Nova Albion: Shopping for Clothes You'll Never Wear
The day began with me traipsing over to
dracosphynx's apartment, wearing as promised, my new outfit. I discovered at this point the boots I had obtained the previous day were far too uncomfortable to wear for any significant amount of time, so retired to my car as soon as I could, to obtain my regular shoes.
I thought about dressing up like this... But sadly, the blouse is missing the lace on a sleeve.

So yet again, my shiny steampunk vest has been denied an opportunity to shine outside! I really need to buy a suitable shirt to go with it... Well, that's why I was collecting business cards from merchants.
We paid our day membership fee there and repaired to the dealers' rooms... Actually there were two, plus a large outside merchant area.
Let's take a visual tour, shall we?
The first thing I saw, and the most eyecatching display of all, was this selection of pocketbelts. I did not know these were a thing! I so crave one, but
haikujaguar points out they are costume items and would not accessorize well with a normal daily wear. But, they nicely solve the problem of fashion not having pockets.
So, from Blue Moon Designs I present:




Around the back of the room was an interesting selection of jackets, vests, and pouches... Embroidered! Check these out, from Kyla's Keepsakes:



In the upstairs dealer's room was this fine selection of blasting implements. I don't have the maker's card, sadly, but I thought
jordangreywolf would be amused by the chainsaw guns:

We padded out to check out the open-air merchant area. Kim tried on these fine jackets by Samiah. I took note of the shirt that was under the vest-- it'd be perfect for the steampunk vest I already have! Sadly they didn't have any to sell, but I asked for a business card so I could inquire after the show.


And on my second look around, I spotted this interesting bandolier by Opera Scura:

Investigating this bandolier and the pocket belts mentioned above has been pretty interesting as an experience. I didn't see these at the show, but they should have been there!
Dual under-the-arm holster bags by Darklysewn
Blaster bag worn as a holster by Jungle Tribe
Sadly, the 'blaster bag' is more appropriate to wear by women, but I'm definitely considering whether I could get away with something like that!
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
I thought about dressing up like this... But sadly, the blouse is missing the lace on a sleeve.

So yet again, my shiny steampunk vest has been denied an opportunity to shine outside! I really need to buy a suitable shirt to go with it... Well, that's why I was collecting business cards from merchants.
We paid our day membership fee there and repaired to the dealers' rooms... Actually there were two, plus a large outside merchant area.
Let's take a visual tour, shall we?
The first thing I saw, and the most eyecatching display of all, was this selection of pocketbelts. I did not know these were a thing! I so crave one, but
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
So, from Blue Moon Designs I present:




Around the back of the room was an interesting selection of jackets, vests, and pouches... Embroidered! Check these out, from Kyla's Keepsakes:



In the upstairs dealer's room was this fine selection of blasting implements. I don't have the maker's card, sadly, but I thought
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)

We padded out to check out the open-air merchant area. Kim tried on these fine jackets by Samiah. I took note of the shirt that was under the vest-- it'd be perfect for the steampunk vest I already have! Sadly they didn't have any to sell, but I asked for a business card so I could inquire after the show.


And on my second look around, I spotted this interesting bandolier by Opera Scura:

Investigating this bandolier and the pocket belts mentioned above has been pretty interesting as an experience. I didn't see these at the show, but they should have been there!
Dual under-the-arm holster bags by Darklysewn
Blaster bag worn as a holster by Jungle Tribe
Sadly, the 'blaster bag' is more appropriate to wear by women, but I'm definitely considering whether I could get away with something like that!
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The blaster bag is pretty awesome, but I don't think I could justify that price tag to myself for one item. @_@
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Unsolicited advice away!
Hmm. This is all so costumey. I like costumey, but for day to day approachability, you may want to consider a different costume. Nothing wrong with fun clothes, of course, but expand your taste out a bit. :)
Because you are slender and have delicate lovely features (that are really standing out with the new haircut!), you should consider 'dapper' as a fashion style to try out. Classic suiting separates, comfortable but structured jackets, sharp satchels, and snazzy ties! It's this style that geek-chic pulls from, so of course it looks way hot with glasses.
Some inspiration.
More inspiration.
Casual inspiration.
If fashion is intimidating, try 'uniform dressing'. Buy a few great items in multiples! Find a pair of trousers or a shirt that fits perfectly? Buy three in different colors! You don't have to wear completely different outfits each day. In fact, having multiple items that are similar is how you define a style for yourself.
Buying good quality clothing in natural fabrics means that you won't have to replace beloved items as often. If it's perfect, splurge because it's actually more cost effective in the long run!
ps- If I lived locally to you, I'd totally take you out shopping!
pps- lighten up on the hair goop- work a quarter sized glob with both of your hands in from back to front and let it just fluff out! It's a great cut, let it do its thang.
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My mind keeps trying to nit-pick the design of the blasters when I look at them. Engineering kitty };>.
Regarding carrying things, there's always the satchel route. I'm personally reluctant to wear anything with a shoulder strap, but that's my hang-up, not anything that reflects on their utility (and they'd be darned useful; the "murse" trend proves that).