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Historical Accuracy in Steampunk: A Guide For Steaming Up Traditional Victorian Wear

February 6, 2012
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Historical Accuracy in Steampunk: A Guide For Steaming Up Traditional Victorian Wear

What makes historical clothing steampunk? As a clothing historian, my main focus is to help steampunk enthusiasts understand historical clothing so they can make their steampunk attire feel more authentic. Another aspect that should be considered is how to make historical clothing work in steampunk. There are many living history reenactors that have trouble adapting into the steampunk world. Just like with a newbie steampunk, these individuals often struggle with crossing the barrier between authentic clothing and steampunk clothing. The basic rule is that the more Victorian/historical you are, the better, but even I suffer from not making my...

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Bits and Bobs of Steampunk

January 18, 2012
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Bits and Bobs of Steampunk

People love the look of Steampunk.  The styles, aesthetics and certain looks that turn what could be an ordinary outfit, or a Victorian recreationalist outfit, into something slightly off the beaten path and into the realm of Steam.  One of the biggest fears I hear from a lot of people just starting out isn’t that they don’t have an outfit so much as they don’t feel it’s Steampunk enough.  This, of course, raises the question…what does it take to make an outfit Steampunk? It’s something I’ve debated with my wife on multiple occasions about how many added bits do...

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DIY Tips For Budget-Conscious Steampunks

January 12, 2012
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I’ve seen quite a few “Steampunk on a budget” lists, but in a personal effort to combat the misconception that Steampunk is only for those with extra cash laying around, here are my suggestions for a DIY steamy wardrobe. I’m a 23-year-old recent college graduate on a budget. I paid my way through school while driving a 15-year-old car (that recently fell apart, so now I’m making car payments). I also paid for my own orthodontic braces and continue to pay many other living expenses. If I can be an active member of the Steampunk community  and dress Steampunk...

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Ill-fitting Dress: The curse of the modern pattern

January 12, 2012
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Ill-fitting Dress: The curse of the modern pattern

Any person can step into a local craft or fabric store and buy a pattern for most anything these days, especially costuming, but I must warn my fellow sewers of the pitfalls of modern patterns. This toted example of a Regency/Romantic Period dress, think Jane Austen, is so ill-fitting that this tiny waif is swimming in a dress that should hug her bodice perfectly, as was customary in the period. Steampunk clothing can suffer from the same issues since it is designed after Victorian fashion, which requires exact fitting. Too loose and you will look frumpy and too tight...

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Top 10 Holiday Gifts for the Steampunk in Your Life

December 16, 2011
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Top 10 Holiday Gifts for the Steampunk in Your Life

Have you been wondering what to get for the special Steampunk in your life this holiday season? Here’s a top ten list of gift ideas that will make you the best Santa ever. 10. Sucker Punch Blue ray Zack Snyder’s action-fantasy film takes on a uniquely Steampunk aesthetic and will be a welcome addition to any movie collection. The story follows a young girl nicknamed “Babydoll” who is held captive in an asylum by her evil stepfather. In order to survive, Babydoll uses fantasy to plan an escape from the institution. The visually stunning fantasy sequences all have a...

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Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Tx Dec 3-4 Fashion Review

December 15, 2011
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Dickens on the Strand in Galveston is a marvelous sight and when you are done soaking in the historical buildings and brick roads, you should pay close attention to the fashion of both vendors and patrons alike. Bringing in on average nearly 30,000 people a year, Dickens on the Strand has been going on for 35 years, even through Hurricane Ike, and despite pouring rain on Sunday the event was amazing to behold. The intention of Dickens on the Strand is to fully immerse you into the world of the Dickenson age (that’s mainly the 1830-50s). This marks an early...

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Steampunk Papers!

December 7, 2011
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Everyone works to fine tune their persona by adding embellishments and little features that add layers and flavor to their character. Jim Trent, who is currently working to raise money to publish his Steampunk Europa LARP, has put his Printing and Graphic Art degree to use, and created Steampunk Paperwork. You can find the start of this project on www.clgbutterfly.etsy.com. The documents include airship deeds, registration papers, and even Steampunk money for the World of Europa. Papers can add another level of authenticity to your fantastical concept. Did you buy your airship, or salvage it? What sort of cargo...

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The Wearing of Underthings

November 17, 2011
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The Wearing of Underthings

Perhaps more daunting than knowing what to wear under your attire is how to put it on. Since Steampunk fashion isn’t authentic Victorian fashion there are many cheats that a person can employ: however, I always recommend that a woman wear a corset and a man should sit his pants comfortably at his waist (not hips), which is best achieved with suspenders. One may wonder how to put on all those layers, and many a man may wonder how to get it off. The main complaint and confusion from women who wear a corset is it’s too hot and...

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Emerald City Steampunk Expo: Fashion Review

November 11, 2011
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Emerald City Steampunk Expo: Fashion Review

It is always wonderful to see a sea of Steampunk costume, especially here in the middle of the U.S. where Steampunk is just catching on. Though attendance may not be the greatest, the enthusiasm and dedication to Steampunk is apparent. I also enjoy the variety of Steampunk you see in this region because two things are self-evident: there is an anything goes attitude and everyone is open to seeing a new twist on Steampunk. There is very little snubbing or distaste for those just stepping into the world and in fact a lot of encouragement. The other aspect I...

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The Fashion Side of Steampunk

April 26, 2011
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The Fashion Side of Steampunk

When stepping into the world of Steampunk many people often wonder what they should wear and what genre to use.  Is Steampunk Edwardian, Victorian or even WWI era? Is it gears, goggles, or top hats? Can girls wear pants and short skirts? Can I be a pilot, pirate, or cowboy? The answer to ever question above is yes. Fashion of the Steampunk world is supremely diverse. It encompasses several eras and can be reworked into your own unique style. Unfortunately this can make deciding what to wear very difficult. My first suggestion is decide your persona. Do you want...

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