Cosplay for Everyone!!!

Friends, Romans, G.N.O.C.chis,
Today, I have found a well of imagination and escapism; and, I share it with you . . .
Aradani Studios!!!!

A minimum hassle cosplayer, I have always shied away from prosthetics.  Not because they did not interest me.  No!  Rather, because they either did not come in the right color, or because they were too expensive for me to test them out.  But, behold! Aradani Studios is said to be both cheap ad good quality. Amy Ratcliff over at Pink Raygun recently did a blog on "Dressing Up Elf", and reccomended this shop.

I'm so excited, I can't even explain - so keep reading so you'll understand!




My first cosplay was as a succubi at Ren Fest.  I knew what a succubus was, but not comfortable walking around mostly nude (which, yes, you can do at Ren Fest: no, she is not wearing anything under that), I decided to interpret the creature in my own way.  My succubus was going to be elegant, dark, and deadly.  I've never been one who believes that showing skin is necessary to be sexy.  On a budget, but not willing to sacrifice quality, I went around to various costume sores; not knowing what I was looking for, but knowing it had to be awesome.  And it was.

I ended up buying a burgundy and black, crushed velvet floor-length hooded dress and two-color wings that gradually changed from black to burgundy - each feather had been individually attached and layered for a more realistic look.  Wanting to add a bit more other-worldlyness to the outfit, I bought these beautifully hand-carved horns at the Fest, and basked in the admiration.  Somewhere out there, people have a random picture of me in that costume; and, I'm sorry for that.

See, as it was my first cosplay, I didn't know how to pose.  So when people would see me walking around, and ask to take my picture - I would smile . . .  as though I was myself.  But,when you cosplay, even your photographs are in character.  I don't think people told me that the costume "fit me" because they liked my smile.  In fact, I know they didn't because I don't go around with a photo-ready smile plastered on my face.  I should have agreed to the photo, then arrogantly looked at the camera - either smirking or licking my lips.  Uhg.  I know this now.

All my cosplay since has been either Ren Fest or St. Trinian's; and, while I love those costumes (nothing makes you feel more like a woman than a tight-laced bodice or a short skirt with heels), Aradani Studios will help me get back to the true meaning of cosplay - elves, vampires, and other fantastical creatures.

I currently have pink circle lenses and I'm planning on buying sea elf ears.  I have no idea what I'm going to be, but whatever it is, it'll be awesome.