big guy doing tastefull EGL, themed... help...

[Porkchop]

I know what you're thinking...
what the hell...

no no no...
I just want something different... so heres the info...
I want to put together a Mary had a little lamb egl cosplay...

things I have:
- A sheppeard's cane I made once for a friend (girl) to do a play...
- A wooden lamb on wheels pull toy with string...

where can I find intial plans... simple skirt I can make adjustments to...
what materials would be best to suit my size in a tastefull manner (dont want to be BLAAA all up in yo faaaace)

I'm confident in my flaming heterosexuality to do this... so bring it on...
lace frillies doesnt give me cancer :P

thank you for your time...

p.s. I know the rule for women's shoe sizing... something about 2 sizes...

[Porkchop]

and if you're wondering...
Yes I'm being 100% serious about this...

I'm not trying to be funny or obscene...
I want to be true to this

I'm losing weight so I wont be the guy you see in the pic...

I dont know what else to say to prove the severity of this...

[Zevaluz]

I just want something different... so heres the info...
I want to put together a Mary had a little lamb egl cosplay...


(This is all my opinion, AFAIK and all that good stuff. I'm not an expert on anything)

EGL would be Elegant Gothic Lolita, so you'd be in black or probably dark colors, that's what you're going for? Kind of a dark or gothy Mary has a little lamb look?

In other words, are you going more for the top right photo on this page linked below, or more of the lower lefthand side photo:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_lolita

Since you say you're serious and not just trying to do a performance art thing, I'm trying to take you serious and ask lots of questions so that folks can steer you in the right direction.

things I have:
- A sheppeard's cane I made once for a friend (girl) to do a play...
- A wooden lamb on wheels pull toy with string...


The pull toy may take it a bit more in the realm of theatre, but I've never seen a lot of lolis in person - maybe they do such things in daily life. *shrug*

Some Lolis carry dolls, you could carry a pretty stuffed lamb. I think Baby the Stars Shine Bright had/has a lamb purse.

where can I find intial plans... simple skirt I can make adjustments to...what materials would be best to suit my size in a tastefull manner (dont want to be BLAAA all up in yo faaaace)

Hmmm.. I'd search the pattern sites (Simplicity, Butterick, etc) in the ladies plus size section and find out if you correspond to a plus size that already exists (they have measurements on the site). I will flat out tell you that a lot of patterns stop at a hip size of 57 inches, which means if your waist is around that, you will be splitting and cutting patterns and repiecing them together with tissue paper.

If you want to buy one that's already put together, you may want to check out some Sissy fetish sites. Someone who is a seamstress and is used to modifying very sissy type patterns for the male frame may be willing to make alterations in skirt length, materials, etc. It will cost you more money than DIY, but depending on your skill level may look more professional.

p.s. I know the rule for women's shoe sizing... something about 2 sizes...

Something like that, but if your feet tend to run wide in mens widths, finding a female shoe that fits you may be more challenging (says me, a woman with double wide feet, I can't size down into mens shoes easily because of it).


My absolute personal opinion is that you'd have to get a lot of details down, spend some time reading the advice in the crossplay forum and really adopt the mood, or else what you would be doing would be (in effect) kind of mocking the fashion and would cross into performance art or shock art. If that's what you want to do, that's fine, but realize that some people will not be happy with it and may tell you so.

[aoisakura]

I would think if you were doing a mary little lamb outfit, Classic Lolita might be better cos its cute. ^^/

And aslong as its done very cute it should be fine but just remember- be as cute and dolly as you can ^^

And oh I think pull along sheep would be fine, I would carry that arround, if I had a outfit to go with it ^^; However, in all theme of classic lolita I would say have atleast a stuffed pullalong lamb, something fluffy ^^

Then again, you say this is a cosplay so cosplay lolita are allowed to get away with a bit more than normal loli-chans

Loli skirts are very full anyway so probably no problem in fitting into a skirt, infact I have a blue and white gingham checked very pretty skirt waiting to be sold, probably something like that with tiers and a elastic waist would be more comfy and free size ^^

[Porkchop]

I'm not that big...
I was just trying to give a visual...
its important to get an idea for better compensation

[penny_dreadful]

1. Simple circle-style skirts are very easy to find patterns for and very generous in the sizing. It's easy to adjust the length of them as well. Elastic waist bands are your friend-- plus, elastic enables you to put in a little automatic gathering of the fabric to increase fullness.
2. As Zevaluz pointed out, EGL indicates a certain style of lolita-wear-- actually a specific brand. It's very confusing, I know-- but if you want it to be more gothic you can use black or dark colors, otherwise it's a sweet lolita or classic lolita, and would look better in pastel shades. The traditional Mary-Had-a-Little-Lamb image is already very lolita-like. That sort of 18th-century, Rococo look with all the petticoats, bows, ruffles, etc. (http://www.antiqnet.com/detail,capodimonte-shepherdess-dresden,417984.html) is so Loli.
3. If you need inspiration, search for Dresden Shepherdess, or Dresden porcelain/china.
4. I agree that a stuffed lamb toy you carry is a little more lolita in feel than a pullable lamb, but don't go out of your way-- the pull-along lamb will be fine.
5. Do be prepared to have people gawking, smirking, guffawing, or maybe even being offended. No matter how tastefully you do it, and no matter how seriously you take yourself, a man dressed as a baroque shepherdess lolita is going to appear comical to others. Girls who take lolita fashion very seriously can also be very defensive, almost militant, about the "rules" of the style and may berate you if they aren't amused by your efforts. However, if you're comfortable enough with yourself to go out in public in drag, then you can probably handle the attention both negative and positive.

--Penny

[Porkchop]

the reason why I'm doing this is because I'm a fan of the style...

I'm not doing this to be able to walk down the streets and scare the southern republicans...

I want to take this to a convention and I'll put it away never to be worn again..
if people laugh people laugh, I understand that this will be funny and in a way I hope some people laugh...

and the whole offending thing...
if anyone... ANYONE feels that I should not do this... tell me...
I hate to be making fun of anyone and not know....

I dont know... maybe this wasnt such a good idea

[sweet_magic]

In my opinon, I believe that if you want to do this particular costume type then go ahead. So what if you might recieve negative comments or opinons, from Lolita knowledge know it alls (No offense to anyone on here of course, since I know you guys are merely trying to help him ^-^)? What really matters here is what you want to do, and as long as your trying to do it tastefully then nothing else should matter.

Personally I would like to see more guys do EGL/Lolita in general, regardless of their size or color. And do it seriously too.

Or if you really really don't feel comfortable doing EGL/Lolita in general, than you could always attempt a nice EGA(Elegant Gothic Aristocrat) costume?

Though that would completely throw your "Marry had a little lamb" thing out of the window.

Maybe you could do something like "Mary's brother had a little lamb" too? x_X;

Eh...I'll stop with the bad suggestions now.

[kojirojames2004]

Shouldn't this be in the crossplay section?

[Zevaluz]

I dont know... maybe this wasnt such a good idea

I think it sounds like it may be fun for you, and if it's something that you want to do you should do it.

But it's wise to be braced for all possible reactions.

[Mirusu]

I don't think this belongs in the crossplay section because his question is not essentially crossplay related. He's not asking how to pull off looking like a girl. He's asking as if he was a girl on just what would work and what wouldn't. A girl would ask the same things making this the right forum as there is more knowlege to Lolita fashion here..

I personally think that bigger people tend to look more androgenous because their features aren't as distinct. It might sound silly but are you planning to wear a curly blonde wig? I'm talking like actually circular cirls here. Cause that would look good. I'm not sure if you could do it on your own as wigs are hard to manage and thats a hard hairstyle to do on even real hair. A girlfriend could help maybe? Anyway ummm. If you're going to do Punk lolita the pull toy sounds like a good idea cause you could make it look all weird anddistrot. Maybe give it lopsided wheels and cross an eye out with paint. ect. EGL and mary had a little lamb don't sound too compatable to me because mary had a little lamb is only recognizable by bright colors and EGL is essentially as everyone is saying black and gray. Kawaii Loli seems much more appropriote...
and remember for the hair to have bangs cut at the eyebrows..

The author or Kamikaze girls seems to think thats how it should be done
Good luck <3~

[Menchi]

Shouldn't this be in the crossplay section?
if it is about egl/ega, or lolita fashion why should it? ^^;

[Porkchop]

Is there anyway to delete this topic...
I've decided that I've probably stepped on toes so I will no longer be planning...

thank you to those who gave their opinions and advice...
once again... thank you for your time...
:japan:

[Mirusu]

Thats sad. I really think you should do it.

[sweet_magic]

Me Too.


But it's your decison...

[Miako]

Is there anyway to delete this topic...
I've decided that I've probably stepped on toes so I will no longer be planning...

thank you to those who gave their opinions and advice...
once again... thank you for your time...
:japan:


I don't see any opinion that's really harsh or "stepping on toes" worthy. Besides, I think you already mentioned that people will have different opinions on you doing this, and that's fine. You WANT to be Loli Mary be Loli Mary I think it'll be fun and cute. Maybe you would however feel better if you talked about it in the Crossdressing section where you would probably get more positive reactions *altho I don't see anything strictly negative posted here?* You should go for it, afterall you can't please all of the people all of the time. I hope you change your mind! I would love to see pictures of your vision complete. :D

[Porkchop]

I kinda feel like now I have no right to do it..

[Dante_realremix]

I kinda feel like now I have no right to do it..
And what would that reason be? I'm just curious, as I'm a dead ringer for Solid Snake, yet I still turned out like a doll. Granted a very TALL doll, but still, if you try you should be able to pull it off. And it's for a con, so you're not making a statement about society, or life, or anything political. It's just for fun, so why not. True some Lolitas are a bit bitchy, but it's not like you'll see them again at any point in your life. You may get a bad reaction for backing though, but then again probably not. It's your choice, but at least give a reason for backing out. Oh, and I've see a few shots of some pretty BIG lolitas out there. So size should not get in the way of a good time.

[Porkchop]

well...

part of me says I'm crazy for wanting to do this, and sadly I care what people say about me sometimes... and I might feel baller proud now and feel venerable as all hell when some jackass says something...

then again *borrowed from chappelle* my ghetto side says stomp this mother out..

I dont know... I might go back and forth...

and most of the whole backing out wasnt because of people here, its the people in my area who have talked about the negative sides of this...

I hate to say it but I come from one of those Southern families who are influental in the community... the whole idea of DONT SHAME THE FAMILY...

thats not who I am but its hard shaking the Anderson name...

I dont know...
then again part of me wants to do Gogo from kill bill...

[Mirusu]

Now this is just stupid. You're going to a convention, no one will know. I have never once met a bitchy lolita and usuallu convention lolitas aren't real anyway. You want to do it so do it and stop being so emo.

And people need to stop saying to put this in crossplay

[Tia]

If this is something you really want to do for your own enjoyment, you should do it. It is wrong for people to bully you into a decision just because they feel it's what is right for you. Keep in mind, though, there is always the potential for some lolitist to see you at the con and go off on you because you aren't being "true" to the lolita style. If that happens, you should probably either walk away or talk to a staff member about it. There's also the possibility that if you get your picture taken a lot people online will try to harrass you indirectly. But it's not like you would even know those people, and you don't have to see what they say about you either. I just wanted to say this in regards to the last person saying that lolitas are all nice, because from my experience in the community that is not true. But you get the choice of whether or not you care about it, and in my opinion that sort of behavior is not worth anyone's time.

[Porkchop]

i've never been to a con so I didnt know protocol...
I dunno...

[Mirusu]

I went to Jacon in a tutu and Houkocon in a long jacket with no pants on.

My rule for coventions is to dress like a slut and pretend I'm an anime character. Just cause its fun.

And I always get good responces so so will you. Perhaps you could go into one of the forums and plan a group for whatever con it is you're going to if you'd feel better with some other people

[aoisakura]

Well in Lolita guys wear skirts its normal... like Nobara san I have seen wear skirts from BTSSB and victorian maiden.....hes not exactly an Aya type guy so I think its ok 0_o

[Lady Kaida]

Personally, I think it's okay. I mean, it's perfectly normal to do things like this at conventions. If anyone does complain to you be ready for it, but it's not like it matters what they think, as long as you're having fun. If it's something you really want to do, go ahead with it. I believe that if you have enough self-confidence to do something like this, then by all means, do it. If you think it'll be fun, why should you care what other people think?

[anihilteru]

ah, porkchop, do not worry.. a fellow MTAC con attender, username here Lostboy, did a pretty EGL outfit. One day he was EGL, and another Seifer.. and he was just fine. ^ ^ He's rather tall too.

[Angel-ASAGI]

I understand how you feel about the whole thing.
Personally, I would like to see a guy with lolita dress. The cons over here are incredible small compared to what you have there in America. I have heard of some guys doing that but never seen by myself.

This is little off-topic, but I tell this anyways. I have lately started to pick outfits for me that has been overloaded with little details. And ofcourse I make those all. I have many times thought that why I even bother to do all details and spend months into those, because I select characters that nobody knows over here, and in that case nobody can tell whether I have made complete outfit or just half of it. But then I thought that after all, I cosplay for myself and I make those dresses for myself. I wouldnt be satisfied for "un-completed" dress.
My point with that is that it shouldnt be any problem as long as it is what *you* want and as long as you have fun with it. That should be the most important thing.

[Raouken]

I kinda feel like now I have no right to do it..

you shouldn't feel like that. You have any right to wear any costume you want-AND every means to make it beautiful. Now, let's look into it ^^

The most important thing you have to consider is that the lolita style-with all the rules like kind of short skirts and yadada is made for young, thin girls. You're not a young, thin girl but you do want to look cute. Don't make something that obeys the rules of lolita but doesn't flatter you. For example, instead of a short skirt, you could either make a long skirt with a big pettycoat-making it a princessy dress, or a tight at the top and broad at the end skirt, or a knee length skirt with a trail covering the back. Just draw designs and keep your figure in mind and how you can make yourself as flattering as possible. You could look at some dresses from, for example, Mana and see what kind of skirts he has. He doesn't always wear short skirts either and it still looks amazing and lolita. And well, aren't lolita's supposed to be covered?

If you're going to build a corset, or have one made(which can look amazing, you should really look into it-a well build corset can make you feel, and look, amazing)you should keep in mind you're a guy. Girls corsets generally don't look good on guys, because they stop under the boobies, pushing them up. In a guy's case, this leaves the shoulders bare and because a guys' shoulders are broader than that of a girl, it looks weird. And, you probably don't want boobies XD So, if you make a corset, make one that goes to the neck, covering your entire upper body. It makes you look stricter and more covered, like a sweet, pure girl, you know?

Last tip I can give you is details ^_^ Make lots of little details in your costume, cute things like beads and embroidery, like a little lamb plushie, like a little bell and ribbon on your stick, like a little cute cape with fur on the sides(or wool of course XD), like cute little shoes..all details like that take the attention to the costume, and most importantly: they're very nice to make and they make you feel good! Oh, and don't use satin. But that always counts XD Use good fabrics that fall well and flatter you, shiny details on matte fabric looks way better than a shiny bulb of light XD

Oh, and don't feel insecure. You're going to look amazing, believe me. I think any person, a guy or a girl or whatever you look like, can look amazing in a costume, you just have to make it exactly for you, only do things that flatter you and that you're comfortable with. Just make that costume, put love and time in it, because it's obvious you really want this. And when you're wearing it, be proud of yourself. Don't listen to any close minded freak who might say something, you made that costume and you have the guts to wear it so screw them! Think of a few witty comments to say before you leave if that helps you XD Don't let any loli elitist or whatever stupid person make you feel down.

Good luck! :D

[satsuke]

One thing to consider, if you do go out at con in an EGL costume, it wouldn't really be considered drag (in my opinion). Drag ala Rocky Horror is the guy who walks around con all weekend in a skirt and hairy legs.

I've done EGL crossplays at 2 different cons and have had nothing but positive experiences from people around .. EGL costumes and EGL like crossplays in particular can cause traffic jams at con .. everybody wants to get your picture.

I know others have said this, but I will too .. If you think you can have fun with and don't mind a boatload of attention, than do it. As far as being big, you don't say how (doesn't really change anything anyway), as for me ,. I'm 6'4 / 220lb normally .. and with my thing for cute high heels ,. I usually end up either 6'8 or 7'0.

anyway, have fun with it