costumes and crazy ideas

[theebanana]

So I've got a pretty broad question which I *think* I already know the answer to but I thought I'd poll everyone :-)

In going to various events at cellspace/the box shop/raves/etc ... I've noticed a lot of crazy costumes which are very intricate/ well-done and was wondering if there was some magical mega costume store were people get these from or if everything was handmade (which I think is the case)?

Do you have a favorite on-line retailer for costumes, materials, etc ... ?

(In case my intro post was missed I've never been to a BM, going this year :-))

Thanks in advance,

[Deb Prothero]

theebanana; welcome to eplaya, the electronic version of the playa.

Many of us shop at thrift stores to acquire the odd and unusual bits that make up parts of our costumes. Then we add to it with bits of trim or odd bits of accessories being ever mindful that anything is securely attached so that it won't become MOOP (matter out of place).

I've also made a couple of costumes when I've found a particularly interesting piece of fabric.

You might try the search tool here to see if there are threads that already deal with this topic in more depth.

Don't forget to read the survival guide too.

[AntiM]

You can purchase costumes which are handmade and tailored for you, and these sometimes are sold by burners. I think supporting burners who are making a living by creating and sewing is a great idea. The downside is that this can get really expensive.

Scour clearance sales, there's some good stuff on sale right now (cough cough) Hot Topic has clearance kilts for $12 this week, add pockets or a pod belt and you're golden. I picked up thigh high red stiletto boots for MyLarry there last night, only $10. Great basic to build a costume on!

Thrift shops, certainly, unless you live in Utah where the pricers have gone mad and Wal-Mart is cheaper. Not that I would shop Wal-Mart, I'm just sayin' I don't have access to good thrift shops. Boo.

Learn basic sewing. I've seen a simple sewing machine for $20. Really, called a Dress Shark.

Don't underestimate eBay if you can't find what you like in local stores, I've picked up clothes from India and Egypt which I just love for wearing in the desert heat. And yukata,cotton kimono from Japan. Fabulous.

[Elorrum]

I picked up thigh high red stiletto boots for MyLarry

OMG fabulous can't wait to see this ensemble.

[AntiM]

I picked up thigh high red stiletto boots for MyLarry

OMG fabulous can't wait to see this ensemble.

I can't decide if they'd look better with the red and green goth-boy kilt, or the red and black ruffled pettipants.

[AntiM]

I've been watching Lady Gaga videos for inspiration too.

[pinemom]

ISNT SHE AWESOME!!!!!!!

I like that crazy woman, well, i like her clothing mixes!

[Ugly Dougly]

It's a little bit late, but raiding Halloween stores the year before works wonders.

[phil]

In going to various events at cellspace/the box shop/raves/etc ... I've noticed a lot of crazy costumes which are very intricate/ well-done

Did you ask the people wearing the costumes?

[C.f.M.]

If you want something, figure out how to make it.

Sew. Glue. Staple. Pay someone else.

Etsy. Tribe. Google "el wire costume."

The end.

[Ugly Dougly]

And a Happy New Year to you too!

[AntiM]

I picked up thigh high red stiletto boots for MyLarry

OMG fabulous can't wait to see this ensemble.

I can't decide if they'd look better with the red and green goth-boy kilt, or the red and black ruffled pettipants.

Turns out that thigh high boots for a woman are scarcely over the knee on MyLarry. But they're still damn hot.

[Captain Goddammit]

Well, you could go with my crazy outlandish style of playa wear.



If you do, note the tan/brown tones. This is intentional and strategic: it doesn't show playa dust. A clean suit is sharp. A dusty suit looks hobo.

[knowmad]

Sometimes your local theater troupe will be selling off stuff, tell em its for the burn and more than likely there's a burner in the troupe.

[zachass]

[youtube][/youtube]

[pinemom]

HEEEE heheheeeee'


I just Love me some Halcyon!


Zachass, do you do Hugnation on Tuesdays 1pm?

[unjonharley]

Well, you could go with my crazy outlandish style of playa wear.



If you do, note the tan/brown tones. This is intentional and strategic: it doesn't show playa dust. A clean suit is sharp. A dusty suit looks hobo.

Where s the bag I gave you.. goddammit other people want to party without seeing that ugly head..

[zachass]

HEEEE heheheeeee'


I just Love me some Halcyon!


Zachass, do you do Hugnation on Tuesdays 1pm?

I'm going to start. I just 'met' Halcyon through his Playa Tips videos. I've been kinda a stalker on his site since. The guy has a great outlook on lots of things. I'm gonna do my first hugnation next week.

[pinemom]

Ill try to meet you there!

[Captain Goddammit]

Well, you could go with my crazy outlandish style of playa wear.

Where s the bag I gave you.. goddammit other people want to party without seeing that ugly head..

Ha! I didn't want to make you have to be the ugliest person on the playa!

[Arcanum]

If you are going to sew something yourself, make sure you know about material and how to follow a pattern. I just joined a quilting guild and will probably have something quilted to wear- there are lots of old ladies there who are thrilled to answer questions about sewing :) It'll be ugly and probably won't fit right, but it'll be something I made- I'm thinking of sewing on small trinkets that can be snipped or pulled off as gifts- so just be creative :)

You might also see if there are other burns in your area and make friends and trade costumes- or get good with body paint (and removing it) and you won't have any worries about costumes :p

[zachass]

Got the base for my Playa coat yesterday at the thrift store. Today? Faux fur & hot glue gun. W00t!