Cosplay: Intentional or Otherwise

I haven't done a big convention in a while...and the last few weeks have been no exception however there was a cosplay contest at a quiz I've started doing every few weeks so I brought out my Amy Pond for another spin. Getting changed inside a pub was a challenge but I have become quite a quick change over the past year due to the fact that I always seem to be changing clothes in toilets (mainly in train stations) for various occasions.

Unfortunately I didn't win which left me feeling unusually disappointed. I never expect to win these things as there is usually someone whose costume is so much better and more detailed however despite a good standard I felt I would at least place within the top three. I don't mean to sound like an egotistical prick (despite the fact I'm writing this on my own blog) so please forgive me and I was as shocked as anyone that this actually surprised me. Still, it was a good night and I have some good photos plus I had some people come up to me afterwards and say that I should have won.

Staying with Amy, last week I picked up a nice denim mini skirt perfect for more adventures as Ms Pond - now all I've got to do is pick an outfit out. I did want to do pirate Amy from The Curse of the Black Spot at one time but I think that's the wrong colour skirt.

The same day I also went to try on a  skirt I had my eye on and also a dress I thought was cute. True to form, I ended up buying the dress instead. I really love it and am looking forward to an opportunity to wear it. I did wonder if it was something Clara wore and posited it could have been like the pinafore from the Under the Lake two-parter or the dress from The Name of the Doctor. Turns out it was neither but it certainly looks like something she would wear. There may be something in it after all.

Bum Bags

Here's a little fashion tip for you, it looks like that old Nineties staple the bum bag is going to be making a comeback.

Now in case a few of you are wondering what the hell I'm talking about they were also called Fanny Packs in the US (to the amusement of us here in Blighty) and McDonalds, for some reason, also christened them the Hip Pouch an they used to give them away with Happy Meals. I used to have one back in the day and they were quite useful but after a few years they drifted into the kind of naffness reserved for shell suits and other tat.

Now it appears that they are coming back and with a bit of a twist. Back in the day the bag fitted round the waist but it seems more people are slinging them over their shoulders and wearing them as a cross body bag. An article I saw the other week also renamed them as belt bags. Certainly it seems like a viable alternative when you have little or no pockets (especially in the summer months when you don't have a big coat) and don't need to cart around a large bag. I know from the occasions I've worn dresses out that you need something and I don't like loading up my coat with my wallet, phone etc. I can only imagine what some people cart around especially if you put make-up into the mix.

On set photos from the new series of Doctor Who have also confirmed that Jodie Whittaker will be wearing one in at least one episode.

So if you want to stay in style it seems that a trip back to the Nineties may be in order - and at least you'll know where to put your keys.

Basic black bumbag as featured on Boohoo.com

Other People's Clothes

I was reading one of the Sunday papers the other week and comedian Jenny Eclair, when asked who her style heroes are, answered "young women on the street" and I have to agree with her. The best thing you can do to know what's in and how to wear it is by observing other people. That's not meant to sound/be creepy by the way.

For example, I could tell you that big coats, hats and scarves are in especially this week. Go figure. Well, if I were to go into more details I would say that bobble hats are in often with a big furry ball on top (some have two for that extra Minnie Mouse look). In fact fake fur is in now especially dyed all sorts of bright colours. This winter I've seen lots of coats, many green anoraks with the hood covered in bright fur (often pink or blue). Furry gilets are still in and coats of fur that are many different colours and patterns. I think I did mention this before and I feel that it's Game of Thrones inspired.

I have to also admit that while my interest in Take Me Out has waned over this last series, I still like seeing what outfits the girls wear and there have been some lovely dresses and tops/skirts combos this year. I'm noticing necklaces more these days too. I've also very recently been looking at 60s Mod dresses too. So cute.