Larp Couture
Fabric Bolt! Fabric Bolt! Fabric Bolt!
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![To counteract the dulling effect of newsprint and to stand out from the competition, costumed heroes were clad in bright, primary colors and fought in a bright primary world!
[…]
Many see the superhero as a form of modern mythology. If so, this aspect of color may play a part. Symbols are the stuff of which gods are made.
-Scott McCloud, page 188 of Understanding Comics
Macy’s has a featured assortment of items inspired by Brazil for the summer, and Calvin Klein has joined in with brightly colored offerings like the one above. If you’ve ever wanted to play a Golden Age comics hero, check it out!
PS They have a deal where you can donate to the Nature Conservatory and get 15-20% off your order.
PPS They might be having a Pride Parade near you!
PPPS Full disclosure: I used to work for Macy’s, and I’m still a fan of the company. I’m not, however, getting anything from them for posting this! Well, except the chance to check out those abs. Yum.
Shown above: Calvin Klein Underwear, Bold Special Edition U3920 Trunk via Macy’s. Available in Yellow (above) and Black. Cotton/Spandex blend. Ships to many countries. $30 USD](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4uc6oeoU11r0k1xoo1_400.jpg)
To counteract the dulling effect of newsprint and to stand out from the competition, costumed heroes were clad in bright, primary colors and fought in a bright primary world!
[…]
Many see the superhero as a form of modern mythology. If so, this aspect of color may play a part. Symbols are the stuff of which gods are made.
-Scott McCloud, page 188 of Understanding Comics
Macy’s has a featured assortment of items inspired by Brazil for the summer, and Calvin Klein has joined in with brightly colored offerings like the one above. If you’ve ever wanted to play a Golden Age comics hero, check it out!
PS They have a deal where you can donate to the Nature Conservatory and get 15-20% off your order.
PPS They might be having a Pride Parade near you!
PPPS Full disclosure: I used to work for Macy’s, and I’m still a fan of the company. I’m not, however, getting anything from them for posting this! Well, except the chance to check out those abs. Yum.
Shown above: Calvin Klein Underwear, Bold Special Edition U3920 Trunk via Macy’s. Available in Yellow (above) and Black. Cotton/Spandex blend. Ships to many countries. $30 USD
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![Advanced Symbolism Slinging: A.K.A. The Clergy
I spend a great deal of time on this blog talking about the origins of garments, and what they might symbolize to the character- but the truth is, many characters will not be consciously aware why they are wearing these things, no matter how much of a costuming nerd the player might be.
Unless, of course, your character is a member of a priesthood.
Religion, nearly by definition, involves the use of symbols. Who can use these symbols, and when, may be fast and loose or highly formalized; it depends, to some degree, on how formal the religion itself is.
For example, a priest of the Orthodox church has no fewer than thirteen components to their official robes, each with a specific origin and purpose. (To see them in action, click here.) Being aware of these symbols is a part of the role of the clergy; they could not teach the laypeople their importance if they did not know them themselves. If your character is a member of a religious order, it is highly likely that some or all of their garb will have specific religious meanings that the character should know. Whether they do, of course, is variable; there can be delinquent friars in any universe.
Note: When you’re buying garb for a religious costume, you might want to do some research before purchasing actual religious materials. There are some pretty (if quite expensive) things available online, but they may not be meant for secular use. I generally hold the rule that I don’t mind if I offend, but I do not want to hurt; if you are of a similar mind, then take the time to consult with an authority from the religion you’re appropriating to get a sense of what their opinion would be on their garb being re-purposed as your larping gear.
Image credit: By Laurits Tuxen (1853-1927) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
Personalizable Sash via E-tradeUSA. Satin ribbon and embroidery thread. Ships worldwide. $9 USD
Paper Magic Men’s Priest Robe Costume via Best Costume Site. 100% Polyester. Ships worldwide. $21 USD
PS Orthodox Church garb featured by a special request from Fair Escape!](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4qouvz5ms1r0k1xoo1_500.jpg)
Advanced Symbolism Slinging: A.K.A. The Clergy
I spend a great deal of time on this blog talking about the origins of garments, and what they might symbolize to the character- but the truth is, many characters will not be consciously aware why they are wearing these things, no matter how much of a costuming nerd the player might be.
Unless, of course, your character is a member of a priesthood.
Religion, nearly by definition, involves the use of symbols. Who can use these symbols, and when, may be fast and loose or highly formalized; it depends, to some degree, on how formal the religion itself is.
For example, a priest of the Orthodox church has no fewer than thirteen components to their official robes, each with a specific origin and purpose. (To see them in action, click here.) Being aware of these symbols is a part of the role of the clergy; they could not teach the laypeople their importance if they did not know them themselves. If your character is a member of a religious order, it is highly likely that some or all of their garb will have specific religious meanings that the character should know. Whether they do, of course, is variable; there can be delinquent friars in any universe.
Note: When you’re buying garb for a religious costume, you might want to do some research before purchasing actual religious materials. There are some pretty (if quite expensive) things available online, but they may not be meant for secular use. I generally hold the rule that I don’t mind if I offend, but I do not want to hurt; if you are of a similar mind, then take the time to consult with an authority from the religion you’re appropriating to get a sense of what their opinion would be on their garb being re-purposed as your larping gear.
Image credit: By Laurits Tuxen (1853-1927) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
Personalizable Sash via E-tradeUSA. Satin ribbon and embroidery thread. Ships worldwide. $9 USD
Paper Magic Men’s Priest Robe Costume via Best Costume Site. 100% Polyester. Ships worldwide. $21 USD
PS Orthodox Church garb featured by a special request from Fair Escape!
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Today’s DIY Friday features pin curls! If you watch the video, you’ll see an excellent example of pin curls at the end. The lovely instructor is doing a hairstyle that depends on thoroughly modern tools; however, the basic pin curl can be achieved with nothing more high-tech than hair pins. Don’t take my word for it; check out here and here.
The up version of the pin curl is a relatively recent trend, judging by the visual record; it’s a 20th century thing. However, pin curling is not just a hair style, but a method of hair styling. Once the curls are let down, they could be brushed out to get this look (NSFW), or left to curl, like this.
One warning: I have it on good authority (from my American Girl books) that sleeping on hair pinned up can hurt like the Dickens. Consider that before you experiment with the authentic, old-timey method.
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Pearson’s Renaissance Shop is Giving Away a $35 gift card; Enter By May 31st! ~ If You Loved the Movies and Want the Comics, Start Here ~ A German Politician Gets Stopped At Airport- Due to His Larping Ax! ~ ZOMG Steampunk Mini Cooper ~ Sword and Soul: Things to Think About When Portraying “Other” in Fantasy (Part II & Part III) ~ Names in Guild Wars 2 ~ Sexual Health in the Zombie Apocalypse ~ A Guide To Small Town Larping
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The earliest chainmail we know of appeared around 300 BC, amongst Celtic cultures. Whether they had the time or inclination to make crazy shoe jewelry is up for debate, but they certainly had the ability!
(The best part about these shoes is that I’m sure some of you chain-slingers out there can make these in an afternoon. And then voila! ARMOURED SHOES.)
Image: Walk of Shame by Litter SF. Iron. Ships to many countries. $68 USD
PS They sell chainmail mustaches!
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![Ritual without Religion
Kombolói are Greek thing. Throughout most of Greece, you can hear them click-clacking softly in the background as people go about their life, soothing themselves. They come in amber and coral and seeds and shiny metals and cheap, heavy plastic, and true fans will argue which material makes the most pleasing noise, or feels the most pleasing in the hand. But they agree on one thing- these are not a religious item.
That is somewhat unique; if you’re Catholic, for example, you might have seen the image above as a rosary, or if Buddhist, as prayer beads. But this Greek pastime is it’s own thing, separate from whatever religious belief the individual might have- the way taking deep breaths to calm oneself isn’t (usually) a religious act.
If you are looking for more variation in the way you perform magic in your game, worry beads might be an interesting addition. They would make a great basic healing spell, for example- something like “First Aid”, that any class could use to self-heal a small amount of damage. As the quality, rarity, and expense of the beads increases, so too could the power of the healing- to the point where a downed character might be able to use the beads to rally back, once a day. Certain people believe the beads become attuned to the user, which suggests self-targeting spells and perhaps even items that cannot be transferred between players once used. (For the rest of that article, see here, here, and here.)
If you’d like a to see a grizzled old man slinging beads outside a café, click here.
Komboloi Prayer Worry Beads by Jeannie Parnell. Available in many colors and sizes. Varies; mostly acrylic. Ships from Turkey to many countries. $4-$18 USD
Scented Olive Seed Worry Beads by Culture Taste. Olive seeds and frankincense; cord material not specified. Ships worldwide. $14 USD
Scented Nutmeg Seed Worry Beads by Culture Taste. Nutmeg seeds and frankincense; cord material not specified. Ships worldwide. $21 USD
Worry Beads by Fredericks & Mae. Wood and horsehair. Ships to the USA only. $265 USD
Image by Lumbricus (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4doj2EVN71r0k1xoo1_r1_500.png)
Ritual without Religion
Kombolói are Greek thing. Throughout most of Greece, you can hear them click-clacking softly in the background as people go about their life, soothing themselves. They come in amber and coral and seeds and shiny metals and cheap, heavy plastic, and true fans will argue which material makes the most pleasing noise, or feels the most pleasing in the hand. But they agree on one thing- these are not a religious item.
That is somewhat unique; if you’re Catholic, for example, you might have seen the image above as a rosary, or if Buddhist, as prayer beads. But this Greek pastime is it’s own thing, separate from whatever religious belief the individual might have- the way taking deep breaths to calm oneself isn’t (usually) a religious act.
If you are looking for more variation in the way you perform magic in your game, worry beads might be an interesting addition. They would make a great basic healing spell, for example- something like “First Aid”, that any class could use to self-heal a small amount of damage. As the quality, rarity, and expense of the beads increases, so too could the power of the healing- to the point where a downed character might be able to use the beads to rally back, once a day. Certain people believe the beads become attuned to the user, which suggests self-targeting spells and perhaps even items that cannot be transferred between players once used. (For the rest of that article, see here, here, and here.)
If you’d like a to see a grizzled old man slinging beads outside a café, click here.
Komboloi Prayer Worry Beads by Jeannie Parnell. Available in many colors and sizes. Varies; mostly acrylic. Ships from Turkey to many countries. $4-$18 USD
Scented Olive Seed Worry Beads by Culture Taste. Olive seeds and frankincense; cord material not specified. Ships worldwide. $14 USD
Scented Nutmeg Seed Worry Beads by Culture Taste. Nutmeg seeds and frankincense; cord material not specified. Ships worldwide. $21 USD
Worry Beads by Fredericks & Mae. Wood and horsehair. Ships to the USA only. $265 USD
Image by Lumbricus (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons
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Video reblogged from Little Details. Apparently.[Flash 10 is required to watch video]
Have a lovely NSFW DIY Friday, gentle readers.
A Victoria knot is a Four-In-Hand knot with an extra turn.
This one’s called the Victoria knot.
Music—Sohodolls - I’m Not Cool
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Update—This video has gotten more notes in 4 hours than the previous one earned in 3 weeks. One can only deduce that Tumblr prefers the Victoria knot to the Windsor.
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Entirely New Old Language Discovered! ~ Images from 50 years ago: 1962 ~ Things I Might Try During Hurricane Season ~ Not Everyone is Honest or Accurate: Things to Think About When Reading (and Writing!) About the Past ~ Pretty Butterflies are Pretty ~ Broken Heroes in Fantasy (I’m particularly interested in the experiences of larpers with various abilities; I imagine you’d have some keen insights on the matter) ~ Design Your Own DC Converse ~ A Girl Live Roleplays an MMO, and Gets Her Own GW2 NPC ~ How Did I Not Know About Jennie Breedan’s Larping Comic??
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It is absolutely much more challenging to find costume clothes in a regular store as a man. It seems as if the vast machinery of Western fashion cannot cease inventing odd ways for women to dress, or using clever references in cuts and ruffles to evoke the past. Meanwhile, men’s shirts come in Button Down, Polo, and T-shirt, and may the elder gods help you if you want something else!
With that in mind, I’ve collect the basics for a Napoleon-inspired modern ensemble, all of which would be suitable for larping. There is a zipper on the men’s jacket, but if you are crafty that can be modified and if you are not, it can at least be painted or colored a dark grey. Or you can simply pretend to be a modern Napoleon. Either way, enjoy!
Image by Antoine-Jean Gros [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Bottom Left: LAB:CO by B:SCOTT High-Neck Sweatshirt via Urban Outfitters. Cotton. Ships to many countries. $89 USD
Bottom Center: Rude White Skinny Fit Denim Jeans via Hot Topic. 98% cotton; 2% spandex. Ships to many countries. $37 USD
Bottom Right: Funtasma by Pleaser Men’s Halloween Gotham-100 Boot by Funtasma. Made from synthetic materials. Ships to many countries. $46-$132 USD, depending on size
Pirate Man Boot Covers via Costumes 4 Less. Polyurethane. Ships to the US only. $19 USD
![Advanced Symbolism Slinging: A.K.A. The Clergy
I spend a great deal of time on this blog talking about the origins of garments, and what they might symbolize to the character- but the truth is, many characters will not be consciously aware why they are wearing these things, no matter how much of a costuming nerd the player might be.
Unless, of course, your character is a member of a priesthood.
Religion, nearly by definition, involves the use of symbols. Who can use these symbols, and when, may be fast and loose or highly formalized; it depends, to some degree, on how formal the religion itself is.
For example, a priest of the Orthodox church has no fewer than thirteen components to their official robes, each with a specific origin and purpose. (To see them in action, click here.) Being aware of these symbols is a part of the role of the clergy; they could not teach the laypeople their importance if they did not know them themselves. If your character is a member of a religious order, it is highly likely that some or all of their garb will have specific religious meanings that the character should know. Whether they do, of course, is variable; there can be delinquent friars in any universe.
Note: When you’re buying garb for a religious costume, you might want to do some research before purchasing actual religious materials. There are some pretty (if quite expensive) things available online, but they may not be meant for secular use. I generally hold the rule that I don’t mind if I offend, but I do not want to hurt; if you are of a similar mind, then take the time to consult with an authority from the religion you’re appropriating to get a sense of what their opinion would be on their garb being re-purposed as your larping gear.
Image credit: By Laurits Tuxen (1853-1927) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
Personalizable Sash via E-tradeUSA. Satin ribbon and embroidery thread. Ships worldwide. $9 USD
Paper Magic Men’s Priest Robe Costume via Best Costume Site. 100% Polyester. Ships worldwide. $21 USD
PS Orthodox Church garb featured by a special request from Fair Escape!](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4qouvz5ms1r0k1xoo1_1280.jpg)
![Ritual without Religion
Kombolói are Greek thing. Throughout most of Greece, you can hear them click-clacking softly in the background as people go about their life, soothing themselves. They come in amber and coral and seeds and shiny metals and cheap, heavy plastic, and true fans will argue which material makes the most pleasing noise, or feels the most pleasing in the hand. But they agree on one thing- these are not a religious item.
That is somewhat unique; if you’re Catholic, for example, you might have seen the image above as a rosary, or if Buddhist, as prayer beads. But this Greek pastime is it’s own thing, separate from whatever religious belief the individual might have- the way taking deep breaths to calm oneself isn’t (usually) a religious act.
If you are looking for more variation in the way you perform magic in your game, worry beads might be an interesting addition. They would make a great basic healing spell, for example- something like “First Aid”, that any class could use to self-heal a small amount of damage. As the quality, rarity, and expense of the beads increases, so too could the power of the healing- to the point where a downed character might be able to use the beads to rally back, once a day. Certain people believe the beads become attuned to the user, which suggests self-targeting spells and perhaps even items that cannot be transferred between players once used. (For the rest of that article, see here, here, and here.)
If you’d like a to see a grizzled old man slinging beads outside a café, click here.
Komboloi Prayer Worry Beads by Jeannie Parnell. Available in many colors and sizes. Varies; mostly acrylic. Ships from Turkey to many countries. $4-$18 USD
Scented Olive Seed Worry Beads by Culture Taste. Olive seeds and frankincense; cord material not specified. Ships worldwide. $14 USD
Scented Nutmeg Seed Worry Beads by Culture Taste. Nutmeg seeds and frankincense; cord material not specified. Ships worldwide. $21 USD
Worry Beads by Fredericks & Mae. Wood and horsehair. Ships to the USA only. $265 USD
Image by Lumbricus (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4doj2EVN71r0k1xoo1_r1_1280.png)
