when the lights go out, what's it all about, sitting there on your own?

City of Heroes has advanced a new level--into the steampunk past. That article, by the way, is not linked here only for CoH fans, but for Second Life Victorians as well--it goes a little bit into what one of the conceptual artists on the project views as "Victorian" versus "Classic" steampunk.

Victorian:

(from the random album)

Classic:

(from the random album)

Victorian:

from the random album; taken at the Steampunk Fashion Show at Wicked Faire in 2009. All Rights Reserved to hisself.)

Classic:

(from the random album; no idea on photographer or model. Picture named "katem"; no idea if that indicates the model's name.)

Victorian:

(from the random album; also from Dr. Grordbort's Infallible Aether Oscillators.)

Classic:

(from the random album)

Get the idea? She's separated steampunk down into different flavors for iconic value, sure, but I like the way she's doing it. "Victorian" steampunk hinges on manners, formal society address--and formal society fashion. Think military zeppelins, shoulder braid, elegantly detailed accessories; canes and top hats, polished boots, captains of industry, not airship pirates.

On the other hand, "Classic" steampunk is make-do--corsets that don't lace quite as tightly (by design). Outfits that are designed to take a little oil and dirt before needing to rush off to one's valet to have them cleaned and pressed. Tatters, hiked skirts (for ease in movement through airship rigging or along streets that might not be in the best of repair). Scuffed boots, torn hose, crumpled brims on bowler hats, the ever-present wrench or tool best (because one never knows when something's going to break down). Vests with an abundance of pockets, and all clothing a mix between the rag-tag, the gypsy, the boudoir and the bazaar, because Classic steampunk travels, and not in high style.

Why, I do believe we're talking "bright" versus "dark" steampunk again, in a more specific sense.

While I was searching, "love the machine, hate the factory", I find, is still a good catchphrase...even if it's heavily salted with the irony of using factory-produced goods to make the point.

Also discovered whilst searching, I found this wonderful entry on steampunk cakes...and steampunk in general. She's very enthused about it. Of course, she made a winning cake.

And to wrap things up, go look at Bjorn Hurri's steampunk Princess Leia...I like this one better than a lot of the other fandom merges out there.

In other news, why is Bitcoin not a good idea? Find out.

Like vintage tintypes? Track down a group of folks who are taking everyday photographs that way.

Next, consider a purchase of the Tough Guide to Fantasyland. While it's not necessary, it will help you better appreciate the Tough Guide to Fantasyland's Exotic Locales. You're welcome?

Almost lastly, a little bit of Whovian controversy: first see this, and, if that didn't help you find What's Wrong With That Picture, check this one for a more direct look.

What's all the fuss about? Well, it seems that it didn't used to be that color, or at least some fans think so, and others are just confused as to what the fuss is about. Still others are saying it's this year's Tweed Patch Jacket, and Means Something--because, of course, as ardent fans know, it could never be just a prop glitch, so it must be Important and Meaningful.

I don't know which camp I fall in. I do know that in trying to search down the rumor, I discovered this video, which lead me to this Tumblr, and while I don't use the phrase "girl crush" often, I think I'm somewhat smitten with her style. I am now a furtive follower...though it means I may well have to cut down on other Tumblrs just to get a chance to see her posts in the massive picspamming output!

And sometimes it's all about the fashion. Enjoy!