Turn to the left. Turn to the right. Fashion!

[clevermanka]

I very much like the makeup job this chickie did on her calavera costume, but I'm especially struck by the amazing and simple rib bone treatment of the corset. I would use felt applique instead of paint, though.

Speaking of costumes, a sewing blogger that I recently started reading has a post today about clothing versus costume. I used to incorporate costume into my daily wardrobe fairly regularly. I had (well, still have) a glorious tailed tuxedo coat from the 20s that used to get regular wear with a white blouse and blue jeans, and for a few years I dressed nearly exclusively in vintage 50s (although with 10-eye Doc Martens and fishnet tights).

I should start re-incorporating more costume elements into my wardrobe. I miss standing out, fashion-wise, and I've become a lot more conservative--out of sheer laziness rather than a conscious decision to dress my age. Dressing my age. *shudder*

And speaking of Docs, this video makes me want a pair of the old classics (again), although I know after, oh, two wearings, I would be sick to tears (again) of lacing them up (again).

Watch on YouTube

I am feeling rambly and restless and I have to be at a Very Important Meeting in about thirty minutes. I am happy that mckitterick suggested I wear my jump boots today, now that the weather's turned cool (for the next five minutes). I can feel a bit of a rebel while still bowing to The Man.

White blouse + lacy neck scarf + black pencil skirt + stripey socks + combat boots = WIN.

Comments

[siro-gravity.livejournal.com]

wow! She did a great job of painting her face!! Also, I think if you did the corset with applique the rib-thiniges would physically stand out more, which would be sassier, definitely.

Being an artist, and also enjoying self expression, the clothing vs. costume issue is actually present in my life as an ISSUE. When I first moved to Portland, most of my clothing was more costume-y than clothing-y. And now?
*crickets*

I started thinking about this at the beginning of summer and started working on a floor-length vest...then got distracted by other projects. have you seen katwise's upcycled sweaters? (http://www.etsy.com/listing/61100713/sweater-coat-by-katwise-upcycled-grey) Probably not quite your style, but definitely MY style, and she doesn't ask too much money for them, but they're always sold by the time I find them on her page!

The outfit you wore today sounds great!!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, I've seen those coats. As you say, not my style, but I certainly appreciate their beauty.

Let us challenge each other to Costume It Up more often!

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Did you know she has a "sweater coat exchange" on her FB page, and sells a tutorial to make your own?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

and sells a tutorial to make your own?

o_O

You gonna try it?

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Part of me says "wow! I'd love to" and part of me says "are you fucking crazy? another project that will eat up money and time!"

I'd like to see it to get an idea of how she repurposes the thrift store sweaters, tho. I could make a couple small projects and be happy.

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Ok, I'm intrigued by the two different ways to lace up that were shown there. I've never worn Doc Martins so I don't know how customary this is but I'm going to have to practice those lacing styles and see what other uses they might have.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Those lacing styles with the white laces worn with Docs are pretty representative of skinhead culture(s). It's an aspect of their own costume/uniform.

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Ah, ok. Yeah, not something I need or want to emulate. *g*

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Not all skinheads are assholes. Just sayin'.

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

True...just not at all me. Not at all.

I did love the Male Pattern Boldness blog; very cool indeed.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

My first boots were those Docs, and I loved 'em until I wore 'em out, then the next pair and the next. And then I discovered zipper-side jump boots and that was that.

So glad you decided to go with a little "you" in your outfit today.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Me, too! In siro_gravity's words, I feel very sassy.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

;-)

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Your outfit sounds lovely.. need a piccy!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Alas, I don't have a good way to get a full-length photo. =/ The pics I take of me in my sewing room mirror always look like ass.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

No picture of you looks like ass. Except of course, your fabulous ass.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

HA HA HA!

We are always our own worst critics, aren't we?

XOXO

[e4q.livejournal.com]

i seem to remember that although docs became soft to the wearer, this was at much painful cost over what i seem to remember being rather a long time.

i am now unused to wearing in footwear. however, i am considering purchasing a proper pair of leather ladies' walking shoes in the near future. presumably they will take some wearing in, but will be more cushioned than docs.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I've never had much trouble breaking in shoes because my feet are super narrow, and very few shoes have the opportunity to rub. =D

[e4q.livejournal.com]

lucky duck!

i have troll's feet.