Your Fantasy Costume Articles
Iddle wild illustree: fairytale and historical garments... oh and Sleepy Hollow replicas!!
Iddle wild illustree is a store that makes high quality historic costumes and clothing. Research and historical accuracy is very important to the designer that also likes to make vintage drawings and stamps with historical costume work though with a whimsical twist. When having a bit more freedom and an item item has a fantasy not so historicall bent or is made of modern materials is pointed out.
I found the site looking for gowns inspired in Sleepy Hollow (which I intend to cover in an article very soon)... and found this lovely and accurate reproduction!
Katrina van Tassel Sleepy Hollow Striped dress
Movie accurate re-creation of the striped gown worn by Katrina Van Tassel at the end of the film Sleepy Hollow with that lovely XVIII stomacher design!
Then I ended up diving in the store and found other fairytale, Elizabethan and even historical undergarments... definitely worth a look!
Above: Elizabethan dress
Halloween: how to look like the vampire of Twilight Edward Cullen
Ok, Ok! don't kill me, but seriously I do not like Twilight! I didn't enjoy much the books or the movies... but well I get it, I get it...! after a few e-mail requests I've decided to make this article, after all Halloween is there, and it's not always about what I want to dress ... but you readers ask for too! LOL
Aside you can use it as general make up also for getting that "pale vampire look" that can match also other vampire sexy dead man! And though Edward Cullen is not my cup of tea! ahem! (sorry ladies!!) I know a few guys though that would look really hot and sexy with a marble-look make up like that and could work for "vampire" look in general terms. So as "casual" and easy as it is... here we come with a few and fast tips and tricks to be a vampire (a twilight vampire) this Halloween. And on top of it... it's very inexpensive, you won't even need fangs!
First black clothing... skinny dark jeans and black button-down shirt will work, easy! Then go for a dark colored heavy pea coat to go over it. Honestly I don't think you need to buy a replica, there are plenty of shirts and green pea coats in the style but if you're picky you can find it for example at Cosplayying among other twilight props.
Above: Edward Pea Coat
Edward is supposed to "glitter in the sun" so unless you want to celebrate your Halloween party a bit too early, you won't need to add anything, if you just want to do it to be "obvious" add a bit of clear glass glitter or use a lotion or spray. You can add a bit of it, but don't overdo and then put some powder on top to "kill" the shiny effect a bit.
For your hair you can use gel to style it messy (if it's long enough) get a bath of copper color (I don't recommend permanent tint but this kind of hue is quite easy to get with some non permanent sprays) but if you don't want to mess with your hair you can find a wig already styled.
Above: Example of Edward Cullen wig
Pale foundation (again I recommend Kryolan for this) brown eyebrow pencil to highlight the eyebrow, a bit of red in the lips. Very pale foundation (similar technique to the one we used for the White Queen in previous article You can add some baby or rice powder on top to make it a bit more matte looking. A bit of lipstick (yes boys, lipstick) though erase the excess with some paper, you don't want to go a bit too drag-queen.
Here you can see a video with some advices as well as visual friendly "how to" apply the advices given previously.
Pivotal point... you need GOLDEN contact lenses, these are great to pretend you're werewolf too... and not only for this movie in particular... but it happen to be that they are really nice.
Where to find the contact lenses... you can read this previous article about " You know it" a rather huge store that has all sorts of fx affordable contact lenses and actually have twilight models. And then enhance the gaze with some dark circles under the eyes with make up.
And well.. err. had fun! i'm sure you'll have success among the girls... (for sure among raving teenagers) but you know twilight is always a love-hate thing.
Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland White Queen Halloween costume ideas
Above:Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland Mirana The White Queen portrayed by Anne Hathaway (see wikipedia article about the background of this character)
One of the most eye catching characters portrayed in Tim Burton's Alice in wonderland movie is the White Queen Character. We had previously covered an article about the Red Queen... so now we go for her sister and antagonist.
If you want to make it yourself you can see some of the details of the original costume in a very resource for this and other movie inspired garments at costumers guide.
Above: the original dress used in Tim Burton's movie "Alice in Wonderland" for picture reference. I specially like the dress mess in the sleeves. Attention to that when picking fabrics. Of course first and most affordable option is look into your attic or grandmother´s wardrobe for an old lace vintage wedding or communion dress as base to customize. The final result is very much close to the Wizard of Oz Glinda, very doll and fae.
In this Costumzee site you can find some fast tips and tricks to make your costume
In Cosplayying store you can find a rather decent and affordable replica like this one that include several of the accessories that make it similar to the one found in the movie.
Most of the identity of the White Queen comes due to the hair and make up so well pay attention to this as pivotal point even over the dress self.. you want to be recognized... so in this case, that's quite easy.
To add the rest of the magic first you need white hair... and we mean "white blonde" very very light and just with a tiny spark of color, if not clear enough, opt for a white wig... so don't think of bleaching as enough... easier, safer for your hair and cheaper is to opt for a cosplay wig. You can find some suitable ones in the ebay store qqcosplaystudio design.
Also in some random ebay search I also found some items of wigs already custom styled to match the white queen like this one from the store Wildcat wigs. This one in particular seems of really nice quality and natural looking specially looking at close ups of the scalp. Maybe you could add a bit of blonde color to the tips to make it look not so plain white. Maybe lacking a bit of locks but that´s really easy to fix. Unfortunately this store won't be operating this October, and will return next November.
In a hurry? My recommendation is just to look for white wigs in general, it is not a difficult hairdo to arrange from a generic suitable one or even some trying to resemble the white queen (with more or less success depending honestly on the budget) But you can find suitable examples like the one below.
Above: white queen wig
Then we go on with the make up!
The make up is very pale not entirely white but very close to ivory. You can use professional theatrical make up like Kryolan (previously featured) to naturally blend into a paler tone almost alabaster of flesh. Do not forget your neck, hairline, chest and hands, and pay attention to every part of your skin exposed
The eyebrows dark, arched and thick (you can use a dark brown pencil) bringing great part of the attention to the eyes highlighted by purple and pink eyeshadow (I recommend MAC because they last and the colors are vibrant) yet keep it "romantic" looking, the lips a really dark (not black but burgundy) red and quite striking with the pastel doll overall look
Here you can see a couple of videos with tips and trips for the make up to look close to the White Queen... though as always my advice is to take the picture reference from the movie and try to copy it yourself with the materials you already have at hand.
Add some fake eyelashes, paint your nails dark, we´re almost done...!
or this other (this one needs darker shade of lipstick though)
Add a pearl choker and you're almost done :)! Adding some pearls also to your dress will make it more fitting and royal!
Some other possibilities...
The twilight parlour (AZAC) i! they have a pretty white dress that is named after the character and though it is not a replica of the movie, it could work really nice to portray the character your own way.
Adding some details on your own not necessarily in the movie... I'd go for some white lace fingerless gloves to go alone or a white translucent veil or scarf (in case it's a bit too cold and need to cover)
You can find some gloves in white destiny design gloves store. Also in Mary and Angelica store and have a look to previously featured gloves stores like Zen and Coffee
Remember... be delicate, elegant and dainty, and pretend to be so "good" just a bit too much in your manners to have a suspicious spice of Burton´s dark! . Incorporating that mannerism will greatly enhance your costume
Samiah: a blend of gothic, renaissance and vintage!
Samiah s a store that features the works of this very talented designer, lovely brocade renaissance, vintage and pirate coats, as well as renaissance-like dresses. Totally customizable and in a wealth of sizes, tailored to fit you perfectly and enhance your figure. Also with a vintage "old" design that matches pirate and even renaissance but also your daily wear with a classic touch of edge a blend of gothic, romantic, victorian, renaissance and vintage... all mingled together in perfect harmony.
Above: The Winterfield cloak. You can custom order in a wealth of lovely brocade fabrics with renaissance motifs. Cloak yourself in mystery, this cloak is of epic beauty! Below you can see one of the brocade samples, you can do it in all sorts of historical brocade reproductions.
Above: green/gold brocade
The coats come in all sizes including extra large sizes with no extra charge. There are some gorgeous pirate coats for ladies too!
Note: There are some pirate coats also for men :) They list also some striped black and golden/red more victorian models.
Among my favorite items are the dresses!!
Above: The Sultany dress made in faux suede. Simple and romantic!
Recapture the spirit of the old world, when romance and adventure were the reflections of our inner desires. Indulge yourself in fantasy as you slip into one of our dresses, and re-ignite the passion of a realm long forgotten.
You know it: affordable FX and fantasy contact lenses for Halloween
Above: bionic fx contact lenses perfect for cyborg and futuristic costumes
With a free shipping worldwide policy You know it has one of the largest collection of colored and fx contact lenses. In our previous article about sclera contact lenses we already mentioned this store YOU KNOW IT, that with a free shipping worldwide policy and one of the most affordable prices, it includes some fancy, cosplay (you can create a big eye effect with bigger irises), fx, horror as well as a list divided in categories like zombies, werewolves, vampires and other crazy things or you can surf the collection by color/hue as well. There are some with a life span of three months and others that can last up to one year. Colored contact lenses are a fantastic way to update your look, create truly stunning eyes or just try out a brand new gaze. Even some UV glow in the dark...!
There is a staggering range of colored contact lenses out there including natural-look contacts, circle lenses and block color contact lenses that really stand out. They have recommendations for different themes, also a how to wear and well... surf a bit yourself!
Create a striking effect in your gaze... enhance your halloween costume, use it for filming or take a spooky different shot... or simply dare to change your look... there are endless possibilities. A great place for cosplayers,
Also you will find the very popular "twilight" contact lenses to look like a vampire.
If you want to become a werewolf they have a subselection!
They also have some fake eyelashes to enhance the fantasy effect and some costume accessories like uv body paint to go along the uv lenses.
here you can watch a video with some Halloween suggestions from the seller, and also for your own amusement!
They also have some funny UVA glow in the dark models :) You can see the striking effect here. You can see a video below
The most bright and vivid Halloween costume...! It's a DOUBLE RAINBOW all the way!
Probably most of your friends won't even get it... then someone randomly will point at you and will exclaim!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN...? And you'll know he's infected too... It's scary... it's like a virus... half of my friends are infected and obsessed about double rainbow things... and I've seen quotes from it even in serious videos and programs... It's the double rainbow... all the way... and everywhere. It' all started with this video in youtube that suddenly peaked with millions of hIts... and millions of people looking for a more "intense" way of watching things :). Jokes apart... it's quite touching... beware it's really viral... There´s an official site of the guy that recorded the video... Yosemite Bear a blog with her thoughts where you can also get t-shirts and all...
I honestly thing that the whole thing is rather moving! :)
But now we face.. HOW TO DRESS LIKE A DOUBLE, TRIPLE, MULTIPLE rainbow...?
Inspiring color is an etsty store with some rainbow dresses and sarongs, t shirts and tops... all SO BRIGHT AND VIVID.
And no, it's nothing about to be gay... but I know many BOYS won't dare to wear a DOUBLE RAINBOW halloween costume.... or... would you dare? I'll list items for both genders :) and some unisex... then pick and combine it the way to make it mo
If you know how to knite you could make some rainbow scarfs, shawls, mittens and socks... There are lot of stores that will sell you rainbow colored wool. I like this one from Wild Hare Fiber studio. But I'm sure you'll find in your local crafts store.
Above: Rainbow roving wool... you catutorial about how to make your own custom rainbow dreadlock falls
n make also hair dreadlock falls with this. Need a
Above: Rainbow Shawl by Mucar
or you can look for them, I like for example these fingerless ones made by Leaf Lee and Katwise
Above: mittens by Leaf Lee
And these from Katwise and look... two hands... they are two... DOUBLE RAINBOW!!
and Woah! Oh my god!! Katwise has also some sweater and coats in "pixie" mood made of recycled materials as colorful as these
Above: Coat and sweater by Katwise
And here you can see some rainbow items made but Intergalactic Apparel that we also previous covered in detail in their own article (They really do make some gorgeous and original stuff... and among my top favorites ragged pixie coats and skirts too!)
In ebay you can find a wealth of rainbow socks and toe socks (toe socks are even cuter)... by the way I love striped socks... but this... THIS IS TOO MUCH!
Afraid of using the wrong shoes? No... you can use this furry boot covers by Gobbolino (that we previously featured in yfc)
You can add a tutu maybe?
I'll highlight a few examples. First is from a previous featured store called Tututopia (that can make any custom tutu to you) and already list some rainbow pattern ones like this one
of you can even go more club wear into neon colors like this one from "keep it real club wear"
You can also turn it to be just a simply gorgeous rainbow fairy :) Have a look to this wonderful costume example made by DDNJ Dungeon Dudsn n Jewels
Adding rainbow makeup and nails will also enhance the final effect. Here a few examples of nail art and makeup .)
Burst of colour needed in your face too? Remember sparkles always help
Adding a double rainbow belt? This one is from Bare Tree
Do not forget to add some pins here and there... they´ll make you look informal and will give clues to the ones not knowing what you are wearing...!
Above: double rainbow pins... you can find them all over the web
There are a lot of resources too fo for double rainbow t-shirts
In need of FAIRY wings to fly OVER THE RAINBOW? (Beware, no fairy related things for guys unless you´re gay.. warned!! and if you are, enjoy it... you can be the most sparkling double rainbow ever...) It has even some Oz quality into it...
This pair of wings are made of Art of Wings previous featured in Your fantasy costume
Need something to carry your things? You could consider to get one of this bags
In Cafepress you can find all kind of gifts, t-shirts... even UNDERWEAR!! OMG
And then you need to learn the SOOOOOOONG.... Better if you can carry an ipod with a minispeaker with you to make an spontaneous mini-karaoke... It's quite contagious and you could create a rather strange jam! I've seen it happening and even people who never sung (or are not meant to sing at least.... dared to do it!)
Double rainbow all the way across the sky... yeeeeeahhh It´s so intense
Above: Original video and song with autotune (that you'll have to learn to sing to make your costume more complete!! and obvious!)
Really need the clueless people to understand... be a bit crafty... pick some pens and make a big BANNER! and type any of the most popular sentences... Infected people will get it with a single "OMG" in colorful rainbow hues. But if you want to be really clear you can write "OH MY GOD, it's a double rainbow all the way", try to be original or get inspiration from already existing logos and banners
And sure you start to look like a triple... no... even MORE... like a multiple rainbow...
quite blinding maybe... but I can tell very eye catchy and difficult to miss!
Add some lights and funky stuff and above it all HAVE FUN! and like in the Monty Python´s song... Always look on the brighter side of life!
And I hope this added a note of color to your day!
Because some day you'll find it
the rainbow connection
for lovers, and dreamers and me...
I leave you with one of my favourite songs from the Muppets... (we miss you Jim Henson!)
This entry is NOT a joke and is dedicated to all those ones that need at least one day... to become a DOUBLE RAINBOW... dare to break with the monotony of your dull grey life next Halloween, that day you have an excuse huh?... and beware... you might like it! hahaha! You'll be probably soon looking and seeing double rainbows.. everywhere! even in other´s people halloween costumes hahaha... sure a few of you will gather!
WHOA THAT WAS SO... SO INTENSE
One of a kind handmade Fairy Wings by Renae Taylor
Renae Taylor is a fellow fantasy illustrator from USA (as you may know I'm myself an illustrator and also performer). I was honored to meet her in person in Faeriecon festival. She had her "froud" model wings there exposed... I tell you it's impossible not to fall in love with them and they were huge!!. She is an amazing artist that dives deep in several disciplines like painting, doll and wing making
Above: Illustration by Renae Taylor.
"My work is about memory, imagination and retaining the sense of wonder in the world I felt as a child"
Being so talented painting and drawing such delicate and gorgeous wings in her own illustrations, it really does make sense that she´s also the creator of the most amazing fairy wings you could ever imagine, some of them so huge and so surreal that can make the photo of your life, just if out of the pages of a fairy tale...!
you can find some wings on sale in her etsy store
Another of my favorites the model "Froud Fairy wings" as a fan of Froud, this lovely model in browns and earth colors is a dream come true that I've seen with my own eyes :).
And if it's for "that special day" you can always commission a custom pair... not fond of super huge things... they can be as small as delicate as requested... :) (though I confess I like them big look at the following lovely pair!)
Above: Custom white wings (perfect for brides)
I could go on and on telling you how amazing they are... but as they say... a picture can tell you more than a million words so here we go with a few!
Below you can see a video and also the youtube channel of the creator:
A few more videos at h Renae Tailor youtube channel
For purchasing some of the "already" made wings as well as other items like prints, dolls, lamps and things made by this artist, aside of her official site, visit her etsy store here. If you want a pair similar to something previously done, or want just to make a custom order or simply say hello she does encourage the contact.
You can also network with the artist herself at Facebook.
Update: This is me in a recent performance wearing a lovely pair of mini ivory/cream wings with feathers :). So below you can see myself wearing them while playing and singing in a steampunk convention :)
Photography by "Menta Oregano" (Barcelona)
Time after Time Designs: From Renaissance Fairytale to Marie Antoinette Rococo dresses
Time after Time designs is a delicious store with over two decades of experience featuring historical and fairytale garments. It is not a costume, it's a piece of art -they claim in the heading of their official site
In their official site you can see a gallery of the gowns and bodices available and they also have samples of all their fabrics available just in case you want to make a custom order, and they encourage to contact if you have any idea or want your dream gown to become a reality. Of the greatest quality all materials and embellishments for the gowns are hand selected. And they have indeed some shots and garments directly out of a fairytale...!!!
They also run an etsy store for Time after time designs here where you can see some listed garments
I'm going to highlight the rococo style gowns... This are a great addition our previous and very popular article about Marie Antoinette here in yourfantasycostume (where you can also look rococo accessories and make up)
Note: the rococo gows are shown with wig and hip pad for a more dramatic effect but these are not included.
Above: examples of Rococo Gowns. Front and back example in different fabrics (all exquisite by the way)
The back laces up with gold cord through brass eyelets; this enables a more adjustable fit. The Bodice should fit snug around the bust.
Of course they also list much more affordable and lovely pieces like these brocade bodices and cinchers.
Above: Renaissance bodice (nice push up effect by the way!)
Below: Gold damask corsalette (I find this little piece so affordable and cute!)
This fully boned under bust waist Cincher comes in a camel color and metallic gold cotton chenille closing with eyelets in the front.
Be the most famous monster this Halloween: be.... the COOKIE MONSTER
Above: The Cookie monster (Wikipedia)
I confess to be the greatest fan of Jim Henson (specially his movies) and the Muppets and Sesame Street... I can´t help to feel nostalgic but they have become part of our culture, our memories and we should keep them alive for future children... Oh yes I got moody...
but well what counts is that Halloween is close... time for MONSTERS.... isn´t it?
and who is cooler as the.... COOKIE MONSTER? And such an easy costume too and the good thing is that the key is to keep it simple.
For the lazy ones you can find a wealth of them already made in ebay ranging from very cheap to deluxe costume mascot editions.Cooking monster costumes in ebay
Above: Faux fur in blue (another good option if you opt to make it yourself)
This store also sells you faux fur of the greatest quality, so warm and furry (tibetan, long haired) in matching blue, because let´s face, it is not the most difficult costume to make...!! XD This is a super easy option for halloween... and you can grab a jar (if you have a close Ikea that's a good place to find one inexpensive one) full of delicious biscuits to go along with (and have already sweets for your halloween ventures!! Don´t forget about them they´re a yummy but important part of your costume!!
You can use a pair of ping pong balls painted for the eyes. :) or spandex material. Read this article to read a bit about the "mood" of muppets eyes... it's all in the eyes...!!!
Here you can read some tips to make a cookie monster costume in ehow
It's a very funny option too to make it for your pet... :) so you have your little critter in Halloween mood with an easy to make and cheap costume. :)
DEATH STUDIOS: CLASSIC HORROR LATEX MASKS FOR HALLOWEEN...
getting creepy for the season!
Death Studios is a company that make Horror Halloween masks and props... though I'm more pro using make up than a mask, there´s no doubt that they can be easiest way to achieve an instant shocking and monstrous look.
So they grant they don't come from a large company that deliver thin, badly painted copies with air bubbles and defects in the castings that have nothing to do with the pictures in the catalog. They make the masks in their studio and are painted by the crafter self Jeff Death as guarantee of the quality of the piece. Also in the site you can find a series of guidelines to take proper care of it and make it last a long time.
So, ready to be scared... or to scare others?
Above: Halloween pumpkin mask... don't we all love Halloween pumpkins? Hmm by the way Pumpkin jam is my favorite!!
Above: Vampire and Witch latex mask
Death studios features a collection of classic horror creatures (from Zombies, vampires, Nosferatu, witches and other minions and creatures... including wererats!).
Above: Dead Head prop
They also include some props like "dead heads" (hmm wonder if a costume like the Queen of Hearts with one of this would turn really creepy!! OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, I said!!). I know, I know, a little bit too gory and not my style I admit, but after all we´re talking about horrifying Halloween, aren't we?
There are also some other props corpse hands and chests, alien heads... like this zombie head dog.
Stay tuned for other terrific and monstrous stuff on the way...!