January is apparently the time to post one's wardrobe to EGL, so post it I did - my little Bodyline, F+F and handmade wardrobe sneaking in amongst posts full of brand upon brand. I like my wardrobe this way. I've never been one to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress [shoes, now...that's a different story] so I like that there are budget lolita options.
I'm not going to cross-post the whole thing, but if you want to see my post on EGL you can find it here.
It was awesome to do this because it really let me take stock of my wardrobe. In 2013 I want to make a lot more of my own clothes [I'll let you in on a secret...I'm starting an indie brand soon!] and also support some of the awesome indie brands out there. I really need to get more accessories, especially tights and headwear, and I want to find some blouses that I love. I like the ones I have and they look good on me, but I really want to find a blouse I fall head over heels for.
But I love that I [with the help of my lovely man] was able to leap properly into this adorable fashion and get a complete wardrobe quickly. It's been a whole lot of fun so far and it's so cliché I know, but wearing lolita makes me feel great!
Monday, 21 January 2013
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Five super basic modelling tips.
Becoming a good model and learning how to look you best in front of the camera can be a long process for most of us. Coming up with a range of poses and facial expressions that come across well on camera takes time and practise, so I thought I'd pass on a few things I've learned from my time on both sides of the camera. These tips are mostly geared towards female models, because hey, I'm female myself, but some would be useful for the guys as well. In fact, they're all good for guys, just try to make them less effete.
So without further ado, here are some simple pointers and ideas you can use to look more at home in front of the camera.
Throw out your hip.
When written like that it sounds like something grandma did last year. But if you thrust one hip out to the side and thus shift your centre of balance, it gives a much more pleasing, curvaceous shape to you body. Obviously you need to do more to make a great pose, but throwing out the hip is a very good place to start.
Pay attention to your hands.
Often times a sign that betrays a newbie model in a photograph is awkward hand positions. Practise things to do with your hands, lots of things. Practise how to flare your fingers in a natural seeming way, how to hold your hand near your face and the most important one - learn how to hold your hand straight by your side without looking like a wooden soldier. I won't say that learning how to pose your hands well is easy, because for some people it isn't, but being able to make your hands look natural even in the most weirdly contorted positions can make a great difference to how a photo turns out.
That hand position, for the record, feel extremely odd. But it doesn't look it. Hand posing is one area where it's really important to have confidence in what your photographer is telling you to do, because if it feels weird we think it looks weird, but that really is not the case a lot of the time.
Tilt you head.
When moving your head around, don't just give the photographer your left side, right side, front on. Try tilting your chin down, turning your head to the left but then cocking your head back to the right. Tilting your head rather than simply turning it from side to side can give a whole range of different subtleties to a shot. With this tip, it's also important to remember not to tilt your head to an extreme angle, because that can look rather silly. Practise in front of the mirror to find out what head tilts make you look cute, sexy, dark, high fashion, whatever.
Loosen it up a bit.
Relax. Really. It makes a big difference. One particular failing of mine as a model is that I tend to make my legs too rigid and in shots where my knees are bare that can make them look pretty ugly. How to fix that? Whenever I notice I'm tensing up and getting really locked into a pose I make myself relax. I bend my knees slightly and take a couple of big breaths. This is also really important to remember for facial expressions. Blink between shots, and drop whatever expression you are holding and resume it in time for the next shot. We all know how terrible a held smile can look, but holding any expression so long it goes wooden looks bad.
Know what you need.
Now this tip is a bit vaguer. Know what you need in a shoot to make you pose the best. Sometimes it may be handy to have some pose references on your phone to take a look at, maybe you like to check out the photos on the camera as you're shooting or perhaps getting very specific direction from a photographer helps you. Have a chat to your photographer before the shoot and explain that you need to check you phone poses, want to see the photos regularly, would like lots of direction, whatever.
So. There are five ways to easily improve your modelling skills. No go forth and model for awesome photographs!
Credits:
All photos in this post were taken by my lovely James man, and you can see more of both our work over on our facebook page. My make-up and hair in the top photo were by Amy.
So without further ado, here are some simple pointers and ideas you can use to look more at home in front of the camera.
Throw out your hip.
When written like that it sounds like something grandma did last year. But if you thrust one hip out to the side and thus shift your centre of balance, it gives a much more pleasing, curvaceous shape to you body. Obviously you need to do more to make a great pose, but throwing out the hip is a very good place to start.
Pay attention to your hands.
Often times a sign that betrays a newbie model in a photograph is awkward hand positions. Practise things to do with your hands, lots of things. Practise how to flare your fingers in a natural seeming way, how to hold your hand near your face and the most important one - learn how to hold your hand straight by your side without looking like a wooden soldier. I won't say that learning how to pose your hands well is easy, because for some people it isn't, but being able to make your hands look natural even in the most weirdly contorted positions can make a great difference to how a photo turns out.
That hand position, for the record, feel extremely odd. But it doesn't look it. Hand posing is one area where it's really important to have confidence in what your photographer is telling you to do, because if it feels weird we think it looks weird, but that really is not the case a lot of the time.
Tilt you head.
When moving your head around, don't just give the photographer your left side, right side, front on. Try tilting your chin down, turning your head to the left but then cocking your head back to the right. Tilting your head rather than simply turning it from side to side can give a whole range of different subtleties to a shot. With this tip, it's also important to remember not to tilt your head to an extreme angle, because that can look rather silly. Practise in front of the mirror to find out what head tilts make you look cute, sexy, dark, high fashion, whatever.
Loosen it up a bit.
Relax. Really. It makes a big difference. One particular failing of mine as a model is that I tend to make my legs too rigid and in shots where my knees are bare that can make them look pretty ugly. How to fix that? Whenever I notice I'm tensing up and getting really locked into a pose I make myself relax. I bend my knees slightly and take a couple of big breaths. This is also really important to remember for facial expressions. Blink between shots, and drop whatever expression you are holding and resume it in time for the next shot. We all know how terrible a held smile can look, but holding any expression so long it goes wooden looks bad.
Know what you need.
Now this tip is a bit vaguer. Know what you need in a shoot to make you pose the best. Sometimes it may be handy to have some pose references on your phone to take a look at, maybe you like to check out the photos on the camera as you're shooting or perhaps getting very specific direction from a photographer helps you. Have a chat to your photographer before the shoot and explain that you need to check you phone poses, want to see the photos regularly, would like lots of direction, whatever.
So. There are five ways to easily improve your modelling skills. No go forth and model for awesome photographs!
Credits:
All photos in this post were taken by my lovely James man, and you can see more of both our work over on our facebook page. My make-up and hair in the top photo were by Amy.
Friday, 4 January 2013
Review #7: FanPlusFriend
Recently we bought some new clothes from FanPlusFriend, some for the Soul Capture model wardrobe and some for me.
For the model wardrobe we got:
And now for the things for me!
One thing about this blouse I didn't notice in the product photos is that the lace on the collar is in the shape of flowers! So cute! The sleeves are also more poofy in real life than in the picture. It's a good fit on the bust but I think I'll take the waist in a little - I got it in a size where the bust fits but the waist is too big so that's only to be expected. The jabot is detachable but unlike jabots on Bodyline blouses, doesn't button up at the back, you have to tie this one in a bow. And I suck at bows. But given that the jabot is really only going to be used for photoshoots that's not a problem.
For some reason my phone didn't want to photograph this blouse and refused to focus. However, the stock photo is very accurate on design and colour.
Both blouses do have one issue that isn't really an issue but is noteworthy; due to the pale colours of the fabrics they are both a little see through. I tried them on with a black bra and you could tell. The cuffs on the sleeves are also a little tight, and I don't have particularly big arms for my size, so that may be something to look out for if you have larger than usual upper arms.
Ahhh the cuteness! I love this dress. I've always had a fascination with sailor lolita, but it always tends to look a bit costume-y so it was great to find a dress that has a distinctly sailor vibe without being too in your face about it. The size I bought is slightly to big around the bust, but that can easily be taken care of and I'd rather spend a few minutes taking something in rather than paying for custom sizing.
Neither the stock photo nor my picture show how pretty this dress really is. The ruffle at the bottom is something chiffon-y and over that, around the neckline and armholes is a really simple lace that's really nice. The length is wonderful as it just hits the bottom of my knees, which makes it a bit more mature than most of my just above the knee lolita gear. Again, I love this dress.
As far as speed of ordering and shipping goes, we ordered December 7th, our order was shipped December 29th and it arrived January 2nd. Not the fastest making time but not too bad either, especially given what time of year it is, and that is very good shipping. So all in all, I am a very happy Roli.
For the model wardrobe we got:
Victorian Rococo Lolita Jacquard Square Neckline
Ball Dress
Elegant Gothic Aristocrat Under Bust Lacing Up
JSK/Dress
I have no real comment on either of these at them moment, other than that the zip on the green jacket thing is a bit wonky and doesn't like zipping down. However, we're going to use them in shoots soon, which will show up on facebook first if you're really keen to see how they look on.
And now for the things for me!
Gothic Lolita Basic Short Puffy Sleeves Pintuck
Blouse
Firstly, it has to be mentioned that the random detached collar looks as ridiculous [if not more so!] in real life as it does in the stock photo. I will not be wearing it, ever. However, it may be able to be turned into a bonnet. We shall see...
Other than that, this blouse is adorable. I'm coming to realise that for me to look really good in lolita, I can't wear collared blouses most of the time. They're definitely cute for some things, but the most flattering on my body is a lower square neckline. There are a few loose threads, mostly around the buttonholes but that's no big deal. The fit is wonderful and there is corset lacing at the back to make it even more perfect. I'm very happy with this blouse.
Classical Gothic Lolita: Short Sleeves Blouse & Embroidery Frilly Jabot
One thing about this blouse I didn't notice in the product photos is that the lace on the collar is in the shape of flowers! So cute! The sleeves are also more poofy in real life than in the picture. It's a good fit on the bust but I think I'll take the waist in a little - I got it in a size where the bust fits but the waist is too big so that's only to be expected. The jabot is detachable but unlike jabots on Bodyline blouses, doesn't button up at the back, you have to tie this one in a bow. And I suck at bows. But given that the jabot is really only going to be used for photoshoots that's not a problem.
For some reason my phone didn't want to photograph this blouse and refused to focus. However, the stock photo is very accurate on design and colour.
Both blouses do have one issue that isn't really an issue but is noteworthy; due to the pale colours of the fabrics they are both a little see through. I tried them on with a black bra and you could tell. The cuffs on the sleeves are also a little tight, and I don't have particularly big arms for my size, so that may be something to look out for if you have larger than usual upper arms.
Exquisite Maiden Lolita Neat Jumper Skirt
Ahhh the cuteness! I love this dress. I've always had a fascination with sailor lolita, but it always tends to look a bit costume-y so it was great to find a dress that has a distinctly sailor vibe without being too in your face about it. The size I bought is slightly to big around the bust, but that can easily be taken care of and I'd rather spend a few minutes taking something in rather than paying for custom sizing.
Neither the stock photo nor my picture show how pretty this dress really is. The ruffle at the bottom is something chiffon-y and over that, around the neckline and armholes is a really simple lace that's really nice. The length is wonderful as it just hits the bottom of my knees, which makes it a bit more mature than most of my just above the knee lolita gear. Again, I love this dress.
As far as speed of ordering and shipping goes, we ordered December 7th, our order was shipped December 29th and it arrived January 2nd. Not the fastest making time but not too bad either, especially given what time of year it is, and that is very good shipping. So all in all, I am a very happy Roli.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
The Potters Cottage On Fletcher.
As an early Christmas present, James has taken the pair of us back to the Blue Mountains. And chilling here, feeling very relaxed and at peace and happy made me think that I ought to write up a bit of a recommendation for the cottage we stay at because it's a truly fabulous place.
The Potters Cottage is located at Wentworth Falls, a bit of a way out of the main township. It's tucked away behind the main house and surrounded by lovely lush gardens - today we encountered two gorgeous butterflies on the way to the car! The proprietor, Jim, is one of the hearty middle aged types who is absolutely delightful. He's friendly, welcoming and makes us feel right at home.
Stepping inside the front door [which currently sports a festive wreath] you walk past a washer and dryer into the kitchen, which has every darn thing you'll ever need to cook with, and have lovely views of the garden outside. And while I'm on the subject of the kitchen, it needs to be mentioned that your stay at the cottage includes tasty, tasty breakfast provisions.
From the kitchen you go into the living room. The walls feature a variety of art, except for the wall that is actually a lovely large door leading onto a little private patio and the wall that is a giant bookcase fill with videos, DVDs, books and a collection of nutcrackers. The couch is comfy, the TV is big, the clock is funky, there are two little stained glass windows and the gas fire with very warm. We convert the little dining table tucked into one corner into a computer desk. It's cozy and comfortable and I know it's a cliché term but it feels like a home away from home.
Up a half dozen stairs is the mezzanine bedroom with bathroom and closet off to the side. The bed is squishy, the bathroom is modern and the beside lamps are the cutest cherub thingies. There's another little table up on the mezzanine level, and a daybed as well. The most awesome thing is the skylight over the bed - you can lie in bed and watch the sky, which I find super restful.
I know this review has been mostly description, but basically this cottage is a beautiful place to stay. The lift a phrase from Home from the Sea by Mercedes Lackey that I'm reading right now, this place is "just nice enough that it felt special, and not so luxurious that [I feel] uneasy." It's perfect.
The Potters Cottage is located at Wentworth Falls, a bit of a way out of the main township. It's tucked away behind the main house and surrounded by lovely lush gardens - today we encountered two gorgeous butterflies on the way to the car! The proprietor, Jim, is one of the hearty middle aged types who is absolutely delightful. He's friendly, welcoming and makes us feel right at home.
Stepping inside the front door [which currently sports a festive wreath] you walk past a washer and dryer into the kitchen, which has every darn thing you'll ever need to cook with, and have lovely views of the garden outside. And while I'm on the subject of the kitchen, it needs to be mentioned that your stay at the cottage includes tasty, tasty breakfast provisions.
From the kitchen you go into the living room. The walls feature a variety of art, except for the wall that is actually a lovely large door leading onto a little private patio and the wall that is a giant bookcase fill with videos, DVDs, books and a collection of nutcrackers. The couch is comfy, the TV is big, the clock is funky, there are two little stained glass windows and the gas fire with very warm. We convert the little dining table tucked into one corner into a computer desk. It's cozy and comfortable and I know it's a cliché term but it feels like a home away from home.
Up a half dozen stairs is the mezzanine bedroom with bathroom and closet off to the side. The bed is squishy, the bathroom is modern and the beside lamps are the cutest cherub thingies. There's another little table up on the mezzanine level, and a daybed as well. The most awesome thing is the skylight over the bed - you can lie in bed and watch the sky, which I find super restful.
I know this review has been mostly description, but basically this cottage is a beautiful place to stay. The lift a phrase from Home from the Sea by Mercedes Lackey that I'm reading right now, this place is "just nice enough that it felt special, and not so luxurious that [I feel] uneasy." It's perfect.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Tutorial #1: Christmas Stars
With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it's a good time to share one of my favourite decorations to make: three dimensional stars decorated in leftover wrapping paper. It's a fairly simple idea, so I'm sure someone else has had it as well, but it's something I figured out about five years ago. I haven't made Christmas decorations for a couple of years now, so it's been really great to get down and crafty again this year.
What You Need:
PS Send me a picture if you make your own decorations in this method, I'd love to see!
What You Need:
- An assortment of wrapping paper
- Thin cardboard [I sued a cereal box]
- PVA glue
- Thin ribbon
- A smallish paintbrush
- A pen
- A ruler
- Scissors
What To Do:
Step 1: Figure out how big you want your stars to be and draw it out onto your cardboard. I had a bit of a silly moment and forgot how to draw a symmetrical star, so mine turned out a bit wonky. Your star can have as many points as you want, I just prefer five pointed stars. And it goes without saying [but I'm saying it anyway] that you can apply this idea to any kind of shape you want. Circular decorations done this way would be a lot simpler to make and be just as cute. Cut out your first star. That's your template.
Step 2: Trace the star shape onto your cardboard as many times as you want, just keep in mind that since these are 3D stars you'll need two stars per completed decoration. Cut out all the stars, pat yourself on the back, and go get a cup of tea.
Step 3: Rip or cut your wrapping paper into little pieces. I love the effect ripping gives the decorations, but cutting looks a lot neater.
Step 4: Dollop out some PVA glue, draw a deep breath and start gluing the paper bits to the star. Don't worry about going over the edges of your star, because all you need to do is flip it over and wrap the excess over to cover the back side of the star. Easy as pie.
Step 5: Leave the stars to dry and then cover the other side as you did the first. Let them dry again.
Step 6: Get two stars. Cut one to the halfway point from between the two bottom points [if using five pointed stars] and the other to the halfway point from the centre top point.
Step 7: Attached a loop of ribbon to the topmost point of the star that is cut from the bottom. Clue, sticky tape, staples, whatever. Then slot the two stars together and voila!
Step 8: Go stick them on your tree and celebrate with another cup of tea.
Step 5: Leave the stars to dry and then cover the other side as you did the first. Let them dry again.
Step 6: Get two stars. Cut one to the halfway point from between the two bottom points [if using five pointed stars] and the other to the halfway point from the centre top point.
Step 7: Attached a loop of ribbon to the topmost point of the star that is cut from the bottom. Clue, sticky tape, staples, whatever. Then slot the two stars together and voila!
Step 8: Go stick them on your tree and celebrate with another cup of tea.
PS Send me a picture if you make your own decorations in this method, I'd love to see!
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Review #6: Bodyline
Recently we ordered a new yukata and some wristcuffs from Bodyline for the model wardrobe. And, naturally, while we were there I acquired a few more pieces for my lolita wardrobe in the form of two skirts and two JSKs. The packages arrived while James and I were on our little holiday, so it was something nice to come home to!
I haven't taken any of my own photos for the reviews these items because honestly the stock photos are very true representations of how they are in real life.
The Skirts
Can I just do a simple copy-paste of my ramblings about the previous skirt? This skirt is cute and decently made, and I just love the little ruffle and lace and bows at the bottom. Again, no waist ties and this time no bow. This skirt seems brighter in real life than it does in the stock image, but not eye-hurtingly so.
The Pros: Nice prints, sturdy construction, and no waist ties! Both skirts are true to size, and could maybe go a tad larger than what Bodyline says.
The Neutrals: A little shorter and less full than other Bodyline skirts.
The JSKs
One thing the stock photo doesn't make obvious is that there is a slight glittery thread running through this fabric, and I like it! It's a very simple but cute dress. The skirt of it is incredibly full, the waist ties aren't detachable but the bow pictured at the waist is. It seemed quite roomy, as it should be as I'm at the middle of the measurements listed. All in all it's adorable and I like it!
This is my Christmas dress, or my "Sweet Party Time" dress. It is so damn cutesy! The red colourway is a favourite [obviously] but I think the brown is adorable too. It's a couple of inches shorter than knee length, so some may consider it too short but I love that it's a little shorter - Australian Christmases are hot. I think the measurements on Bodyline are a bit smaller than what this actually goes because my bust is a few centimetres larger [though my waist is in the measurement range] than the website says and though it's a close fit it's a good fit. The bow on the waist is detachable, the waist ties are not.
The Pros: It's all good ^__^
I haven't taken any of my own photos for the reviews these items because honestly the stock photos are very true representations of how they are in real life.
The Skirts
L276, m, pik
My thirteen year old self would shake her head. A pink skirt? With waffles printed on it? Shocking! I have a feeling this skirt is going to be something I love but don't particularly wear often. It's decently made like the other Bodyline skirts I have, the print it nice, and though it has a detachable bow it didn't come with waist ties for which I am grateful, because I'm starting to fill a drawer with detachable waist ties and bows.
L314, m, sax
Can I just do a simple copy-paste of my ramblings about the previous skirt? This skirt is cute and decently made, and I just love the little ruffle and lace and bows at the bottom. Again, no waist ties and this time no bow. This skirt seems brighter in real life than it does in the stock image, but not eye-hurtingly so.
The Pros: Nice prints, sturdy construction, and no waist ties! Both skirts are true to size, and could maybe go a tad larger than what Bodyline says.
The Neutrals: A little shorter and less full than other Bodyline skirts.
The JSKs
L415, 2L, red
One thing the stock photo doesn't make obvious is that there is a slight glittery thread running through this fabric, and I like it! It's a very simple but cute dress. The skirt of it is incredibly full, the waist ties aren't detachable but the bow pictured at the waist is. It seemed quite roomy, as it should be as I'm at the middle of the measurements listed. All in all it's adorable and I like it!
L501, 2L, red
This is my Christmas dress, or my "Sweet Party Time" dress. It is so damn cutesy! The red colourway is a favourite [obviously] but I think the brown is adorable too. It's a couple of inches shorter than knee length, so some may consider it too short but I love that it's a little shorter - Australian Christmases are hot. I think the measurements on Bodyline are a bit smaller than what this actually goes because my bust is a few centimetres larger [though my waist is in the measurement range] than the website says and though it's a close fit it's a good fit. The bow on the waist is detachable, the waist ties are not.
The Pros: It's all good ^__^
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Oppa steampunk style.
Op-op-op-op-op oppa steampunk style.
</pointless Ganganm Style reference>
I have a confession: steampunk makes me drool. It's a perfect mix of elegance and grunge, ranging from scantily clad gunslingers to head-to-toe circa 1800 style regalia. Steampunk photoshoots are so much fun, and I have photos to prove it. But such an over the top, prop and accessory heavy style can sometimes be hard to work into an everyday wardrobe without looking like you are wearing a costume. So here are my thoughts and ramblings on how to best steampunk your life, or at least, the fashion side of your life.
Feel Your Fabrics:
Picture yourself on the streets of London, 1889. What fabrics are the people wearing? The labourers the housewives the merchants, the militia, the servants of lords, the lords and their ladies? All their clothes would have been made from cotton, linen, wool, silk and leather - there had been experimentation with man made fibres since 1855, but synthetics were not yet prevalent by any stretch of the imagination. However, a variety of natural and chemical dyes were available so despite the trend in steampunk to stick to a neutral, earth toned palette that would not have been the case, especially amongst the wealthy.
So if you want to bring a bit of steampunk into your normal wardrobe, try to wear clothes in natural fabrics. And don't just see the word "cotton" and think of the normal, boring thin stuff you get in fabric stores. Moleskin, poplin, tarlatan and even velvet are made of cotton. Or bring a bit of good old tweed into your wardrobe. It can look a lot better than it sounds!
Steampunk Your Shirt:
T-shirts are like flags. They are a way of declaring your allegiance; be it to Team Edward, Metallica or Hello Kitty. And as steampunk continues its march into our fashion consciousness, steampunk tees are becoming increasingly easier to find. Wear them with jeans for a really simple look, or maybe for a bit more of a steampunk vibe try to use some more old style fabrics with the rest of your outfit like that tweed I mentioned earlier.
That's the wings on the back of my "Steampunk Angel" shirt. Pretty funky, aye? If your local shops don't stock enough steampunk goodness, try Threadless. They have many, many cool shirts in all different styles.
Adorn With Accessories:
One of the key things that turns simple Neo Victorian into fully fledge steampunk is how you accessorise an outfit. The top hat, goggles, skeleton keys, brassy octopus iconography, unique purses, fancy cravats, cogs turned into jewellery, maybe even a little handgun or a vintage spanner strapped to your airship mechanic belt. Even if you can't wear a fully steampunk outfit you can bring a little bit of steam into your normal outfits with the right accessories.
My favourite piece of steampunk jewellery is this necklace James made for me for a steampunk party we went to. He had a matching octopus tie pin. It was fun.
Hold Onto Your Hat:
A bit of a lead on from the previous point, this idea is quite a simple one - put something on your head! Headgear is not such a huge deal in mainstream fashion, but a top hat, bowler hat, tweed cap, or bonnet can really add steampunk flair to an outfit. Obviously this only works with certain wardrobe choices - a straw half bonnet [perhaps with brocade lining and a decorative skeleton key arrangement in lieu of flowers] would look sweet with a summer dress, but ridiculous with daisy dukes and a tank top. For the gents a simple cap in a period appropriate fabric could make even jeans and a collared shirt seem a bit less off the rack and more steamy.
Almost All Out:
The final option kind of flies in the face of my previous suggestions. They were all about incorporating smaller elements of steampunk fashion into a more conventional wardrobe. Now I'm saying that another way to wear steampunk without it looking like a costume is to do the reverse - put together a proper steampunk outfit, and then peel back the accessories and features that make it more "costume"-y. Keep the corset and long skirt, but ditch the parasol, the period appropriate bonnet and the cephalopod motifs. Keep the trews, neat shirt, suspenders and waistcoat, but leave off the top hat, the goggles and the cane.
Feeling ready to bring some steampunk into your everyday? Go forth and steampunk!
Oppa steampunk style!
</pointless Ganganm Style reference>
I have a confession: steampunk makes me drool. It's a perfect mix of elegance and grunge, ranging from scantily clad gunslingers to head-to-toe circa 1800 style regalia. Steampunk photoshoots are so much fun, and I have photos to prove it. But such an over the top, prop and accessory heavy style can sometimes be hard to work into an everyday wardrobe without looking like you are wearing a costume. So here are my thoughts and ramblings on how to best steampunk your life, or at least, the fashion side of your life.
Feel Your Fabrics:
Picture yourself on the streets of London, 1889. What fabrics are the people wearing? The labourers the housewives the merchants, the militia, the servants of lords, the lords and their ladies? All their clothes would have been made from cotton, linen, wool, silk and leather - there had been experimentation with man made fibres since 1855, but synthetics were not yet prevalent by any stretch of the imagination. However, a variety of natural and chemical dyes were available so despite the trend in steampunk to stick to a neutral, earth toned palette that would not have been the case, especially amongst the wealthy.
So if you want to bring a bit of steampunk into your normal wardrobe, try to wear clothes in natural fabrics. And don't just see the word "cotton" and think of the normal, boring thin stuff you get in fabric stores. Moleskin, poplin, tarlatan and even velvet are made of cotton. Or bring a bit of good old tweed into your wardrobe. It can look a lot better than it sounds!
Steampunk Your Shirt:
T-shirts are like flags. They are a way of declaring your allegiance; be it to Team Edward, Metallica or Hello Kitty. And as steampunk continues its march into our fashion consciousness, steampunk tees are becoming increasingly easier to find. Wear them with jeans for a really simple look, or maybe for a bit more of a steampunk vibe try to use some more old style fabrics with the rest of your outfit like that tweed I mentioned earlier.
That's the wings on the back of my "Steampunk Angel" shirt. Pretty funky, aye? If your local shops don't stock enough steampunk goodness, try Threadless. They have many, many cool shirts in all different styles.
Adorn With Accessories:
One of the key things that turns simple Neo Victorian into fully fledge steampunk is how you accessorise an outfit. The top hat, goggles, skeleton keys, brassy octopus iconography, unique purses, fancy cravats, cogs turned into jewellery, maybe even a little handgun or a vintage spanner strapped to your airship mechanic belt. Even if you can't wear a fully steampunk outfit you can bring a little bit of steam into your normal outfits with the right accessories.
My favourite piece of steampunk jewellery is this necklace James made for me for a steampunk party we went to. He had a matching octopus tie pin. It was fun.
Hold Onto Your Hat:
A bit of a lead on from the previous point, this idea is quite a simple one - put something on your head! Headgear is not such a huge deal in mainstream fashion, but a top hat, bowler hat, tweed cap, or bonnet can really add steampunk flair to an outfit. Obviously this only works with certain wardrobe choices - a straw half bonnet [perhaps with brocade lining and a decorative skeleton key arrangement in lieu of flowers] would look sweet with a summer dress, but ridiculous with daisy dukes and a tank top. For the gents a simple cap in a period appropriate fabric could make even jeans and a collared shirt seem a bit less off the rack and more steamy.
Almost All Out:
The final option kind of flies in the face of my previous suggestions. They were all about incorporating smaller elements of steampunk fashion into a more conventional wardrobe. Now I'm saying that another way to wear steampunk without it looking like a costume is to do the reverse - put together a proper steampunk outfit, and then peel back the accessories and features that make it more "costume"-y. Keep the corset and long skirt, but ditch the parasol, the period appropriate bonnet and the cephalopod motifs. Keep the trews, neat shirt, suspenders and waistcoat, but leave off the top hat, the goggles and the cane.
Feeling ready to bring some steampunk into your everyday? Go forth and steampunk!
Oppa steampunk style!
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