ANOTHER SUPER SATISFIED CUSTOMER

The first time I ever encountered Kiss was My older brother took me along to girl's house he was trying go out with and she just bought Hotter then Hell. I sat there and stared at that cover for over 45 minutes and I was riveted to the music. I never heard anything like that before. I went home that night and found 3 Kiss songs on a compilation 8 track cassette my brother had. We went to see them for the first time and they were wearing the Alive suits and I made my first Gene costume from photos in the Alive LP.

When Destroyer came out and I saw that Ken Kelly artwork of their new suits I was in awe. When photos were floating around in magazines and I saw that armor suit all I could think about was getting one or making it. I tried a few times to make a suit like that unsuccessfully.

Well, fast forward some 30+ years later while on the internet looking at Kiss photos I see a link to a kiss costume website. I could not stop looking at the photos and reading the articles. I try to find out who this Barry Carr is. I finally find him on Facebook and E-mail him. After a bunch of e-mails and seeing his other Kiss costumes I was hooked. I talked to a few people who own his suits and they swore by him and his costumes. After some wheeling and Dealing I have him get started on my Destroyer suit. I mean the anticipation of finally owning the suit that I lusted after for over 3 decades was in reach. After sending in my deposit and measurements It was all going to happen. Barry was a pleasure to deal with and knows his shit for sure. Just yesterday the boxes arrived and I was almost shaking as I took them in. The suit was beyond my wildest expectations. It was awesome to say the least. I wore it for over an hour. I could not stop looking in the mirror. I am a costume and prop maker and i know when a costume is done right and how much effort goes into something and this is 100% top notch craftsmanship. I am now one happy son- of-a -bitch.

Thanks so much Barry...

Barrie.

More than one way to help Japan

Our friends at PARK are putting together a fundraiser in partnership with the Gerry Thomas Gallery here in Calgary, the event takes place on April 7th and will include a Silent Auction, an Art Exhibition and a presentation of the Caitlin Power A/W 2011 Collection and most importantly all the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross towards the Japanese disaster relief. We are so proud to see our city collaborate on so many levels to help out our Eastern neighbours. If you are in the Calgary area next Thursday make sure to come support PARK at this great event. For more information go to their blog, http://stateofthepark.blogspot.com/ or visit their facebook page here. 

Also remember to 'like' our facebook page for a chance to donate $1/every like to Japanese disaster relief. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Joseph Ribkoff in the blogosphere

We love finding Bellissima brands on other blogs, so it's no exception that we fell in love with Fashion Pearls of Wisdom. The vintage Ribkoff jacket looks amazing with the rest of the outfit, what a classic and signature piece. Camel (dare we say beige) is definitely a must have color for spring. Do you have any classic Bellissima styles to share with us? We'd love to see them.

photo source: www.fashionpearlsofwisdom.blogspot.com

Reading Room: April

I wanted to start a new section on the blog where I share with you the latest and most talked about books in fashion and pop culture. I already mentioned one book I have recently read, 'Hungry' by Crystal Renn a couple of months ago (to view the entry click here). I always stumble upon great reads during my research or just when I am flipping through a magazine (and even sometimes channel surfing), there, literally is inspiration everywhere. I picked up the copy of 'Unbearable Lightnesss' at a Christmas Dinner we went to in December. Intrigued by the fact it was written by Portia de Rossi (aka. Ellen de Generes' significant other) I read it in one sitting. I love books which require me to reach out and research the topic. I googled constantly white reading this book, they don't provide you with many photos, and they also often refer to clips from Ally McBeal. There are some great interviews with Portia also if you find yourself wanting to know more. A word of warning to those with weak stomachs, she goes into some horrid details in the book, describing her battle with anorexia. Overall it's a great read, definitely an eye opener to both the disease itself as well as the elusive world that is Hollywood.

The Daily Drunk Dial!

I'm a little confused about whether she works at eBay or Jamba Juice, but Eunice IS a lovely name, and Ryan DID look good in that lil' shirt and those lil' pants, so I'm not gonna hate. Also, Yo-Yo's! Who wants a drink?!

Miss Colombia Universe 2011 - "New Nose"

Miss Colombia Universe 2011 - "New Nose"

Subtle Product Placement of the Year!

Yikes.

Racist Children's Video of the Week!

Oh mylanta!

Current Events Update of the Week (Angry Birds Edition)

Stetson are cool!

The start of the new series is soon upon us, and as everyone knows it opens with a special two-part adventure set in America.

From the trailers and publicity still out so far, it appears The Doctor accessorises with appropriate American headwear – a Stetson!

Some more recent candid pictures emerged of the filing for a later episode, and the Stetson seems to crop up again (see left), this time giving us a much better view of it and the chance to find a match.

A bit more classy than the fez from last year, there are a number of places to easily get authentic Stetsons – in screen-accurate designs!

Some eagle-eyed members of the RPF have found out that it’s a Stetson 2X (see right).

Thanks goes to Calufrax for finding the follow sources for Stetsons.

Sheplers

Sell a good range of cowboy gear, and have the correct Stetson for $64.99.

Stetson Hutchins 2X wool cowboy hat

From an international buyer’s point of view they are great, as they not only ship internationally, they list their prices in a wide range of currencies from a global drop-down menu.

Stock levels are indicated when you choose your size, so you can order confident that they can send the one you want.

They ship International, though I had to hunt to find my country as the list the UK as England, Scotland and Wales separately.
Shipping to England is an eye-watering $45.33, over half the cost of the hat. Strangely to Wales it is $44.

Brass Bit
Discount Western Wear

This comes across as a more of a bargain bucket seller, but their hat is $68.95.

Stetson 2X Hutchins Premium Cowboy Hat

Shipping to the UK is only $8.95, which though cheap doesn’t fill me with confidence it will arrive any time soon.

They do however, stock the widest range of sizes, from 6 3/4 up to 7 5/8, but no indication of supply levels.

they advise of up to 3 weeks for delivery, so I would assume they only hold minimal stocks and order in when needed.

Skips Boots

Stetson Hutchins Stone Wool Hat

Despite sounding like a footwear seller, they also stock hats, including the correct Stetson, which are $64.
Sizing is currently limited to just 7 3/8 and 7 1/2 and they only ship within the US.

Ram Hats

Stetson 2X Hutchins
Wool Felt Cowboy Hat

They sell a range of sizes from 7 1/8 to 7 5/8, with notation of stock levels – handy to know when placing your order.

There is a choice of international shipping rates: international 1st Class is $25; and international with insurance is $35.

This is where I have ordered mine, and within 12 hours I had a notification of shipping! I should have it in time for the start of the series.

Rock on!

CINCO DE MAYO COSTUMES FOR FEMALE

Hello all senoritas out there!

Cinco de Mayo is soon here so it is time to get into some Mexican spirit and party like Latinas! On 5th of May Mexican pride and heritage is celebrated in places all over the world! On this day Mexicans commemorate the victor of the Mexican army against the French forces in 1862. 

Before you dive into the tastes of Mexican food, Mexican beer and get lost in the rhythm of some Mexican mariachi, get the correct outfit!

Either you will celebrate in a street party or you are going to fiesta in a house, dress up! You can choose from looking like a sexy Latina, a delicious taco or a funny tequila bottle!  I have some ideas here for you that is all you need before you get the party started! Salud!

South of the Border Adult Costume

This South of the Border costume includes: multi-colored headpiece, pink belt, and matching dress. The tambourine is not included.

This costume is extremely inexpensive considering the great fit and quality of it! The belt is soft and made of foam, which was quite surprising, but it still looked good! The dress comes in a tiny flat box but it is really nicely folded so it is in good condition! The colors are bright and impressive, especially the pinks!  I am very happy with the purchase of the South of the Border Adult Costume and the very fast delivery (only 3 days!).  I will use the site (spicylegs.com) again and also recommend to friends.  I wore this costume last year and I will definitely use it this year as well! 

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide. Order usually ship same day.
Availability: Available in one-size, which fits most adults. Standard One-Size (138764)
Material: Polyester
Care Instruction: Hand wash. Line Dry. Cold water. No bleach.
Manufacturer/Brand: Rubie's Costume Co

Latin Dancer Adult Costume

This festive costume includes: Multi colored top, skirt, and headpiece with fruit. Maracas and shoes are not included.

Add some Latin spice to the party! This costume is impressive and in bright colors, and you will have lot of fun wearing it!!! If you are not a size 10 or more you might need to do some adjustments to the dress in order to get the perfect fit! Add the maracas and get the party started like a true latina!

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.
Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Material: All Polyester Fabrics Exclusive Of Trim - With Plastic Fruit
Care Instruction: Hand Wash Cold Water w/ Mild Detergent Hang To Dry - Spot Clean Only For The Headpiece
Manufacturer/Brand: Forum Novelties Inc

Senorita Plus Elite Collection Adult Costume

Includes a black panne velvet gown with layered red satin and black lace ruffles, sequin headpiece with black lace mantilla veil and fishnet pantyhose. Shoes are not included.

The fabric and the textures of this dress are impressive! It is very professionally made and does absolutely not look cheap! You will really feel like an authentic senorita! The measurements are true to size! The cut of the dress is fitted though so if you have any doubt about which size to buy, buy the bigger one.  The dress comes in a hanging bag so you can nicely keep it  stored for next festive occasion! 

Material: 100% Polyester

Care Instruction: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, tumble dry low, NO bleach, cool iron
Manufacturer/Brand: In Character Costumes

Spanish Dancer Designer Collection Adult Costume

This costume includes Choker, dress and lace shawl. Flowers, jewelry, stocking and shoes not included. Make sure though you get the right accessories (wig, rose, hat etc.) to look 100% stunning! The quality is very good, it is even better than it looks in the picture! The sequin bodice looks amazing! It will be more comfortable wearing it with a cami underneath to avoid feeling the sequin on your skin.  Spanish Dancer Designer Costume runs a little small in the bust so if you are in the higher end of the size range it is better to buy the next size up! You will look sexy without revealing too much! You will even want to wear somewhere else, besides on a theme-party! 

Material: 100% Polyester exclusive of trim
Care Instruction: Dry Clean Only.
Manufacturer/Brand: Forum Novelties Inc

Hot and Spicy Senorita Sexy Adult Costume

 Includes stretch lace over Lycra gown. Available in One-Size. Not included are the shoes, bracelet, earrings, and choker.

This dress is what it claims to be: hot and spicy!  My friend wore it and she looked absolutely gorgeous! She was sexy without being sleezy! If you add a pair of red heels and a flower for the hair you’ve got the look!  It doesn’t even feel to be a ‘costume’. The slit in the front is quite high but the lace helps you cover it up. I would completely recommend this to anyone!

Material: 100% Nylon
Care Instruction: Hand wash, cold water, line dry
Manufacturer/Brand: Coquette

Spanish Dancer Adult Costume

This Spanish Dancer Adult Costume includes Dress, Choker, and Headpiece.  It does not include fence nets, gauntlets, shoes or fan.

Mamacitas this is a great costume if you prefer a shorter dress! The material is great and the skirt part is very full.. This costume is a great buy and it looks amazing. You might end up not using the black straps because at times they run too short, and makes the dress ride up way too high, but the dress will still fit perfectly! The costume is running small in the chest; so take this into consideration when ordering. Get ready for the fiesta and for great compliments!

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.
Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Material: 100% Polyester.
Care Instruction: Dry clean only.
Manufacturer/Brand: Charades Costumes

Taco Adult Costume

The Taco Adult Costume includes a taco tunic. Shirt, pants, shoes, and hat not included.

Want to be as tasty and spicy as a taco? Dress like one!  This hilarious costume will certainly bring all the eyes on you! It is soft and comfortable and fits perfectly both male and female! I hope you will get some real taco at the party too!

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.
Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Material: 100% Polyester
Care Instruction: Hand Wash in Cold Water w/ Mild Detergent, Drip Dry.
Manufacturer/Brand: Rasta Imposta

Spanish Lady Adult Costume

The costume includes dress and headpiece. Shoes are not included. Also add a lace fan and black fishnet stocks (http://www.spicylegs.com/p-9837-fishnet-pantyhose-adult-medium-loop.aspx) to add some extra style to your outfit! This costume is great at all accounts! The quality is good, it is easy to wear, it is sexy but not too revealing, fun and comfortable! Just what you need for a Mexican fiesta!

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.

Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Material: 100% Polyester exclusive of trim
Care Instruction: Dry Clean Only.
Manufacturer/Brand: Forum Novelties Inc

Top Shelf Tequila Dress Adult Costume

The costume includes: Dress, Hat/Headband. It does not include fencenets or shoes.

In Mexico they love tequila and so do we! Dress in this costume and be the hit of the night! It is a smart and different idea and for sure really funny! One size fit all will actually only fit if you are quite petit!

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.

Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Material: 100% Polyester
Care Instruction: Hand Wash Cold, Lay Flat To Dry
Manufacturer/Brand: Rasta Imposta

Lady of Spain Adult Plus Costume

The costume includes just the dress, it does not include stockings or shoes. Here is another sexy dress for all the ladies that want to look like senoritas! The black and red mini dress will certainly capture the look of attention of Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious!

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.
Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Material: Polyester, PVC, Spandex
Care Instruction: Hand Wash
Manufacturer/Brand: Paper Magic Group

French Kiss Lady of Spain Adult Costume

The costume includes dress, gloves and mantilla.

This dress is super sexy and .. short! Wear a petticoat and boy shorts under and you will be fine! The sizes run pretty small so you’d better order one or even two sizes bigger than yours! Invite your date to dress as Zorro for a caliente couple's costume! He will not be able to resist to sexy senorita like this!

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.
Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Manufacturer/Brand: Paper Magic Group

Tequila Adult Costume

http://www.spicylegs.com/p-19006-tequila-adult-costume.aspx

The costume includes bottle tunic. It does not include pants or undershirt. Here is another version of the tequila bottle, as funny as the previous one! Just choose which one you like the most and be the hit of the party! This one will probably fit bigger sizes!  Have some extra fun by buying the Lime Wedge Adult Costume for a friend! Tequila and lime always go together, don’t they?

Shipping: This product ships Worldwide.
Availability: The colors/sizes above are confirmed in stock & ready to ship!
Material: Polyester
Care Instruction: Spot Clean
Manufacturer/Brand: Rasta Imposta

1907 Afternoon Tea Gown from The Edwardian Modiste

March 28, 2011
A couple days ago I went to a small workshop to learn how to grade up patterns from the Frances Grimble book, The Edwardian Modiste (1905-09). http://www.lavoltapress.com/

I have two more of her books, The Voice of Fashion (styles from 1900-1906), and one of her newest, Directoire Revival Fashions (1888-89). Once I get the hang of this, I may invest in one or two of her other ones.


These books use an ingenious method of rulers cut to your size (the American System of Cutting rulers), which they recreated with vintage patterns. By following numbers marked on the pattern in the book, you use the rulers and mark the numbers on paper. Once those are done, it’s like a “connect the dots” game and you draw the cutting lines of your pattern. Even though this is supposedly cut to your size, it’s still highly recommended you make a muslin/toile to check the fitting. Also recommended is to pin the darts on while you’re wearing the muslin. Each book uses its own set of rulers, which are printed in the back of the book.
The gowns, suits, and underpinnings are like none available in the normal pattern companies, and I’m excited to make my first one. I chose a fairly simple pattern for my first attempt at this, a 1907 Afternoon Gown. It’s a kimono-type sleeve bodice and doesn’t require a lot of fitting. And the fabric I chose to use is a black with white polka dot polyester, which the instructor said was perfect for this. It will look cute with a white voile underblouse.

However, as we learned, all of these have a fitted underbodice which the outer bodice, the jumper, attaches to it which gives it its shape. So the first thing we did in class was to make our pattern for this. Once done, we cut out fabric for our muslin, and the instructor fitted those to us. It gave us a chance to learn and practice how to grade up the pattern.
While I was being fitted in my muslin, my instructor told me the upper portion of my bodice wasn’t fitting properly. I am very narrow in front from shoulder to shoulder, and short from my shoulder line to my bust line. It wasn’t a bad measurement or a mistake. I just had an unusual shape. So she drew lines on the muslin and told me to recut my pattern by tracing that onto it. I’m supposed to always use that upper portion of the pattern on any of patterns I grade up in the future. This was an “ah hah!” moment for me because this explained why I always have problems with the top portion of my bodices being too big, and sleeve caps hanging down too far, even further than those period correct ones. Instinctively I’ve been chopping off a couple inches of my shoulders whenever I put in sleeves. So I can use this information now for any patterns that I use.
Today I started grading the jumper for this gown but am already eyeballing this pretty bodice on a 1905 Dressy Reception Gown once I’m confident with the process.

USS Enterprise model from Sci Fi Museum not what it claims.

The 6' Enterprise model that has been on display at the Sci Fi Museum, allegedly from "Trials and Tribbleations" sold for $ 10,000 on eBay.  However, it is pretty clear this model was never used in the episode.  

This was a model made for sale at Star Trek: The Experience.  I have no idea how this seller claims this was used in Trials and Tribbleations.  It clearly was not.  Like the Jem Hadar Battleship that Profiles in History withdrew, this is not a screen-used model, but from the molds at best.  And most likely, since Greg Jein built the original for that episode, not even that.

An Enterprise model on sale at the Star Trek Experience

 The Enterprise on display at the SF Museum

The owner had Nichelle Nichols and George Takei sign the model.  Every collector who has ever seen this has cringed.  

 Copies of the seller's original receipts only prove it is a souvenir!

1)  Paramount didn't make the models for Star Trek.  These were always outsourced to different model or prop shops, or in the case of the actual "Trials and Tribbleations" Enterprise, Greg Jein.

2)  There is no proof this was in anyway used for "Trials and Tribbleations".

3)  No actual screen used models were sold at Star Trek: The Experience. Some of these models may have come from the original molds, but none were ever screen used.

4)  Paramount never let out models from Star Trek.  They were almost all sold at the Christie's auction.

The eBay auction ad can be found here.

From the eBay auction ad:

I am the first private owner of this genuine USS Enterprise (TOS) model that has been on display at the Seattle Science Fiction Museum for the part several years. The model was one of several built by Paramount Studios for the 1996 5th season Star Trek: DS9 episode "Trials and Tribble-ations"; which was produced as a 30th Anniversary tribute to TOS. It is approximately 6 feet long and three feet wide. It is not lighted. I personally had Leonard Nimoy and John Delancie sign the model in Las Vegas where I purchased it from the Star Trek Experience in 1999. I then had it signed by Nichelle Nichols and George Takei at the Science Fiction Museum. I am the person in the green shirt standing with them. I have included photos of the original receipt, the letter of loan and renewal and the insurance document from SFM. The model has always been professionally packed and will be shipped to the buyer in the packaging from the SFM - shipping will be via motor freight and will be billed at actual cost. There are minor scuffs in places, but overall it is in museum condition. This model was not used in the filming of the episode but was made at the same time in the same molds as the "hero" model that was lighted for the episode - that model is still in the possession of Paramount Studios.

It's truly a unique collectible for the Star Trek aficionado. This may be the only opportunity you have to own a NCC-1701 model made directly by Paramount.



Thanks to all on the Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Forum for their insight and thoughts!

Styling for Summer

This is my made styling for our first styling class. I chose theme "Summer" Conception: Styling for magazine and if it is possible at Summer. Clothes are from Accezzorize, Bershka and shoes are from Bronx and Accezzorize. Other accessories and hats are also from Accezzorize and private collection. Price is mostly average. My inspiration icon was Drew Barrymore, and those pictures that I selected shows how the imaginary result would be.

First scene:

This is how the first shoot hair and make-up would look like:

And the clothes:

(This is Marc Jacobs bracelet)

Second shoot:

Hair and make-up:

And the clothes:

Swimwear:

 

Warm summer nights:

 

And that is all for tonight! Hopefully someone found something for yourself, you can always come back to me if something interests - I will guide :)