Buffalo Goes Gatsby - roaring 20's event prep
I haven't been what I'd call excited about much in a while, but I'm starting to get stoked about Buffalo Goes Gatsby, a roaring 20's theme event happening at the end of March.
Since it's quicker and cheaper to order a decent dress rather than make one (especially with beading and fringe), I'm going full metal retail on this bitch. Black bob wig, nylons (with a line up the back), feathered headpiece, peacock shawl (coffee) and long Art Deco earrings have arrived. Deep red flapper dress fringed and beaded in black, T-strap shoes, peacock shawl (like the one pictured below, but in black to go with the red dress), necklace and gaudy ring are on the way. Opera gloves and Plan B dress from my current stock of clubbing attire.
Anything that I don't absolutely love will be shipped back and I have a number of Plan B options in case anything's not working and there's not enough time to order something else. I may decide that the wig's too much of a pain with the headband, which is non-negotiable, so I'm experimenting with some quick / easy 20's styles. Here's my Plan B outfit (sans wig) in action, with a chopstick standing in for a cigarette holder, since this kind of outfit just screams for one:
Closeup of non-negotiable headband (wherein I tried for "smoldering" and achieved "grumpy", or possibly "vintage resting bitchface"):
I even got a Groupon for lash extensions at Frenchy's set up for a few days before the event. There's a danger of them damaging my natural lashes, but those are so sparse, that I think it's worth the risk. I'm hopeless at applying false eyelashes. I'm also pretty awful at makeup, so I'll be toiling through some tutorials. I have yet to find an eyeshadow product that does anything magical for me. Here's hoping I'll find a clue in there somewhere.
As I'm writing this, the red dress arrived two days ahead of schedule. I was worried it would be too tight, but it's comfortable. It's actually a bit loose, plus I'm determined to drop ten pounds before the event. For under $30 (!) it's an amazing dress, so I bit the bullet and ordered another one in a size smaller, then I can keep the best fit and send the other one back. The ring also arrived. It's not rocking my world, and I can definitely live without it, so back it goes.
These are screen shots from my webcam. I've gotten into the habit of filming myself moving around in an outfit if possible before committing to it for a big event. It's great for seeing what works and what doesn't. This is also a good kick in the pants to stay on board with my fitness routine. Definitely need to style the hair or wear the wig.
Meanwhile I'm building my 20's link hoard for future study....
Dance
Dance it will be A Thing at this event. I think I can manage these without breaking a leg or poking an eye out:
The Charleston (this chick must be on some good drugs, but good basic footwork)
Hen party Charleston dance lessons
Charleston footwork variations
Some 20's steps (good moves, but I had to turn off the sound)
Makeup
20's hair and makeup (Jordan Liberty)
20's makeup (Asiafe Dizon)
Tutorial with historical prospective (Zabrena)
Clasic Bronze Makeup (Chikk.net)
How to Blend Eyeshadow (XoVain)
Makeup Like a Painting (Makeup Mania)
Soft Look for Hazel Eyes (Makeup Mania)
Dramatic Lips (Chikk Magazine)
Lid Shading Technique (Chikk Magazine)
Red Eyeshadow Tutorial (Biohazardous Beauty)
Smokey Red Eyes Makeup Tutorial (Naomi Jon) (Naomi Jon)
Smokey Eyes and Bold Lips (Denitslava Makeup)
Hair Styles
Faux Bob
20's long hair styles
20's hair and makeup
Wardrobe links for future events
Fabulous cloche hats
I think the main reason I'm this engaged is that it gives me a distant-yet-close-enough target date to get my fitness resolve out of the toilet. Also - pretty clothes! Vintage, steampunk, Mardi Gras, Halloween, formal events sorted! So this is just me being practical. ;-)
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