It seems someone took my advice. ManWithPez decided to dress up as a Librarian/Watcher and take some pictures. He’s going to school to become a librarian. Way to go.

In today’s morning internet troll, I came upon a little link on IMDb. It’s a nice link that I hope a few of you will appreciate: Dressing Up in Film Love.

Elisabeth Rappe explains why she and her sister enjoy making and wearing costumes. They like the challenge of an authentic recreation. They hunger for the perfect fabric. It’s a valid and popular way to approach costuming and cosplay.

Her methods are not my methods. We both enjoy the process and the results. That’s all that matters in my book. I have no problem making a slightly less accurate costume. Heck, I’d buy it already made…if it existed. For me, the fun is figuring out how to make it. How would an untrained individual like myself go about making this thing that artists, stylists, and designers made? That’s what I like. Can my hodgepodge pass? Yes or no. Hopefully yes.

So while Elisabeth and others hunt down leather rope, I’ll braid some cheap leather strips from the hobby store. While someone goes about embroidering an Ariel patch, I’ll just paint it, thank you.

That’s working with the talents you have. Don’t ever feel like less of a costumer or cosplayer because you use plastic buckles instead of hammered bronze. Don’t feel lazy because you used fuse paper instead of sewing. Some of us didn’t get the sewing gene. Certainly, don’t feel bad if you bought your costume. There are some darn fine licensed costumes on the market these days. There’s no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of that.

Anywho. (Yes, I typed Anywho. I picked it up from my 10th grade History teacher.) The point of posting the link was to show you that there are different levels of involvement. And that’s okay.

What brings you to costuming?

Updos: Some are easy and some require ten hands. Today I’ll show you how to create a classic updo. It can be worn with period dress: old South costumes, Edwardian (Titanic Remembrance Day), or even prom.

You will need hair bands, hair pins, and hair decoration such as a comb, barrette, or pin.

Step 1. Secure hair in medium height ponytail.
Step 2. Flip ponytail in on itself. TopsyTail makes a gadget to help, but it’s not necessary. I find it easiest to lean forward with my head down. I gently coil the tail around my finger then tuck in down behind the band and pull through.
Step 3. Divide tail into sections and braid. Secure braids with bands. Then band them together.

Step 4. Tuck ends of braids down in the hole of the flipped ponytail to hide the band. Secure with hair pins.
Step 5. Hide lose ends. Comb over part. Finish with decoration such as a comb, barrette, broach/pin, or flower.
I’ve also included a slight twist, changing Steps 3-5 only slightly.
Step 3 Alternate. Twist the tail. Secure the twist with a band. Do not let go of the twisted tail.
Step 4 Alternate. Tuck band down in hole of the flipped ponytail. Secure with hair pins.
Step 5. Hide lose ends. Finish with hair decoration.

There are many variations you can build starting from the flipped pony tail. If the twisted tail hits at your collar and tangles, twist and coil the tail into a knot at the base of the flip (braid it before coiling for a Little House look). Secure with pins or combs. You’ve turned a basic bun into something a little extra.

Instead of one twisted tail, divide the hair into three or four parts. Then twist each section. As you pull them up and tuck them under, they will wrap around themselves.

You don’t have to twist or braid anything. Section the hair and curl it. You’ll have soft ringlets a la Scarlet in no time. To finish the look, gently push or knit the pocket hair together to cover the hair band. Secure with a clip or comb.

Here’s one for shoulder length hair. Pull the flipped tail gently to loosen it. Then flip it in on itself once more. Gather the lose ends of the tail and tuck them into the tail pocket. Secure with pins or combs. If you’re hair is too long, it will not fit in the pocket. You’ll have a modified Gibson Tuck.

If Edwardian style is your goal, before you make a ponytail you may want to back comb or rat your hair to give it some height and body.

Now you’re ready for the next costume party, date night, or wedding.

When do you wear a costume? Is it Halloween? Are you at Comic Con? A party? A movie opener? Just because?

All of the above!

I say you don’t need a reason. I once went to the store dressed as River Tam. Did anyone know I was wearing a costume? Probably not, but that didn’t stop me from twirling and skipping along the sidewalk.

If you’re unsure about dressing up for your errands, pick something subtle. Perhaps George from ‘Dead Like Me’ (shown right). You’ll know you’re doing it and it’ll give you confidence for the next time when you choose something bolder.

If you need a good reason, I’ve compiled a short list of upcoming holidays:

1. April 15: Titanic Remembrance Day.
Host a party and serve a 7 course meal. Watch ‘A Night to Remember.’ Or just add a little something to your normal wear. Maybe style your hair up, wear a suit, or a high collar with a cameo.

2. April 16: National Librarian Day.
This one is tricky. Try dressing as your favorite Watcher.

3. April 20: Look Alike Day.
When we were kids, school called this Twinkie day. Call up some friends and coordinate your clothes for one day. It’ll mess with your boss’s head.

4. April 23: World Laboratory Day.
How awesome! Put on the Frederick Frankenstein gear or Bill Nye’s blue coat and have fun.

5. April 27: Tell a Story Day (Oct 27 in UK).
I like this one. Dress as a beloved character. When someone asks who you are or why you’re dressed oddly today, talk as if you were the character. I’m reminded of Tammy in ‘Tammy and the Bachelor.’ When she dressed in Great Gran’s full skirt for a party, she told stories to the guests. Maybe stop by your local library and offer to read a chapter from the book you chose.

There. That should get you started. Ease into it. You don’t have to go Super Saiyan right out of the gate.

So, when do you?

I was going to talk about when costumes can be worn, but I’ve got a bug in my head that won’t leave me be. Now you have to deal with it. Oh well.

Have you seen the Chocolate Skittles commercial? It features a Pinata Man. That’s right, a man that is a pinata or a pinata that is a man. I’m not sure which. The ad is genius. However, I don’t talk about awesome ads here, I talk about costumes. What about that costume?! Isn’t it great?

That’s an inspired choice. But how would someone go about making that costume? It is a lot of tedious work. You’d have to attach hundreds of tiny pieces of what looks like tissue paper to clothes and face. Not to mention make a pinata wig. That would make a fragile outfit. An awesome fragile outfit. Anyone up to trying this idea? There are so many other outfits on the list before I could try the Pinata Person.

You may want to wear padding just in case someone takes a wiffle bat to you.