One Saturday afternoon I made a fascinator. I used some scraps I had in the costume closet. You can follow along with this tutorial on Burda Style.

All you need is some lace, tulle, jewels, flowers, ribbon, whatever you have on hand. Cover some shaped poster board or fun foam with material to create a smooth surface. Loop and tie and arrange to your heart’s content. Once you’re satisfied with the configuration, glue or sew the pieces in place. Add a comb, clip, or headband to keep the fascinator on your head. I glued a few rhinestones onto my ribbons to catch the light.

Search TopsyTurvyDesign for some wonderful hats, clips, and fascinators.

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It’s only fair I mention some Marvel news every now and then since I so often talk about DC. On Friday, Marvel artists picked their favorite Wolverine costumes. In honor of the upcoming Wolverine movie, I thought I’d share the article with you. Did they like the blue and yellow, brown and yellow, or something else entirely? Here’s a rundown of Wolverine’s most well known costumes.

For those of you that think Logan’s look could still use some work, Project Rooftop has you covered. You have until May 15, 2009, to enter your version of Wolverine’s costume.

Costume Craze has updated their 2009 stock with new Wolverine gear. They have both bone and adamantium claws and more.

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Let’s talk wigs. Wigs can be a lot of fun. They can change your identity for your secret agent work. They can complete a groovy costume. They can let you play with a new hair color or cut.

I own several wigs. Most are good quality, but not high quality. All are synthetic fiber which means they hold their original style (no curling irons or dyes). Price tags are the quickest way to determine quality. You can find wigs ranging for less than ten dollars all the way up to several hundred dollars.

If you’re paying $10 for a costume wig, don’t expect it to last long. Costume wigs are for one to two time uses. The fibers (plastic or hair) are typically coarse plastic and they may not be securely attached to the scalp cap. Handle them carefully if you want multiple uses out of them. Use your fingers or a pick with a very light touch as a brush will pull the hair off the wig. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing costume or party wigs. I have an inexpensive blue one for emergency fun.

My wigs are mid-range purchases. They’re still plastic fibers, but they’re thinner and very securely tied or glued to the scalp cap. These were between $30-50, but I would spend more if I felt the wig was worth it. The wigs in this range have a full body and are well suited to styling and repeated wearings.

The next level of wigs is for those that want to get a lot of use out of them. Here you’re going to spend at least $50 and maybe as much as $100. Long hair styles will cost more. These are still likely to be a made with plastic fibers. Remember, always wash wigs in cool water with a mild shampoo. Hot water releases the style can leave your wig flat.

If you want to invest in a great wig be prepared to plunk down more than $100. This wig is an everyday wig, one worn for more than special occasions. Good quality real hair wigs will run you a couple hundred dollars. They are desirable for their limitless styling possibilities. These are the only wigs that can be dyed. You will still want to be gentle with the wig since it must be styled each time it’s worn.

Once you’ve decided what you can afford, head to a few local wig shops to get an idea of what wigs look and feel like. See the difference in quality first hand. A good wig shop will allow you to try on a wig or two as long as you wear a wig cap. They’re sort of like salons with mirrors and an assortment of brushes and picks. Don’t feel forced to buy one if you’re just looking. Like a anything else, if you’re unsure in the store you’ll hate it when you get home.

Use the internet to your advantage. Check costume sellers and wig retailers for variety and price. If you properly care for your wigs, they’ll play nice for you.

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Wigs are a lot of fun. They can make a costume or change your look. So you bought a wig. Now what?

It’s important that you store your wig on a form. Styrofoam heads are common and easy to find. Often you can purchase a head from the same store you purchased your wig.

You’ll need a wig cap. Wig caps are nylon socks that keep your hair under control. They come in a variety of colors and are sold in the hair care aisle.

Wigs pick up dirt, dust, and sweat just like your hair does. This means you’ll want to wash it after you’ve worn it or it’s sat on its wig head for a while. Use a mild shampoo and cold water. It’s very important you use cold water on your wig because warm or hot water will relax any curls or style it already has. It’s safest to let the wig air-dry.

It’s also a good idea to pick up a wig brush. Why? Wig brushes have metal tines to decrease the friction between the brush and the wig. Since wigs are usually made with filament, the metal tines slide right through the strands unlike plastic tines which drag and pull. Wigs can be styled in many of the same ways your own hair can be styled. Go ahead and add a pick and a comb to your arsenal too….metal of course.

Curling bangs

Yes, you read that correctly. Wigs can be styled. Most wigs have a style so they don’t need the extra work, but it’s possible if you want a change. Do not use direct heat on the delicate filaments. This means no curling irons or high heat hair dryers. To get a nice curl, simply section off the hair and wrap it around a plain old curler. You know the ones that are $2 for a pack of 12. Pin the curler in place using a hair pin or T-pin. You can let it set until it dries or you can use a cool dryer or steam gun. For big hold on your new style, use wig hairspray. The alcohol in regular hairspray can damage your wig.

Wig supplies

Now you’re ready to go. Pin up your hair. Pull on the wig cap. Slide on the wig by holding it firmly at the temples. Gently pull it front first then tug down the back. Well, that works best for me. Run your brush through to make sure it lays correctly. Then out the door you go.

All set? Let me know it you have any questions.

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Check out my new Mod Chic costume. It came with the dress, headband, and groovy glasses.

Sometimes it’s just easier to buy a costume than mess with making one. And this one is fun!

They also have a brightly colored purple dress. I’m going to try that one next week. Don’t forget to check back and see how it looks.

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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.

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