Cosplaying On A Budget
Cosplaying is a hugely popular hobby amongst those who love costumes, pop culture, and being creative, and it continues to grow in popularity. While many folks spend thousands of dollars perfecting screen-accurate outfits and props, some players are successful in creating their looks on a budget.
Patricia R., better known as Pattycakes_Cosplay on Instagram, is a cosplayer based in Southwest Virginia and is part of the Second Mourning cosplay group. She purchases nearly all of the pieces for her outfits from local thrift stores, and also swaps clothes with friends. Some of the recent looks she has created are Lydia (Beetlejuice), Princess Peach (Super Mario games franchise), Drizella Tremaine (Sleeping Beauty), and Merida (Brave and Ralph Breaks the Internet). In early October, she collaborated with her local Goodwill to make Barbie-themed outfits for herself and a friend, and she was even featured on the store's social media pages as part of a costume contest.
There is quite a thrill in browsing local charity shops for pieces that can be turned into something completely different. Not only does Patricia use clothing as-is, she often sews or hot-glues her outfits together from fabric scraps, ribbons, and parts of other items to make a look that is truly special.
In addition to cosplaying, she also participates in Disneybounding. To Disneybound means to wear everyday clothes that create a look inspired by Disney characters, without being a full costume. Examples include wearing yellow, black, and royal blue to be Dory (Finding Nemo) or donning a pink dress and strawberry-shaped earrings to represent Lotso (Toy Story 3).
Of her thrifting and costuming adventures, she says, "Cosplay is a joyful expression of fandom and can be accessible for everyone!"
Upcycling clothes and giving them a second chance to shine is a fantastic way to keep them out of landfills and help the planet. Have you ever put together a cosplay, a Disneybound, or made a screen-accurate costume? Tell us all about it!