Lone [preistly] long-coat; works after all...?

Good evening, mina-sama. I have a short little check in today. I have been hoping and praying for cooler weather in the next couple of days, and with any luck, from the rain due to fall tomorrow, a cold front may blow for Friday, leaving soft cloud coverage for the weekend. I will continue to hope and look forward to it.

I had an impromptu photoshoot this evening with my parents, since we all decided to get into the full swing of things for Otakon. Afterwards, since I was primed already--with the little table set up as my makeshift tripod--and wearing my other favorite footwear, once I stripped down a little from Undertaker's outfit, I decided to snap some shots of that which lies beneath.

If this is a bit hard to make out, there will inevitably be future pictures as well [from the ensuing picnics with Toriberry] since I plan to wear this on those chillier days. If you tilt the screen back a little--or subsequently look up at it from a lower angle--that might help a bit. It's sort of like a Neo jacket, in essence, with the buttons all going down the middle. With a cane, finger armor and the presently worn boots [and dear lord, something doing about my hair], there in is a wonderful outerwear apparel ensemble.

Saa, I don't mean to leave abrupt, but that's all for this evening, I've got a few things left to do before I can crash. Your all halfway through the week, mina-sama, so keep holding out until that glorious Friday and weekend.

United under one purpose, being.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Projects for the future, additional.

Good evening, mina-sama. As I went out on a shopping trip in what turned out to be a failed attempt to buy a few new articles of clothing, I reminded myself of a couple more things I had in mind to work on. I will tack them on as projects following in the list of the earlier post.

4. Half skirt pants -- I think I brought this one up already, in a previous post mentioning Atelier Boz line. I was reminded of it looking at some pants on my outing, that rather than having a traditional sort of belt buckle, had those two semi-circle shaped loops that the end belt goes under and over. That might be a little easier to attach to my pants, and won't stand out so much on their own on days when I'm not wearing the skirt. This will hopefully be ridiculously simple if I can find a skirt and cut it in half, rather than having to make the skirt in addition, so show and tell may be left up to before and after. I am debating whether to make the skirt just half, or maybe three-quarters around. Any opinions?

5. Darted beaded collar blouse -- Per my earlier thoughts and Toriberry's confirming suggestion, after I make for certain that the beaded collar blouse in casual Aristo ensemble is allowed to be mine and only mine, I plan to put in some form of backing so as to cinch the waist. I have had thoughts of a corset like backing, with crossovers, and little loops down what I would call shoulder or dart lines [I don't know if there is a term for it, that's just how I remember them]. That might be making things more difficult than they have to be, depending on what the loops are made of. This is a semi-priority project, so perhaps as the last days of summer roll in, and my hair lengthens, I will just skillfully and simply pin it, until I decide the way I want to permanently affix it. Said procedures will also dictate picture accordance.

Until something else comes along that I might have forgotten, I think these are it. Five good and hopefully not too hard projects that I will be able to do in weekends and occasional days off that will help me create a fuller ensemble come fall.

Now, I've work in the morning, and another day will draw closer to that grand three day weekend. Please sleep well, mina-sama, and let us talk again soon.

Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Projects for the future.

Good afternoon, mina-sama. After yesterday's torrential downpour that came quite suddenly out of the blue, we have been suffering a number of outages in the area [though fortuantely not my home], and a good deal of debris scattered about the roads. However, if one can call it an upside--little as it may be--the weather has mercifully cooled down, and it gives me hope for the coming week that it should perhaps be retained into the weekend [Just four more days... four more days. And then it has to stay cool for another three days...]. Mother Nature and I are on good terms, but I alone cannot always sway her mighty hand.

I went on a good number of outings over the weekend, notably the one to the lovely Asian-Hispanic-African food market [endearingly known as Super Grand] to pick up a month's supply of Pocky and similar snacks--mmmmmmm~ barley tea and rice juice--that will inevitably only last for that weekend of Otakon. I'll be lucky if I don't eat all of the Hello Panda treats in these four days leading up to it though. I went with Grimmy--who thinks I am a passive-aggresive slow driver [which is ridiculous considering she drives a minivan and almost plows through stop signs]--which essentialy secures another outing of some sort, or dinner. We went out to a sushi and asian bistro for dinner, where I had chirashizushi. Also nibbles of everyone elses, because I am essentially family [and I am a bit of a raven in preying on unwatched food. Or even watched food].

The second more important outing was to Jo-Ann Fabrics, where I milled around endlessly, stopped by every ten or so minutes to ask another random question of the mercifully patient ladies at the cutters desk, and then finally found what I was looking for; relatively inexpensive--because of the amount of cash I had left on me from Saturday's shopping--fabric, either sateen, silk, or an equivalent to make a jabot. And a ribbon, to supplement as the collar [and also just be a ribbon to tie into a bow for those casual Aristo days]. If you can't get a good idea of a jabot from Wiki's example, I do highly reccommend taking a looksee for yourself, as there are many variants upon a singular theme. So with this acquired, when Otakon is said and done, the projects will stand thus:

1. The jabot -- I hope to find a pattern online, instructions, a very detailed picture, or hopefully all of the above to help me along. While I don't think it should be entirely too difficult, as I work it out in my head, sometimes you really do just need to see things on paper [or in a diagram or what have you] to bring it all together. However, for the time being, my though is to cut a part of the sateen to make the first layer, bunching it a little bit and sewing it over the top of the middle of the ribbon. That will be the front; then I can tie the ribbon around the back of my neck to the front, where I can tie it just as a bow, or if I'm feeling very classy--and the occasion calls for it--I'd affix a brooch or big pin to it [I'm sure my aunt would love to finally see me wear that gorgeous green and clear crystal turtle pin]. If that works out alright, I might just leave it as one layer, and go back to get more ribbon to use the rest for a multi-layered jabot. I don't plan to have lace edging, unless it is very short, enough to hide the hem line [which I might try to erase by folding it under a bit]. This will hopefully be a very short project, and if I don't finish it in light speed since I'm bound to be overly focused, I will take pictures of the steps along the way.


2. Aeon pants -- Without making this endlessly long, Castlevania: Judgement's time traveler Aeon is a pretty beast customer [not terribly difficult to use, but sometimes insanely hard to beat. But I'm not going to get in depth into the game at this moment, or probably ever. No need for this purpose]. If you think he looks like a white-haired Aristo version of L, I'd agree with you; your logic is justified because Death Note's own Takeshi Obata did the character designs for the game. But putting that aside, look at that boy's pants [actually, just soak up his whole outfit]. Awesome. I've had my eye on recreating them ever since I bought the game. It just so happened I acquired a pair of white pants that were supposedly mandatory to wear under our graduation gowns [they also said it was mandatory-or-else-you-wouldn't-graduate to wear white shoes, but sure as hell that didn't happen]. Sometime last year now, I believe, I bought eyelets from Jo-Ann's [they have everything you really do need, practically] with the intent of hacking up those pants bought out of necessity, but I'm too much of a perfectionist for my own good, and I was trying on smaller cut outs how best to work out the pucker that would result at the end of the cut up the pant leg. I've decided that is it is so neglible that unless you're laying on my legs--you are more than welcome to have a rest--you won't see it. This too, shouldn't be very hard, rather just long, since I will have to cut indivisual holes for each eyelet, and there are approximately... sixty something eyelets. And with luck, there will be play by play pictures/instructions on how I did it to accompany.


3. Nudy Boy shirt -- Back in 2007, I was fortuante enough to go on a school sponsored trip to Japan. My Japanese teacher is an amazingly super special awesome man whom I respect as such, but also care for and would love to hang out more with as a friend; he knows how to make a school trip of such proportions work. A three week adventure changed me both culturally, spiritually, and physically [as I lost my four pack abs and instead gained legs of steel]. And through the midst of the sister school homestay, temple visits, and ryokan stays, we did a boatload of shopping. I think one of my new favorite stores is a little number on Takeshita St. in Harajuku called Nudy Boy. It's a more current trending/alternative punk fashion store, but I bought two awesome shirts there on my two trips [and the shopkeepers were as nice as ever, and still had cool hair]. One, I haven't worn yet; this is the one I got on a 2009 family trip to Japan. The first one I got, I bought with the thought that it would be a t-shirt; silly me, ahaha. Turned out to be long sleeved. But it's still awesome, has random Engrish on it, and is just a tad too tight in the chest, but not to make it not worthwhile [twas on sale]. The sleeves are a bit frayed in terms of the gold embroidery, and the armpits are a bit... offwhite, shall we say. So I had a thought that comes up every now and then when I see it in the drawer to give it a good cleaning, and with the remaning eyelets from the Aeon pants project, cut the sleeves off and make them separated, tied with a thin white or gold ribbon between the shoulder and sleeve. I might have to get another pack of twelve eyelets just to fill in the space, but we'll see. Again, hopefully another project that will be much simpler as I go, with pictures every step of the way.

I like how each of these got progressively longer.

Anyway, I am looking forward to the possibilities. I wanted to hurry and set this down on paper so I wouldn't forget [even though I've been even having short bursts of dreams devoted to the makings of them] and to hopefully entice you all on what is to come. If you have any suggestions, tips, or questions, I'd love to hear them. I like to think I know what I'm doing, but again, it only make sense for now in my head.

Otakon is nearing, just around the corner. As the days draw near, I might take a short hiatus of posting anything Aristo or V-kei related, but I do hope you won't mind it. I hope to have new things to show off when I return.

I hope you all have stayed safe in this weather, and if you were spared, you are truly lucky. If your power has been outted, I welcome you to my bastion readily to accomodate your needs [and I'll be hoping you energy providor gets on the stick soon].

Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

For any and all who choose to stand alone and be counted.

Good afternoon, mina-sama. This is just a little interlude, brief and to the point. I've had a very long week, and a very long weekend is due to follow, so I will probably not post anything tonight anyway, despite my earnest desires.

Per Toriberry's request, I read Lady Victoria of Lolita Charm's most recent blog post, The Dangers of Standing Out. I encourage of course Lolitas far and wide to read it, but also any others like myself, who choose to stand apart in the way they dress, or act or present themselves.

There was much I wanted to say in comment, but I did not want to ramble, and rant so much on another's board, even though it is just comments. Shall I say, perhaps it would be ungentlemanly of me to show true rage on another's page. So instead, with the remaining time and focus I have, I will do so here.

Though nothing to the extent of what Lady Victoria and some others who commented her post have been through, I too have been accosted, in a sense, and now that I think back on it, it seems ironic to me. I was not adorned in any way shape or form that I would believe would warrant such unwanted--albeit brief--attentions. I do not wear revealing clothes in anyway shape or form. My legs are never donned in shorts, my shoulders are rarely bared, and my chest is never accentuated beyond whatever normal undergarments do. Usually, since it is never more than a stray comment one could even interpret as a compliment, I am too nice for my own good and smile while walking away, giving whomever the finger mentally.

My friends say I'm menacing, that I'm the creeper. My family says I'm nice-looking [as in approachable]. I think I need to work on the former for default.

Truly, though unseen, I am violent by nature. I have a perfect self-restraint to the very limits of what one should be pushed to. Sometimes I even fathom something happening so that I could main or otherwise severely injure a hapless individual who just didn't know what they were getting into. It's a shame about all these legal consequences that follow, or else I probably would've already. It has come to pass already, but wouldn't it have just been nice to come along, demand no photos, and soon as a camera comes out, grab the piece of machinery and obliterate it under foot? I would've savored the crunch. But that would've probably started something even less favorable...

Sigh... I'm tired... All of this... you know, the curious eyes I said, sure, no problem. I don't crave attention, but I accept what many critiquing eyes will probably dictate as a means to be under the spotlight. You can acknowledge who I am. But if one is choosing to be unpleasant about it, then it falls under my rights to do something about it. No matter how I dress, I am an individual. A vicious individual. You set the wheels in motion for whatever will come by acting foolishly on hatred and perverse whims.

My time is up... and I need to be somewhat conscious to drive... [hopefully 'Vinushka' won't make me sleepy again] More than anything now, I want a cane and a finger spike... A beautiful black cane... a devestating silver finger spike...

May a pleasant evening befall you, mina-sama. Stay safe, stay smart, and be who you are always.
Eternally yours,
Evil Knight of Destruction Isaak

The Casual Aristo, at night.

Good evening, mina-sama. I've been much too busy. Far too busy for any one person such as myself to even think of having the slightest inclination of a labor of love. No. All labor, no love. I'm so tired, more so than my default. Ahhh, what might become of me by the weekend, when I seek to go out with Grimmy...?

Saaa, I'll manage, hopefully. Anyway, onto more pleasureable fair. After straightening my hair to the best of what I wanted for the evening--which was more decent that what the humidity has turned it into--I upped and stole the end table to set my camera and had a whirl with some pictures. I meant to crop these some, so as to focus more on the attire worn, but I didn't think I'd end up posting tonight if I went through all that. So for your judgement and enjoyment, here is the beaded collar blouse aforementioned in the last post, paired with my super wonderful black pants and clunky shoes. [I teased the idea of putting on the boots, but again, I'd still probably be fiddling with my camera if I went through all that.]

With the shirt tucked in. I wore it out all today while I was at work.

Until I acquire a cane, Yasumisame is a very good to me, and supplements in it's place like a good sport [loose or tucked in is okay with me depending on the circumstance. I'd wear it either or on a normal basis.]

Also in place until a top hat is acquired--and heavens knows I need one that actually fits properly around my noggin--Undertaker's makes nice very well. I might have to work with the posing a bit, unless I want to sit and crop.

Close ups of the beadwork. I'm thinking of maybe just a thick black ribbon to tie into a big loose bow up front. We'll see.

While it was so damn blistering hot today I really wasn't focused on anything outside of central AC. But in hindsight, I am seeing this as very plausible, once finessed with a few finishing touches.

So I'm afraid that's all for today, mina-sama. I simply cannot focus on anything much at the moment [laying down is probably not helping]. Let us chat again soon though, very soon, and talk tea and dessert.

With patterns ever weaving in thy head...
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Hidden attire...? A sudden casual ensemble.

Good morning, mina-sama. Oh my, I must be really awake [whilst standing up] because I'm not usually this energetic to post anything of this nature so early in the morning, unless I know nothing is going to follow the day. Really, I am going to have to start bringing tea for oneses soon, tsk. Chai will sit better, even with milk in it.

[The alarm is going off in the building... I wonder vaguely if I should evacuate... But this is the second time it's gone off... Is that a sign? Isn't it sad when I have to debate what to do when an alarm is going off? Damn... tonikaku...]

While doing laundry over the weekend--yes, with new machines, come new technology which only I can really use, despite it being almost automatic in everything it does--and setting out a considerable pile of delicates to wash, I came across a shirt that is not mine, but might as well be, that struck my fancy suddenly of having enough of an Aristo look. However, it's not in exacting standards one could say, what with no real neck frill collar as almost always seen in blouses, and has a beaded collar instead. A collar wouldn't be out of the question for me to make however; it would probably be in black, since the blouse is a tad off white. Paired with my black slacks [which I am still hoping to add a back skirt to] and my black chunk shoes, if it all works out in reality as it does in my head, I've got a coordiante.

And it's rather ironic because I've worn that ensemble all together on many occasions before [school even, if you can believe it]. Who would have thought I might be able to bring it together for something like this now?

The blouse is very lightweight too, and I'm used to wearing long pants in the summer. It is a bit long though, and though I'm not against tucking shirts in, with this heat, and simply because of the way it looks, I'm more inclined to wear it out. I will take pictures off both ways for comparison. [I might also put on my boots to compare to my chunk shoes.] Undertaker's tophat is in the works, just for effect; until I acquire an actual tophat--that doesn't fit a bit more than snugly--I supplement thusly.

In terms of picture-taking, I'm lucky enough to have a very good digital camera, and on the such-and-such occasions where I've felt inclined to take pictures of my non-photogenic self, usually it's out in the living room, where I've paid no heed to background setting [consisting of either the largest window, or the back of the loveseat, massage chair, and entertainment unit]. But now that I'm in the works more of aesthetics, perhaps I should reconsider some of my poses and where I set myself. A new tree was planted within the last few months in the backyard, and my mother is an avid gardener. I enjoy being outside when there isn't a chance I could have heat stroke [cold and snow are an entirely different, much more tolerable matter]. If the lush greenery of the backyard and sideyards cannot be accomplished--after all, where will I set down my camera?--then perhaps I'll stay inside, but at the opposite end of my usual shooting "suite".

We'll see. I have been told I have a natural inclination for photography, so maybe I'm thinking too hard on it. You all will be satisfied with a decent picture all the same, yes? If I can get a shot during daytime hours, the light from the windows of the other three bedrooms adjacent fill in that lone little back void well, so even at a distance with the portrait flash on, it should--estimating?--come out well enough.

I'm rather excited for it. I'll try and get to posting pictures tonight, after I do something with my hair.

When I go out with Grimmy and Ban on the weekend, maybe I'll wear it out and about. It's a step in the right direction, and hopefully the nudge I need to get my hands into working blouses and accents. Casual Aristo might be all I can manage in this weather, given the usual tendency to wear many layers normally.

Clouds are darkening overhead, but hopefully if you are unprepared, you will spared the rain, mina-sama. Maybe the clouds will cool the area, and hold over into next weekend.

Waltz into my endless plane of roses.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Marquis does Music

Good afternoon, mina-sama. There are many things brewing that are coming up just around the corner, and true to the ultimate purpose of this blog, I would like to get in at least one additional post in dedication to that which is Aristo. So today my thoughts turn to music.

Aforementioned in a previous post, I am mercifully gifted with the ability to play music, and a somewhat scarce insturement that is my beloved viola. I named it JKL. It doesn't stand for anything. It isn't a superior brand name, but it's nothing flimsy and third-rate. It does what it's made to do, and that is produce beautiful sound when played correctly. I don't think I would be half as interested as I am in as much a variety of music as I am if were not for JKL. I'm a late bloomer by string standards, but to this day I continue it, playing actively in the University of Maryland's Gamer Symphony Orchestra [henceforth GSO], and have been thinking about picking up this phenomenon of standing out with my case open and playing whatever comes to mind. This will probably happen--if it ever does--in the springtime, so JKL won't warp or have his strings pop in my face.

If I am feeling up to it--and when that Youtube thing comes around again--recordings, or maybe just pictures, will be posted. It would be fitting to play something like 'Gekkouka' in an Aristo outfit.

That being said, attentions turn now to one of my inspirations in creating the image and becoming an Aristo, Versailles Philharmonic Quintet. Not only is their music epic, but they bring to the stage two forms of interest in one: Visual Kei, as their genre of music is defined [along with Neo-classical, symponic, and power metal], and Aristocrat. The title of the first blog post is in fact borrowed from the introduction of the special single release version of 'The Revenant Choir'. They've only been together three years, but already they have made a stamp on Japanese and international charts, and they're debut album was released early this year [who knows how long it'll take to get over here though]. Nearing almost a year ago, their bassist, Jasmine You, passed away rather suddenly with reasons regarding his health. As I know the rest of Versailles does, I feel the loss still [bassist in question]. I am a little curious to know if there was a special event at his wake, letting him go on in passing in a true Aristocrat's manner as Versailles is renown for embracing in their music.

Versailles' music is intense. Anything with 'power' and 'metal' in the genre description usually alludes to such, but adding V-Kei by the Japanese standard, and then 'symphonic' on top spells out something that goes one step about V-Kei and power metal alone. 'The Love From a Dead Orchestra' stole my heart. 'Zombie' reminds me of the roots of their style [v-kei]. And 'To the Chaos Inside' sums up how my life is going so far. If you listen to a few, or know them already, tell me, which is your favorite[s]?

Usually in bands, I like the bassist best. Vocalists and guitarists usually get too much attention, and drummers usually don't hold my interest [this is not in terms of their skill, this is just based on looks and likeability (my own random factors further defining such)]. But I am madly in love with drummer Yuki. Fangirls and boys can have Kamijo [...I don't deny the man is sexxx though]. Give me the other "man" of the group anyday. Ahh, to play like him. Ohhh~ but to have his wardrobe. I would be set for life.

Anyway, there lies true nobleman, everything shy of the knighting. There is my lofty aspiration, a looming inspiration, a fantasy I can almost touch, and strive to embody. Maybe in the future, completely out of the blue, I'll find myself up on stage with them, an amp attached to JKL, sawing away in interlude and bridge. What a pleasure and an honor.

Sigh, I think that's all for the time being. I needed something a bit more constructive to pass the time. Hopefully, over this weekened, and or on next Tuesday, there should be some pictures and workings of the infamous white Aeon pants [not hyperlinked for a reason]. Then, after that, Undertaker cosplay, as Otakon nears in less than two weeks...!

The weather is beautiful outside, mina-sama, albeit a little hot. Take care whilst under the summer sun, but do go out and enjoy yourselves [perhaps for brief periods of time]. I will most certainly be having Lady Grey tea with sixes and dinner this evening. [which reminds me, a food post may be in the works as well].

Adieu, mina-sama, and see you again soon.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante

Marquis does the weather.

Good evening, mina-sama, are you getting ready to turn in? You should. Mercifully, with this rain--despise it though I may--the summer's heat dissipates a little. Unfortunately, I fear what it will bring come tomorrow morning, and it's ill effects on my hair.

Speaking of, that might be a mini-post later. I have interesting hair, not to brag. I base it off of opinions from others, factual genetic make-up, and experience, given it's attached to my scalp from before I was born.

But back to the weather. All this rain and humidity has got this noble thinking. Mainly about what I want to equip myself with on a day to day, and a day like that other day basis. Usually, leaving my hair not as it is at this precise moment, I don't care too much for rainfall, and make do with just a hat should there be anything less than a torrential downpour. But when time and effort has been put into managing this soft mane of mine, I begin to take precautions. So the thought came to me of perhaps getting a parasol, in addition to the tophat [and also maybe thicker ribbons, and perhaps blank hair clips to attach said ribbons to]. However baroque-antique-gothic I could make it however, I still imagine it a bit out of place with Aristo.

...But I'll let you know if I see something. [suddenly a picture develops in my mind of what might be suitable...]

On the flipside, I don't really know what to do going about this mugginess. Temperature retardent I may be, but I feel the effects of the summer's weather when doing anything remotely more strenuous than walking [at my pace, guaranteed slower than yours]. So a fan may be in order. I already have several, and the one best suited I seemed to have just recently snapped. Not in half. There is hope yet to repair it. But there might be something in the works of a thicker black lace fan. I love my Japanese style fans, but they aren't even of complimenting colors to what I have so far in Aristo and V-Kei style, so it deters me a little. [and gives me incentive to stay indoors.]

I long for the just-chilly-enough temperatures of fall. Please come a little early, 60 degree weather [namely, 7/30-8/1 if you please].

Now, to get a little bit back on topic... In these last few minutes before I started typing, I returned to the Atelier Boz site and perused it's collection of the Boz side. Now as much as I would love to order from them online, I'm sure soon enough I'll be back in Shinjuku or Osaka and can simply go in person; but that aside, a great number of things in the online collection appear to be sold out. I've gotten used to it, and only really look at things now for the prices [rounding roughly to the dollar]. And of course, for inspiration.

Going category by category as they have it arranged via articles of clothing helps separate my trains of thought in terms of deciding what I like, and what is doable, to an extent. Recently in the last perusing, I became highly enamored of some of the men's pants; a little number five rows down, smack in the middle, then another second row from the bottom on the left [among others in the collection]. Upon closer inspection, neither seem overly complicated to recreate with a pair of my own slacks [because I am one with legs that are better concealed], and a pair of removable buckles from my Undertaker cosplay [on a side note, it seems Atelier Boz has made several pieces of Sebastian and Ciel's main outfits, which makes me smile to see it]. I would in fact even do one in white depending on the success of the black one. And since my white pants that would be used are due to be modified, another unique touch would be added to this take on a designer style.

I suppose I should say, in addition to being very excited for the possibilities that I may be able to unfold, no matter what your relationship is like with you and your sewing machine, when looking online, go ahead and jot down ideas and sketches, rather than clicking that magic 'add to cart' button. It may take longer to realize your would-be purchase, but in the long run you'll save, and you'll have a one of a kind.

I am looking forward to it, starting with those aforementioned white pants. I hope to show you a sort of play-by-play for their modification in the near future.

Now, I'm weary... I actually went into work today, and I'll need to conserve my strength for tomorrow. Please be sure to get proper rest as well, mina-sama.

Dream softly, sleep well.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

That which is Aristocrat.

Good evening, mina-san. So much has happened within a week, goodness gracious. I'm giving my all to things necessary and current, so I've become too exhausted for any pleasantries, do forgive me. But this weekend I said I would get to this post that's been milling around in my head, and damnit all, even with the remaining evening of Sunday I have left, I will. With any luck, all this pre-meditating going on in my head--and a bit of Lamento~Beyond the Void music--I can put to virtual paper the thoughts of becoming Aristocrat in more than just manner of dress.

I am one who stands by the content of your character makes the person you are, inside and out. One may choose to cast themselves in a particular image with poise and style of clothing, and remain silent to allow the image to be full and complete to all those who behold it, thus bellying any other persona beneath silence. On the opposite, an individual can wow or deter their onlookers by contradicting either positively or negatively the image they create by first glance alone in choosing their way to present themselves in dialect and actions. Content of character. You can choose what you want it to be, and choose how best to portray it. But it's interpretation thereafter is left to those to whom you are presenting.

In becoming an Aristocrat in dress and persona, perhaps I will discover a deeper side to myself. This is an undertaking that is going on my own desires, yes, but inspiration from a friend, seeking to do something for herself as well. When I don the clothes I make and buy that will heighten my image to that of an Aristocrat, I want to fill the mold of the person one would expect, but lose none of the person I already am. I am a gentleman [or, as of a couple years ago, I am striving to be more of one]. I am world-cultured better than some. I am a writer, and musician. Through me flows the dramatic talent of an actress, and the courageous will of a soldier of war. The person I am cannot be replaced, but it can be changed, and for the better.

When stepping out into the public's eye, so full of critisism these days, the eye may stare. It may look, and it may touch. But with touch, I would welcome curiousity, questions for those who cannot fully recognize what they see. It would be a pleasure to enlighten those who are open-minded enough to ask that this is who I am, and this is how I create the image so that one may see who I am, without ever having asked my name or getting to know me. Those of the public's eye that chooses only to stare may do so. I suppose I could count myself upon the lucky ones who do not have that subtle or blatant apprehension of staring. To a degree, and according to the circumstance, I actually feel more confident sometimes when people stare. And though true thoughts may be left unspoken, the unshakeable truth is that the stare is acknowledgement of my being.

Right now, my room and that space in my head called my mind are my bastion, Yurei Shirou. They are pretty much "complete" you could say, in that, even for Aristocrat, they are not opted to be changed. But even within my home, I can begin a new outlook via Aristocrat. Though it will begin in the dress, it will continue through the content of my character. And so with that in mind, I set down some tips and strategies to keep my head and heart in unison on this path.

1. Though haughtiness is an expected trait of an Aristocrat, err on the side of mystery and humbleness. The allure is almighty in this way, and the air of an noble is far easier to concieve from it.
2. Keep at least one item of Aristocratic fashion on my person. A workplace has a set environment, and the rules of said environment should always be adhered to first; be flexible. An earring or piece of silver jewelry in an antique, baroque, or gothic style can supplement well. [in fact, that is my usual case, notably the Toribura crucifix.]
3. For your own personal outings, make what you will of the places you go. You are not alone in the world of course, and it is advisable not to create your own little world within the masses [this is not to say disregard personal space. This is entirely different]. Interaction is unavoidable, so do not try to go about as if everyone else around you does not exist. Aristocrat is not an omnipresent observer.
4. Etiquitte is well looked upon. But nobody is perfect. Should the occasional mistake occur, make appropriate responses, not excuses. A true nobleman will shoulder all the fault himself where fault has occured.
5. Take care of your clothes, accessories, and footwear. The gaze of the public doesn't often get low, but why let mud-cacked boots ruin your otherwise untarnished Aristocrat outfit. Look your best each and every day, for all occassions big or small.
6. Enjoy yourself. If things are becoming too stressful or difficult, then it's time to take a step back and see what is causing such grief. Relax and do not concern yourself with the matter for the time being. I like to have a small bite of chocolate and a can of Arizona Tea when I am so overwhelmed I can't even tell who is what and where from when.

As is stated in the introduction, right now, Aristocrat might be more than I can truly handle at the moment. But I want to try. No, I want to do. So with patience at hand and creativity in the heart, I continue to proceed for to the best of my ability. I want to create beauitful blouses, pants, skirts, coats, and accessories. I want to live in a world filled with the smell of roses, and surrounded in the heavy beauty that is Aristocrat. I want to become the Nobleman of Evil, an Aristocrat not unlike yours and my favorite Count of Monte Cristo perhaps...? [although it is actually Earl Vincent Phantomhive.]

Now then, mina-sama... *Candelabra.* The hour grows late. A new week is upon us. Let us make the most of it, starting with having a good night's rest. And in the morning we will go about the day in our best spirits.

I'll see you for elevenses~...

Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Acrylic Nails revisted; short interlude.

Good evening, mina-sama. For those of the respective United States of America, did you enjoy your Independence Day? Firework displays are more than spectacular, but I hope you all took at least a few moments to spare a thought for the historical aspect, and pay a little tribute to the men who died to give us this right. The right of independence. The right of our country.

Now, I don't want to delve too far, this is after all, just a short little display. Got to save all the meat of tonight's writing for the next part. This afternoon I took the liberty of expirementing with the long acrylic nails that are to be used for Undertaker's cosplay. I filed down the two sets in one packet to see how easy it would be [easy enough obviously, for me to spend time doing all twenty in one sitting]. Then, I proceeded to stick a set on the right hand--since the left is done to my tastes--and paint them while on my fingers; it would be easier that way. Here's how they turned out.

I am most pleased with this. I am, however, debating on cutting them. [If I do, they will be shown in later posts for all.]

Now then, that's all for this one. I'll have to work on how and if I plan to take them off between nights. I suppose it won't matter of course if I just stay up each and every night, what with the rave, the masquerade, and the concert. [Wishful thinking on my part I believe...]

Stay tuned for tonight's post; my attempt to delve personally into embodying Aristocrat.

Nails; Mine and Acrylic

Good evening, mina-sama. Long day, beautiful weather towards the evening hours. Had lunch out in the florida room. The table's been re-topped with faux tile, thank goodness. Wasn't doing so well before that, being exposed to the elements. Went out to one of my nearby super malls, and grocery shopping. Oh how I long to drive out on such weekend outings in full Aristo or V-Kei.

Also on part of early morning outings [which started with deposting checks from various a sundry sources (let that be as suspicious as you want it to)], I visited a beauty salon with the hopes of acquiring a set of long acrylic nails, ideally black and square tipped. These are the finishing touches to my Undertaker cosplay, and it's less than a month away now, so I didn't want to keep pushing it off though I have the time. Undertaker's nails, for those who do not know, look a little something like this. They seem a bit longer in the anime, and now that I look again, I think I might've actually gotten something too long. However, the main problem I had was length; I'm too picky for my own good sometimes in these things. Here's what I had to work with.

I put on a fresh coat just for you, and just on this hand. My right hand has even longer nails, since the left is... 'advised' to be kept shorter for my viola playing. [Oh, and in the background is Sebastian, my yakuza boss youkai little brother. No he's not dead. Just being adorable.]

Here's the ones I bought, with the thumb nail being painted while not on my finger [hence... not being done]. They came in a set of twenty, I bought two. I will probably have to put them on and paint them, which will be fine I suppose. The paint is the same skull brand from Hot Topic that the silver is. When I do, I'll take another picture, and add it to the Undertaker cosplay posts to come.

I did contemplate for a while just letting my own nails grow out and squaring the tip, since I am fortunate enough to not have a nail biting habit, and to have relatively strong and fast growing nails [people to this day ask me if I've gotten my nails done recently, or if they're actually real. While I do enjoy impressing people, I am not so fond of when they deny my answer as if they knew anyway]. I'd just have to... stop practicing during the whole summer. Heh... heh heh.

On that note, now that I have his so-black-you-can't-even-see-inside-the-bottle nail polish, and silver, I think I'll start going back to my alternative manicures. I'm not fond of square tips, but I wonder if that makes much of a difference having round tips in Aristo. If I have any black after Undertaking, I'll do my nails in black, then paint silver on top as the 'manicure' layer. In fact, let me go ahead and finish up the reverse on my left hand.

Decent. I forsee the inverse looking better oddly enough.

I would really like some finger armor/spikes [the terminology seems to vary] for those other days when I haven't done my nails or the paint is in between stages of chipping away. *Adds to list before I forget.* Silver is the usual it seems for Aristo, as it compliments black well; I'd also like to see if I could get slim ones, so I could have two on one hand. Regular maintenance will be another aspect in my Aristo path.

I seem to be delving a lot into clothes and cosplay and accessories and such, maybe the next coming posts will be mannerisms and poise of an Aristocrat. It is still my desire to become a Nobleman of Evil. I'll do that. Plus afternoon tea, elevenses, and viola playing [do I hear a recording in the future...?].

Sebastian is making simply the most handsome sleeping face behind me. Makes me want to use him for a pillow, but he will wake if I do, unfortunately. I'll have to keep my feet up, though... hahaha.

Dream softly, sleep well,
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Helpful touches in achieving any look; Accessories.

Good evening, mina-sama~ I trust your day went well? I had noon-day tea out in front of the sprawling lawn--it needs a bit of tending with this extreme heat, good grief--and it was very pleasant indeed. Rasberry sorbet lingers on my tastebuds from tonight's dessert. And fireworks go off in the background [no, really. I live close to a minor league pro baseball stadium, and there are fireworks almost every other day during the summer].

Let's shake things up a bit, shall we? Pictures shall be abound [so long as I can make the picture thing in the tool bar work]. While mentioned in the previous entry I'm not so privy to many clothing items--either bought or modified by my hand--I do have quite a few accessories to compliment Aristo and V-Kei. So without further ado, shall we? ^_^ I've tried to do my best to arrange them by similar category.

For the head. The most prominent, and a selction of hair clips/ribbons. You'll see more of the grey hat on the right.

The hair clips came from Japan, the mini top hat, Katsucon.

Cosmetics [is it weird to call it that?]. When I do wear it, I like to think I do a good job of it. The mask gives rise to an eyepatch in the near future.

Jewelry. I have two rings and three necklaces on perpetually [the Trinity Blood Crucifix in the back middle being one of them].

The single earring now attached to the jingle bell I made, such that the other two baubles--or anything with hooks--could be attached.

More suited of V-Kei. Armwarmers from Hot Topic. Armband reads 'dancho'.

My [zipper] necktie, which is quite popular actually. Aquired at Otakon. Bowtie I stole from a spare uniform of my highschool orchestra. I dunno what I'm going to do with the black rose pin yet.

Detailing of tie. The "stamens" [if I still know botany] fell out, but they will be replaced soon.

Suspenders and chainlink. I put these together in a category 'legs', since the chain goes in belt loops, and I commonly wear the suspenders down. Both acquired at Hot Topic.

My super amazing shoes, front. Tall for elegance, but comfy--to a point--for almost everyday movement.
Shoes side view. These two pictures are subject to reappear or move to a separate post, which will include just footware.

[By the way, that took entirely too much effort to arrange. There's gotta be a better way...]

Although accessories do not make a particular style alone, they add specific touches that certainly help the image along. In the right combination, they do well as a stand alone for everyday activities. I do hope to add to the collection a bit, as I make my particular niche in Aristo and V-Kei. A cane, a full tophat, and another pair of taller boots are in the nearby works. [call me crazy, but I was in half a mind to try and find/make ballistics gel to add to those shoes I already have. Cost would've been a major factor, but I never figured it out...] Colored contacts would also be nice... Maybe cat eye.

We are in the con months, so in the coming weeks--or even days--there is a high chance of a shift to cosplay, at least until Otakon passes. But Versailles pumps through my ears and plays through my mind's eye...

Jaa, hopefully that was more exciting. Now then, I've too many things to do again tomorrow morning, so if you'll pardon me, I'll be turning in. ^_^

Dream softly, sleep well.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

On the flip side, a realm of Visual Kei aesthetics.

Well good morning, ma cherie. ^_^ I trust you slept well? The day is already in full swing for me, and after an extra few mintues to sit [read: sleep] still, I am ready to preoccupy myself [at work] thusly.

As the blog title indicates, in addition to my delving into the realm of Aristocrat, I am also putting myself on the path of Visual Kei [wikipedia is most helpful in making a straightforward example of things, in case you haven't noticed]. In fact, I daresay I was inspired by the glam-rock style possibly two years before I became motivated to become Aristocrat. I like the possibilities, the mixed genres of styles. At the moment, I have only modified pants to the Visual style--and have a few accesories--, but as I work on my Aristocrat wardrobe, V-Kei will be woven into the mix as well.

If I teach myself electric bass, then I'm all set for a band [heh, maybe].

At the heart and core of the inspiration behind both Visual Kei and Aristocrat, is my love for anime, manga, and video games [which has indeed branched to an all encompassing love of Japan]. Though this is not the main topic of this blog, there will be spots in between where I simply must interject, because damnit, something fuuching amazing is going down. Among the first few pictures sure to be posted here [when I get back home and modify posts] will be the complete outfit of Undertaker, from Yana Toboso's Kuroshitsuji. Once Otakon is said and done, I will post the process of making my next outfit--Ukoku Sanzo, from Minekura Kazuya's Saiyuki--alongside all the other news of my Aristo and V-Kei doings.

Thank you for spending time to come along my journey with me. Commentary, advice, tips, and general conversing is always welcome. ^_^

Now, go off and make today productive, the weather is splendid. I think I'll write haiku by the fountains today.

Eternally yours.
Il Ruinante Isaak
p.s. Also, because of my massive love of Japanese music, occasional mini-posts will have V-Kei band related news. After all, new albums and live concerts are a great way to steal designs begin brainstorming new ideas.

Aristocrat's, beautifully attired, in a world filled with the smell of roses.

Good evening. The hour is late, my friends, why are you all still up? This will be troublesome in the morning, you know, if we cannot all get up and have breakfast together. ^_^

I am Marquis of Dublin Isaak, but let us not be strangers with over formalities, and you may call me Isaak. I am a young gentleman in the thick of my college career at an esteemed university in Maryland, and I am embracing all that is Aristocrat.

Actually, in terms of writing things out, it becomes a whole lot easier. [heh, I am almost certain I could act this out to an extent, and hone it over time...]

Why Aristocrat? Perhaps it is the style--the more cordial and fashionable Japanese Aristocratic style precisely--that draws me. Perhaps it is the overall image. Maybe it's the secret yearning to go out to a huge mall [I live close to two in fact] and walk around in my full Aristocrat grace and be stopped to have pictures taken of me. Maybe it's Toriberry and thou's special spring lunches we enjoyed together on campus. Maybe it's her drive to become full Lolita. It's probably all of it; I rarely have one sole reason for doing anything this consuming.

I will enjoy every second of it, through the stabs in my wallet to the tangling of the sewing machine [I am growing more confident in my sewing capabilities], because if I ever stop enjoying it, there goes my drive, my fervor. I'm the sort that can't devote any excess energy to anything that isn't worth it [I have hypotension].

Well, I don't mean to cut things short so untimely, without graces of a picture or a more detailed introduction, but again, the hour is late, and I entertained many today. ^_^ Please allow Sebastian-kun to escort you to your rooms. We'll get a fresh start for tomorrow, and elaborate more on the specifics then.

Now then, dream softly, sleep well.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak