Distraction in the form of future fashion planning!

[cupcake_goth]

I've got two big events next year: Bats Day (whooo, 20th anniversary!), and VMB. Both are in May; Bats Day on the first weekend, VMB on the last. Soooo, wardrobe planning starts now!

- Bats Day: Thanks to a lucky eBay score a few years ago, I have a crinkle silk dress that is almost exactly like this one. Mine is black, about 5" longer, buttons up the front with lots of silver buttons, and doesn't have the silk velvet details. It does, however, have far more elaborate/floofy chiffon details. My vague plan is to gather two of the skirt seams in the back to turn it into a polonaise, and wear it over my super-sparkly black sequin skirt. IF I can finesse my budget enough, I hope to buy one of the amazing wide-brimmed, ruffle-bedecked hats by my darling Kambriel. (Well, not only does it depend on budget, but it also depends on asking about how well it packs - it would be safely nestled inside a hatbox, inside my (large, you have no idea) suitcase, but I don't want to have any risk of crushing those flounces.)

Anyway, so I've got Bats Day pretty well figured.

- VMB? Uh ... it's the end of May, the venue doesn't have great AC, and I need to wear something that is both comfortable and looks good onstage. Last year's outfit was all those things, and I kiiiiinda want something similar for next year?

I'm thinking of taking last years black lace polonaise-type overdress, add black and red sequins all over it, get another black lace dickie collar, do a bunch of ornamentation on that with red crystal beads, maybe add something like this over it, and wear my red/wine taffeta skirt? (All with my trusty black corset underneath.)

So anyway, opinions? Suggestions? Dear G-D Jilli, why are you planning this so far ahead you crazy lady?

Comments

[jengalicious]

I think your fashion planning is like my linen closet reorganizing. It is a simple thing, that feels like an accomplishment at the end of it, and yet isn't a huge output of energy.

In other words, it's just a nice calming things to do, with a reward at the end.

So, don't question just enjoy.

[cupcake_goth]

YOU ARE NOT WRONG. :D

[staxxy]

So, this is the part where I give you a really positive reality check:

you like to sit and stitch while watching tv/movies to de-stress. You have become very very good at stitching on sequins and beads and embroidery.

PLUS

you have very specific custom GCS bat designs that could very easily be turned into a lacy looking design on any sheer or lightweight fabric of your choice.

EQUALS

you have enough time to make this a thing for you to wear that is very awesome and very Branding (in the good way) which will be less expensive and more custom fit for you than that last link. It would also give your 'ack I need something else to focus my brain on' need a very fiddly and specific project that is awesome and will bring you great joy both in the putting it together and the having it to wear going forward.

Because you really are this awesome and really can do this thing. I recommend drawing/tracing/asking the Mr to draw it onto the fabric piece with a pencil that can be handwashed away when you are done with the work. If Peeve does not want to design it for you, and you are not feeling confident in making that swirly thing happen, I can do it and happily would do so for you. But I know *YOU* can do all the swirly fun yourself and are quite talented at it. <3

also, that hat is awesome and now I kinda know what I will do with that mound of white chiffon ruffle I ended up with a while back, when I am able to focus on just my own projects again.

[cupcake_goth]

Mmmm, I get what you're saying about custom-designing something with the bats on it then embellishing, but it wouldn't be less expensive once I took into account the amount of time it would take me. Yes, I like having wacky hand-sewing projects to do in evenings, but there's a bunch of other stuff I have to do with my free time in the upcoming months before VMB, and I fear that the soothing fiddly part of the project would be overridden by the stress of "OMG will I get it finished in time?!" part.

So I think carefully altering the pre-made sequin thing is still probably my best bet. :)

[staxxy]

that's reasonable. :)

but still a thing you can design for wearing "someday" so you can work on it when you feel like it too. No reason you can't have both, one for the short term and one for the eventually.

[kambriel]

If the brim fits (basically, any hat box large enough for a wide-brimmed hat), the hat will fit :) For maximum packing space and to help keep the hat shape, I'll often pack some rolled up socks/tights/etc... in the "head-space" beneath the crown. On this hat, of course you'll want to leave the area above the gathered flounces clear so they don't get compressed. Let me know how much your budget needs to be finessed... I have one ready-made which I'd be happy to offer at a discount from the listed price <3

And wow ~ 20 years of Bats Day! Good for Noah!

I've been missing you ~ irks me how far a road trip it is from here to there (only 2 hours less than here to NC!) ~ you'd think it would be more "regional". Wish we were spending time together for the holidays. (Want to wind back clock and bring you to Scotland!!!) <3

[cupcake_goth]

Ah-ha! So pack it like I would any large-brimmed hat. Excellent.

I would love to take advantage of your kind offer about the hat you have currently, but, um, my budget is non-existent until 2018. Having my witch boots dyed was more expensive than I realized (but they look AMAZING). So I'll save my pennies and figure it out for next year. <3

I MISS YOU SO MUCH. Stupid geography.