Warpaint Beauty is Warpaint [picture laden]

Good morning, everyone [...eh? EH?!]. It seems I've been dead all last week [weak, week, unintentional play on the fact I was sick, and also out taking care of neighbors' cats], but not only that... *Looks hither and yon.* Where... where has everyone got to? Eh? Well... be sure to take care, everyone, do your best. I hope things are going well. The GOLDEN Week approaches... [There are plans of grandeur in my head, but lets see what actually happens.]

Last week, or so, I got out of the house and down to Annapolis with the parent marquis for Pretzel Day [that took one too many tries to get correct]. The Hot Topic was across the way from the Auntie Anne's giving away free pretzels, so I perused with my om nom. I was definitely bent on getting a new color of nail polish. Don't get my wrong, I love all shades of purple, which explains why I have at least five different bottles of that color alone. But whether it was lime yellow or citrus orange, I was getting a contrast color.

As it were, there was a sale on Warpaint Beauty brand cosmetics. So I picked up some eyeshadow and lipstick as well [or at least, for as long as I stared at it reading the ingredient list, I came to the conclusion it was lipstick].

Red~! Red, red, red, red, and that is Triforce you see. In a nice compact cubular bottle, it goes on very thick, despite my expectations. This is just one coat. It also dries very quickly, which is great since I have a knack for doing my nails either right before going to the event I'm painting then for, or before I do laborious activity [like laundry]. I'm very pleased, and looking forward to new manicure combos.

Another thing I seem to do a lot is mistake the forms cosmetics come in. First, I thought the eyeshadow was eyeliner. Thus, I thought said eyeliner was liquid.

Being a roll-on, I did sort of literally roll it everywhere, and smudged off where I didn't want it.

I was wrong on both counts, and the eyeshadow is actually a powder that applies via roll-on. I am not perturbed by the turnout, since I do already have a fair share of pencil eyeliners [in purple, too]. It goes on light, so it takes several roll overs to get is as dark as I'd like, but it comes off with a light swab of my thumb or a cotton ball [which is great since I just let it go wherever really, tsk tsk tsk].

Lastly, but certainly not least, a off the wall desire that I didn't think I'd find so easily. Che blue lipstick.

Hey yo. Otonashiku.

Murrr grrrr... or whatever.

I wanted blue [or even purple or dark emerald] for this purpose alone; to have a black upper lip and a blue lower lip. I do this with red as well, whenever the urge hits me. If I get back to Hot Topic soon enough, I will probably get a darker blue variant as well. This is something most likely likened to anime in my subconscious. I don't know. But this is all I wanted it for. And if it wasn't for the fact that I'm bad about mashing my lips together, I'd wear this more regularly.

So maybe I'll do the manicure in blue or black, or both.

Make-up is more understated in Aristocrat, but it is a defining feature of what makes Visual Kei, well, Visual Kei. That and the elaborate costumes. The weather is definitely leaning into Spring, so I will probably spend more weekend outings in climate friendly Visual Kei as the year goes on. Whether this will result in more make-up posts will still depend on if I remember to do it before I go out, ahaha.

Sigh... I try. I really do love the bags under my eyes, as strange as that might sound.

Golden week... aka Spring Break... come to me...!

Eternally yours,

Il Ruinante Isaak

Secondhand Goodness Part 1

Good evening, everyone~ and for those of you like me who are returned to your respective universities, welcome to the spring semester. Good luck one and all~. Has it snowed where you are? More than a scant inch or so like it did here before icing over and melting away... please come back snow~ [or at least appropriate temperatures for the current time of the year]. Bah, it's fine one way or another, in the end.

At last~ I had another occasion to wear my other secondhand jacket in his mild cold weather, so we can have something to look at. Around Otakon last year, Nobu was in town from her trip to China, and dropped off a lovely pair of jackets for me to have, since they were too long for her. As a double bonus, she got these jackets for a steal at the thrift store near campus. Win win all around~! The first up is a number you've seen before, both for Victorian Kitty-san's lace-themed month, and just recently for the end of the year variance sampler.

It has a buckle in the back to make the waist more or less tight, and a pair of rather spacious chest pockets. It carries with it the feel of a Japanese delinquent [...it sounds more random than it seems, promise, haha]. If I knew how to do it, I would embroider something on the sleeve invoking the feeling even more ["Rising Sun of Love and War!" or the likes]. I'll just have to make sure it's accurate.

The second is a delicious leather number, if I do say so myself. I wore it a lot during all of August and September, and adjusted to the ways of slipping leather against car seats and such. All part of the sexy.

Oh, and I finally tamed my hair some.

I'm still not out of my crouch shots. These boots are surprisingly easy for it, though.

No pockets, but it makes up for that in another way. That awesome high collar, open chest, and clip-buckles towards the bottom make this an almost near replica of Final Fantasy VII's main antagonist, Sephiroth  [I make metaphors that he is the Darth Vadar equivalent for video games].  It is close enough to encourage me to make a full cosplay for him somewhere down the line [and I already have one of the more difficult aspects of it in this jacket down]. Don't hold your breath for it, but just wait... it'll come along. Outside of hyper fandom excitement, it is an excellent cool weather jacket as well, because the leather and lining is warm.

Naturally, I give Nobu extra hugs every time I see her when wearing them. Plus two more reasons to love windy days.

Have you ever gotten things secondhand that you wear more than some new things? Or, have a horrible case of the handed down off-colored sweaters from aunts or grandmas?

Here's to a lovely weekend [and this is part one for a reason, so look forward to part two~]

Eternally yours,

Il Ruinante Isaak

Monthly Theme: Spot the Lace

Koncha, minna. Well, this is a little better, mmm~? Perhaps it will still only be a one time thing, despite my best efforts [che sigh]. But nevermind the details~ it's finally become October~! Surely, October is probably my second or third favorite month ever. Good things happen. The weather--like today, oh yes--becomes cooler, Halloween looms, there's inevitably another show, and, oh yes... If you are the lovely Victorian Kitty-tan of Sophistique Noir, you have the first-day-of-the-month theme. For this October, behold....! Lace~!



As far as my trifecta of styles go [Aristo, V-kei, cosplay], the sharp dressed lady of the Aristocrat may find the touch of lace on blouse sleeves, or the top-layer of a fine blouse, along with lace gloves for the warmer weather. However, since on a whole, the three mostly do without, I seem to have sublty reflected that in my own wardrobe. In fact, I nearly forgot the lone piece of lace something or other that I do have until I just looked around the room and spotted it hanging on the doorknob. You've seen it before. It continues to serve me well, even into it's slightly 'broken' state. I'm of course talking about the ever fashionable rose lace zip-tie.

As aforementioned, it was delightfully cool today, as I threw myself out of the house to run to the bank again. The new long jacket--that when buttoned reminds me of a Japanese delinquent, hence the armband [which reads 'gang leader']--is one of two given to me over the summer by Nobu because they're too long to look right. It makes me favor windy days, too, for the billowing effect [who doesn't love that~? ^_^]. The hair is a mess and got rained on while coming home, aaaaaaand... hooray for my diligent tie, it didn't slip too much.

I'm still sick; the ear infection I had earlier this week transformed into a regular cold and cough. By transformed I mean that I didn't get any sort of lapse in between them, one turned into the other. But I can crack my neck again, at least, so that's good. Usually, since I don't like being a pain and getting up to leave class when I have a cough, I'll don the mask. Same for everyday happenings, since the mask is a staple of Visual kei fashion. This one also serves me well, it needs a new protege though. It's mostly little kids who will stare. I've yet to have anyone call me out on it or say a rude comment, and of course, when it is needed [like at my bank for example], I remove it, no problem. I have a feeling it's because I leer a lot when I'm out and about by myself [default expression].

I swear it seems way bigger in proportion to my chest. The picture in the linked post above shows it better than this one, the seeming difference in size... All in all, the tie itself would be great, to me, even without the rose or lace [or just one or the other], because of the material, and that it's neither a regular tie or a clip on, it's affixed via a zipper. Easy to adjust, no worries for length, and fits under even the smallest of collars like the long jacket has.

The mother-person has more lace things than I do... I have considered making a pillbox hat and adding a nice half veil to the front; it's good to remember that fashion goes from head to toe.

Do you prefer whole lace pieces, or lace accessories? Colored lace, or tradional black and white? Do you make your own lace? [if so I bow to your immense prowess~!]

Stay well everyone, and have a wonderful October all around.

Eternally yours,

Il Ruinante Isaak

Gift Card Dilemma

Good morning, minna-sama, have you been keeping well? The world environment all around seems to be getting more and mroe difficult, but don't get down on your luck yet. Remember well wishes and prayer, and move forward into your aspirations always. Spring is coming around the corner, so I am in the hope that the warmer weather will help shape up a better attitude all around. I'm also hoping to play the Spring Aristokei card. Which brings me to my dilemma.

A few weeks ago, I helped Momma out by retrieving her keys from Panera [she's in Delaware, coming down to Maryland, so it was quite a stretch and she couldn't come back the day of once she was already back]. More so than I deserve, I feel, she was uber grateful, expressed in several phonecalls to myself and the mother person, and e-mails, and overall overwhelemed me with praise. I was very flattered; the mother person is theorizing it's because Momma has 'wants-a-grown-daughter' syndrome.

To top it all off, Momma sent me a $20 gift card to Khol's in the mail the other day. And while I don't think I'll be able to use it right off the bat with a spring break cruise around the corner--and with Khol's prices, I certainly won't be able to cover the cost of one thing on it--it's something to look forward to in furthering my Aristo wardrobe. I had just been thinking about getting a new blouse, and then with some more eyelets, I would recreate this little number here.

[The back of the shirt is all that really matters, and should the sleeves be so inclined to it, I may put the design in there, better seen in the red one.]

But wait... I could buy that super wide brimmed hat I saw, and then I wouldn't have to worry about making one for my Akabane cosplay...

Or wait... I could buy another pair of dress pants with pockets, and then stud them with a cut from my leather pants...

Or wait... I could buy tall platforms [with a 'heel' rather than a chunk like my Demonia ones], so I can switch things up with my current ones...

Or wait... I could buy some more cosmetic things, so I can be further motivated for smoky eyed Aristo/racoon eyed V-Kei on a more regular basis...

Or wait... I could buy those chain belts, and that would save me the trip to Hot Topic, and the multiple links go good with a variety of things...

In case I've somehow managed to disguise it from you thus far, I am a very indecisive person. Especially when the choices are all super appealing, and ultimately, I can still choose not to do anything. I am pulled in all directions. I am leaning towards the blouse, because I am eyelet crazy and the above shirt makes my gears turn in how to recreate it. But when I get there, I have a feeling all the other choices I'm debating and more will pop out at me and entice me to choose in a wardrobe deathmatch which is worth spending free money on.

So I offer it to all of you. If you had a giftcard to Khol's [even if you don't shop there] for $20, what would you buy? Blouse? Pants? Hat? Cosmetics? Other? Kohl's actually does have quite the variety, including waffle irons and Nerf Guns, so just about anything could be on your wishlist.

Ahhhhhh, ahh~ haruyasumi wa~... suteki da ne~ I hope everyone will have an enjoyable spring break, if you are privileged with it. If not, do something extra special relaxing over the next weekened. You owe it yourself.

Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Projects for the future, additional II

Good evening, mina-sama. Today will yield another short post, as I have this ominous foreboding feeling that lingers in the back of my head that I should perhaps be doing something constructive to my studies. I woke up very very late yesterday, and the last lingering bout of this sore-throat plus cold seemed to enjoy conglomerating all in that one morning so as to make me feel like utter crap. So I looked online to make sure I could catch up with readings, and finished the Japanese worksheets I had for Monday... So I read 100 pages of the Tale of Genji, and even memorized two CCs... *Looks around.* Damnit, I did work, stoppit with this feeling~! Hmph! And so I will take my mind of such chills down my spine with more pleasant fare.

Projects~! I think of more of them! I am astounded sometimes by all the things I suddenly feel compelled to do now that I have a particular focus, a sewing machine that's out and more readily available [as opposed to having to unwrap it, etc.], and, oh yes, a bit of disposable income helps, so that I don't have to politely beg the mother person for fabrics. Aristocratic is fascinating, as is Visual Kei. I may one day splurge a bit and buy specialty designed contacts. I've heard white irises are quite popular. Oh, top hat first though; yes, though I had as much of an idea to make my own--and I still might attempt--along with my cane, the cane is obviously much simpler, although a top hat does work in my head...

The half-skirt and the Nudy Boy shirt will be coming along sometime before the year is out, I hope, because after all, I wanted to wear them during the cooler months. Also, another jabot will probably be in the works, now that I have one under my belt and better know the mechanics of it. I have not forgotten these, proposed earlier along with Aeon pants and my cane. However, recent events--sickness mostly--have motivated a few more projects.

1. Face-mask. I already have one in my possession actually. I acquired it at Otakon 2007 [oh my, three years ago already?]. It's black, and has a butterfly on it, but it's peeling away in tiny chippings. Tis so sad. When I wore it last during class so I wouldn't have to constantly get up to hack up a lung, I gots to thinking about making another one, with some of the rest of the sateen. I'll need small ribbon, or black rubber bands/elastic to make the ties, but that's no trouble. I think it's just a matter of the correct measurements--it'll be a rectangle, certainly--and then since it's black, I have to find some way to imprint a design on it. It probably will be a yin-yang. I would try my hand at embroidering, but it's just a mask, no reason to turn it into a bigger project than necessary. The mother person has white fabrics about, so I will probably make an inverse one, and fabric marker a design onto it, fabric fitting.

2. Eye patch. I believe I had a thought to do this way back in middle school actually. I am a little skeptical about it though, in terms of actually wearing it. I don't know which eye to wear it on. My right eye is weaker, so if I wore it on my left, I might not be able to see as well. But if I wore it on my right, I would fear half-use would make my right eye weaker still. Plus, I'd be wearing it out under my glasses. Well, maybe not, if I am doing something like walking around; I'm nearsighted, but not bat-shit blind. It terms of making it, I might use spare sateen, and a bit of stuffing fabric [something a bit thicker, you know? I can't think of the name of it at present], and then I suppose it's just a matter of shape, and how to affix the elastic/ribbon into it. Elastic might just be easier overall for when I'm tying my hair back with a fat ribbon. I may or may not put some emblem on it too. A cross, an ornate X, a longevity symbol, etc.

3. Corset backings. By which I mean adding corset backings to some of my blouses that don't have darts, nor can be easily temporarily pinned. I pinned my black and white striped blouse for Sunday [GSO rehersal], but as I was doing laundry it popped. Ah. Bad. A similar thing happened to a purple shirt I made about five years ago [it's actually quite fitting for Wa-Lolita, although it's got a v-line... so maybe not], and I'm tired of restitching the ties back into place. So I'm going to experiment first with a T-shirt and test out two ways to add a darting of some sort that I could loop a string through and tie into a more contoured shape. I had a thought to make a thin stretch of fabric like the ties, and then make loops along the back and stitch them in place, but I was suddenly struck as to make a wider piece, sew it into the shirt down the back, and then add eyelets down the wider piece. Immediately I thought "Oh damn I'm becoming addicted to eyelets." But suddenly I am discovering so many uses for them. So I might forgo the Nudy Boy shirt a little longer to try corset backing in some of my other blouses. This way, come warmer weather, I can settle for just one layer and still have it look Aristo.

Think these are pretty clever ideas? Well don't feel left out, you probably have some ideas of your own, even if you don't know it yet. You can do it! While I do count myself very creative, you don't have to have a light bulb go off in your head to come up with something original~! [or even not original, in the case of reproducing cosplays and such.] There is inspiration in things all around you, not just in clothes to clothes, but furniture to clothes, food to clothes, mediaaaaaaaaaa to clothes or other, etc, etc, etc~! If ideas still don't come to you, but you really have the drive to make something if an idea did strike you, then take a little time on a lazy weekend, or whenever you think best, and brainstorm a little. Think about a new thing you want, be it a blouse, pants, or an accessory of some type. Look around your room, or at pictures on your walls, whatever. Before you know it, you'll have jotted down some notes or a sketch and that's half the project right there.

Pictures may soon arise of some casual coordinates I've been wearing for picnics. Also, some notes and ideas for a Harajuku Club that Toriberry and Nobu and I shall be a part of. It is exciting to think about. Aaaaaand~ Halloween is almost upon us. Getting into the spirit, everyone? I certainly hope so... heh heh heh... *Candelabra.*

And so on that note, pleasant dreams, mina-sama... take with you what you will from reality, and twist it into your phantasmal dreams~
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Jabot Complete, jikan douri da.

Good evening, mina-sama. My earlier thought about clementimes giving me that random burst of energy seem to still hold true, oddly enough. Biology and kinesthesiology is important everyone. Without a head piece for last Sunday's meet up, I was feeling an urge to have some other sort of piece in my Aristo coordinate, and since the jabot was already on my list, I put aside the Nudy Boy shirt to get it done by then. I don't know what I'm going to do come time to make the half skirt and Nudy Boy shirt, since the rest of those clementimes don't look so good... [perhaps grapefruit is in order].

So among other things from a trip to Jo-Ann's maybe a month ago, I bought this lovely black sateen swatch to be my neck frills. My plan was instead of making a collar that fastened in the back, or came around into the front to tie, I was going to thread a ribbon through the opening in the collar and have that tie in the back. That way, on those days when I didn't have a brooch or pin to put up, the bow would serve as it's own additional decorative touch. When I make a tiered one, I'll probably do the same thing; and I won't have to worry about getting more ribbon because I can simply pull the one I have out of the single tiered. I will probably go and buy white ribbon, to mix and match, as well as compliment the white sateen jabot that will eventually come about. If I don't screw up, I may make a black and white tiered, in white-black-white, and black-white-black. Ahh, such lofty aspirations... and maybe I'll get my technique down by then.

Now then, without further ado, here is my tutorial for making a jabot [like mine, where there is no fastening in the back].

For ease and convenience, gather all your materials together. Not pictured are the sewing machine, iron, and scissors; you know you'll need those of course. Because my jabot didn't have a fasten in the back like a button or those metal snaps, I cut down on costs, complexity, time, and additonal effort. I don't imagine adding the metal snaps would take much more than making the collar part longer, and following the directions for affixing them to your fabric. You can still follow this tutorial up until that point, where instead of leaving an opening, you'd sew the collar piece down and add your fastener of choice. As far as the measurements go, I had a yard of ribbon [since it's going front-back-then front to tie], about 40 x 14 inches for the jabot frill itself, and about 10 x 35 inches for the collar [it's going to be folded over, don't forget]. Also, sateen was an incredibly difficult fabric for me to work with, because it became unthreaded easily. What am I trying to say... it frayed easily, and I was contantly pulling the loose threads out. Pinking the edges may have helped, but I didn't spare the time to bother with it. Sateen does flow nicely though, and is super shiny. It's up to you which fabric you wish to use of course.

The first thing you'll want to do is cut out your rectangle that's going to be the gathered frill in your jabot. If you know of a different shape that you want it to be, cut it out in that way, but just be mindful that the ends will pull up when you gather, so it's not necessary to make things rounded persay. Then create and even hemmed edge around three of the sides. I did the bottom first, then folded the sides on top, since it was easier to hide that little overlap in the corner. You can snip out a tiny bit if it makes it easier. Then gather the unhemmed top and hand stich it into a gather. I found that making the stitches smaller up top allowed for more ruffling to come down through the rest. Depending on the size of your gather, it'll look a little something like the above. Set that aside to start working on the collar part.

When doing the collar part, you'll want to make sure it's not to thick or thin, for when you're going to turn it inside out. Because I was putting a ribbon through mine, I made it a bit thicker just for insurance, but it still fits under the collar of my blouses well. This is also where you want to decide how long around you want it to be. If you're opting to fasten it in the back, measure a comfortable circumference around your neck with a little slack for the seam. If you want it to go from front to back to tie in the front, double the circumference, then add extra for tying a knot or bow, depending on what you'd like. Cut out the appropriate length for the collar, and sew the edges of the sides down. Next, sew the top and bottom, but make sure to leave some space for the gathered piece in the middle. If you'd rather sew it all the way across and just sew the gathered piece to the back, you can do that too, but be mindful that you'll be feeling that ruffle against your neck, and it might be uncomfortable or tickle, depending on your fabric.

Next, turn your collar piece inside out. This is the first one I made, and it turned out being to thin for me to comfortably stick the ribbon through, so I cut another piece; the steps are still the same though. Pin the sides of the empty space you left for the gathered piece, then go ahead and iron down the crease. This'll allow you to remove the pins to repin the hemline with the jabot tucked into it, without having a mass of pins everywhere between the layers.

So it'll be something like this. All that's left is to bite the bullet and sew everything into place. If you want a little more stability than just the pins, go ahead and baste the gathered part to the back side of the collar, and re-pin it down. Try and get it so you have the ruffles in a place you want them, since you can't move them once they're down; don't worry, it won't affect the bottom as much, you can still shift those around, they just tend to move back if you fastened a top part overlapping.

The end result looks a little something like this. ^_^ The ribbon is threaded front to back to front and tied as it would be if around my neck. And there be my jabot made in a few hours over two days. I wore it with my coordinate and it looked right at home. I iam mmensely pleased with it, considering I was going crazy about it's overall look with the muslin, the sewing machine threw a fit, the fabric kept fraying, and I had only two days to do it once I finally said "Damnit, DO IT!" I'm going to wear it this evening in fact, with my cane accompanying.

Now without giving too much away, that's all for that. Next post will reveal all~ ahahahahahaha! *Koff.* Nghhhh, I hurt my throat promoting SM and GSO on Thursday... It feels really scratchy. *Sigh.* Way to add to my unenthused and overall unwell feeling.

I bid you goodbye for the moment, mina-sama, so I can tend to somethings and get tea into my system.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Cane Completed

Good afternoon, minna-sama. I'm a bit behind as I meant to do this Saturday, however better a little late then before it's first debut, ahaha. It's debut will either be sometime this week, or the meet-up next Sunday. I am looking forward to it very much. I still haven't decided and food things. I don't know if I'll be able to get down to Super Grand on Saturday. More food as thusly been acquired in the house, so I'm looking into a few homemade things... we'll have to see.

Now, onto the very exciting news. I have finished my cane. As I thought, it was neither terribly difficult nor expensive [considering the finished product], and since it was completed so speedily, I don't have step by step pictures. However, hardware and carpentry is a little easier to instruct with just words, so I hope that will suffice. If you don't want to put out for a $40, $50, $80, up to a $100 or more accessory cane, then look no further. Doing it yourself opens a world of possibilities to custom fit it to your exact specifications. And it'll save you a bundle, even with the more expensive tools you could buy.

You don't need very many tools, but it is essential to have a power drill. If you don't have one, you may want to look into getting the hole for the handle done at your local hardware store. If it's Home Depot or Lowe's, the first "cut" should be free. You need a dowel--choose your own thickness, but mine was 7/8ths inch--a foot to put on the end [because you don't want the end of your cane to get splintery or weathered], a handle, and paints. The dowel I got at Home Depot for about $3 [since it was solid oak], and it was already the right height for me. If you need something taller than what they have, try looking into long planks to be cut down, and if you need something shorter, as mentioned, the hardware stores usually offer a first wood cut for free. Try measuring at home to know your comfortable height. My rubber foots I also found at Home Depot, in a four back, for about $2.50, under furniture ends. Make sure you get one with an opening that is slightly smaller than the width of your dowel, because you don't want the dowel to slip out of the foot. Paint is optional, if you choose to go for the wood--or if you happen to get a silicon, metal, or plastic rod--look. Finish gives it a nice polished look, to be certain. I happen to stop into Michael's on my way back from handle shopping and they were having a sale on spray paint; a can of silver and black were $0.99 each.

The handle proved to be the most difficult to locate, and also is the most expensive piece. What I ended up using--in case you cannot read the print--is a draipery end. It was able to screw off from the rounded metal piece, thus being a stand alone makeshift handle. For the pair, it was $12 at Target. If you have a Bed Bath&Beyond near by, you can also find similar designed ones there, but I found they were more expensive. When picking your handle, keep in mind it's comfort in your hand. Even though you might not lean on it to assist in walking, you'll still have to keep a hold of it, so get something that fits and feels good in your hand. Though I originally wanted a multi-faceted crystal like thing, the glass globe is growing on me. Also, keep in mind it's additional height being added to the dowel, and be sure to accomodate when picking the height of the dowel and handle [and be conscious of whatever height you might stand at in shoes you're likely to wear while accessorizing with your cane].

Now with all your parts gathered, it's time to get to work. Set down some paper on a flat surface--outside is ideal...--and put the footer end on it. You don't have to spray paint this if you don't want to, but I did for effect; contrast to the black of the cane, and compliment to the grey-silver in the handle. Follow the directions on the can if you've never spray painted before. For your dowel, the body of the cane, you might have to get a little creative on how to do it all without making a mess of your hands. If you don't mind that, go ahead. I put on a glove and held one side, giving a good coating, then holding as little of the painted end while doing the rest. Just keep in mind your foot will be covering an inch or two of the bottom, so if there's an uneven coat or marks from stickiness and fingerprints, don't pay it much heed. I hung the dowel on my clothesline between coats of paint and acrylic finish, but use what you can to make it work. If you did paint your footer, it's up to you if you want to give it more than one coat.

After you give the color you want, spray on a finish of some sort to give your cane some gloss. I don't know how much something like that costs--it may be the same price as any regular can of spray paint--I just happen to have a dozen or so cans of variety polishes in the garage. The high gloss finish works the best. Two coats looks best, more is up to your tastes. I put the foot on at this point, to protect one end.

Next comes the fun part; yay for powertools. I recommend practicing your drilling [to make a straight hole] in a spare hunk of wood, and using a hole slightly smaller than the screw of the handle, to ensure a snug and tight fit. If you don't have plywood hanging around, just go for it, and go slow. Tap out all the sawdust that builds up in the hole. Even if you think you've drilled the hole deep enough, go another inch. I ran into trouble with a hole I thought was deep enough, but apparently wasn't [that or it was too tight to screw in deeper]. If you've done it right--so to speak--then the handle will screw in right plum to the top of the dowel and bottom of the handle, and tada, cane complete. If you run into trouble like me, don't panic. Hopefully, your project can be saved.

Luckily for me, the screw in the handle was double sided, going up into the knob itself. I unscrewed that part, drilled back into the handle, and was able to use the extra room of the handle to screw it plum to the dowel. If your handle isn't like that, you may want to use pliers to unscrew it back, and make the whole deeper, or if you can feel it getting tight with a lot of the screw still exposed, go back and drill, making it a tiny bit wider all around by scraping the sides. Hopefully though, you won't run into trouble. But whichever way it has to be achieved, once you've got the handle on, you're all done. Good job! Admire your handiwork.

Tada~ behold the finished product. I am immensely pleased with it, and am ready to take it with me to the meet-up. It's of a workable height even in barefoot, but I know with my dress chunk shoes, the height'll be an excellent fit. I am eager to walk about with it, but I think I'll wait a little aside from the meet-up for cooler weather, unfit to ride my bike in.

You can do it too, minna-sama, just break out your creative juices and see what you too can come up with. As for me, I'm onto my jabot next. I hopefully can finish it by this weekend, as an accentuating neck piece would go nicely with the tailed jacket vest. [Afterwards, it's on to the half skirt, Ukoku Sanzo cosplay, and Nudy Boy shirt.]

And the image begins to fall into place... the aura of prestige and poise befalls the stage... wherein a lone Aristocrat stands...
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Deadlines; Cane and Meet-up

Good evening, mina-sama. Well, the countdown begins. To what? To all sorts of things. So much is happening coming up, it's just as if I was transported to this time last month. I wonder if I'll be able to keep up. This time next week, I'll have finished my first day of classes. This time tomorrow, I'll have had a picnic with Toriberry I hope. This Friday, Dir En Grey is touring with Apocolyptica, making a stop at the Ram's Head Live in Baltimore; I'm putting myself into a Dir high by listening to Uroburos and Withering to Death nonstop. And after that, perhaps the next prominent thing coming up? Why, a Lolita meet-up of course.

Now, before anyone tilts their heads cutely with a perplexed look on their face, and asks why might an Aristocrat be going to a Lolita meet-up, I will say it straight. I was invited [by Toriberry no less]. And I would love to attend. A gathering of Lolitas of punk, classic, sweet, casual, gothic, all of them, and they will all be surrounding me~ heh heh heh... [oh dear, my sketch side surfaces. *Beats it down.* Back, Sketchiness, back!] But seriously, I mean that in a non-sketch way; I'm looking forward to a very enjoyable experience and lots of picture taking.

For anyone local in the area, the meet-up is scheduled for September 12th, a Saturday, at 12pm. We're going to meet in a park near the Metro stop Dupont Circle in D.C., at 25th and P Street Northwest [for those of you semi-local but still unfamiliar with D.C. the Northwest is important].

I have an image in my mind of what to expect, but so long as it isn't worse than that, however it turns out will satisfy me. However, I am a tad bit skeptical on being able to go, because it's in D.C.; I have a wary mother who grew up there, and grandparents who lived there, but somehow that doesn't equate to me having any sort of knowledge on what sort of city it is and how it's laid out. That's why I looked up directions. Dupont Circle is sort of the metrosexual capital of the nation, but... we'll see. I might also have to work that day, and during those hours specifically [unless I can switch with someone, which is my desperate hope]. Washington D.C. is far from a very-safe city, not by any stretch. And although any spot on the Metro lines are usually more densely populated and tourists packed--thus a bit safer--the thought of a gaggle of Lolitas, "petite" young ladies who are armed only in their cuteness, gives me a vibe of paranoia I can't quite shake that there will be disturbances. And so not only for the sake of Toriberry or myself, I really want to go. If I end up being the only Aristocrat there, I at least want to serve as some sort of deterrant for any wayward characters.

Which is why I am working steadily on my cane over my jabot and shirt cut-sew at the moment. Home Depot brought me two steps closer, in having a right sized dowel without having to be cut, and rubber stoppers to put on the end. Going with my mother yielded other advice for what to do about the handle; while I had been looking in cabinet and bathroom faucet knobs, she suggested to look at drapery ends. This would've actually been great if not for the ends being so large. The ones that were of a good size were sold in a whole kit for the drapery rods. I was really tempted to ask for just one of the ends if they would sell it to me. But I have sights for one last trip to an antique store to see what can be found there. In the meantime, I will get to spraypainting. Hopefully between now and September 12th, I'll have that done. I would hate to have to break it over someone's head, right after having it finished, but I suppose if I can make one I could make another... Oh, and to protect the Lolita meet-up from devestation, to unite all Lolitas [and Aristos] in our Nation['s capital]~...

Say what you will, I've always been a fan of Kojirou.

To-ni-kaku...

I also hope to have something done about my hair by the time of the meet up. In a previous post, for the newly acquired jacket, you will see I had combed forward bangs and the rest done in a bun. I'll elaborate on my hair in another post, but I will say the combed forward bangs is an idea I've had for a while now, since I've seem to have lost my original bangs. If I can make the curling iron work, I will probably put in a big long curl as opposed to letting it be straight. But anything I do with my hair for the meet-up is to supplement my lack of a tophat. When I acquire a tophat, I will probably go with the the loose, all down, the low ponytail with a thick ribbon, or the all--or maybe sans bangs--in a bun. As with footwear, headwear at the top shouldn't be neglected, serving as the one dsyfunctional part of your ensemble. When I post the hair entry, I am welcome to ideas of styles and suggestions.

I am hoping by then that the weather will be assuredly cooler, so that my jacket can go out for a spin. If I get the cane done quickly, then the jabot will be next. And I'm trying to decide how Asian is too Asian to bring snacks for a gathering of girls in a Japanese Street Fashion icon. Does dorayaki strike anyone's fancy?

Now then, as one last thing, a bit of a confidence booster to Toriberry, my dear, and any Lolitas who are nervous in going to meet-ups. I may sound confident now, but that might be because it's a ways off, and I am technically an "outsider" mingling heavily in, but here goes~!

Did you not tell yourself to be confident, my dear? Tell yourself that everyday from now on and forevermore, so come the meet-up, it will be just another walk in the park [pun intended]. You are blossoming beautifully into a Lolita, a step at time as you can manage. Right now, your casual is to die for to me.

Don't be intimidated by these more experienced Lolitas. Try to learn from them instead, should they prove to not be bitchy. In whatever more solid niche of Lolita you choose to go under, take away tips and advice for clothing, accesories, styling that again, you can apply in your steps at your own pace. Make your lack of tact work into asking those simple questions, who what when where why, and how much?

Don't worry; I'll be there right beside you [as long as stupid shit doesn't happen that impedes me going]. If you start to feel a little overwhelemed, you can come to my side and take my arm, which I offer welcomingly. You won't be alone. We can always just sit back and talk amongst ourselves--in Nihongo--about whatever, feasting on onigiri or whatever we end up packing. And you won't have to feel so Loli-ed out, since I'll be Aristo.

So much to do, so little time...! But what an experience this will all be, yes? Let's do our best towards the future, mina-sama.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

His Hair and Accessories for the Head

Good morning, mina-sama. This weekend was very long, and I was still feeling it's affects earlier today in kind, and in combination with my lingering cough. Seriously, cough, you need to either just be a cough and stop making my nose run, or go away altogether. As it is, I have chosen to stay within my bastion walls for the day, and make up the work I've lost. As I rouse myself into a more work oriented mindset, I thought I'd try to see to you all and get to a topic I've been meaning to for a while now, rather than end up doing it late into the evening hours as I usually do. That being said, lets talk about hair.

I am bi-racial, and so in numerous features, I've a mix of traits such a skin and hair. I've been trying to grow it out for forever, with mixed results. It's working somewhat, with the help of prenatal vitamins. But because it's at such a somewhat akward length, I often don't know what to do with it besides straightening it or tying it back. I think tying it back would work well with Aristo, especially when in thicker, just-out-of-the-shower curls [see below] or straightened, with a big as all get out bow to tie it low at the bast of my neck. I still need a thick ribbon to make a big bow though... next trip to Jo-Ann's. But anyway, here's how things stand now.





When it's dry, it's about ye-length, all ahead thick as hell, and I tie it up when I've got no time. Also, when it's hot as it's been all this summer--and also these past three days of AUTUMN, WTF--it keeps me from getting too hot as I go about. Seriously, hair this thick gets damn hot about the neck if I leave it down. On breezy days it's nicer, to be sure.

Here it be down, top and profile~ [Kenshin that looks weird... sedaaaaaate profile...] I used to have some sort of bangs when I was younger, but I chopped them off. REALLY bad plan, because they grew back really really really slowly, but they were growing back none the less, and they stuck up at all odd ends. Ughhhh, bad times...Tonikaku, it's relatively flattened out now. Dried and loose, it bounces... it also gets flattened under my hat some, so that it makes a weird shape, ugh. That's why I need a new hat... and then a better clip/tie of some sort. That way I can keep it tied back and underneath my hat and it won't make a shape.

Aaaaaaand last but not least, damp and down. Oh yessssssss, that is my right out of the shower, take that for what it's worth to you~ And it's longer~ If I wear a hat over it while it's wet, as it dries it makes the shape more prominently, grrrrr. I was going to take a picture of it while it was straightened, but it never stayed straight enough for a decent picture. Damn you humidity. But when straightened, it's a bit longer than the above, and tends to be much easier to work with. I comb a bit of the sides forward to make long draping bangs. Again, ribbon/clip/tie plus hat would make it very classical Aristo style, so I look forward to a tophat in my near future.

Any tips, advice, comments or suggestions about what to do with my hair? Do you use certain styling products for your styles, from simple to extranvagent? What sort of accessorie should I get [besides what I plan to buy]? Is tied up better than down, for Aristo? I'm welcome to all commentary.

Now, I'm off to get to my next projects, tutorials of which I'm hoping to find. In addition to the Nudy Boy shirt, I'm thinking of adding in corset backing to some of my other blouses that need something more than pinning.

They held the world in equilibrium, the cycle of eternity never broken.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante Isaak

Shopping for Cane Parts

Good afternoon, mina-sama. Oh my, here I am again up and at em during the middle of the day, ahaha. I think I would be like this normally, except maybe I am wary of being interuppted while at work. Which I am right now, as well as the last time I posted at some hour other than evening. Not that it's really a bother, thanks to this handy auto-save. And I have a very wonderful boss [sort of the stereotypical super-nice little Indian lady] who asks for so little but thinks of me so much, and doesn't mind what we do with the computers [as long as it's not downloading/installing things like IM messengers].


Yesterday, I took the day off from work to go to a consultation at an orthodontists. I don't want to think about it. So afterwards, I had the car, and decided to run some errands and go ahead an enjoy myself on my day off for once [you see, Tuesdays were my days off until I suddenly covered for a colleague one day; now my boss thinks I want to work every Tuesday, which I don't]. So making a loop that involved money, cotton balls, nail polish remover, books [which I didn't end up getting] and a bike-lock, I stopped into Lowes to get a guage on how much the materials for my cane would cost.


The dowel was cheap, but taller than needed. I might buy two though, so I can have one for my normal height, and the second for my height in my Demonia boots. Maybe. We'll see. The dowels cost about $1.50-$3.00 depending on the material it was made from. One was oak, that was more expensive. The other one was wood, but not specified. But it looked fine to me so I would go for it. I decided to go with a 5/8ths inch diameter dowel, and I didn't check, but I think to get wood cut and Lowes is free for the first cut. So if I still decide to get two, I'll leave one at it's height, and cut the other to forty inches.


I didn't find the rubber footer thing. I think I need to look it up for a more specific term before my next hunt out [to Home Depot]. I don't think it'll cost more than a couple bucks, with any luck... And I need to make sure it can go over the width of the dowel. I wanted to describe it to an employee there, but all I could think of was 'it goes on the bottom of a cane', yet somehow I didn't think that would be entirely helpful, since it can't be a uni-tasker... right...? I don't know. I'll figure it out [or find something better to put on the bottom].


Last but not least--aside from the paint--was the handle. My original thought about the door handles doesn't seem to be in my favor, since most handles I saw on display for the cabinetry and doors had a "globe" to grab, then a thin little back, smaller than the diameter of the dowel. I'd end up with an odd shape on the top, some weird configuration, aauh. I didn't want to think about it. So I purused actual doorknobs, and those were too big around at the back. I was peturbed. So the last thing I did was peruse around the bathroom fixes area, looking for Delta faucet replacement faux crystal knobs. Those looked promising, except I suddenly found myself eyeing them and thinking them too big. Also, some of them I don't think the dowel would fit into, and lastly, they were kind of expensive, ranging from $9-$13, for individual or dual packs--hot and cold--knobs. In all, considering the other materials and the price of the made cane, I'm going to suck it up and buy it, but only after I work out the other problems with the knobs first.


I'm hoping when I next go on my outings, I can find something more suitable at Home Depot. The only other place I can think of in terms of retail stores is Jo-Ann's Fabric, but that's a stretch. If you have any suggestions, tips, or ideas, I am welcome to them. Again, this is all worked out in my head, and only in my head so far, except now that I've got at least an example of my resources, I'll have to tweak it a bit.

I'm trying to get back into my swing of endless passionate, random, writing, be it fanfiction or my own series excerpts. I really want to write at least one portion of my prison game story so I'll have it and it can be difinitive, but first I need to get this sexy image of Father Hugue and Father Tres shooting together out of my head... and Brother Petros in nothing but leather pants... mmmm... *Sniffs up trickling blood.* I can intepret anything you say that is too general as something helpful, I know it. And I'd like to get to cooking for you soon if I can. So much work, so little time... I guess I'll just have to knuckle down and do it. Yosh!

This week does not bode well in weather terms. And I am not looking forward to having to bike everywhere now that I have a lock. I was fine walking. There are too many factors that I was only reminded of this morning involved in bicycling. Sheesh. But here's to staying cool, drinking the night away [responsibly, if your involving alcohol, which wasn't my plan].

A glistening sheen in the wheat fields of June... and black plumage rains down.
Eternally yours,
Il Ruinante

The Newly Acquired; Jacket and Boots.

Good evening, mina-sama. The weather is still frightfully warm, but I am looking towards the coming fall weather with great anticipation, especially considering what I am about to talk about in this post [as in, the reason I write, not neccessarily the post itself]. I still make due with what Mother Nature gives us; after all, at a moment's notice, she could choose to screw us all over with another snowmaggedon. I think I'll be ready for that though.

Now, this may seem unrelated, but have you all heard of the saying "keep your friends close, and your enimies closer"? I am familiar with it, and understand it. But I suppose I can't use it until I get enemies, given that, to the best of my knowledge, I have none. But even if I did, with the friends that I know for certain I have, who'd want to keep someone who is my rival and adversary close? They would not go out of their way to do something kind for me, like my most lovely and wonderful friend Toriberry. In addition to having commissions done, shopping online for second-hand, and knitting her own things in her goal of becoming Lolita, she keeps her eyes out for Aristo related items that I might take interest in. So maybe now about three weeks ago, she came across this beautiful number here.

From the front. The stripes are my own shirt, separate from the jacket itself. There are black buttons down the middle that fasten in, and the vest isn't separate, which is fine by me.

From the rear. I left the tie in the back basically as it was. Does it look like I should cinch it a bit more?

It fits me like a glove. We were a bit puzzled before because the seller gave her flat measurements. And we weren't entirely sure in what context to take it. I even asked my mother, and she said to call Jo-Ann's Fabric. I called two locations, one confirmed my thought as to what it was, the other didn't know [and the other I shop regularly at, so was hoping for that reassurance as well]. But taking a chance on it being what I now know it to be--laying the garment flat and measuring it's "2D" width and or length--I asked a favor of mein herr Lolita, to which she agreed. She was even so kind as to let it be shipped to my address. I can't thank you enough, Ashu-chan. Let's get together on a date other than our Aristololikei picnics and I'll drive you wherever.

In addition, as aforementioned in my last post, Otakon weekend--ah truly is it a week ago already?--bore a particularly lovely fruit in the form of Demonia platform boots. I didn't know until I checked the website that this is in fact a UK brand, as opposed to a Japanese brand [it will not surprise me though, if down on Takeshita Street, or wherever Atelier Boz is located, there is a Demonia store]. Paired with my slacks--the ones I have my eye set to add a half skirt to--and the Angel Secret jacket, it makes a very completed look.

My Demonia's from the front [and a bit of promotion. I recommend them for style and comfort].

From the side. They fasten with a zipper.

These are with my slack pants up, but not folded so they look tucked in. I might wear them in that way, once I put them on together again and see if they're alright looking.

With the slacks down. In fact, I wore these like this today on my grocery shopping trip [Sam's Club]. My favorite employee there said to enjoy it while I can, because I won't be able to stand so high when I'm older. Also said I won't get a date, but I told her I like them a bit shorter than me. Do you all have a preference between the two pictured, third mentioned?

When I finish my Aeon pants, I suspect these will go great with them as well, even though they are white. You'll be able to see through the eyelet crossing.

And to touch on projects, I have decided to add one more to the list, but this one is a bit out of the listed scope thus far. Though I was highly, highly tempted to just put out the case for a cane from a booth in the Dealer's Room, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the ones being displayed weren't what I wanted. And so all along the ride back home, I thought about the basic construction of a cane [yes, sometimes I go on very elaborate and blueprint-like thoughts]. And after laying out in my head that I need only a few basic items, easily acquired at a DIY store, I have decided to make my own cane. In case I don't get to this for a while, or anyone else is curious as to making their own and not putting out forty bucks for one, here is my basic plan:

Buy a dowel maybe an inch or less in diameter thick [Jo-Ann's had some, but not of the right thickness], a rubber stopper that can fit over your dowel, and a doorknob of your choice that can screw into the top, or be screwed in through the side. Give your dowel a finish or paint job as you like. I have some veneer spray, so that's one less expense for me, but I might decide to go with high finish gloss anyway. Put the rubber stopper on one end, and the doorknob on the other. Instant cane. Practically. And at a fraction of the cost. I really look forward to it.

Saa, it's a bit hot, even at this late hour, so I am seeking to lay down in the coolness of the other room, and hopefully get some rest. Next time around, perhaps I will have made my jabot. But if not, then maybe it's about time I got to a food entry...?

Endless rain, fall on my heart, kokoro no kizu ni.

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