OVERVIEW: I saw the character designs for Burst Angel in Newtype, and really liked Meg's outfit. I knew it was a little out of line compared to my usual cosplays, so I thought I'd try it--just to be shocking.

THE SHIRT: Because it had a zig-zag design at the edge and I was really pressed for time and money on this one, I decided to use basic felt to make the shirt and leggings. I sewed it to an old, bust-enhancing shirt of mine to accentuate my... well, you know.

THE SKIRT: I sewed the skirt by folding a piece of blue fabric every few inches to get that 'striped' look. I sewed blue hem tape along the edges, and used rivets to push the cord through. Unfortunately, they proved heavier than the material, so it is a little ragged right now. Instead of making it a seperate piece, I sewed the skirt directly onto the shirt. This kept it from slipping.

THE HAT: I bought a brown foam cowboy hat from a Halloween costume, and painted it cream. It wouldn't quite get the blue shade of Meg's, but it would have to do! I also had to cut it down a little so it would fit correctly.

THE LEGGINGS: I am most proud of the leggings! I took some old spandex pants and cut out the thighs so I had two bands that fit snugly around my thighs. I sewed the leggings themselves (which I lined with yellow material to make them super-comfy) on to these 'bands' on one side only, so they look loose--just like Meg's! I also sewed the lace to the 'bands' so it looked like stockings underneath them. Unfortunately, this was a bit heavy, so I had to use a garter belt to hold it all up. The 'buckles' on the leggings are a cheat--I used brown material and sewed it on either side with a ring of metal in between to give the illusion of buckles.

THE WRISTBANDS: Easily enough, I used brown material to make snap-on wristbands, and cut the 'stirrups' out of white foam, which I painstakingly colored silver with a marker.

NECK THING: Same as the 'stirrups'--silver covered foam.

SHOES: I found these red lace up shoes in my mom's closet, and since they were covered by the leggings, I forgave myself for them not being cowboy boots!

COMPLAINTS: I hated that I used such cheap material and was so rushed for time, because this costume pretty much needs to be retired after all the running around I did at Tekko 1/2! I also regret lacking the wig. My hair was really far too short, but c'est la vie.

It really did look great, though, and I got SO many compliments. Who knew that even *I* could have cleavage?

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Thanks again to Dan, for helping me with the rivets and the Sharpie fumes. Yay!