PLAYA FASHION - What works? What doesn't?

[Ratty]

Thanks Simon, That's an amazing site. I can cancel several magazine subscriptions now.

[Simon of the Playa]

you know you love it...

[Krokodyle]

I wish I could afford these.

Wow, I sooooo want these.

[mytripod]

Last time I mostly wore comfy cotton nightshirts, but I didn't like them that much when riding my bike all over the place. This year I'll probably bring a couple for sitting around in, but I'm bringing my favorite pairs of crop pants and some old favorite t-shirts. I can't wear boots (foot problems), so I'll have my earth shoes and crocs, and plenty of socks. I am planning to make fuzzy boots for my dolls though. And I have a nice purple fuzzy purse that should be just right for carrying my drink cup and a container of coconut water and handful of gifts. Choosing the right hat is always my biggest issue. I've always loved those pointy Asian hats, but they are spendy (I'm always on an extremely tight budget), and they look like the wind would be constantly tugging at them even when they are securely tied under your chin.

[junglesmacks]

I wish I could afford these.

Wow, I sooooo want these.

Why couldn't you just make these.. or an approximation thereof? Get some leather, start cutting and experimenting!

[Krokodyle]

I wish I could afford these.

Wow, I sooooo want these.

Why couldn't you just make these.. or an approximation thereof? Get some leather, start cutting and experimenting!

Dude...have you seen my BM to-do list??

Point taken, though. It's not like I couldn't do some research and mess around a bit.

[Eric]

I've always loved those pointy Asian hats, but they are spendy (I'm always on an extremely tight budget), and they look like the wind would be constantly tugging at them even when they are securely tied under your chin.

Spendy? $6 - $12 bucks in Chinatown, and if you don't have a chinatown near you (I'm spoiled in SF, we have a couple: the ones the tourists know about, and the one out in the Avenues for the locals...), try this site.

Make sure you get one that ties under the chin, and, yes, you are correct, the wind will constantly tug on them. I wore on in '05 (I think), and it was great for walking around or being near camp, but I never took it if I had to bike somewhere.

[mytripod]

Thank you! Those are way cheaper than the ones I browsed before (I don't have a Chinatown near me). I still don't know if I want a pointy sail on my head, but they do seem like they might be nice around town. I'm more of a ballcap person, even though I spend a lot of time in the desert, but ballcaps are pretty boring, and I look just as stupid in them as most people do.

[Ratty]

A ball cap is a great starting point for making a real hat. Add a plastic tube and cover with fabric for a top hat. Or and unstuffed animal for faux hair. an upside down beach bucket looks good too. Sew a wig to it. Cover it with something shiney. Bring a can of spray adhesive with you and cover it with playa when you get there.

[MyDearFriend]

A ball cap is a great starting point for making a real hat. Add a plastic tube and cover with fabric for a top hat. Or and unstuffed animal for faux hair. an upside down beach bucket looks good too. Sew a wig to it. Cover it with something shiney. Bring a can of spray adhesive with you and cover it with playa when you get there.

Ratty I imagine a cork or something in the top of your head, that you pull out every once in a while to shower us with brilliant creative ideas. Thank you!

[Ratty]

Our local Target store has an amazing $1 -$3 section where you walk in. Yesterday I bought a felt Easter bucket for $1. I'm making it into a top hat. they have glow sticks 12 for $1. I break em into little jars and make glow lights in my camp. They also have sleep masks in funny designs and really cute heavy plastic bowls and plates. For just a buck!!

[mytripod]

Thanks for the fun ideas. I shall endeavor to make my ballcap less stupid and more silly.

[Simon of the Playa]

simple is the precursor to elegant.

[theCryptofishist]

So, Noel's camping with you this year? I thought Apok had put together a nice little package for him.
Alas. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride...

[timujin]

So... yeah. First time going, but I've done a lot of other desert-y type stuff. I'm planning on being one of those, um, douchebags (?) wearing a shemagh as a skirt and a couple of extras tied around the waist to tie around my face in a dust storm and to offer others for the same. I like loose linen shirts and linen pants, too. My experience is that loose and flowing with freedom in the crotchal area is key. I'd wear a kilt, but damn those things are expensive. Usually made of heavier fabric, too. With the shemagh, you can gather it up and tie it off when you're riding a bike.

Nighttime? I have no idea yet, though whatever it is will likely have lights of some sort. Amazon has a bunch of different "rice lights", which are string lights with small LEDs:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... ice+lights
You can either buy battery operated ones or rewire them to run off of batteries. The real reason I like them is that it's easier than stringing your own.

Also... can someone explain shirtcock?

[Savannah]

Welcome to ePlaya. You can have an Introductory thread in the Introduce Yourself forum too, if you like.

So... yeah. First time going, but I've done a lot of other desert-y type stuff. I'm planning on being one of those, um, douchebags (?) wearing a shemagh as a skirt and a couple of extras tied around the waist to tie around my face in a dust storm and to offer others for the same. I like loose linen shirts and linen pants, too. My experience is that loose and flowing with freedom in the crotchal area is key. I'd wear a kilt, but damn those things are expensive. Usually made of heavier fabric, too. With the shemagh, you can gather it up and tie it off when you're riding a bike.

I've never heard of wearing a shemagh as a skirt being a negative. Maybe that's a regional thing?

I do the tie-up trick, too. I'm a big fan of tying my skirt into a rosette on one side, hopping off my bike and unfurling said skirt.

Nighttime? I have no idea yet, though whatever it is will likely have lights of some sort. Amazon has a bunch of different "rice lights", which are string lights with small LEDs:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... ice+lights
You can either buy battery operated ones or rewire them to run off of batteries. The real reason I like them is that it's easier than stringing your own.

Also... can someone explain shirtcock?

It's when a man wears a shirt, but no pants.

And no . . . no one can really explain it.

. . . Actually, it's kind of a cowardly/sneaky way of being naked* and that's why I personally don't care for it. Just be naked, already. It's more noble to be naked and imperfect than sneaky &/or apologetic in a shirt.


* Although--at this point--some folks just do it to get a reaction.

[timujin]

I've never heard of wearing a shemagh as a skirt being a negative. Maybe that's a regional thing?

Earlier in the thread someone was talking about how it was played out and unimaginative... I'm probably worrying more than I should since it's my first time.

[BBadger]

Earlier in the thread someone was talking about how it was played out and unimaginative... I'm probably worrying more than I should since it's my first time.

The first thing you need to cast aside is caring about the scrutiny people apply to how you appear -- unless that is what you want. Embrace the freedom of that for at least that week.

The above is also part of the reason the shirt-cocker is a douchebag: it's a dude who wants to be naked for his own nudist jollies, but is trying to keep things "sensible" for everybody else even though he knows they all know what is going on down there.

[Savannah]

I've never heard of wearing a shemagh as a skirt being a negative. Maybe that's a regional thing?

Earlier in the thread someone was talking about how it was played out and unimaginative... I'm probably worrying more than I should since it's my first time.

Yes, you are. But that's understandable. For the most part, however, people are very nice out there.

Shemaghs aren't generally meant to be creative. They are practical. Comfort & practicality is what you should satisfy first. Light for day, warm for night.

The dickishness you are most likely to encounter clothes-wise (and it is neither super common, nor extremely rare) is some self-righteous fool with 5 minutes' acquaintance asking you where your costume is. (Never mind whether you've just come off a 12 hour Gate shift, or have been fixing bicycles and mutant vehicles for 6 hours . . . )

If that happens to you, I recommend smilingly telling them it's none of their business, and offering them some cheez-its.

[theCryptofishist]

Chicken-in-a-Bisket will not work.

[Savannah]

It depends on how mean you're feeling.

[junglesmacks]

Dammit.. now I'm craving Cheez Its.

Have you ever seen the "How It's Made" on the suckers? They put pounds of actual cheese in them.


No, really.

[Savannah]

I like the Hot & Spicy Cheezits with a tablespoon of vegetable cream cheese on a cute little dessert plate, with a glass of shiraz, nom nom nom.

[media]

[Simon of the Playa]

just sayin'.

[timujin]

Like I wrote, this is my first time and you've been on going for 17 years, Simon. However, I have been doing a lot of reading on websites and here on the forum, watching videos and talking to people I know who have gone before. I know that doesn't substitute in any way for experience, but your narrow definition of what does or does not constitute a Burner seems to be in opposition to the inclusive nature I've heard so much about.

[clocksnmirrors]

. . . Actually, it's kind of a cowardly/sneaky way of being naked* and that's why I personally don't care for it. Just be naked, already. It's more noble to be naked and imperfect than sneaky &/or apologetic in a shirt.* Although--at this point--some folks just do it to get a reaction.

actually i've wondered if sometimes it might just be to provide a bit of extra sun protection but still enjoy a free-wheelin dangle

[Simon of the Playa]

Like I wrote, this is my first time and you've been on going for 17 years, Simon. However, I have been doing a lot of reading on websites and here on the forum, watching videos and talking to people I know who have gone before. I know that doesn't substitute in any way for experience, but your narrow definition of what does or does not constitute a Burner seems to be in opposition to the inclusive nature I've heard so much about.

pfffft.


you actually believe that crap on the Brochure?


wait, don't tell me.....you watched the half-hour informational video, the one where they promised you two free chai lattes at center camp for just watching right?

the whole time share thing....i know....the newbs fall for it every year.




Burning Man is all about Hookers and Blow, so just take whatever hippie manifestations you may have and just fucking burn them...

seriously.





PS......diesel fuel and hallucinogens also come into play too.




pss.....dont forget explosions....and 24/7 techno......and dust, there WILL be dust.

[Roberto Dobbisano]

and asshole fuckos like simon...


so relax, and lighten up kimosabe.

[H.G.Crosby]

seriously, if you take the eplaya too seriously, i'd hate to see how you're going to handle the actual metaphysical shitstorm known as way the fuck out of your comfort zone...


just sayin...


remember, exactly half of what comes out of anyones mouth out there may or may not be true, just as in real life.


i may or may not be kidding.

[timujin]

Heh, nice. And no, not taking anything seriously in the greater sense of what I'm expecting in regards to people in general, just talking to one person. I mean, hell, a kid born the first year he went could vote in the next election.

The only thing I'm taking seriously is figuring out how to be properly prepared for the physical reality of the Playa in order to ensure I only have to worry about enjoying myself once I get there.