The Phoenix Parade was a practically impromptu fashion show inspired by Kambriel and organized on LiveJournal by gothic designers, friends, and Portland, OR, locals. It was an alternative, grass-roots event that took place during, but not as part of, Convergence 13. You can read the whole history of the event, starting here on LJ. Because
I wanted a Nice Wool Dress for my late 16th-century lowland Scots gentlewoman character. Specifically, I needed something to wear to the SCA Beltane event, and the only thing I’ve made since re-entering Elizabethan garb was my big ol’ super-fancy court gown. That one *is not* going camping, hell noes! I also knew I wouldn’t
It came down to the wire, but I did it! I finished the outfit in time and, despite some trouble actually getting to the event due to weather and map issues, I had a wonderful time at the Elizabeth and the Pirate Feast! But first, the finishing pieces…
I do believe the event was a success! People came dressed in a fun variety of costumes and seemed to have a good time. The food and drink were excellent, and one person said “great idea to have an event in a bar!” Everyone was enjoying chatting so much that we didn’t do any organized
Shortly after Gatsby 2005, I bought this dress off eBay. It was listed as 1920s, but I think the style is more ’30s. It’s a somewhat transitional shape — neither fully straight nor fully fitted in the bust or waist. The waist is dropped, and the handkerchief hem is just around the knees. The dress
My first and probably only occasion to wear this gorgeous antique was the Time Travelers Gala at Costume College 2006. The event’s theme was Tango Argentina 1910s, so this gown fit right in. I accessorized the dress with a rhinestone and pearl headband atop my hair piled on my head. I wore long, dangly rhinestone
Photos from Let Them Drink Wine, an 18th-century picnic and wine tasting event in Sonoma, CA, by the Greater Bay Area Costumer’s Guild.
One of the very first forays into non-Renaissance faire costuming I made was my Stanzie gown. For our first Famous Dead Person’s Ball in 1992, my ex wanted to be Mozart, specifically as in the movie Amadeus. His stepmom graciously offered to make his costume, so I decided to try and make myself an 18th-century
These are some my favorite costumes I’ve ever made. I almost regret selling them on eBay, except that I got a very good price and the money went towards the closing costs on our house. So a fair trade, really. The dressform photos below are from the eBay listing. For the GBACG’s second Faerie Tale
Lady Fifi MacFoufster, captain of the pirate ship, the Purple Prose, writer of overwrought words, wielder of the poisoned pen, mixer of metaphors, and defender of the serial comma! About 2am the night before I first wore this, I invented the persona for this costume. Seemed appropriate, being that I’m a writer and editor by
I love my hometown San Jose Sharks. So naturally, when I go to a game, I want to dress and show my support for Our Boys in Teal. Thus was born my HockeyGoth wardrobe. It began with a sweatshirt and a lunchbox, then grew as I added T-shirts and a jersey. Then the wonderful Original
Photos taken at the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden.
I’ve lived in the South Bay most of my life, yet somehow I’d never visited Hakone Gardens. It’s been nestled in the Saratoga foothills since 1918 & open to the public for nearly 40 years. What a treasure this place is! Delicate & structured yet wild & natural, all at the same time. Gentle waterfalls,
Photos of me taken at the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. Screencaps from the Lord of the Rings movies added for costume comparison.