Last week, I shared my Florida Supercon cosplay with you all, but I want to share everyone else’s amazing cosplay with you all this week. Honestly, I was so happy to see an increase in the quantity (& quality) of cosplay this year at Supercon. I’m proud that my little, at times, judgmental and superficial city is embracing their geek side. Way to go, Miami! {image heavy post}
This past weekend was Miami’s biggest comic book convention, Florida Supercon. It’s held on Miami Beach and hosts an array of vendors and special guests (still a little bummed Billie Piper canceled). Although it ain’t no SDCC, it is the best we have here in South Florida and I really appreciate the push to support geeky culture down here. I have faith that in a few years, SuperCon may grow to be one of the best in the country.
I knew I wanted to cosplay, but also knew I would be rocking a nearly 6 month baby bump. I immediately got to thinking about what I could make work with a more round shape, and then it came to me: OH MY GLOB! Clearly, I had to be Adventure Time’s Lumpy Space Princess. It was a hit and for the most part, comfortable. I was just completely drained by the end of the day – I ain’t what I used to be. 😉
Dress; Tobi {similar|similar}
Sneakers; Fila via Zulily
Wig; Amazon
Star hair pin; DIY
Necklace; Etsy
Nail Polish; Essie’s Play Date
Lipstick; Maybelline Vivids’ Brazen Berry
Being a newbie in the cosplay world, I am still grappling with how to do things my way.
I know I can’t sew and even though I’m creative, I kind of suck with DIY most of the time if it is overly complex. This makes me have to go more traditional routes when I want to do a cosplay (i.e., store bought). However, I’m pretty happy with how my Star Lord turned out for last weekend’s Magic City Comic Con. I had wanted to do a sexy Star Lord (or Star Lady) ever since I saw a photo of a girl rocking some booty shorts and boots.
There is always that one moment as a newb cosplayer where you are absolutely terrified your outfit will flop or you won’t be recognized, etc. However, I was pleasantly surprised with all the acknowledgements I did get, whether on social media or in person at the Con. Overall, I think it was a great outfit and I’m happy to say that I didn’t spend too much money putting it together. In fact, it was pretty affordable and all the clothing pieces are things that I will wear in my regular day to day, so I thought it would be fun to share with all of you that think cosplaying is too difficult or stressful!
Shirt; Old Navy
Shorts; Old Navy {similar}
Jacket; Forever 21
Boots; Target {similar}
Walkman; Etsy
Mask & gun; Toys R Us
This year was my first attending Animate Miami, and I had a great time! I had always wanted to cosplay as a Sailor Scout for as long as I could remember, but lets face it. If you want to really look the part, you have to spend some major bucks. Luckily, the Australian clothing brand, Living Dead Clothing created the most adorable Sailor Scout skater dresses that screamed everyday cosplay. I’d featured the Sailor Jupiter dress in past must haves, and I finally took the plunge and bought it! I was able to pair it with some amazing accessories from Etsy seller, UniqueCosplayProps.
It was so fun walking around and finding other fellow Moonies that were cosplaying – I think you could say that I caught the cosplay bug big time. I’m already putting together my next cosplay for Magic City Comic Con (& it’s going to be awesome)! Although Animate seemed very small – I was happy to see some of my old favorites, such as Brian and Matt Reedy and Jessica Grundy, as well as some new ones, like Silvertales. I also really wish the A/C was turned up a little more – it was wicked cold (at times, uncomfortably so) especially in my outfit.
I missed the voice actors for Sailor Moon since I went on Sunday (boo hiss), but I expected more Sailor Moon merch! I’ve been trying to find some fun and unique pieces at all the cons I’ve gone to but haven’t been successful. The closest I got was this killer Sailor Moon art print from Matt Reedy (which is adorable), but I hope to find more – don’t let me down, Magic City!
I have loved to dress up since I can remember. My favorite holiday was always Halloween and whether it was myself or my parents choosing my costume, it was always quite the affair. I’m pretty sure without any social norms (those suck by the way), I would be running around in some form of costume on a daily basis (tutu’s are functional, every-day wear). With that said, I am not crafty. Well, I am, but in the way I can use a glue gun and a pair of scissors. I cannot sew, nor do I really trust myself to get near a machine, despite the fact that I own one. You may think this makes me a cosplay failure, and maybe to some it does, but I have embraced my terrible home ec skills and have gone another route: store bought.
Store bought costumes not only save you stress, but also save your wallet! Here are some budget ways to make your store bought costume unique and creative;
1. Accessorize! Many store bought costumes just come with the basics or offer accessories as extras. Take that chance to skip out on the extra bits and find or make your own. For my Babydoll cosplay, I got my swords from Geek Chic HQ. They were extremely affordable, but definitely made a statement. Check out the rest of their swag – you’ll be impressed with their craftsmanship!
2. Use Your Closet! You may find functional pieces in your own wardrobe! Rather than buying a pair of black maryjanes I probably would never wear again, I opted for raiding my collection and finding a much better looking pair of black wedged booties (oldies from ShoeDazzle). They gave the same effect, but flattered the look. Sure, it wouldn’t be considered “accurate,” but these tips are ultimately for a more casual cosplayer like myself.
3. Makeup! Everyone knows the right makeup pulls any look together, and costumes are no exception. Reference character photos and look up YouTube tutorials if need be. For my Babydoll look, I knew I had to go with smoky eyes and a nude lip. Makeup was the last bit I added while getting ready, and I was shocked to see how it all came together the second I “put on my face.”
4. Swag! It’s all about the acting when you don cosplay. Get into character, don’t be afraid to be silly and be confident! Even while taking these shots, my husband was directing me to get into bad-ass-chick-with-swords-and-a-tiny-skirt poses, and at first I felt ridiculous. However, I eventually relaxed and was shocked with the final outcome. When I let go and tried to embody the little ass kicking persona that is Babydoll, I looked legit. I mean, do you see those squats? Hardcore.
5. Pick the right site! Not all costume sites are created equal. Make sure to shop around and find the right one with quality merchandise. My costume came from Costume Super Center, and I loved the product. For the price, it came with a lot of pieces, leaving me with a small laundry list of additional props and accessories. I also loved their selection of geeky costume options. Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough (& ripped enough) to don their iconic Slave Leia piece!
Sponsored post; Very special thanks to Costume Super Center, who provided my costume for me in return for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.