Posted in Articles, Bounding, Christmas/Krampus/Yule Fashion, Cons, Everyday Cosplay, Goth, Halloween, Kawaii/Pastel Goth, Look Books, Marvel, Nerdy Outfit of the Day, Product Launch, Star Wars, Wardrobe Solutions

Introducing In Plain Sight Styling!

Share This Post

I’ve been out of commission for pretty much the entire month of November (the kid and I both got knocked down with a nasty flu), so I am launching this a little late, but better late than never!

Live in the shop now is my new styling service!

I’ve had a lot of requests for personal shopping/styling over the years, and I decided to pull the trigger on offering a completely online service. That way anyone can benefit from it, not just people here in LA.

First step will be to complete a small questionnaire like this:

This will be in Word format so you can complete and email to me. No need to print or scan anything.

Then I will create a head-to-toe look, including shoes, jewelry and accessories and send you a style sheet like this:

I will send it both as a jpg and pdf. The pdf will be fully clickable and shoppable. Each look is $25. I checked other services that are similar and they run between 50 and 100 a look, so I am offering a great discount on the work (I know, times are tough all over, believe me!)

I hope that this will help some of you dip a toe into exploring your style. I also hope that this can help get you Insta-ready for your next park visit (any park, not just Disney). Speaking of which, I will consult the particular park/event you are going to for any dress code rules and will follow them so you don’t need to worry about compliance on those.

Click here to go directly to the service ordering page!

xoxo

Kim

Posted in Wardrobe Solutions

Wardrobe Solutions: Tube/Pencil Skirt

Share This Post

Our latest outfit of the day also features a great wardrobe solution- the tube or pencil skirt.

This skirt can be an excellent addition to your wardrobe as a staple. How to wear it?

Well, the new trend of cropped shirts is a great way to wear this skirt. As you can see from the pictures, I took an awesome graphic tee from Forever 21 Plus and paired it with a tube skirt, also from Forever 21 Plus.

I have a couple of tees that I purchased recently that are cropped. While I like the fit, I also don’t really like to bare my midriff. This skirt is super high-waisted, so that solves the problem nicely.

This skirt is a staple of both rockabilly looks as well as 80’s inspired looks.

Click on links above to shop this look.

The sunglasses are coming to the store this Thursday, the 25th! These shades are a great cat-eye shape with a matte finish and feature our ducky logo. I’ve been road-testing these for the past couple months and the logo has proven to be water/sweat proof, has not faded at all and has stayed put.

Get your own pair this Thursday for only $14.95! Just click on the shop link at the top of the page.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

Kim

Posted in Wardrobe Solutions

Wardrobe Solution: Loungefly Bags

Share This Post

I recently treated myself to a new Loungefly bag.

20200214_100605

Get your own Cap backpack here.

Loungefly continues to create amazing, well-made bags in a variety of fandoms.  The small backpacks are my favorite for adventuring out.  They hold all your gear for the day without being too heavy.  Because they are on your back, they free your hands up as well.

My other favorites are the cosplay style cross-body bag.  These are perfect for everyday and again, available in a variety of fandoms.

Click here for the Loungefly site.

 

 

Happy shopping!

Love, Kim and Benji

Posted in Articles, Bounding, Cons, Team Build Checklist, Wardrobe Solutions

Styling Your Outfits

Share This Post

So, you found the perfect dress or the perfect outfit.  Congrats!  However, now you need to know how to style it.

What is styling exactly?  Dictionary.com defines it as, “to design or arrange in accordance with a given or new style.”  Accessorizing the outfit is a start, but there is also your make-up to consider as well as jewelry.

faceapp_1579566756618

Jewelry is technically an accessory, but it is important enough to be listed seperately in this case.

So, how do you get started styling an outfit?  Here are some steps to consider while you are styling.  There are no hard set rules by any means, but this is a handy guide to help get you started.  You’ll be styling your own outfits in no time at all!

132913947_218869800_dsnyres-base_dsnyloc-reg-1

When using your Team Build Checklist, styling the outfit consists of the Scientist, Exotic and Blaster steps.  Download your own copy of the check-list here.

Even if you aren’t using this guide to style a cosplay or bound, the tips still apply.

faceapp_1568667030465

Consider the style of the outfit.

Is your outfit a vintage style or 80’s inspired?  Maybe it is a more formal style or a business suit.  If it is a 50’s style dress, then you’ll want to pair it with more vintage-style accessories.  A business suit would be paired with more subdued and professional accessories.

Consider the venue and/or event for the outfit.

Are you wearing this 50’s style dress to work or to a con?  Are you wearing this dress to Disneyland for Dapper Day?  How about to a wedding?  I’ve worn the same dress to all of the above, but it was styled differently for each event.  What’s great for Disneyland is not appropriate for work and so on.

Consider the functionality needed from your accessories.

While you are considering your venue or event, think about what kind of functionality you need.  Are you going to a con?  You’ll need the most comfortable shoes you can get that also compliment the outfit.  Disneyland?  What is the temperature going to be that day?  If your day out is in August, then you might want to leave the petticoat at home (trust me on this one). Do you have a parasol?  If yes, then you can leave your hat at home if you want.  What kind of bag should you carry?  Take all this into consideration when putting the pieces together.

Balance in all the things.

Your base outfit is what you work from here.  A big fit and flare dress should really have smaller, more tailored accessories to create a balance.  If you have a hat, then make it smaller with the big dress.  Same with the bag.  Very colorful dress or outfit?  Then more subdued make-up.

Lastly, What story do you want your outfit to tell?

The last piece when you are styling an outfit is what do you want people to see?  I know your outfit is the focal point, but what do you want people to take away from it?  If you have a bound, this is kind of done for you.  If you are bounding Captain America for example, then the star on the chest or the red and white stripes on the bodice tell people that you are bounding Cap.  If you have a dress that is a great color, then you want to keep things simple and just draw the eyes to the pretty color.  Don’t overthink it.

I hope that these tips help you.  In our next post, I will post some photos of outfits with explanations why I styled them the way I did, and how I would, and do, style them differently in different situations.

Until next time…

Love, Kim and Benji

Posted in Bounding, Fashion Alert, Wardrobe Solutions

Shoes for Pin-Up/Dapper Styles

Share This Post

When you are prepping a new dapper look for a convention or just trying to accessorize a new dress, one key item you need to think about are shoes to complete your look.

faceapp_1568666873490

Here are a few styles that will work with vintage-inspired fashions.  All the choices are reasonably priced with shopping links below as well as photo examples.

The Ballet Flat

This style is perfect for not only dresses, but pedal-pushers or capri pants as well.  I’ve never been a big fan, because they have a tendency to give me a blister on my heels.  However, I just found this flat from Skechers that stays put.  The shoes also have more cushioning than the usual ballet flat.  Buy your Skechers ballet flat here.

15395_BBKThe Oxford

This shoe has a few different types as far as heel styles.  There are flat, block heeled and traditional heeled options.  I really love this block heeled version I got from Amazon.  They have padding on the inside and the block heel gives me lots of support.  Buy your  Block-heeled Oxford here.

51KVyOxq50L._UY695_

faceapp_1563572616023

Classic Converse Chuck Taylors

This shoe is not only great for 50’s looks, but for 80’s, goth, punk or rock looks as well.  It is the ultimate casual shoe.  Now, while it is not padded on the inside, you can get insoles that provide support if you need it.  Chucks come in every color imaginable, and a high-top version as well.  Buy your classic Chucks here.

M7652_A_107X1

Saddle Shoes

Besides the Chuck Taylors, the other shoe that leaps to mind when someone is thinking about vintage 50s fashions is the saddle shoe.  Named because the contrasting stripe resembles a saddle on the shoe.  You can get saddle shoes in a variety of colors and even high heel versions, but the classic black and white flat-heeled version is the best way to go.  Get your saddle shoes here.

71JTqk+NJSL._UX695_

Saddle shoes aren’t the best for long days on your feet, so I created a comfy version from a white sneaker.  To create your own, will only take a few minutes of your time.  Click here for the how-to instructions.

faceapp_1573501551102

If you have any go-to styles for your dapper looks, please leave us a comment below.  We love to hear from you!

Until next time…

Love, Kim and Benji

Posted in Wardrobe Solutions

Wardrobe Solutions: Classic Chucks

Share This Post

When putting together pretty much any outfit, my go-to is a classic pair of Chucks.

Besides being super comfy, they come in every conceivable color and style.  I even found a camo pair for my nephew once!

faceapp_1563417065820

Chucks can be dressed way up or way down.  They go with a ton of styles, vintage, bobby soxer, rockabilly, goth and modern casual styles.  You can start wearing Chucks from toddler age and keep up wearing them right up to your golden years.

faceapp_1563572616023 Pick your own pair out by clicking this link.

chucks

Happy Shopping!

Love, Kim and Benji

 

Posted in Articles, Bounding, Wardrobe Solutions

Dressing It Down: Go Ahead and Buy that Fancy Dress!

Share This Post

I get a lot of compliments as well as comments on my clothes, which I love, but one comment that gives me pause is a comment such as, “I wish I had places to wear a dress that fancy.”

OK, so first of all, it is really hard to be truly overdressed somewhere.  Obviously, wearing a prom dress to work or a tuxedo to the grocery store is pretty over-the-top, but what about that great dress you bought to wear to someone’s wedding and is now languishing in the back of your closet (I just love that I got to use “languishing”, #englishmajor)?  Well, use some great basics to dress it down for everyday.

Perfect example is my Haunted Mansion dress.  My lovely boyfriend bought it for me for Dapper Day, and then I stopped wearing it.  I love it, but the top has some ruching on the bodice that is very prom-y, so I stopped wearing it.  Then, time passed and it was our anniversary.  I wanted to wear the dress he bought me out on our date, but I didn’t have time to change after work.  So, challenge accepted!

OK, so first, I needed to dress down the bodice.  I did this with a cotton crop tee from Amazon.  Just enough of the pretty ruching shows through.

editor_result

Next, here’s my Dapper Day look:

20181103_231057

Obviously, I left off the petticoat, fascinator, pearls and gloves for a great everyday look.

Here are some more pictures of me wearing a Disney Dress Shop dress everyday.  If you decide to take that dress out on the town, then add those dapper touches.

Honestly, dresses are instant outfits.  You literally just throw them over your head, and you have a look.  Now, more than ever, there are amazing choices for nerd bounding that are dress-and-go.

So, challenge yourself to take something that you originally visualized as super dapper or fancy and “dress it down” for everyday wear.

Click on all the links to shop away!  Enjoy!

Love, Kim and Benji

Posted in Bounding, Team Build Checklist, Wardrobe Solutions

Wardrobe Solutions: Jewelry

Share This Post

When you’re putting together an everyday cosplay or bound, one of the best and easiest-to-use tools in your easy reach is jewelry.

Jewelry falls under “The Exotic” category on your team build checklist.  I’ve attached a team build here for you to print and use.

If you have a dress that is a color inspired by a character, then the jewelry you choose can be the perfect touch to complete your bound.

Below are a couple of examples of outfits that I wear on the regular that have a great jewelry component.  I’ve also included shopping links for all the pieces.

My first outfit is my Avengers Engame everyday cosplay.  I have a great Avengers dress that I like to wear along with this great bomber jacket, both from Torrid.  Once you pair the outfit with a great Captain Marvel necklace and infinity gauntlet bracelet (from Hot Topic and Amazon, respectively), then you have a great complete look!  Click on the links to shop.

My next look are two necklaces that you can use in a screen accurate cosplay, but bring them into an everyday outfit to turn it into a great Marvel bound.

Star Lord replica necklaces from Amazon.

Next up is my Han Solo bound.  I paired a Han Solo wrap skirt with a vest to make a great gender-bend Han Solo bound, but a great finishing touch is this Millenium Falcon necklace from Amazon.

My last look is one of my favorite go-to outfits.  I have this great Star Lord bound.  The dress is from Amazon, as is the shrug.  The jewelry is also from Amazon.  Click on each link for the bracelet, the leather bracelet, the Star Lord mask necklace and cassette tape necklace.

Let us know in the comments how you use jewelry to add finishing touches to your everyday cosplays and bounds.  We love to hear from you!

Love, Kim and Benji

Posted in Fashion Alert, Wardrobe Solutions

Fashion Alert- “Grandpa” Sneakers

Share This Post

One of the big trends right now is the chunky or “Grandpa” sneaker.

FaceApp_1558763276279 (1)

This look is great for several reasons.  One, they are super comfy!  Two, they come in a variety of colors so you can match any outfit.  Three, they look great with everything, dresses, skirts, pants or shorts.  Finally, they come in all price points, so everyone can enjoy this trend!

 

For example, I bought a couple of pair from Amazon, which were inexpensive.  I also bought a couple of pair on sale at Skechers, which after the markdown, were also inexpensive.  See below for some examples of some sneakers with shopping links.  I’ve started with the designer sneakers with the price to match and down to inexpensive.  To be honest, since this trend may not last, I would go with the inexpensive ones.  So far, I’ve worn them frequently and they still look great.

Fila Disruptor II Sneaker– Costs around $100 bucks

41MhT7DbMAL._SL1001_

Skechers D’Lites Sneakers– About $65 bucks

11938_WSL_1024x1024

Amazon Sneakers– About $30 bucks

514r5RxLbTL._UX695_

 

Happy Shopping!

Love, Kim and Benji

Posted in Articles, Bounding, Cons, Wardrobe Solutions

DIY Saddle Shoes

Share This Post

I’ve talked a lot about these DIY sneakers as of late.  It is about time to show you how to make your own.

You will need:

  • Shoes
  • Fabric Paint
  • Paint Brush

First, the shoe.  I have arthritis in my right knee, which makes walking a lot difficult.  So, I found a great walking shoe from Skechers.  Get your own with this link.

Skechers-Women's-Gratis-My-Epiphany-Sneaker,-Wsl,-8.5-M-Us

Now, the fabric paint.  Click on this link to get your own.  Lastly, the brush.  Click here to get your paint brush.

Now, basically a saddle shoe is just what the name implies.  It is a shoe that looks like it has a little saddle on it.  You can get any color shoe and any color paint and just go bananas if you want to.  There are no rules here.  You can match them with your outfit.  You can get a very inexpensive shoe if you they are for a one-off costume.  You can find very inexpensive sneakers in a variety of colors just about anywhere.  I chose my shoe because it was super good for walking all day.

So first thing, you need to chose how big or small you want the saddle to be.  Choose a natural line on the shoe to mark it.  Like in the pic below:

20190204_205602

You can see where the stitching makes a guide line for me to paint.

Then you just put a coat of paint on the shoe, wait a day and do one more and you are all set!

20190204_205519

And there is the finished product!  They turned out great, and have saved my feet at a number of adventures since.

20181221_190743small watermarked-8985Small watermarked-9055

Happy painting!

Love, Kim and Benji

*Pro photos by Justin Davidson Photography