin them in your hair and on your dress,  give them away if you make a bunch.  Or if you don't want to go to the trouble of making rosettes just put the ribbons in your hair or on your hat.

The mid '90s series was awesome (Nancy is in the middle)

Nancy Drew - I dress like Nancy all the time but I tend to stay firmly within her earlier years.  You don't have to go vintage - Nancy has a lot of looks to pick from.  She's been a blonde, a red head, and a brunette.  She's "lived" from the 1930's until now.  Take a gander at this page for a guide to the various versions of her in print.  This page can help with visual references to her appearances on film and TV.  Be sure to have a notebook and pencil for writing down clues and a flashlight just in case of "in the dark" sleuthing.  Also handy if you happen to be escorting trick-or-treaters.

Bonus buy - A magnifying glass would be a great accessory.  It wouldn't have to be a large one either.  I am particularly fond of the necklace kind. 1928 Jewelry has a wide selection here.

Still stumped?  Here's a few more hints:

-Look at that percentage of your wardrobe that never gets worn.  Little black cocktail dress?    There's always the bombshell version of Catwoman.  Pencil skirt that's a little too vavoom for work? Go rockabilly with teased hair and a t-shirt knotted at the waist.  Item of clothing covered in sparkles and sequins?  You can be a circus performer.

-Enlist the help of a friend and go through each others' wardrobes.  Maybe there's something you can lend each other or maybe one of you will "see" a potential costume that the other just can't.

- While I may have discouraged buying from a Halloween store - I do think it's a good place to get ideas.  You may actually own most of the pieces of a fab costume - you just need to get the inspiration.  Also, you can sometimes find nice things at a reasonable price that serve as good touches to a costume.

-As I mentioned before - it's always good to reuse things from previous costumes - so what have you been?  What were your friends?  I have no problem "renting"  some of my costumes to a friend - though I do have some rules.  Like "don't alter it" and "DON'T wash it".  You may have a friend who is totally cool passing along last year's costume.  Just be respectful of what their wishes are regarding it.

-Never be afraid of starting with a previous year's costume and doing something new with it.  With some fake blood and scary makeup it's not hard to do a zombie version of a previous costume. Or maybe you can combine parts of an old costume to create new one.

I hope I gave you some ideas or at least a starting point for your costume.  For me it's not about having the best costume or the most impressive or even being recognized (Which pretty much NEVER happens on Halloween. ) but being comfortable and happy in it.  And for that to happen you never need to spend a lot of money or time. 

A costume fiend's guide to closet costumes: Part One

I love Halloween.  While I love things like candy, pumpkin carving, and wee kiddos trick-or-treating my favorite part is obviously the costumes.  Pre-cosplay I used to spend months and sometimes lots of money putting together costumes.  Ones, that sadly, sometimes only got worn once.  Now while I am all for dropping whatever cash you can afford to put together a costume you love and plan on wearing over and over - it just doesn't make sense for something you're only going to wear once.  And seriously, do not drop big $$ at a Halloween store.  Some stuff is nice but most of it is over priced and cheap.  So, that's why I'm writing a two part guide to building a costume from what's in your closet with little or no need for purchasing anything.

While I obviously own actual costumes this post will focus on ones I put together from what I had in my closet.  Yes my "ordinary" clothes aren't very typical but I still think most folks can pull something off. 

A general apology about the quality of my photos - as I wrote last month my camera tends to die on Halloween so I don't always have decent pics.  Or any at all.  In some cases I'm cropping out others and in other cases I simply don't have full length pics.

This was at the end of the night - my makeup held up well.  Also, this was the year I got smart and borrowed a camera when mine died.

Last year I was the Emcee from Cabaret.   My vision for the costume was a sort of menswear inspired but feminized version of the various costumes - which range from a tux to shorts and suspenders.  With the exception of the undershirt (borrowed from my brother) everything is something I already owned.  I did buy some makeup to make my face white.  It was actually eyeshadow which got plenty of use as intended after that night.

Wow, a full length shot.  So rare.

This could easily be adapted depending what you have and how much skin you want to show - I almost went with lacey pettipants and fishnets but I decided I felt like being more covered up that night.  Another variation would be just to wear a suit.  The main thing here is the makeup - heavy and theatrical.  Most of these costumes rely on makeup - if you aren't comfortable applying your own makeup see if you have a friend willing to make you up. 

This is an example of picking the worst possible background for a shot.  Had I known I was only going to get three pics out of my camera before it died I would have been more careful.

The year before I was Regina - the evil Queen from Once Upon a Time. Again this is all stuff I own.  I did end up having to buy a black dress because I didn't own one at that time.  Like the eyeshadow for the Emcee, it got plenty of use after Halloween.  Feel free to use Halloween as the excuse to buy something you plan on using in your day to day life.  The paper mache heart and shrug were from previous costumes - don't forget that anything you made or bought for previous years might be a good starting point for this year. 

My paper mache heart.  Isn't it pretty?

Again, this is a costume that hinges on makeup - and hair.  Really once you have that down, just wear the most fabulous outfit you can put together in a dark color.  Obviously a heart is a nice touch but if I hadn't already made one I wouldn't have bothered. 

Oddly enough, not the most unflattering photo of me.  Also, I'm not wearing makeup here - does this count as a no makeup selfie?

And then there was the year I was a pirate. Pirates are pretty easy to put together. Stripes, bandanas, vests, etc . . .  Everything I already owned (including long striped socks that aren't pictured.) with the exception of the hat.  I bought a plain floppy brimmed felt hat at Old Navy (of all places). I altered it so it was tri-cornered - an easy (and reversible) fix that requires almost no sewing skills - and added the feather.  Which I had lying around.  I could have kept the hat floppy and it would have still worked - I just wanted a tri-corner hat.  If you own a striped shirt or peasant blouse - pair it with some black yoga pants, and boots and you're halfway there.  And, as I note in the caption - I'm not wearing makeup.  I think you can go either way with a pirate look so rock what's most comfortable.

My brother as Dream, and me as Death.  Probably my favorite picture of us together. 

As I mentioned in my post about my Death cosplay - it began life as a Halloween costume.  The only item I bought for the costume was the ankh.  Yes, I already owned a black lace parasol.  I bought it for another costume but it's a ringer for Death's - spooky.  Or coincidence.

You can't see the Ankh, but you can see the rest of my costume.

If you want to be Death you don't have to buy the ankh - just cut out a piece of cardboard in the shape of an ankh and cover it in foil.   Since Death is an eternal  and has worn all different looks through out time you can pretty much wear what ever you want as long as it's the right color.  Death mostly wears black but she does wear red at funerals.  My advice for the eye is to use either a pencil or marker type eyeliner. I also think whiting out your face is optional - no matter what your skin tone.  So if you don't want to cover yourself in white greasepaint, don't.

Hope this will give you some ideas.  I will be back next week with a few more ideas that will hopefully make creating a costume from your own closet easy.  Never let a lack of funds or sewing skills prevent you from having an awesome costume again.