windlion | The trouble with cosplay. . .

This year, again, I am going to Otakon. Jen, my partner in crime from last year is sticking around, and we thought, Why don't we cosplay? Nothing too ambitious, just costumes we can put together from normal clothes with some particular accessories.

For Friday, we'll be going as Kid!Kano and Dr. Patricia Di Lucien from Kagerou. Jen has Goth gear tucked away, arm-socks are rather easy to come by, and if she doesn't have red hair, no one will blame her. I think we have Hello Kitty bandages around here somewhere, so with a stuffed creature and a naturally hyperactive personality, she'll fit the bill fairly closely. Me? I found a hippie dress in my closet that has never been worn, so with some minor accessories and particular choices of hair-style, I'm all set.

For Sunday, I had figured on going solo as Seraphim from Megatokyo. She's ridiculously easy- some particularily trendy clothes, wear my glasses and leave my hair down for the day, and I'm set. The only item I don't have already to complete the look is a pair of fluffy white wings- which brings me back to my Saturday costume.

For our cosplaying set, I figured that going as Nemu and Rakka from Haibane Renmei wouldn't be too difficult- I just need to dress frumpily feminine, and find a cute dress for Jen to wear as Rakka. Halos are easy to make, and the only catch is the wings.

I then proceeded to go wing-shopping. . . all of a month or two ago. I found them, all right, everywhere. A lot of places offer costumes that are decent, but expensive. The wings on e-bay all ended up escalating to prices above those of the costume wings, which made them useless. So, I ended up finding The Feather Place, which had really cheap wings that looked quite decent. The problem? Their shipping for $3.00 wings was at least $15.00. I held off, and told myself I'd find wings somewhere else. It never happened.

So, now, at the last minute, my friend went "Have you got the wings yet? I'll pay for the shipping." I agreed, and went to order them. I even decided that, if we were going to pay an exorbitant amount for shipping, I ought to spring and get something to make it worthwhile. They have a gorgeous pair of black wings that, after drooling over, I eventually threw in the order too. That was Saturday, and we even sprang for the $25.00 three day shipping, figuring that really ought to get it to us on time.

Today, I sent an e-mail to the company asking for tracking information on the wings.

Their reply? "We've sent out the black wings, but we don't have the white wings in stock."

. . . So yeah. Up a creek without a paddle! I think I might end up improvising to make wing-covers to serve as wings for us both. At least people will expect those to look home-made, and they'll be much more forgiving in terms of looks than actual wings. If someone comments that wing covers don't fit in with our summer costumes, they can bite me, because damned if I'm wearing winter clothes in the nearly ninety degree weather Baltimore is promising us.

That might save my ass for Saturday, but it means I'm still down a costume for Sunday, too, since as far as I know, Seraphim's wings are pure white. This might call for some impromptu costume-switching. . . or just letting Sunday go. *sigh* The icing on the cake is having everyone go "This is what you get for waiting until the last minute!"

At least I know I make a good perky goth-girl. And catgirl supplies are also available. Any other suggestions?

(Aaah. It feels good to rant. I feel less like gnawing on stocking-people's heads now. Thank you, and have a nice day!)

The trouble with cosplay. . .

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