Saturday 4 April 2015

Kryptonite

A few years ago, I watched a film that I enjoyed immensely and that I still recall with affection. It garnered a lot of attention at the time of it's release, as it is very violent and the script had a 7 year old girl dropping the c-bomb, which made people very upset. However, when I think of the film I think not of the language but of the concept of being a superhero in your own life. Of trying, when you are almost certainly going to fail. Of taking action, when what you do is unlikely to change anything. Of letting your heart rule your head. What I loved about Kickass was its idealism. I was reminded of this today when I heard a radio story about Comicon  and the cosplay subculture. Maybe the opportunity to become the superhero on the outside that you already are on the inside, goes some way towards explaining the increasing popularity of these events. And some way towards explaining why fashion and dressing up has the capacity to bring us so much pleasure.
                                                            Shirt: Uniqlo
                                                            Pants: Cue
                                                            Cape: Cue
                                                            Boots: Wittner
These are some items I bought in my pre-winter shop last week. I especially love the cape. Because, everyone knows that only super heroes have capes. This cape also happens to be quite practical, though. The lack of full sleeves allows it to be worn over both short and long sleeved tops and gives me a great option for the many times in Brisbane when it is slightly cool in the mornings and evenings, but warm during the day. I also love the coverage it provides across the chest as it gives me the opportunity to wear my long-sleeved T-shirt knits underneath without looking too boyish. And it provides a simple way to add an element of dressiness to an otherwise casual outfit.

The pants and boots are also new. I had toyed with the idea of buying flares or boot cuts, but the combination of a run of wet weather, and the realisation that most of my favourite tops have some degree of volume that works better with a fitted bottom, resulted in me buying these skinny pants instead. They have a cool, crushed velvet texture and a high waist that will work well with my loose crop tops, and they are thick enough to be quite warm. I have already worn my cape once this week and I am looking forward to using it more in the months to come. In the meantime, I need to look into developing a superpower, choosing a name for my alter ego and finding a nemesis.


Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down

6 comments:

  1. My teenage son has been to Comicon here in Phoenix the last few years. In the past, he has gone as himself, decked out in his finest nerdery. This year he is dressing up as a favorite manga character. He planned ahead and ordered parts of a costume. Items he already has will be modified to round out the outfit. Though he hates facial hair, he says his love of nerdiness has temporarily won out over his hatred; he is growing out his sideburns and goatee to look even more like the character he will be portraying (he suddenly looks so much older!). He gave himself two months to grow enough hair, and three months to get the necessary costume pieces delivered from China. I love this about him--he can embrace who he is and shamelessly do what he brings him happiness.

    And I like to take a little credit for his boldness. I have a long, black, full wool cape I wear when it's cold enough (rare here in the desert). Children have asked me, "Who are you supposed to be?" as if it is Character Day and no one told them yet. I always respond as, "A warm person. I'm not dressed up as a character. This is just my coat, but it is unusual." I also had a short, blue, silk cape with yellow stars and moons all over it. I used to wear it for fun, to spice up an outfit and give myself a boost of confidence and a little pep; it always got me noticed. My son commandeered it four years ago and wears it sometimes--always boldly. I think maybe I need to invest in another summer cape of my own.

    Your cape is absolutely fabulous! I have never seen anything like it. Are the closures snaps? What is the type of fabric?

    Also, is Comicon popular where you are? I have not been inside the venue, but the people watching outside is really amazing.

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    1. Your son sounds wonderful, and I'm sure the freedom to be who he is comes from the way you chose to parent him. It is such a delight to see our children grow into themselves, isn't it?
      Your cape sounds fabulous. Are you ever tempted to tell the children you are magic? This cape has snap front closures. The fabric is a polyester/viscose blend that just feels like normal suiting material. I have also seen a similar piece but in wool fabric on the Cue website.
      Comicon is still fringe, but becoming more popular. It is an annual event here, and like you, I love to see people roaming the streets in their costumes. I am tempted to go this year just for the eye candy.

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  2. UNF! Excellent cape. LOVE it. Very high-fashion look, and it's the sort of thing that will never really go out of style.

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    1. I'm glad you like it, Megan. I hope you are right about the not-looking-dated thing. Capes seem to be having a bit of a moment currently, but with any luck they will stay fringe enough not to scream 2015!

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  3. Taking all your great adivce with me, am heading out today to try the JJill kimono top I saw in a catalog...looks to be feminine but with the right amount of structure...wish me luck!

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    1. Ooh, I hope you had a fabulous time and found something that makes you feel great! xx

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