Atomic Blonde Adventures

Wow, this year is already speeding by, and I have a birthday coming up in a few hours.

It's a big one, too! But enough about that; here's one new(ish) character currently on my drawing board for this year's cosplays:
Introducing Lorraine Broughton, from the film "Atomic Blonde", to be released this summer, also based off the graphic novel by Antony Johnston, called "The Coldest City":
This is the teaser I have so far, as all the bits and pieces for it's creation are slowly arriving in my mailbox and doorstep.

The long black wool trench and the wig arrived (the Skyelar by Arda Wigs, trimmed in front to make tousled bangs), with the addition of my longer length black leather gloves. I still need to replace a broken pair of classic wayfarer sunglasses that I had, that would be perfect for this; the pseudo-cat eye shades aren't quite working for this era's look.

Yours truly, channeling Lorraine in what could be a shadowy flat in Berlin.....or just a well timed, after work selfie in my bathroom. I was super excited about the wig ending up being exactly what I needed ;)

I also managed to find a pretty 'awesome' 1980s Cold War era sweater dress, that's also a black and white abstract turtleneck. It's very similar to the sweater Lorraine wears with the white coat, mini, over-the-knee *non high heeled* boots, stockings and exposed garter straps, in a few fight scenes.
(Found on Etsy) I plan on just making this into a sweater and wearing it with a mini dress or skirt, underneath. I thought about cutting this into a mini, but the chunkiness of the knit and the fit wouldn't be quite right.

Atomic Blonde 'actual'...

So, stay tuned as I add a little more 'spit and polish' to this cosplay over the coming weeks. I'm hoping to have them ready (as Lorraine has a few I'd like to take a stab at), between Silicon Valley Comic Con this April, and Dragon Con 2017 in August/September.
XOXO!


#AtomicBlonde #LorraineBroughton #TheColdestCity #NoSewCosplay

The Making Of A Ghostbuster (Cosplay)

Slowly, ever so slowly, I'm gathering the bits and pieces of this Ghostbuster cosplay like an obsessed ferret. For some reason, I decided to start with the unique eye wear collection worn by Dr. Jillian Holtzmann. The frames vary from Deco era spectacles to 1950s nerd gear, and both have the signature yellow lenses and mesh side protectors.

I don't know about you, but I think they're totally stylin'.

My first find was an antique pair that was a really close match to Holtzmann's wire rims (above photo),but a little rounder. Look closer and you'll see hers have a slight shaping to them.

Mine don't have the yellow lenses either, but I can always change those out. Tinting them yellow in Photoshop helped me with that for now, so I could see what they would look like.

Deco darling...

I also found another pair, pretty much exactly like hers. Same shape this time, but still no yellow lenses and in need of a little TLC. Even with these issues they were a steal at $30, and I can do the repair work myself. These would be worth having a professional switch out the glass with yellow Polycarbonate lenses:

 ...or 'Geek chic'. Both have form and function!

As for her alternate pair of glasses, the ones I'm calling 'geek chic'; those were an easier find on Ebay.
Originally I had found a similar pair that I was going to pop the lenses out of myself, and buy replacement yellows, but had a hard time finding ones that would fit. Then I stumbled on these, and they were on sale for $20. Done deal. They may even be the very same ones used in the film...we shall see if I'm right in July:

Dragon Con Photos - Part III

Just a few more from the talented eye and lens of Mary Anne Butler...

My Wilma Deering "Space Vampire" episode cosplay, from the TV Series Buck Rogers.

With Anders as the Vorvon...

With my replica laser pistol, created with help from Midwick Armory.

My 'Frozen' twist on Julie Newmar's 1966 Catwoman

 With my friend, Loreli Winter and her steampunk Evil Queen cosplay.

Dragon Con Photos - Part II

Here are a few Photos of Vikings, a Vorvon and Cylons, from Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday afternoon, Anders and I finally had the chance to get a (slightly blurry) photo with Erin Gray. She played the role of Wilma Deering in the late 1970s early 1980s TV series, Buck Rogers. The episode from 1980 titled "Space Vampire", has become the most memorable from the show and my favorite episode, hence our costumes. There are more photos waiting in the wings, that should be ready to post soon.

"Space Vampire" happens to be Erin's favorite episode, too. As we approached her after another fan, she took one look at me and exclaimed, "Hey wait a minute...that's my outfit, haha!" pointing at my coral pink disco spandex replica of her costume from "Space Vampire". She was equally amused by Anders as the Vorvon, and said "Great job!"
I asked her how the color of mine turned out compared to what she remembered of hers, since I had to dye the spandex. "A little more peach, but it really looks great!".
Glad I kept the pattern pieces I drafted for this. Even before Erin shared her knowledge about the color, I'd been wanting to have another go at this costume to adjust a few things. Now I have more confirmation on the color! So it will be a remake of that, the white 'space suit', and hopefully her blue pants and jacket. Next year I might have a Wilma Deering wardrobe to bring to Dragon Con. ;-)

She was also teaching Tai Chi workshops this year. We had joined her and a few others earlier on Friday for a session, and she recognized us. It was really relaxing and centering, and just what we needed to push through the remaining days of Dragon Con.

Saturday night, the Vikings gathered for the raid. We were a small group this year, but are sure to have bigger numbers for 2016.

And finally, what the Colonial Fleet was waiting for all year; the Frak Party! Complete with a visit by a good number of the Battlestar Galactica cast. Booze was shared, Loveboat/Star Trek mashups happened, push-up challenges, dancing, many hugs, and general mayhem ensued.

Waiting in line for drinks with Grace and Tricia. Edward James Olmos and I make eyes at each other...then THIS happens! 

 No really, it was just a hug!
Hehe.

The Colonial Fleet challenged Michael Trucco ("Anders") to a

push-up contest. I'm not sure who won here, but everyone had fun.

 

 Both Anders', making it so.

With Michael Trucco. He gives great hugs.

Then, Gaius Baltar (James Callis) and I decided to revisit plans to take over the universe...again.

 "Hey, can I take your picture...what are two you up to?"

Uh, why are you both looking at me like that...guys?"

Stay tuned for more, xoxo!

Dragon Con 2015 Photos - Part I

Here are a few of my favorite photos (so far) from over the weekend. There will be more to come!

My Logan's Run cosplay as Jessica 6, and another shot with the 'Life Clock' palm crystal. Photo on the left by Anders Hudson, photo at right by Bill Watters.

Battlestar Galactica; Mary Anne and I (both at left) in our new flight suits! With our fellow pilot, Erin and the sweet nectar of caffeine. Photo by Bill Watters (?) Flightsuits by Midwick Armory.

 Spending time with "Chief"

Just a small portion of the Battlestar Galactica / Colonial Fleet in attendance this year.

Stay tuned for more!
XOXO

A Fantastic Interview With Erin Gray

I found this great video of Erin Gray from last June, doing an interview at the Supanova Expo in Perth.
Lot's of awesome subjects discussed (a new Buck Rogers series PLEASE!!!), and it turns out her favorite episode is still "Space Vampire", the one that inspired me to do a Wilma Deering costume for Dragon Con this year!

Hearing about her experience with T'ai Chi and acupuncture has given me even more reason to try both.
I've been on the fence about it, but given some old injuries that trigger new daily pain, it's good to hear that it does indeed make a difference.