Steampunk Shopping (1)

When it comes to shopping for your steampunk accessories, it can be difficult if you want to be unique. Ideally many steampunkers make their own accessories. But I know at times that can be difficult, and not everyone is a leather or metal worker (and that is ok. You don't have to be.) Which means shopping might be in the near future. You have a few options.

Thrift stores are a great place to find things to create a base look. While you may not be the best seamstress, or even a tailor, generally speaking, modifying something that's pre-made can be simple. Not only that there are often a number of vintage pieces to choose from, at reasonable prices. I recommend looking for pinstripes and corduroy. Also look for interesting patterns, these can be good for adding detail or just as inspiration for your look. Of course, these are just recommendations for things to look at. You may decide to go in a whole different direction.

Corduroy, Pinstripes, Ticking, Stripes, and Damask Samples

The internet is a great marketplace to find accessories to help you build your look. But try to be discerning. Not every plastic doodad with a gear glued or painted on to it is steampunk, no matter what the description says. You want to pick pieces that will be sturdy enough for wear, as well as activity. You never know who or what might happen after all. You never know when there might be a pirate invasion, or a plague of boggles.

Steampunk Pearl Ear Cuff by Etsy shop Meowchee

Accessories come in a variety of styles and purposes. Meowchee on Etsy offers some handmade pieces that are charming. They're earcuffs, which don't require your ears to be pierced(so can be worn by men or women.) Things like this add deeper detail as people get closer to you, making the look seem more than just an outer layer. You want to have some layering, as it gives you a more cohesive feel. But don't just wear things because it 'looks' steampunk. Picke pieces that you feel express you, or the character that you're developing.

Hummingbird Pendant by Desert Rubble

Of course, you can look at bracelets and necklaces. Today I'm  also going to recommend Desert Rubble, an online shop that offers a variety of sculpted pendants and accessories.  If you look through them you'll note that each one has a variety of detail, from the metallic shading, to the sculpted textures. If you have a character you've decided on, necklaces and bracelets(or Bracers or...well the list goes on) can be used to illustrate who and what you are, as well as the types of things that you're interested in.

Well, today we'll stop there, we don't want to turn this into a shopping list after all. Just want to get you thinking about the types of things that can express this style. Not sure where or how to start? Stay tuned, Friday we'll be discussing some basic ideas.