Professional Attire in the Geek Subculture

So at the beginning of June, Forbes.com posted a blog in their Style File about what to wear at E3. I want to start off by saying that their contributors are very knowledgeable in the world of fashion and just because I am posting in response, that is not something to be forgotten. Also, I did not get to see the article before they took some of the outfits down in response to feedback. They get a lot of credit for responding in a positive way and I hope to see that continue in the future. With that said, let's get to the point of what I want to say. The professional office world and that of industries commonly perceived as geeky is entirely different.

Let's take a look at the outfit that is left on the article.

Now, in general, this isn't too far off. I asked a friend who works for a video game company what their dress code for trade shows was like. They do wear a blazer and jeans. The main difference here is that the shirt underneath the blazer will usually be either company themed or general video game themed.

There are also a few things to keep in mind for your audience:

1) Suits are stuffy - A lot of times people will be intimidated by a suit so the only people you will see in suits are executives wanting to do business. I know I can speak on a personal level that even if someone were wearing the outfit above, I would probably be nervous to approach them because it's easier for me to know someone is 100% associated with the product being marketed and also that they may be just as passionate about something as I am.

2) Budget is a concern - While the example is just that, an example, the components cost a total of $415. If you can name me someone who is at a booth at a convention that can spend this money on an outfit without scraping by, I would be very impressed. I've found that the video game industry is based a lot on passion as well as talent.

What would I do to improve the above?

The Blazer - I actually really like this. If you think about it, it's green and silver just like Slytherin House in Harry Potter. It's a subtle nod but it is there if people look for it. However the budget issue comes into play so no matter what you do, work within that.

The T-shirt - This is something that depends entirely on the company being represented. If you're looking at a video game company that is marketing a licensed property, wearing something related to that property is a good starting point. For example, Telltale Games' The Walking Dead. That's something that you could wear either an official game shirt if provided by the company (or bought if need be according to what the company requires) or something related to zombies or the franchise.

Some examples:

The Walking Dead Survivor T-shirt - Think Geek

Doctor Who Bow Ties Are Cool - Hot Topic

Super Mario Bros. 3 - Hot Topic

Another thing to note about my examples are that they're fitted so these examples may not work for all shapes and sizes.

The Jeans - Perfectly fine as is. Jeans are a plus as they're casual and comfortable.

The Purse - If you're at the booth, you probably won't need to worry about your purse and you probably won't want it hanging off of you while you're talking to fans. However if you decide you want one or if you're wandering the floor, there are plenty of options out there to geek it up.

Police Box Messenger Bag - Etsy
Walking Dead Clutch Purse - Etsy - Granted as a clutch, it doesn't have a handy shoulder strap which I suggest for con goers, I thought it was a great example of a purse with a geek touch.
Star Trek Pleated Handbag - Etsy

The Shoes - They're sensible flats and a neutral color however you'd probably be just fine in tennis shoes.

In conclusion, all of these are just examples of how you can show your geeky side and still be professional. The one key thing that I like when I walk up to a booth is hearing someone who is passionate about what they are selling. If they've worked on it, if they're just a fan, that is one of the qualities that I've found comes across a lot better in the sub-culture. As Chris Hardwick often says:

It's not the things you love but how you love it. 

Fun With the New China Glaze Mobile App

Disclosure: Although I did not get "product" in return for this review, I did want to disclose that I found out from a press release that was sent to me by the company.

          When I saw that China Glaze had released a mobile app, I wasn't sure I was ever going to download it. The reason being is because I usually have so much on my phone as it is, that a nail polish app was the last thing I needed. However, upon receipt of the press release, I saw mention of a Color Match feature. Now, I must admit that I've unfortunately not had the budget to buy new polish for a while but I still wanted to see how it did and show you some screenshots.

          I first decided to test what would more than likely be a common usage for the color match feature, matching colors on clothing! I chose a sundress with some amazing turquoise flowers and yellow-green leaves for this test. So to give an idea on the steps involved in color matching:

1. When you are in the color match feature, it will come up with an in-app camera. You can take a photo here or use one that you previously took with your mobile device's camera. This is a common functionality with mobile apps that use the camera.
2. After you take the photo and approve it by clicking 'Yes' when it asks you if you want to use that photo (Make sure it is as clear as possible). You want to touch your finger to the area whose color you want to match.
3. Then you will see something similar to the screenshot above.
4. If you see a polish circle you like, you can click on it and get the color name, set, and item number!

          How simple is that? Here is what the product info looks like:

         So as you can see, one of the colors suggested for matching the deep turquoise is Custom Kicks from the "Kicks" set which is Item # 80902. Now, you may be wondering, are all of these colors currently available or will I run into some that are discontinued? This was the first e-mail I sent to the PR representative to be sure because I didn't want to make a whole long wishlist of insanely hard to find colors. She assured me that all of these colors are available on ChinaGlaze.com. That was probably some of the best news I had heard on this front. Below you will find the other colors from the deep turquoise match that I attempted:

          Another thing I would like to point out with the above screenshots is that there are a variety of finishes. Not only will it suggest solid colors but glitters, crackles, and other assorted special effects or texture polishes that the company may currently have out. Also, if you look at Electric Beat, it's not a turquoise but it is very complimentary to wear with the dress. So the goal isn't to give you everything matchy matchy (although that usually comes up as an option) but something that compliments whatever you are trying to put polish with.

         There are two geeky themed match sets that I decided to do and I wanted to share with you. The first is from a piece of cel artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass that I have on my wall so I decided to have a try at matching Link's hat and hair as well as Ciela the Fairy's body.The second is from a promotional still of a walker (zombie) from The Walking Dead.  I have chosen one screenshot of each color sample just to give an example of how well it works.

         All in all, as you can probably see, I am having tons of fun with this app. I think it is a great resource for China Glaze fans who love all things geeky as well as love nail art. I think this is an invaluable way to find the closest match as possible for specific nail art and to add it to your collection. I love how all of the information is at your fingertips. There are a few spelling errors but that is to be expected for a brand new release such as this. The only thing that I would add if I were the developer is allowing people to click on the color and purchase it from their phone. This would make it even easier for people to find the color that they want rather than calling around to various stores to see if they have it.

Final Word: 4.0/5

         Do you have any ideas on how you are going to use the app? Do you have an occasion coming up or just have a fun way to find new polish colors? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you!

Katniss Costume Photos

While this costume is a work in progress, I wanted to share an impromptu mini-photoshoot that I did last year, featuring a costume of Katniss Everdeen. There are about 12 photos in all. Above, we found a pile of downed trees which was perfect for some of the climbing and forest shots. We shot this set at Jeffrey Mansion which is a local park and mansion that I grew up around. They have plenty of stone and forest as well as being on the shores of Alum Creek.

Katniss creeps down some stone stairs.

Hiding in the trees

Ready to attack

Waiting until someone passes

Many thanks to Joshua for taking these photos. :D

Concept Look: Hunger Games - District 11

I've seen a lot of  makeup looks inspired by Capitol Couture and the outlandish looks of the Capitol from Hunger Games so I thought I would try my hand at a few looks in a countdown to the movie.

Inspired by the Orchards of Distrct 11

The above look is inspired by the Orchards of District 11, where Rue worked. I chose to keep some lighter greens on the eyes and use an orange-red lip to symbolize the apples.

Inspired by the Orchards of District 11 with greens and browns dominant on the eye and Candy Apple red lips. Suggested products:

• Persephone Minerals - Jupiter Crystal Power (lid)
• Persphone Minerals - Jupiter Oak Evolution (liner)
• Geek Chic Cosmetics -  Riddle Me This (liner)
• Geek Chic Cosmetics - Forest (liner)
• Geek Chic Cosmetics - Inevitable Betrayal (liner)
• Geek Chic Cosmetics - The Pointy End (outer lid)
• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter - Candy Apple (lips)

Coordinating Nail Colors:

• China Glaze - Agro
• Sinful Colors - San Francisco
• OPI - Fresh Frog of Bel Air (glitter topcoat)
• OPI - Mermaid's Tears
• China Glaze - Harvest Moon

Update

Hello Lovelies!

I just wanted to (finally) make a blog post here and let you know what has been going on. Real life had hit me like a brick in the head over the last year or so. However, I still have some articles to write for you! So don't change that channel! I'm working on some nail looks for the most part as well as some swatches. I believe this will probably be my niche for a while, not that that is a bad thing! I do have a few other products but the polishes and nail products have won out for now.

I look forward to the next year blogging for you!