PLAYA FASHION - What works? What doesn't?

[RedHeaven]

I always thought that the coolest fashion at BMan (or the reason it is so cool) had something to do with comfort in the desert mixing with fun looking. For example: Fake hair for longhairs, so their actual locks won't get torn by the dust. Knee high boots and socks, because playa foot sucks. Neon day glo colors, because they are easily seen in the daytime, and nobody wants to get run over by an art car. Glowies and lights: because they are needed for night time for the same reason. Goggles, for storms and contact lens wearers. White, because it reflects the sun and the dust is beige, not brown. Hot pants, because they don't get caught in bike chains. Big fluffy coats, because they cut the chill and are easily seen. The coolest of them all? Handmade Bman shwag, especially pendants! Good for showing off after bar tending all day! Good for a neet prize.

[Litup]

I do believe that this is the area in which I will greatly benefit from working retail at a department store!

[Savannah]

I always thought that the coolest fashion at BMan (or the reason it is so cool) had something to do with comfort in the desert mixing with fun looking. For example: Fake hair for longhairs, so their actual locks won't get torn by the dust. Knee high boots and socks, because playa foot sucks. Neon day glo colors, because they are easily seen in the daytime, and nobody wants to get run over by an art car. Glowies and lights: because they are needed for night time for the same reason. Goggles, for storms and contact lens wearers. White, because it reflects the sun and the dust is beige, not brown. Hot pants, because they don't get caught in bike chains. Big fluffy coats, because they cut the chill and are easily seen. The coolest of them all? Handmade Bman shwag, especially pendants! Good for showing off after bar tending all day! Good for a neet prize.

Agreed . . . that's my favorite thing about Burner fashion; all the classic pieces have a reason (arguably). I develop a new and greater appreciation every time. Last year it was: tall socks are extra helpful under certain cuts of tall boots, in particular. My boots are usually a bit loose, but last year I had some close-fitting ones, and boy was I glad to have some tall socks with me (though band-aids helped too).

And Burning gives you an appreciation for cowboy gear as well. Kerchief on the chest helps prevent sunburn. Hats for shade! Spurs for shirt-c@#$ers.

I even thought of a functional purpose for a tutu, especially on hot days: it adds a glimmer of modesty (and whimsy) to walking around in your underpants. Or less.

[bubbavic]

hmmm. Is it still shirtcocking if you're wearing a tutu?

[theCryptofishist]

It's still shirt cocking if you wear a cock ring.

[bubbavic]

But, I'm *always wearing a cock ring... uhm, too much?

[theCryptofishist]

Are you wearing pants? Or just the cock ring? or a shirt and a cock ring? Or a sari and a cock ring? or rings on your fingers and a cock ring? or a corset and a cock ring?

I've never seen anyone corset-cocking. I live unfulfilled. Maybe.

[lemur]

i dont own a corset..

[Bob]

You just steal them?

[FIGJAM]

Of corset not!

[Kalikopia]

Heyyy first post, I was planning on rocking my costume with some exotic jewelry that contains metal dangley bits, will this fair well in the desert environment or should I try and go for something more fiber based?

[theCryptofishist]

Have you worn this stuff before? If you have and they didn't drop bits, then go for it. Those "coins" on bellydance costumes are notorious for dropping off. It's probably bad wire technique, but whatever. the important thing is not to drop stuff on the playa. And to wear stuff you love.

[AntiM]

Rhinestones and other set stones can fall out, especially if just glued on. My tiara will never be the same and I had no idea it was even at risk.

[rubymermaid]

How do wigs hold up? I've heard both sides. I asked a couple people this year wearing wigs this past year how they liked them and they said it was great and kept their head warm at night. But come a dust storm is the wig forever damaged? The weather was shockingly amazing this year. I would probably think it would be just as everything else there, minus washable clothes, irreversibly changed by the dust.

[Savannah]

Wigs (usually) do fine if you don't try to elaborately style or agitate them once dirty (which just thrashes them further). Wash them gently and well when you get home and toss in some vinegar. Avoid bringing your expensive unwashable Marie Antoinette number, or something irreplaceable or very expensive. I suppose that hardly needs saying.

Wigs can actually keep a lot of dust out of your hair . . . or just cover up a nightmarish situation.

They're sometimes too warm in the day, but yeah--great at night.

[H.G.Crosby]

[Ugly Dougly]

[Fufa]

As I stare at that, all I'm thinking is it being sweaty and making squeaky noises as you stroll down esplanade.

*eeek ekk eek*

[Savannah]

In my experience, it's not squeaky, but it is extremely warm.

[Eric]

I have friends who are into the latex clothing thing. Do not be in the room with them when they take it off. Nobody is sexy after that...

*shudder*


and he was so pretty earlier...

[Savannah]

Yeah, you can attract a lot of attention, but you will be a nasty, sweaty mess. This is not for those who can't shower easily.

(I don't remember any actual marks on the skin, but maybe this varies.)

[Fufa]

I have a tough time putting on and taking off latex and nitrile gloves in the lab; I imagine that clothes like that would be impossible for me.

[Savannah]

It's not easy. You have to powder it all over and then work carefully (and then shine it up afterwards with a good rubber-shinnin' product).

Something well-designed may have thoughtfully places zippers, like . . . up the back, and a tab and button at the top of the zipper. Or something to that effect.

If it doesn't have thought put into how the wearer can get in, beyond just stretching it--it's usually cheap, and not for me.

And if you don't store it carefully (or even if you do) it may start to break down after a certain number of wears. Heh.

[poplopo]

One night we went wandering on the playa, my boy was wearing bell bottoms, a skirt, a lab coat, and a giant fuzzy hat. Somehow he got all these things to work together and he was the sexiest guy I saw that night.

[Ugly Dougly]

Yeah, you can attract a lot of attention, but you will be a nasty, sweaty mess. This is not for those who can't shower easily.

(I don't remember any actual marks on the skin, but maybe this varies.)

Suppose I could put up with a little sweat. Depends on the source...

[Fufa]

I wish I could afford these.

[H.G.Crosby]

form follows function.

[Ratty]

I am going to make every one of these outfits. Especially the 'column' and the brick wall. Oh and the grasss family and the fur formal jacket....Oh hell...All of them.

[Simon of the Playa]

For all of your playa needs (and mine) here is your one stop shopping catalogue...

The Only Clothes You'll Need, baby...

[Simon of the Playa]

the new designs from paris are in....