I CASUALLY WORE A HOT PINK WIG TO DINNER AND I THINK IT WENT PRETTY WELL

I spent the weekend before last at Comic-Con in San Diego, California. My pals had a booth there and my dude was on a panel so I went to help out, swim and attend super-fun parties. 

 

With my dude's alter ego, Dr. Rockso at the Adult Swim Fun House. 

 

While walking around the main floor on Saturday afternoon, I was getting a little stressed out because there was still SO MUCH to do -- and I needed to get back to the hotel to wash my filthy hair before I attended a fancy dinner that night. (I'm obviously more than a little obsessed with washing my hair.)

 

So I was thrilled when I strolled by a booth selling tons of inexpensive, candy colored wigs -- because let me tell you, cutting the hair washing portion out of getting ready cuts the total time expenditure in HALF. I instantly planned to just cram my dirty hair up under a wig and sail off into the night. 

 

The Epic Cosplay wig booth at Comic-Con.

 

1m InuYasha Naraku Cosplay Wig

US$38.99

I purposely picked a wig that was a somewhat conservative hairstyle -- shoulder length with bouncy curls. I chose one that also had straight bangs because I have very straight hair in real life, so it most "matched" my normal look. Plus the bangs help hide where the wig meets your forehead -- an important detail I only realized later on. (And a few well-placed bobby pins helped the whole thing blend into itself.)

 

The part of the wig that wasn't at ALL conservative was the color -- flaming hot pink!

 

22" fuschia purple long-bang wig, $34.99 at Epic Cosplay.

I've had hot pink hair in the past, so I already knew I could pull it off pretty well.

 

Yes, this is my real hair.

Obviously a huge hot pink wig is not such a subtle look. But luckily I had some simple clothes in my suitcase to throw on with it to tone it down. That's the main reason I stopped dyeing my hair pink all those years ago -- so much of my wardrobe clashed with it, and I had to dress really simply to balance out the mania on my head. It got way boring, fast.

 

I settled on a low-key, slightly prom-ish black strapless dress and a plain pair of platform sandals and took off for dinner. 

 

Sorry for the phone in all these pics -- my not-so-trusty photog boyfriendwas unavailable.

Those sandals I'm wearing are by Dolce Vita -- they keep releasing them every season under different "J" names: Jade, Jude, and now Jury. I love them so -- the wedge provides support and the silhouette really elongates the leg. It’s flattering on everyone!

 

They are also THE MOST comfortable platforms I have ever worn. I walked miles in them at Comic-Con and my feet never hurt. I've bought them in 3 different colors already, and I'd buy a 4th if they made 'em.

 

I almost didn't wear any jewelry with this whole getup, but then I threw on this silly rhinestone "OMG" necklace at the last minute, as I didn't want anyone to think I was taking my look too seriously. 

 

OMG necklaces are eyerywhere!

 

The whole thing was a pretty big hit. I felt sort of stupid for the first 20 minutes but then I got over it. I got tons of compliments on it, and the wig came off as more of a statement fashion accessory instead of a big obvious scenery chewing deal. The best part was that I didn't feel the need to hit the bathroom every hour or so to make sure my hair wasn't a mess! It was pretty freeing. 

 

I think the slightly formal, party frock vibe of the dress I wore with this crazy wig helped it be a fun, classy look instead of veering into a ridiculous costume.

 

Black party dresses, $9.90-$325.00.

I also played it safe with my makeup. I considered doing a really simple nude lip, but then I found this pinky-colored Revlon Just Bitten balm stain (#020, Lovesick) in my makeup bag, so I decided to go matchy-matchy for simplicity's sake. I also used the lightest wash of a warm,golden toned eyeshadow, added a swipe of mascara (Benefit's "They're Real!") and called it done. I'm telling you, it's a total snap to get dressed when one part of your outfit is doing all the heavy lifting!

 

The whole look was such a success that I'm considering the purchase of a pastel ringlet rainbow wig next. Gabi succeeded in pulling off cotton candy fairy hair, but I'm way too lazy for that sort of commitment. I need a slap 'n go solution.

 

Pastel ringlet "Rockstar" wig, $43.00 at GothicLolitaWigs.com.

The thought of owning a second wig made me wonder how I would store them in between wearings. With a little searching, I found this girl's super clever shoe rack system.

 

From mynameiseyyyyyy.tumblr.com.

Throw a sheet over the whole thing to protect them from dust and you're golden!

source:http://adf.ly/T9pzx

More cosplay wigs visit http://www.rushopn.com/discount-cosplay-wigs_c31

Meet Maky, Duke's Lemur Mascot

URHAM, NC - Meet Maky (pronounced Mah-key), the newly named mascot for the Duke Lemur Center.

Maky is the word for ring-tailed lemur in Malagasy, the language of Madagascar, the island home of lemurs. It was the most popular of the four choices voted on by 324 people responding to the Lemur Center's social media campaign to name the mascot.

Yellow And Blue Pot-Bellied Penguin Plush Mascot Costume

$266.19  $185.89

The Duke Lemur Center recently purchased a new ring-tailed lemur mascot costume for local events, but when the mascot made his debut at the premier of the movie Madagascar 3 at The Streets at Southpoint, nobody knew what to call him. The Lemur Center had the new lemur costume custom made to replace the 20-year-old sifaka lemur outfit that was rapidly deteriorating.

"The new costume is a lot more pleasant," said Joel Bray, a Duke senior and volunteer at the Lemur Center. He often dons the costume to help promote awareness of the Lemur Center.

Brown Tortoise Plush Adult Mascot Cosume

$256.29  $179.29

Follow the Lemur Center on Facebook to get updates on when and where Maky will make his next appearance.

From: http://www.helenecosplay.com

Giveaway: WIN a Lolita Dress, Stockings and Necklaces!

Hello everyone! How's your weekend guys? As for me, just got our internet connection back today. We have no connection since yesterday hence the reason of not doing post. Still, it's not a reason not to catch-up with my backlogs right? hihi.. Just wait. I still need to call Globe CS for an adjustment.:)

Anyway, I want to be the bearer of good news today. LOLITA OCRUN, a shop for Lolita dresses emailed me to share a GIVEAWAY for you guys! YES, you read it right! It's a giveaway and it's INTERNATIONAL! Sounds tempting again! ^_^

Rules are simple. Do all three rules and you have the chance to win free lolita dress, stockings and necklaces!
 
 6 winners in total 
The first award: 1 winner, one dress
The second award: 2 winners, two stockings
The third award: 3 winners, three necklaces

RULES: 

1. Sign up on http://www.rushopn.co.uk and fill in shipping address correctly.

2. Like Lolita's Page HERE.
3. Enter your name and registered email in this Facebook giveaway.

NOTE:
Make sure the shipping address on ocrun website is valid to get the package successfully. They don't send twice to the winners!

It’s OPEN WORLDWIDE! The winners are randomly selected from all the participants. Giveaway ends on February 3, 2013. SIX winners will be announce on Feb. 5th. 2013 and will be contacted to send the prizes. 

If you're a cosplayer or just love Lolita dresses uk, join now! There are a lot of winners for this giveaway! I joined too! Let me congratulate you also in advance! ^o^

Memphis “Lolitas” bring style from Japan

In modern culture, the name “Lolita” summons the image of a sexually precocious young girl straight from the pages of Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel. But the fashion movement that goes by the same name is far from an attempt to imitate a promiscuous pubescent.

Since the 90’s, the subculture from the streets of Japan has slowly spread to the Western half of the globe.  Some believe the style based on Victorian and Rococo clothing is a reaction to an over-sexualized society and a regression back to modesty.  

For Morgan Smith, a junior art major at the University of Memphis, wearing Gothic Lolita Dresses uk is just another way to express her personality. She has been a Lolita — the term for followers of the fashion — for five years.  Nearly every morning of her first two years of college she would wake up as early as possible and dress in beautifully patterned skirts with lacy hems, fluffy petticoats and ruffled blouses.

Now, however, she has had to stop wearing it daily to protect her delicate outfits from being ruined. And considering how much she has paid for her collection, it’s shocking she doesn’t keep them in a vault.

In total, she has spent $3,000 on skirts, dresses, stockings, blouses, petticoats, headpieces, wigs and jewelry.

“I’ve worked every day since I was 14,” Smith said. “And I make some of my own dessert-motif rings and necklaces out of clay and silicone to save money.”

With dresses costing between $150 and $300, it is easy to see how the costs can rack up, but another Lolita has Smith beat.

When Leah Barnes, 22, was asked how much she had spent on Lolita in the year and a half she has worn it, she needed a piece of paper, a pen and a half hour to tabulate the figure.

By her count, she has spent over $5,500 — more than semester’s worth of tuition.

She first discovered Lolita through a Japanese rock band called Malice Mizer; one of the leading members has a line of Lolita clothing.

“It was too expensive then, but now I can afford it,” Barnes, a medical laboratory technician, said.

The cost of Lolita is measured in more than dollars, though. Because of its obscurity and association with fetishism, some people respond to Lolitas with rudeness and sometimes outright sexual aggression.

“The fetishist aspect has caused problems for me,” Smith said, emphasizing the word ‘problem’ but declining to elaborate. “When I wore it every day, I was harassed every day.”

Barnes has suffered similarly.

“My worst experience was when three middle school kids in a Walmart parking lot shouted ‘whore’ at me,” Barnes said. “They don’t realize we’re just normal people in different clothes.”

To fend off some of the unwanted attention and to connect with like-minded people, some Lolitas form communities in their cities and towns.

“There are some girls who are too afraid to wear Lolita in public by themselves,” Smith said. “So we meet up, decked out in our frillies and hang out together.”

Although some time is spent talking about Lolita, the majority of the time is spent enjoying each other’s company.

“I love it so much when we’re sitting together in Lolita,” Barnes said. “We might gossip about the latest dress for a little bit but then we’ll get lunch and go see a movie or watch horror movies at someone’s house.”

But, as in any group, there are arguments. One continuing debate is the question of whether it is better to wear brand-name clothing or to wear replicas.

Smith chooses to wear replicas because there are more options for sizing.

“Even if I was thin, Western women tend to have broader shoulders than Japanese women, so it makes it more difficult to find my size if I only bought brand,” Smith said. “Once you know your measurements and know them by heart, it’s easier.”

Cotton Pink And White Sailor Bow Cotton School Lolita Dress

Victoria Law, sophomore Japanese major, has been wearing Lolita for less than a year, but she’s already determined which side of the fence she’s on.

“Some people can’t afford or even find those pieces directly from the brand to begin with, so it’s not so much a loss of a sale as it is the replicator profiting off a design they didn’t create,” Law said. “I prefer to buy off-brand things myself, but I won’t deny some of the things I’ve purchased were probably influenced by a brand. As long as people are having fun and feel beautiful, I don’t see a reason to have a problem.”

How I Fell in Love with Zentai suits

Flag of Britain Lycra Spandex Full Body Zentai Suit

$132.99 

$68.99

When I was in secondary school, I barely talk because everything appeared to be dull for me: interminable examinations,teachers and parents' scold. It seemed that nothing could interest me and help me be get out of the depressed mood.

Until one day…I was rebuked by a teacher because I did very bad in a math examination. All of sudden,a voice came from a classroom door drew my attention.“Anyway, the damn teacher does not allow me step into the classroom. Why should I wait? ”Listening to this, I feel sorry for the schoolmate who was having the same trouble as I am. Looking  through the window. Oh,my god! I saw a hot girl in skin-tight zentai suits. That's fantastic.

Blue Lycra Spandex Orange Stripe Bodysuit Inspired by Spiderman

$143.99 

$79.99

I couldn't sleep that night and the zentai girl kept appearing in the mind. Or more exactly, the zentai suit that girl wears. Finally I found something which can make me feel excited. I found that I have fetich to zentai. Since then, I wish to have my own zentai.

When I was a student, I didn't have any money to buy a zentai for myself. So I often felt jealous when seeing others wearing zentai suit. Finally I graduated from school and I had my first Job. How excited I am. THis means that I can do whatever I want when I got the salary. Many days before my first salary got paid, I searched over the internet for zentai store and selected one black and white zentai that I really love. After I got my salary, I immediately placed the order and purchased the suit. After I got the package from shipping company, I rushed home and tried it on. It feels awesome! The comfortable fabric covers my whole body and just like a huge blanket that hugs me from head to toe. I really like the feeling.

Orange Lycra Zentai Suit

$107.99 

$43.99

What to Wear with Flat Gladiator Sandals

It is scorching and hot summer outside and during hot days even women can think of wearing high heels as most of them prefer wearing flats. It can support the feet and make it comfortable. It is not that all styles and designs come along with heels as flat sandals and shoes are also looks great. Flat looks perfect with formal dresses as well as casual ones too. Even ultra-flat sandals are very popular during this season. As the name gives you the idea that ultra-flat sandals includes incredibly flat, practical and smooth type of footwear. On the other hand when you wear heels your feet have to bear pain or undercuts but this style is free from any of the discomforts.

Now, you have decided that you would wear gladiator flat sandals but the next question will arouse in your mind that will it go great with any of the dress? Orwhat to wear with flat gladiator sandals? It is true that it will look not that appealing with formal dresses but for almost any of the casual dress it is the perfect choice. You have choice to wear it with white linen trousers, any daily dress, sports denim skirt, shorts, with short skirts. Even skinny jeans or beach dress can also be worn with the same. Another important thing is that nobody rejects these sandals and reason is that they are flat and so very comfortable. Here given some of the ideas which would be worn with flat gladiator sandals.

  Wears to carry along with flat gladiator sandals:

Wear it with Jeans- Jeans is must in every lady’s wardrobe and the best thing is that you can wear flat gladiators with it. Along with giving you comfort and elegance, it is also good option to show your beautifully pedicured feet from the strappy sandals. For exposing most of your gladiators, you should wear skinny jeans and it should cuff right at the ankle. You can also roll up your jeans to make it look even more stylish. For dressy look, you are suggested to wear a frill blouse along with cardigan. If you love wearing T- shirts then also can choose a t- shirt and vest for simple dress.

 Give a try to Skirt- A loose A-line skirt or ruffled Bohemian skirt will look wonderful with both flat and heeled gladiator sandals but try with flats especially during the hot season. The hem of skirt will decide the heels or flats are best to pair with. You should wear longer skirts that reached to mid-calf with flat gladiators. If you have worn short skirts than pair the taller gladiator wit wrap around the ankle and calf.

Summer shorts are Perfect- Summer is not welcomed season for everyone but we can avoid its uncomforted to some levels by wearing proper clothes and foot wears than after nothing can’t be better than the summer shorts and t- shirts. Pair it with beautiful flat gladiators. You can also wear Bermuda’s, cropped pants or mid-thigh styles with gladiators which will make you look sophisticated yet stylized compare to wearing flip flops and beach slides.

Comfortable Gladiator Sandals 2013

When gladiator sandals came on the scene a few years ago, I thought they were plain hideous (straps up the calf, jewels, buckles galore).  I was certain the fad would fade as quickly as it entered the fashion ring. Instead, the style's still around, but more toned down and wearable. These five comfort shoe companies make some of the best-looking gladiators I've seen with supportive footbeds, soft leathers, and adjustable straps. 

1. Acorn C2G Lite Ankle in nubuck: Acorn makes more than slippers! The C2G (Comfort To Go) footbed features a molded heel cup and arch support.  Half-sizes should order up. $95 atPlanetShoes.com, free shipping and returns. $94.95 at Shoebuywith free shipping and returns. 

2. Ecco Flash Low Gladiator: Feminine and lightweight yet durable, the Flash Low by Ecco features a leather-lined cushioned footbed and Comfort Shank Technology for stability. $81.75 atPlanetShoes.com, free shipping and returns. $130 at Zappos, free shipping and returns. 

3. Gentle Souls Break My Heart: Super soft leathers and adjustability of ghillie lacing make this beautiful sandal a great choice for bunions, high insteps, narrow to slightly wide feet. Arch support is minimal, but footbed is cushioned with memory foam (see how cute they look "on the foot" at Tess, Dressed). $185 atPlanetShoes.com, free shipping and returns. $195 at Piperlime, free shipping and returns. 

4. FitFlop Arena Patent: Microwobbleboard! That's what gives Fit Flop sandals their perfect mix of support and shock-absorption. I love the cork-look of the Arena Patent's footbed and sole (not as cheap-looking as other Fit Flop styles). $145 at Zappos, free shipping and returns. $139.95 at Nordstrom, free shipping and returns. 

5. Taos Spirit: A gladiator-inspired sandal with a leawood-wrapped stacked heel. The Taos Spirit has it all! Three adjustable forefoot straps for a customized fit, cork and EVA midsole with good arch support and manageable two inch heel. $128 at Zappos, free shipping and returns. $128 at Amazon, free shipping and returns. $128 at PlanetShoes.com, free shipping and returns. 

Honorable Mention: Looking for a more affordable, comfortable gladiator? Try the Earth Origins Gallop for $33 at http://www.topb2c.cc/shoes/sandals/gladiator-sandals.html!

Scenes from Savannah St. Patrick's Day: Part One

The city of Savannah moved to curb the pre-dawn squabbles in the squares that marked last year’s parade by stationing half-a-dozen law enforcement officers in the more popular squares during the wee hours of the morning.

The police presence proved far from foolproof, however.

The first square on the route, Calhoun, saw a stampede at 5:58 a.m. when one overeager homesteader yelled “GO!” two minutes before 6 a.m.

Hundreds of others hoping for a spot in the large, open square bull-rushed the greenspace.

Several tossed their tents, bags and coolers over the barricades that marked the parade route around the east side of the square.

One projectile reportedly caught somebody in the face and drew blood, although the cut was not deep enough to require medical attention.

“The system, as it is now, is not a good one,” said one of the pre-dawn spot claimers. “Somebody is really going to get hurt eventually.”

Just not fair

Cooper and Patrick Mahoney planned to ride in style through the parade.

But Cooper was a little upset. His brother was getting all the attention.

Everyone kept wishing them a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and he wanted to know when they would celebrate St. Cooper’s Day.

Mario revealed

Timothy “TJ” Riley wore a mascot costume  as part of the Lanier County High School marching band.

The band’s theme this year is video games, he said, including Tetris, Halo, Mortal Kombat “and Mario of course.” Even at 9 a.m. the costume was hot, and Riley pulled the head off for a little air.

With a camera pointed at him, he realized Mario’s identity was revealed.

“Someone tell the world Mario is black,” he joked.

Born to be in Savannah

Henry the “bassador” — that’s part Bassett hound and part Labrador — looked dapper in a green plaid coat and tri-color beads in Calhoun Square. A rescue dog from Rincon, he likes crowds, and he likes to dress up, said his human companion, Holly Kincaid.

“He wears a bowtie every day, and in summer, he wears seersucker,” she said. “I call him the Wal-Mart greeter of downtown.”

The only sticking point of having Henry at the parade was his love of food and drink. Kincaid looked down at one point to find him finishing off an untended bloody Mary.

“He really was born to be in Savannah,” she said.

Go big or go home

Melanie Headley, 22, is a native Savannahian who made it to her first St. Patrick’s Day parade Saturday.

Making up for lost time, her outfit would’ve made a Shriner blush.

Headley discovered the sequined green bikini top and green tutu at Civvies on Broughton and knew she had to wear them to the parade.

“It’s St. Pat’s in Savannah,” said Headley, a pastry chef at Sapphire Grill. “You have to go big or go home.”

What’s a little nine-hour drive when there’s a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah?

Trey Willoughby drove nine hours Thursday night from Lexington, Ky., so he could make it to his first Savannah St. Patrick’s Day, and the junior at the University of Kentucky hasn’t been disappointed by the experience.

“It’s been great,” he said. “We’ve been staying out on Tybee Island and last night we hit the bars. Today I even had a cop pour my beer into a cup for me. They don’t do that back at U.K.”

Of course, he had another reason to make the drive. His girlfriend, Jenna Alderman, is from Savannah.

Moments later, Alderman walked up with a friend, Tori Degroodt, and they looked bemused as he continued his news conference, especially when he said this would be the first time he appeared in the newspaper when it wasn’t the police log.

People watchers

Denver and Alberta Minor have been married 14 years and love Savannah’s festival so much, they make the four-hour drive each year from the town of Matthews, N.C., outside of Charlotte.

Denver got into the holiday spirit by dying his hair and beard completely green mascot costumes.

“We love the East Bay Inn and the people,” Alberta said of Savannah. “Truthfully, we like River Street and to watch people. People-watching is fantastic.”

King of restrooms

David Sauers marched in the parade with a plunger as his scepter. He’s the founder of Royal Restrooms, which provides upscale portable toilets for events, including about 20 private parties along the parade route.

Saturday, Royal Restrooms also provided bathrooms for a charity “Pay for pee” on River Street benefiting the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club.

Sauers’ daughters, C.C. and Stella, carried plungers, too, though he couldn’t remember whose idea it was.

“It’s just kind of evolved,” he said.

Spending of the green

We interrupt these vignettes for the commercial portion of coverage.

First up, Larry Slageman from Knoxville, Tenn., a grizzled 30-year veteran of peddling horns, trinkets and various other souvenirs at events that include the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Final Four basketball games and, in his own words, “anywhere there’s thousands of people.”

He rolled into town Thursday and will leave today. On Saturday, he stationed his cart near the intersection of Hull and Bull streets at the north end of Chippewa Square and seemed to be doing a brisk trade in horns, feather boas, beads, tam-o-shanters and cotton candy.

“It’s all right,” he growled. “It’s a day’s pay.”

So, what’s the day’s biggest seller? “Anything green,” he said. “Green equals green.”

Next up are Jenny Mullins of Brooklet and Sheryl Floyd of Bloomingdale, representing Girl Scout Troop 30519 in Pooler. The two had staked out a spot on Bull Street to sell — what else? — Girl Scout cookies. By noon, they had sold about 40 cases (or 480 boxes) out of their shopping cart and were shooting for 80 cases by day’s end.

“We’re one of six troop leaders the council is allowing to sell cookies on the parade route,” Mullins said.

When told one of the other six had set up shop not far away, Floyd’s eyes narrowed. “I know,” she said. “I saw them.”

She did not seem pleased.

The hostess with the most-est

Abbi Sparks, 21, of Savannah is not exactly shy.

“Are you interviewing people?” she asked the man with the notebook. The man said he was.

“Then interview me,” she said. “I have red hair.”

The man thought that was as good a reason as any.

So Sparks, an exercise science major at Georgia College, told her tale. She has been coming to the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day celebration since she was an infant.

“My parents used to take us every year,” she said. “Now we’re at the point when they drop us off and then pick us up. That way no one drives home drunk.”

Standing near the south border of Chippewa Square, Sparks was surrounded by friends. Many friends. But not as many as last year.

“Last year I had 22 people staying with me for the weekend,” she said. “This year I limited it to 12.”

Buy: Mascot Costumes