French Vanilla & the Start of a New Project

Ever start off thinking you want to make one thing, but when you try to find what you need to make it, you can’t find ANYTHING? But then you find other stuff that looks neat, so you decide to make something entirely different? Yeah…

I’ve been toying with the idea of making a black mage costume for Arista for a while now. I finally got my butt down to my local Joann’s (which usually doesn’t have anything) and true to form, they didn’t have anything that was calling my name. A black mage is a FINAL FANTASY class type that specializes in dealing elemental damage to foes (in FINAL FANTASY XIV, that usually includes lightning, fire, and ice attacks). This class is not only fun to play, but it’s one that I could see myself actually “being” if people were able to wield the elements. I don’t think I’d be brave enough to be up close with a sword and shield, and I wouldn’t want to focus on healing my teammates (as noble as that effort would be) – I’d wanna be standing at a distance, maniacally laughing as a giant fireball scorched whatever foe had dared to threaten my friends. I guess that probably says something about me – I’m chill until provoked and then watch out! Or maybe I like to make a big impact from the comfort of being at a distance…? I don’t know. I’m an INFJ; I confound myself all the time.

Speaking of confounding myself…

This is the top to whatever creation is slowly taking form. I found this GORGEOUS sheer lace fabric and some pretty purple brocade (which I’ll tackle later on) and my black mage plans turned a bit more… princess-y? Since I’m not sure what I want to do for a skirt, I thought I’d use it as a top for now.

My inspiration for… whatever I’m in the process of creating… is THIS amazing Elie Saab dress.

I love this dress. This is the dress a mermaid princess would choose for her first foray on land. It looks like it’s made of sea foam and a mosaic of shells. OH, HOW I LOVE THIS DRESS.

But, unfortunately, I am not as talented as Mr. Saab. My first rendition of this top was a bit more sheer, a bit closer to the original, but I couldn’t figure out how to make it work the way I wanted. I saved it, but decided to try again. This version is more generic. It looks like something you might see topping a prom or wedding dress. But I’m happy with it so far. The back kinda makes an awkward “V” into a snap and kinda angles back out, but I might fix that with the addition of the skirt part.

I’m not sure yet if I want to try to finish off the edge of the sheer part or just try to be REALLY careful as I take the top on and off. I’m hoping I’ll find some time this weekend to start on the skirt. I’m using three colors of tulle – beige, light purple and dark indigo. I’m hoping it’ll give the skirt a neat look. We’ll see… 😉

#AristaMicallef