Putting Together Your Cosplay Costume

admin On March - 7 - 2011

A lot of people find cosplays fun. The word “cosplay” is a Japanese contraction for the term “costume play”, where participants don costumes and dress up to look like characters from anime, from video and roleplaying games, from fantasy and science fiction stories, and sometimes from live action programs. In Japan, some people who engage in cosplays dress up as a popular J-pop (Japanese pop) or J-rock (Japanese rock) artist.

Most anime and comics conventions have cosplay events worked into their program to cater to people who love doing cosplay. There is no real point to cosplay; people dress up as their favorite characters simply for the sake of dressing up as them. When they gather at cosplay events, they spend most of their time showing off in their detailed and elaborate costumes, check out the costumes worn by the other participants, and to take pictures. Cosplay events are fun events, even if they are wacky, outrageous, and sometimes downright weird.

Deciding What Costume to Wear to a Cosplay

So, if you are going to a cosplay and it is your first time to attend one, how do you figure out what costume you are going to wear? First of all, you need to find out what kind of cosplay it is going to be. Is it going to be a purely anime or manga (the Japanese comic book) cosplay? Is it a fantasy or science fiction convention? What is the theme of the cosplay event? Knowing this beforehand will definitely help you narrow down your choices on what costume to wear to the event. It will also save you from the embarrassment of showing up and being totally out of place, like going to a cosplay event as a character from The Lord of the Rings at a Star Trek cosplay event.

Once you have figured out the theme for the cosplay event, you then have to decide which character you are going as to the affair. Do you have a favorite character that you are just dying to impersonate, even for just this event? Choose a character and study his or her costume. You will certainly find pictures on the Internet that will help you take in the details of this character’s costume.

If the character of your choice appears in different costumes, such as the character Sakura in the anime Card Captor Sakura, you ought to choose which costume is most identified with this character. The fun in cosplay is being recognized immediately whom you are dressed up as. What is the use of going to a cosplay if no one recognizes your character because the costume you have chosen is not that popular?

Should You Buy or Should You Make Your Costume?

Would it not be nice if you have the skills to be able to make your own costume for your cosplay event? Some people are just handy with needles and threads and can use the sewing machine without a lot of difficulties. Making your own costumes gives you the chance to get all the details of your costume right, and it always feels good to show up at a cosplay event decked in a costume that you worked on yourself.

Unfortunately, not everyone is gifted with the ability to work with needles, cloth and thread. In this case, you can go to a dressmaker with a picture or a sketch of the costume you have in mind and ask the dressmaker to make it for you. A good dressmaker can come up with a satisfactory set that you can proudly wear to the cosplay, but you cannot expect him or her to get all the details right.
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Most women do not wear the correct bra size. With monthly water retention cycles, dieting, and general aging, it also should not be assumed that the size you were two years ago is the same size you are today (or that a bra can be worn that long, for that matter). Even a change of 5 pounds can change your bra size. This guide will help you to properly measure your bust, so that you can find the size for you.

While most shops will have a salesperson to assist you in proper measurements, in order to buy sexy lingerie from a catalog, it is important to know your size.

How To Know If Your Current Bra Does Not Fit

The back rides up. This may mean that the cups are too small, or the band is too tight. The front of the band is too tight to get a finger under it. This means you need a larger band.

The bra cups should be entirely filled, or you may need a smaller cup. If, on the other hand, the cups are overflowing, you may need a larger cup or a different style of bra.

If the underwire digs in, you may need a larger cup size. (Or your bra could just be very old. In either case, it’s time to replace it.) This could also be an indication that the side wings of the bra are not large enough.

Proper Measurements

First, you will need three measurements: under bust, upper bust, and full bust.
For under the bust, measure directly under your bust. With all measurements, hold the tape secure but not too tight. For the upper bust, measure above the bust and below the arms.

If the difference between the under and upper bust is less than two inches, the under bust is your band size (round up to nearest even number). If the difference is more than two inches, add 2-3″ to the under bust measurement to get an even number and use this as your band size. For the full bust, measure around a fullest part of your breast. Make sure the tape is secure around the back.

Your cup size is determined by your full bust measurement – your upper bust measurement. If the difference is less than 1″, you are a AA, 1″ is an A, 2″ is a B, 3″ is a C, 4″ is a D, 5″ is a DD (or an E), etc.

Beyond Measurements

Of course, your measurements are just the beginning. There are other things to keep in mind when looking for a comfortable, yet sexy bra.

When trying on different bras, make sure that the area in between the two cups actually comes into contact with your chest. Do not make the straps support your breast alone! This will be very uncomfortable over long periods of time, the bra will wear out quickly, and the pressure on the straps can cause back problems.

If you are finding the band sizes to differ for a different brand, you may also need to change your cup size. Generally, as you decrease the band size, you will need to increase your cup size, while a larger band will call for a smaller cup.

Bra Styles
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Prom time is almost here and choosing from so many styles and shapes of prom dresses isn’t easy. It takes time and patience to try on all those prom dresses, hoping to find just the right dress for your special evening. You should first find a prom dress that flatters your body type, or silhouette. Use the guide below to find out what type of body shape you have and which prom dress will best complement your shape.

Determining Your Body Shape

It’s important to determine your body shape before you start shopping for prom gowns. Once you know which types of prom dresses will best suit you, you won’t waist time trying on those that won’t.

Are you Thin and Tall?

Here’s a way to tell: Your body is straight and slender, has few or no curves, and your bust is average in size. Your height is 5′ 6″ or taller. If you meet these criteria, you’ll want to buy a prom dress style that adds curves, shows off your long legs, flows gracefully to reveal your slim silhouette, and adds fullness to your chest.

Try on dresses with several different neckline styles including v-neck or an open neckline to see which looks best. Also, dare to try a dress with a cutout back. Some prom dress styles to consider are empire, sheath, ball gown, and a-line.

Are you Petite?

If you are 5′ 3″ or shorter with a small build and an average sized bust, you’ll want a dress to complement the petite such as an empire, sheath or a-line prom gown. With a slit, you can make your legs appear longer. Or, you can look much taller by wearing a dress with a short hemline. The hemline might be ruffled, handkerchief, hi/low, or asymmetrical – whichever best suits you. There are also a-line and empire styles to take emphasis off your waistline if you are short-waisted. Your neckline could be sweetheart, halter, or v-shape.

Do you have an Hourglass, Pear, or Apple Shape?

With an hourglass shape, you are curvy with a medium-to-large sized bust. Your bottom is rounded and you have curvy hips. You can show off the curves with a sheath dress or de-emphasize them somewhat with a ball gown or a-line dress. To place more emphasis on the upper portion of your body, choose a dress with an embellished neckline.
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Prom Dresses are for Curvy Girls, Too!

admin On March - 3 - 2011

Those of us who grew up as plus-size girls may have less than fond memories of proms, homecoming dances, or even our quinceanera. Back in our day, self-esteem and body image issues were compounded by the sheer lack of plus-size prom dresses and formal eveningwear. Plus-size fashion was an oxymoron, and most of the clothing that was available simply wasn’t appropriate for formal occasions.

Thankfully, times have changed. Not only are curvy girls staking their rightful claims on the prom and homecoming scenes, but wonderfully fashionable prom dresses are available in all sizes. If you’re a plus-size girl, there’s no need to be a wallflower. You can dazzle and shine at your special event alongside your friends.

Choosing Plus-Size Prom Dresses

It’s never too soon to start shopping for prom dresses. When you do, be sure to check out two of the best plus-size lines: Calito and Igigi. If you’re looking for a long formal, first think about the bodice. Do you want wide straps, spaghetti straps, or a strapless formal? Would you prefer that the bodice be fitted or more flowing? (Remember, don’t be afraid to show your curves!)

Next, think about the skirt. Do you want a long formal where the hem reaches almost to the floor, or do you want something more playful, like a handkerchief hem or an asymmetrical hem? Then, consider your fabrication options. A satin crepe will hug your body and show your curves to their best advantage, an organdy will make you feel ultra-feminine, and a shimmer fabric will have you sparkling inside and out.
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