A hatband could be not only an opportunity to add a color accent but a convenient place to stash a suitably embellished pen, flashlight, or other thematic (and even IRL useful) small tool/prop.
Steam up a bag. Carrying stuff is always an issue at cons. A big purse or shoulder bag would be another area of embellishment as well as being practical. If you made/decorated a backpack it would give a focal point from the back, as I'm guessing the back of your coat is plain.
I'm huge on socks, so I'd say get some skirt lifters and awesome socks (and boots omfg)! Footwear can often change the look of something completely so it would be an easy way to transform this from fancy lady to rough and tough adventurer quickly and easily.
I know you said you like color, but I think having 4 different colors (5 if you included the gold) in one outfit is a bit too much. Maybe put the corset underneath the blouse and skirt so there more focus on the coat?
The gold chain part on the left is too heavy. Maybe move that part to the bottom at the waist to create an asymmetric look and not to flog yourself when you jump around?
I think adding a petticoat or crinoline would help with the silhouette.
I am also not a super fan of the grey blouse (although I think I have that exact same one ^-^) with the brown, but if you think it works better live then go for it! If you have a sort of bone or cream one though, that might go better? The armwarmers are lovely - I'm knitting a pair for myself though so I may be biased ^-^
Right now, all the points of interest are pointing down towards your waist. I think you're right that the top needs something - maybe some kind of holster-like thing that would give you carrying space without impeding movement? Or some kind of nice steamy broach?
I made a pretty complicated necklace that draws the attention up, and the hat helps. I'm going to post pictures of the necklace once my camera functions again.
The blouse is blue (not that that helps). Honestly, I couldn't find one in any color other than stark white, which -really- doesn't work. (Size is an issue, and finding something flattering)
I think I'll go back to blouse hunting. Do you think black might work, or would that run into the same problem?
I really like all the colors together (I, also, am a big fan of lots-of-color). I think what you could do is maybe tie in the color shirts with the hat by putting in a big matching feather, or tying a matching scarf over the ribbon band or something like that. Also, rather than the lacy-knitted cuffs you could do some type of leather or metal cuff with a relevant accessory attached (watch, compass, whatever). Rather than a backpack, I think some sort of large-belt-combination-hip-bag would work well, too.
Don't be afraid of going past the traditional "steampunk" color palette of brown, beige, white and black! The Victorians LOVED color, much to the extent that some of their combinations would even assault our modern color sensibility. I love the color combination, and if you like it, go for it! Also, as the GM, the unexpected color combo will make you stand out in the game.
(PS, my icon is an outfit that I wore at World Steam last year, lots of color, very little brown. Yay color!)
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Comments (23)
the_thread_lady
I think maybe it is the color combination - there are too many colors. Try a white blouse maybe? Or a red one to match the skirt.
And it is begging for a jaunty hat and stripped stockings!
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when1wasaboy
I did add a brown hat which ties the jacket in nicely. Stockings are a brilliant idea!
Forgive me, I love color.
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full_metal_ox
(And note that the combination of brown, black, and pinkish-red looks just fine on painted lady butterflies and underwing moths.)
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daintynymph
I'm huge on socks, so I'd say get some skirt lifters and awesome socks (and boots omfg)! Footwear can often change the look of something completely so it would be an easy way to transform this from fancy lady to rough and tough adventurer quickly and easily.
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when1wasaboy
I'm going to gear out another bag, just for fun, but I can't carry it b/c of the GM thing.
I like the idea of socks and skirt lifters! I have some really cool boots that tie the black back in too, so showing them off would be good.
Thank you!
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selkiechick
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eriss
The gold chain part on the left is too heavy. Maybe move that part to the bottom at the waist to create an asymmetric look and not to flog yourself when you jump around?
I think adding a petticoat or crinoline would help with the silhouette.
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when1wasaboy
I'm worried about adding puff to the skirt, given that it might make me look bigger than I already am. I have one I can try though, and see.
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dragonfriek
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elanya
Right now, all the points of interest are pointing down towards your waist. I think you're right that the top needs something - maybe some kind of holster-like thing that would give you carrying space without impeding movement? Or some kind of nice steamy broach?
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when1wasaboy
The blouse is blue (not that that helps). Honestly, I couldn't find one in any color other than stark white, which -really- doesn't work. (Size is an issue, and finding something flattering)
I think I'll go back to blouse hunting. Do you think black might work, or would that run into the same problem?
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eriss
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when1wasaboy
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mercat
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luveday
Don't be afraid of going past the traditional "steampunk" color palette of brown, beige, white and black! The Victorians LOVED color, much to the extent that some of their combinations would even assault our modern color sensibility. I love the color combination, and if you like it, go for it! Also, as the GM, the unexpected color combo will make you stand out in the game.
(PS, my icon is an outfit that I wore at World Steam last year, lots of color, very little brown. Yay color!)
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chelseagirl47
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when1wasaboy
Thanks for the validation here, I (obviously) am really into the colors, but agree that the blue needs to be tied back in somehow.
I'm thinking hatband is the best idea, to pull the eye, so to speak.
I'm going to give the tea-dyed blouse a try because having two to wear never hurts, but I'm also going fabric hunting.
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