Katsucon 11 Highlights [derailment]

Good afternoon minna-sama, chotto hisashiburi ne~? I hope you won't mind if we have a slight digression, into the lesser of the triad for this blog, anime/manga love. Katsucon 2011 has come and gone, and though I only went for one day to give our panel, the D.C. convention is still a very enjoyable affair. Do humor me with pictures posted of my cosplay. Enjoy~

To start, since it was the one day, I decided to do it casual and cosplayed as Casual Undertaker. Or rather, just what Undertaker wears underneath [context] which resembles a priest cossak. I wore it with the intent of putting on a black face mask and arm band to just be dressed in a manner to alarm the other Gaylord Hotel guests, but as I walked to the end of the registration line, I got shouts of "UNDERTAKER~!" Therefore. Casual Undertaker. Legit cosplay. Afterwards, I did go and parade up and down the registration line for kicks [since I brought my cane too]. I did get mistaken for Bishop from Dogs: Bullets & Carnage once though. [Seeing how close the cosplay is, I've been considering it for Otakon.]

Casual Undertaker is a master creeper~! [And still bamfin' yo.]

I saw Bedroom [aka Just-raped-by-Sebastian] Ciel in the line too; she was Russia this time.

Got a discount for being a state employee~ for registration.

I spent an usually long amount of time in the Dealer's room [which was combined together with the Artist Alley], bought a fuuch load of pins. My quest was solely for Trinity Blood volumes that I didn't have yet, and fortunately, I did find them [and perused some artbooks too]. I've been looking endlessly for Yami no Matsuei vol 11, but I have a feeling I'm not going to find it anywhere but online... Pins are great. Amazing, and attaching them to my bag is an art form. Decided to get as shirt too; Jenova's Witness [front], The Church of One Winged Angel of the Latter Day Summons [back]. I was tempted to get a Castlevania wallscroll [Hrrrrrr~ Hector, so sexxxy], and a finger armor [FINALLY saw some], but resisted. Next time... next time... *Cackle.*

I need to up my Legend of Zelda paraphenalia. Preferably a shirt, but I'll take pins, phone charms, and emblemed things [TRIFORCE~]. Hetalia, Hakuouki, and Pokemon are taken care of, so maybe some Level E next. And definitely Devil May Cry [so I can have the two DMCs].

There was this creepy zombie[?] chick with needles poking out of her arms walking [creeping] around. Did you guys see her? I almost ran into her, because I don't think either of us could see clearly, but I heard jangling from the person she was walking around with [he was a wolf gijinka, I suppose] so crisis averted~. Other hotel guests were putting people in their group with her to take pictures; willingly or unwillingly is questionable, heh.

I took a rolling backpack with me this time. The escalator was a little awkward, but other than that, it worked out quite well. Carried lots of big essentials, namely Yoshimaru, Arizona tea, and food.

Todd Haberkorn. You all can have your Vic Mignogna, I'll take Todd. Went to his panel for voice over, which was awesome~ [give it up for Kinch Cross who got to go to the mic~!] And got a picture of him, with him, and a hug~! He's so much fun. And his love for Lady Gaga always will immediately trigger Leather Pants in my mind.

ROOOOOOMAAAA-JIIIIIIIIIIIIII~! Finally saw him too. Apparently a lot of people went that I didn't get to see~ Let's share our memories together though, ne?

I took a habit of standing in random groups when I was in between going places. Just rollin up and sitting/standing together [I also was furthered in my tendencies for harmless molestation for people in lines. I think it's the wig...]. The great things about con-goers, for the majority, is that we're all in this together. Spontaneity becomes us, and getting cozy together is relatively natural. I am eternally grateful for it. We are all joined together by our overwhelming passion for the numerous and beautiful things that make up a convention such as Katsucon.

At one point in my sitting around, I whipped out Yoshimaru and danced to 'Sabishii Nettaigyo' [the Prince of Tennis cover version], and 'Resonance' [TMRevolution]. I reccomend Youtubing the first if you haven't seen it [look up 'Cloud and Squall dance Dissidia Final Fantasy', or check it here] I couldn't see past my bangs, so I wonder if anyone was recording.

Our panel, ACROSS JAPAN, went over very well! I am very pleased at the turnout, the interactions, the enthusiasm [don't question me] that was shown by our guests in attendance. I would like to do it next year, along with the Maid Cafe [as a BUTLER, aku made shitsuji desu kara, yatta yatta]; those would basically be my reasons to justify attendance, desu ne. Things were a little wonky before hand, but once getting there, it went pleasantly.

Same for the helpfulness of the staff. They're really looking out for us in the big beautiful Gaylord Hotel [water show? Do like, mini-Bellagio it may be, heh heh]. So thank you, dedicated volunteers and staff [Marcos, shout out]. Please maintain your wonderful composure and helpful attitude into the future.

Ehehn heh heh heh... *Nosebleed.* Togainu no Chi, Lamento~ yaoi... ehehn...

From now until Otakon, I'll be off into making the new cosplays~! Akabane and Ukoku Sanzo are slated, but knowing what I do now about Bishop, I'm certainly putting that into consideration.

Go forth, great Otaku! We love you back.

Eternally yours,

Il Ruinante Isaak

Mini Post: Grocery Shopping [and meals]

Good afternoon minna-sama~ sorry for the delay. [I moved these pictures, and then forgot where they were.] It's getting a little warmer, little at a time. I would still like a repeat of last year's Snowmaggedon, but at the same time, because I lack a good Aristo or V-kei coat/mantle, I don't mind warmer weather coming forth if it means wearing blouses and my waist coat only. As it were, here's a little post for the weekend outing two weeks ago.

As I mentioned, I finally went out to SAM's Club with my parents for the first time in forever. I love our SAM's Club in Annapolis, everyone is cool. The ladies tend to enjoy my outfits, and my Demonia boots are a hit really.

The priest cossak, thusly dubbed [see a previous entry], the Demonia boots, and Trinity Blood crucifix [it makes me wonder if people see it and think I'm uber religious]. I really really really want a top hat now. If anyone knows a good millery or hat store, let me know.
We got peaches, and I decided to promote them. Strangely. I think if I had the Undertaker wig on, this would be more complete. [also, I didn't turn it all the way around, bad sales pitch~! Haha.]

Also, I've been making waffles with my new waffle iron I bought during Black Friday. The top is with blue berries, the bottom with cheese grilled into it; just put shredded cheese of choice on top after you've ladeled the batter in, then close the top.

I had an outing with Toriberry just this past Sunday, down to Georgetown to do some vintage store shopping. She in her new embrace of gyaru, went stylin' and profilin' in complimentary contrast to my expiremental Aristokei mash-up. I forgot to take pictures, but I'm sure to wear that combination again I believe.

Into the future, everyone~ Do your best, and look as you wish. That which we have all sworn to, shall always be my guiding light. [I love Warrior~]

Eternally yours,

Il Ruinante Isaak.\

The Marquis talks Make-up

Good morning, minna-sama, and I beg forgiveness for my unannounced hiatus [I don't like the thought of saying that I was on a hiatus when it's not as though I've had writer's block or anything]. The winter break was only good for me essentially on the days of the holidays themselves. I won't let you wallow in my despairs as well, because recounting them will hardly lift me out of my really drowsy state. Instead, let me try to jump-start into all the things I've been wanting to say and do concerning my love of my favorite Japanese street fashions~!

There will be a mini post up after this one of the outfit I wore last Saturday when I went on outing for the first time in a month I think. [Also a gag pic. Correct context, you must choose.] We had some snow around here, and it's got me into my wintery weather mindset which I love~ but also has my gears turning about things I would like to add to my wardrobe, in terms of footwear [you'll see].

I still don't want to believe it, but I am under the impression that Chimera-kun and Drocell-kun did something incredibly stupid and amazing and bought me this outfit from Atelier Boz. They [supposedly] ordered it back in early December. I don't want to believe that they would shell out over $300 for me. I nervously watch my doorstep when we pull up for signs of a package or a missed package slip.

I'm thinking ahead to the spring months, and the less-than-successful time I had with Aristocrat over the summer. With some shopping trips planned in the near future, I am expecting to get a few things that will hopefully be Spring Aristocrat friendly, as well as look more towards my Visual Kei styles to supplement a majority of the warmer months. I have never been inclined much on the "shredded" style that is incorporated more into V-kei today, but I'm beginning to find appeal in it. That, combined with numerous accesories and several premade garments that help to make up my slightly larger V-Kei wardrobe, give me something to look forward to as I stroll campus and the neighborhood.

Lastly, with Toriberry's new delve into gyaru fashion, I've watched her in her fervor passion dive into make-up, an necessary and very important part to all of the gyaru main and sub-styles. We were close to getting circle lenses. We very well might in the near future [although I was settling for white contact lenses which go great for a true 'nobleman of the night' Aristo and high androgyny gaze-into-my-pretty-eyes V-kei]. I'm not one for the big eyed look, but watching make-up vids [by the lovely Michelle Phan], and Torriberry go to work, I was inspired to one up my looks even more than that extra accessory could. And so I perused around suggested looks for Aristo.

I am not unfamiliar with make-up, although admittedly, I do not know more than the basics of terminology [if that]. In addition, my few make-up ventures when I have chosen to wear it have been limited mostly to lipstick, and in black and red checker patterns [simply though this may be, I like how well it turns out and the kiss print]. One could find this highly ironic considering that my mother person used to work for Mary-Kay, perhaps one of the biggest giants of the cosmetics world, and still has a great deal of their products from workers benefits. I suppose the main reason make-up and I are not better friends than we are is because of time. I'm sure if I got into the habit of it earlier, I would know to make time for the make-up, but as it were, I also didn't feel girly enough for it, in that golden age of pre-teen and teenager years. Jewelry was easy to put on and off, and if I touched it, it wouldn't get messed up. Make-up can be easy to put on and off to an extent if one does simpler things, but boy isn't it hell to take off soemtimes, and a mess to fix on the fly if your eye accidentally has a run in with your finger.

In hindsight, I have a good feeling about being able to adjust to this sort of thing to incorporate it into V-Kei and Aristo. Save the extravagence for the big outings, like anything, stick to the simple-yet-bold touch for more common fare. While I won't be going out of my way to get fake eyelashes any time soon, I do forsee some more eyeliner and eyeshadow being bought in the near future [along with a bright blue tube of lipstick; something other than black to form that stark contrast. Pictures will ensue]. My nails are also a great asset, and I haven't been giving them as much love as I could, considering nailwork is very very easy for me, and I am regularly tending to them for viola playing purposes. Just as good, if not better than, gloves in a wardrobe, the upkeep of my nails will easily add another defining detail in my two styles.

What's your view on make-up? Can you not leave the house without it? Go natural some days? What's your favorite brand[s] or color scheme? Do you like the big-eyed, big lips look? As always, tips, tricks, and advice from more experiences make-up artists are welcome~

I have a lot of projects still, and I'm looking forward to them~! Katsucon is around the corner, and we've decided for a one-day affair with it, so I will probably decide against Undertaker and go ahead with a Mad Hatter perhaps. Now that would require a top hat ne~? Hmmmmm... more ideas abound~!

To a glorious and rose-filled future~! Holding the Fate!
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak