i’d like all 3 outfits in my closet please
I'm still recovering from the awesomeness of MegaCon last weekend, but as our dear Junk Lady is rapidly making the rounds online, I figured I'd throw together a quick update for those of you not on FB and/or Instagram - and also answer a few FAQs from around the interwebz. First, we decided early on to go ahead and call our Junk Lady Agnes, so I could call instructions to John (who wore her most) without breaking character in the crowd. Here she is with Roxy the Rancor: It was an ordeal just getting Agnes onto the con floor, since she's too tall for average elevators and of course can't handle many stairs because of balance issues. We had to bring her in through the back loading docks of the center both days. I won't bore you with details, but suffice to say this was incredibly stressful. o.0 pic by @Dwayne1977 (The Blue Worm on the back was a hit; I like having a fun surprise for folks who take the time to look all the way around!) Agnes definitely commanded more attention than any of our previous cosplays, to the point on Friday afternoon where I actually started to panic - and I wasn't even the one in the costume. We just couldn't GET anywhere, period. Literally every 5-10 feet we'd be stopped. Add to that the fact that I kept getting lost (I swear that enormous vendor room looks the same from every angle) when *I* was supposed to be leading, and it was, again, rather stressful. By contrast, when I wore Agnes for the last few hours of Friday it was quite fun and even relaxing, since I had a built-in bubble to hide in, and could rely on John to lead me around. John wore Agnes for all the really strenuous stuff, though, so I didn't have to field many obstacles. Being Agnes' handler is a full-time job: I was continually scanning the floor for bumps (even the tiniest crack would pitch the cart forward, since it was so top heavy), clearing the crowd, answering questions, directing John for photos, watching out for pranksters (one older guy - like, gray-headed older - actually banged on her drum. >.
I'm about as far as you can get from a fashionista; I hate trying on clothes, so my closet is a museum of ancient Ross and thrift store finds, and most of the time I'm just wearing jeans, a geek tee, and matching chucks. BUT. A big chunk of my heart belongs to ruffly skirts, flowy shirts, lots of layers, and, well, this kind of stuff: I would wear that post-apocalyptic Lolita thing on the right (made by Stilecht) EVERY DANG DAY. In fact, I've had that outfit Pinned to my woefully bare "Fashion" board for years, so a few months ago I went back to it and checked out Pinterest's "Related Pins." That's how the obsession began, you guys. I quickly discovered something called "Mori Girl" - which I now know is Japanese for "Forest Girl" - and fell in love. It's a fashion sub-culture that's checkin' all my boxes: loose frilly skirts, an A-line silhouette, lots of layers, boots, and NO HEELS. (Can I get an "hallelujah?") One of my favorite examples of Mori style is Mai Magi up there of Shortcut To The Stars (a Tumblr site that's gone now, sadly): Mai's rockin' a "Dark Mori" variation here, which has a more goth vibe with lots of blacks and gray. Loooove this silhouette. Classic Mori Girls wear lots of white linens and lighter colors, though still with an emphasis on natural fibers and muted colors: via Of course heavy layering is tantamount to heatstroke here in Florida - or most places during Summer - so next I went on a mission for lighter Mori looks. Tank via Skirts via It's a lot harder to find, but there are a few examples out there. The skirts are still layered, but they're shorter and lighter, which I can tell you from experience is great for swishing air around and keeping you cooler. Just skip the leggings and/or knee socks. If you go looking for Mori inspiration like I did, odds are you'll find most of it is being modeled by tiny Japanese beauties who would literally look gorgeous in a potato sack. In fact, I tried searching for "plus size Mori girl" - just to get a better idea of how a chunky geek girl like myself would look in this style - and I swear I heard Google laughing at me. Let's face it: layers are not always a friend to the fluffy. I was determined, though, so I did a little experimenting with stuff I already have. Now I *think* I've found some ways to pull off a little Mori style, even for me, even during a Florida summer. So if you like this look, too, here are a few things I've learned to get you started: - Try layering a dress over a skirt. BOOM. Instant Mori. - Go for long lines Even with a short skirt, go with longer loose tops, scarves, and necklaces, which all help draw the eye down towards your flouncy hemline (and away from possible tummy bulges). - Busty Babes Need Not Despair: If you're blessed with larger tracts of land, then this look can still work for you! Just look for tops/dresses that are tight/fitted until just below the bra line, then flow out to form an A line, like this: Larger land owners should probably avoid tops like this next one, which have pleats above the bra line: A bigger bust with these cuts can = a bigger looking belly, since the dress will fall straight down from your, er, mountain tops. Not good. That said, there are always exceptions, so wear what you love! (Or try adding a belt.) Another option: stick with all-over tighter tops: via And of course a darker color will make everything up there look smaller. (My shoulders are actually broader than my hips, so this visual trick has been a huge self-esteem saver for me. It may seem counter-intuitive to minimize your top assets and pad out your hips, but it's all about proportion!) - Stock up on tissue-light cardigans, scarves, and/or long vests. I'm talking see-through wispy stuff, so they have minimal bulk/ maximum air flow. via - Think steampunk You guessed it; this is another reason I love this style. Look for steampunky leather boots, natural and/or vintage jewelry pieces, woven or leather hip bags, and vintage hats/fascinators or hair clips to add a bit of fantasy to your forest fairy look. Ok, MY TURN. Even if I don't really manage a true "Mori Girl", I'm having fun incorporating parts of the look into my everyday wear. And yes, I have picture. Bad, blurry cellphone pictures. Still, just to prove a it can be done when you're more like a size 12 than a size 2: I bought this fake-suede, uber soft trapeze dress at Ross, but then never could figure out how to wear it. (But c'mon. It has POCKETS.) Layering it over my shredded orange skirt from my steampunk outfit gave it some much-needed body at the bottom. Then I topped it off - literally - with a long necklace and my slouchy brown "Grandpa sweater." It's still too warm for park runs right now, but perfect indoors in the A/C - and soooo comfy. The same skirt under a different dress, and two different cardigans: This one looks good with boots or flip-flops. Of course they have less body when I don't hold the skirt out, but it's still a decent amount of poof: Here's one of my favorites: This is another Ross dress, and I'm only five feet tall, guys, so look how short it is. I'm finding a lot of the casual knit dresses I love are inching shorter, so adding a skirt underneath makes them look better *and* be more wearable. (This skirt is a stiff canvas material, so it holds its shape without a petticoat. LOVE.) Here's a closeup of the accessories: And finally, a lighter look that's better for the Florida heat: Not really enough frills to be Mori, but I'm loving this layered skirt thing! I'm also seriously tempted to start sewing extra layers of ruffles onto the bottom of some thrift store skirts - and I am TERRIBLE at sewing, so I guess this must be love. Hope you guys enjoyed falling down another rabbit hole with me! And be sure to share outfit selfies over on Facebook if you decide to try your own version of Mori, so I can get more ideas! Photo Credits: Pinterest has not been my friend with sourcing these (grrr), but I've tagged what I could, and then most of the rest are catalog photos I believe from this Japanese store site, which has lots more eye candy. Happy browsing!
How often do you find yourself stuck wearing the same outfits? Struggling with what to buy or what to wear? Or, randomly buying different pieces only to wear them once, the same way, or never even take the tags off? If picking out your outfit is more of a headache and figuring out your style i
It really has been a busy week here at Botanical PaperWorks. President Heidi Reimer-Epp has been sharing her thoughts on her personal blog, Stationery Scoop. Here are some of the fantastic items she blogged about this past week.
The weather this weekend was sunny with just a bit of evening rain, perfect for the first weekend of spring. Now that I’ve gotten a glimpse of the good weather coming to us, I can’t wait to get out some of my warm weather clothes. My closet is currently full of sweaters and long-sleeve shirts. I kno
17 Cats Who Are All Like, 'Can I Help You?'
POST 33 - It's understandable to get hung up on clothes - we're much more emotionally attached to them than we realize. We spend a lot of time and money picking out outfits that make us feel good, but there comes a point when we need to let go of excess clothes …follow these rules to make it eas
Closet Organization Tips To Declutter and Organize Your Clothes and KEEP It That Way – Feeling OVERWHELMED by too many clothes? Let Me Show You How To Be RUTHLESS When …
It’s the Wednesday before Christmas and I only have one present beneath my tree. The rest are in my closet, not wrapped…yet. But I’m not worried. It will eventually get done. I just don’t stress over Christmas like I once…
Following this quick closet clean out method and in just 60 minutes you will purge the old and will have a clean closet plus make room for some fun new pieces
Probably I'm not the only one who has few projects sitting in the back of my closet I'm not going to finish. There are many reasons why some projects were abandoned. Perhaps you've lost interest in or your taste in color has changed. Maybe you have old knit/crochet sweaters or shawls you don't wear anymore. As a designer,
Welcome everyone! (This is a safe and friendly space, so please make yourselves comfortable while I go grab the tea and biscuits- oh? You don't like tea? That's completely fine, what would you like to drink instead?) I've been procrastinating coming out of the closet for at least two years now, and this is the second year going strong. Our third anniversary is coming up soon, maybe we'll go on an overnight trip to the Bahamas? You're all invited!! On a more serious note, if you're not accepted at home for your Sexuality or Gender, dont worry, I'll be your dad :) I love you all, despite this being through a screen. I say that we all become one large virtual family, where everyone is accepted for who they are <3
Because every home deserves a dedicated reading corner!
Le chapelet des larmes de Marie ou chapelet des sept douleurs, qui ne remplace le Rosaire, est connu depuis le XIV° et le XV° siècle. Il a été
Bunk beds are, by definition, great space-savers, especially in the kids' rooms where they need room to play, study, etc. Usually, two beds are superposed
Sewing patches on my pants. Got carried away
I've made lots of sewing mistakes with clothing that sit in my closet instead of being worn. I'll tell you how I learned about how to sew clothing I love.
The best tips from a personal stylist. As an online fashion consultant I teach you all you need to know about colour and style.
A little humor for you! The Closet Cleaning Flow Chart! As funny as it is, it's actually quite helpful, and just in time for spring cleaning! Enjoy!
I have a surefire closet organizing system that will help you stop being a clothes hoarder forever. Clothes are one of my favorite things in
-Most "B" answers with some "A" in the quiz.-Flamboyant Naturals are mainly Naturals, Soft YANG, with extreme YANG undercurrent. They usually have a long vertical line, meaning they look tall and can be tall. They have broad shoulders and their body shape looks like an inverted triangle. Their shoulders are broader than the rest of the
Fran is the bubbly outgoing nanny on "The Nanny". she is really funny and loves everybody. If you wanna be like her, follow these tips! Curl and tease your hair. Make it big and curly. Dye it brown or brunette (unless you already have...
Life Moves Pretty Fast...
A simple and flavourful slow cooked beef and barley with melt in your mouth beef; pure comfort food in a bowl!
Expand and evolve your style with your astrology chart. In this experience, you'll receive 5 curated pieces of clothing that reflect your cosmic essence. This is a fun, intriguing, and whimsical way to uplift your life and lean into your true self through your wardrobe. It's not just about how you look, but how you feel in your own being! My goal as your cosmic thrifter is to support you in discovering your most authentic self and expressing your inner world through the way you dress. The 5 pieces can include tops, dresses, bottoms such as pants or skirts, jackets, or anything else that shows up as I thrift for you. There is an opportunity for you to specify a certain type of garment if you choose to. How it works: Step 1: after purchasing, you'll receive a form to complete with questions about your birth info, preferences, vision/goals, practical things like sizing and anything else you wish to share. You can also send Pinterest boards or inspo. Step 2: I will look at your responses as well as your chart to channel a vibe/aesthetic for you. Step 3: If all looks good and a look is finalized, I will start seeking the pieces for you! They will be a surprise and all of them will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail to you no later than 28 days (a moon cycle) after your form is submitted. Step 4: You'll receive your goodies and hopefully love them and order more! Some important notes before ordering: 1. There is an element of trust that goes into mystery gifts - so please only order if you trust my sense of style and like what I thrift (see my Instagram and Pinterest for more of my style) and are open minded about the process! 2. All sales are final. I only thrift items in excellent condition, so quality won't ever be an issue, however if you don't like something I cannot return them or offer refunds for any reason. Items will be sent as is (I will not launder them). 3. I do have cats, so items will be shipped from a black kitty friendly home. 4. I am currently only offering this service to customers within the US. Shipping will be USPS Priority Mail. If you have questions throughout the process, I'll be here to answer. Enjoy the mystery and can't wait to thrift for U!
WHEN FACED WITH BOXES AND BOXES OF OLD FAMILY PHOTO'S, THE TEMPTATION TO DISCARD THEM CAN BE OVERWHELMING. INSTEAD OF THROWING THEM AWAY OR STORING IN THE BACK…
When you feel like you have nothing to wear but your closet overfloweth with crap, use these tips to create a clean and neat closet that allows room for the addition of new crap. Yay, crap!
If you love these gloves and want them for a holiday gift please order early as I get inundated with orders and have to shut my shop down, I'm just me and can only knit so fast...try as I might!!! This is my most popular item and the yarn is the real STAR with these fingerless gloves. It is a lovely 100% virgin merino wool that is made in Italy and self stripes in a random pattern invoking the palette used by the artist Kandinsky. The colors are: royal blue, lime green, emerald green, red, yellow, orange, and white. These will "stretch to fit", the dimensions (unstretched) are: forearm to thumb - 6.25 inches, 16 cm thumb to finger opening - 3.25 inches, 8.5 cm thumb length - 2 inches, 5 cm circumference - 7 inches, 18 cm top to bottom of glove - 9.75 in, 24.75cm They are beautiful...if I say so myself! I hand knit a pair like these for my daughter and they are street stoppers. They are super cute and fun and GREAT for texting. If you like these, check out the other colors (artists!) I have to offer! Please convo me if you have any questions!
After the pistachio crusted rack of lamb I was thinking about lamb even more. My thoughts naturally came the the Moroccan lamb tagine that I made and enjoyed so much last year. This lamb tagine
