Otakon Stuff and General Update
For the first time in a while and for the very first time at Otakon, I had a good time at a convention! I got to meet so many new people and got to hang out with friends that I had a common interest with! I know that sounds like it's not difficult, but it had been for me until I found my wonderful iamjenii and she created the joy that is Frilladelphia. Anyway, back to Otakon for now.
Thursday
I went to pick up Alena and Ashley around noon, and we got to the hotel around 3:00pm. Parking was a breeze and so was check in, which was like something out of the Twilight Zone for me. I didn't get any retribution for that stroke all the way until Sunday, either! All the hotel staff were saying how i had the most beautiful costume and asking which character I was dressing as. I didn't try to explain to them that it wasn't a costume at all unless they asked about a character, in which case I just said, "Oh, it's actually just a style based on modesty, but thank you!". Unfortunately it's the only outfit I don't have a picture of myself in.
Anyway, it was just the three of us in the room that night, so we stuck together and went to Subway for dinner before getting our badges (4:30pm). The guy behind the counter, instead of having the ignorant reaction to my clothes that I was expecting, started gushing about how beautiful they were, asked for a picture, and pretty much ignored everyone else around! It was kind of awkward, seeing as how I thought he was really rude to Alena, though. After that, we went to get our badges. Upon seeing the line, I was discouraged until I heard something I had only heard in my dreams since last year. Could it be real? Yes it was...
ICE COLD WATEEEER, ONLY ONE DOLLAAAAR
Ashley and i had just been telling Alena the magic of Ice Cold Water Guy, when suddenly he appeared! He even had a megaphone this time! He apparently got incredibly popular this year. He even got his own Facebook fan page.
The line ended up moving pretty quickly, and i wasn't extremely uncomfortable even with my layers of full coverage clothing. After getting our badges, we ventured back into the heat to check out the Matsuri Festival, but it was pretty uneventful (even though Alena has her thing for JYB) and I was happy when my friend Aysha appeared out of nowhere and pulled us into an air conditioned hotel lobby to hang out and cool off. After awhile of sitting around in the AC, we went back to the hotel to relax and refresh before heading out to the 21+ meet up at some bar that we had no idea how to get to.
To get to this bar, we trusted Ashley's phone GPS, which was a horrible mistake, seeing as how it took us through the red light district. Amongst fine establishments such as Hustler club, there were nasty cottage cheese bodied hookers dressed in all spandex (not much, mind you), big "scary" bouncers (scary is in quotes because these looked like the safest people to run to), skeezy guys that were either drunk or high trying to proposition me (because obviously I looked like a hooker in my EGL gear), and some cops patrolling corners to try and deter the hookers from getting business. There were a few strippers too, but I don't think many of them ventured outside. How could I tell the difference between the strippers and the hookers? The strippers made enough money to buy some nice boobs and at least look somewhat sexy.
Anyway, we got to the bar after the most awkward/scary walk of our lives only to find out it was closed (8:00pm). Trust weeaboos to plan a meet at a time the bar isn't even open yet. We finally decided to go downstairs to a place called Luckie's Tavern, which had good music, nice atmosphere, and an awesome bartender. He made great drinks and had a good personality! It was all good until some douche started hitting on Alena and couldn't take a hint to back the fuck off. Of course, by that point, I was feeling the liquor, so I was just cracking up and finally egging him on, which probably didn't help the situation.
We left after even my drunk ass could tell how uncomfortable Alena was and decided to try the bar upstairs again (9:30pm). It was called Angels Rock Bar, but we didn't know anything past that. Unfortunately, it was a rock/metal club that had a loud ass live band performing and an atmosphere almost completely the opposite of Luckie's. Leave it to weeaboos to choose the shitty place that blows out your eardrums over the friendly place that you could actually socialize in. The people that planned the meet were there, but they made no move to greet us or say hello, even though I was dressed in Japanese fashion and we had badges, so we were obviously going to the con and probably came for the meet they posted on Facebook. Neither of the other two wanted to drink, but I felt bad staying there and not ordering anything, so I just got one drink, we stayed for a few songs, then we left and took another route back to the hotel. The only fun thing from the trip back was seeing a sad looking pimp with a polyester suit, cheap cane, and expandable file as opposed to a briefcase. At the hotel, I was debating going with Ashley to hang out in some of her friends' hotel, but decided not to and stayed with Alena to hang out in the room before going to bed.
Friday
Friday morning, Alena and I got up sort of early to go meet up with some Baltimore lolitas to go to a patisserie in the area. The meeting place was "in front of the convention center", which has two entrances, so we weren't sure which to go to. We went to one, found some girls wandering and experiencing the same confusion we were, waited awhile, went to the other entrance, found some more people, went back, and finally found the host! While we were waiting, Jen took some pictures of us:
Alena and I with that ICE COLD WATEEEEER that I actually got for free from Jen (LESS THAN ONE DOLLAAAAR)
Mousse, Alena, and I
After we met the host, she decided it was too hot to walk to the place, so we ended up going inside the convention center and just getting Starbucks stuff before sitting in a huge group and chatting (and getting many many pictures taken... which I somehow have none of on Facebook. I'd probably have to look for them and that would take work).
Alena and I decided to get in line very early for the Sixh fashion show (2:00pm). So early, in fact, that we were there before a line even formed! Eventually, a couple showed up and asked a staffer, who told us we could all be in front of the line. We started chatting with the two during the long wait - apparently the girl in the pair was an aspiring Lolita and the boyfriend was trying to support her. Unfortunately for her, all talks for EGL were ruined when I happened to find out that he WORKS AT BETHESDA. You know, that company that makes the wonder known as The Elder Scrolls?! I got so excited that I got the whole line looking at me for a minute, but the boyfriend, who I then found out was name George, talked to me about many things like how the development of Skyrim is going, some information that hasn't been released to the press yet about it (which I swore not to share with anyone), the fuck ups with Fallout New Vegas, and information about other series the company develops and produces. I felt kind of bad, leaving out Alena and George's girlfriend, but I could not contain my inner nerd during the whole conversation!
When we got into the show, we got front row, so we could see absolutely everything, but we also had to be right near the seriously loud speakers. The show was fun, but the models didn't stand still long enough for me to get any good pictures. I made sure to take that into account for when I was going to be modeling later on that day.
After the Sixh show (6:00pm), Alena and I waited around for awhile, since the Ultimate Lolita Fashion Show was in the same room, until Jen showed up, who was also in the show. We were both modeling for our friend Skylar who has a brand called Candy Threads. After sitting around for awhile, Jen realized she forgot bloomers and I realized I forgot my tights and my shoes! After a slight panic attack, we texted Skylar and she said it would be fine if we were a bit late, so we left Alena to form a line again with my buddy George and went to both of our hotels to get the respective items. At Jen's room, I took ICE COLD WATEEEER out of her fridge, because I'm a mooch like that.
We got back to the convention center in plenty of time to get changed, although my makeup looked like shit since I was so sweaty and nasty. I wore a long sleeved black blouse and a red JSK, so it wasn't very cool, but it was super comfortable otherwise. The organization of the show was sort of a mess and we ended up getting pulled on stage way early (Skylar was supposed to be the fifth designer to walk, but we ended up going second, I think). Also, one of the models decided to bail, but I called my friend Aysha, who happened to be in line for the show and perfect measurements! She saved the day, even though she was extremely nervous, and everything ended up going well. George told me I looked miserable on stage, though. I was going for the goth look (I'm used to classic), but maybe I overdid it a bit.
In the "dressing room" aka bathroom before the show
I wish I'd had black bloomers and/or petticoat, but I can't change that now.
After our stint on the show, we had to wait for what seemed like eternity for the rest of the designers to show their stuff, then a final group walk, then for the designers to go on stage with their favorite look to do a Q&A. The show was supposed to end at 10:00pm, but ended up running until after 10:30pm. Having not eaten since having a scone at Starbucks that morning, I was fucking starving. I met up with Alena and Ashley, then we all changed into our own stuff (I decided to go with sweats since I had been in EGL in the heat for the entire day), and Alena informed me that George had gotten us reservations at The Cheesecake Factory. My hero!
We went and met him and his girlfriend, to find out that three of their friends were coming, making it a party of 9 with Ashley's friend there, making for a very long wait. It turns out the other friends had been in the fashion show for another designer, and I tried to get along with them, but apparently they didn't like us very much, as they decided to get a separate table. It ended up making the seating process quicker, so I'm fine with their standoffish act. During dinner, we were all tired, thirsty, and hungry, but we still had a good time, and we had a good waiter that never let our glasses get empty. We finally got back to the hotel room at about 1:30am, and I was completely exhausted, so I went to sleep pretty quickly.
Saturday
The Baby, the Stars Shine Bright fashion show was scheduled for 10:00am this morning, meaning we'd have to be in line by 8:00am to get a good seat, meaning I'd have had to be up by 6:00am to look halfway decent. Needless to say, after the night before, I didn't get up. According to Alena, when she tried to wake me, I kicked her away and did nothing else, so she stopped trying. I can't say I blame her, but I am kind of sad I missed it. Luckily, I've been told I didn't miss much.
I got up and dressed, then waited around for awhile until Alena got back around 12:30pm, and we went to go to the dealer's room for the first time. We explored, got some photos taken, and I ended up buying two really overpriced doujinshi (one of which I found online for less than half the price afterward... damn impulse buys). After that, we went to the Lolita Swap Meet (2:30pm), and I got some rings from Skylar, but otherwise there wasn't anything I was extremely interested in buying. We sat around for awhile chatting with other lolitas and members of our own group (we saw Jen, Mousse, Kari, Skylar, Aysha, and a few others), until hunger got the best of us and we wanted real food.
We ended up going to a place at that mall in the inner harbor. I forget what it was called, but it was a noodle shop. I got tomato soup. I am an idiot. There is no better way than tomato soup and petticoats to make a hot day feel 100% hotter. Still, it was probably the best tomato soup I've ever had - made from scratch with chunks of tomato, using herbs for flavor instead of salt. I still couldn't finish it because portions were huge and I felt like I was going to combust from the fullness and the heat. I felt bad throwing it away and I wish I had some right now.
After lunch, we went back to the dealer's room to finish looking at things overall and so I could cave in and make another expensive purchase - I bought a $100 cutsew at h.NAOTO's FRILL stand (the shirt). I actually wore it to New York just two days ago and it was very comfy, even in the heat of the city and the subway.
I was really excited, as I am whenever I buy varying brands (I feel like it makes me less of an IW elitist or something), but we had to get kicked out since they were closing and Alena was going to the Distant Worlds concert outside of the convention, thus needing to catch the light rail. When she left, I tried to get in touch with Jen, who told me she was in Artist's Alley. I hadn't been there yet, so I figured I'd go meet her. I neglected to tell her I was on my way,so she left, but I ended up bumping into Mousse and Kari by accident, anyway! We went around shopping and I ended up getting a cute bracelet and a deco cell phone case. I was also excited to when I saw Heather and got her to discretely grope my boobs in her magical way. I was also happy to see Mike, but we didn't get to talk much before we went on to pick up some necklaces Kari had ordered. Finally, we went to the art show. There were a few really beautiful pieces, but I couldn't be bothered to go through what I did the last time I endured an auction, so I didn't put a bid on anything.
Frilladelphia planned a con meet to see the showing of Psycho Gothic Lolita, so Mousse, Kari, and I decided to head up to the meeting place and wait for others to show up (7:45pm). There was already a line forming for the movie, but we didn't get in because we didn't think it would get too bad. All the others were a little late, but we had a small gathering before we got in line.
Top row left to right: Triell, Skye, Jen, me, Mousse
Bottom row left to right: Kari, Aysha
It wasn't the most flattering photo for any of us, as we were all tired and hungry, but Mousse just looks like the epitome of IDGAF. And no, she's not breaking the rules of lolita, because she's wearing a kei style. Skylar hadn't arrived yet, so she unfortunately did not make the photo.
Anyway, after that we finally got in line, which by this point had reached epic proportions (8:45pm). We all had a feeling we wouldn't get in, but we waited anyway. Sure enough, by the time we got to the front, they were only doing single seats, so we bailed. Jen, Aysha, and I decided to just stay nearby and wait to the Affording Lolita panel. We weren't sure if it would actually be informative, be itas who had no idea what they were doing, or be elitists looking down on everyone. It ended up being choice elitist! Jen ended up getting so pissed of that we left early to fine Alena sitting nearby waiting for us. While they all stood around talking, I decided to make a break for the bathroom, only to find out I'd gone in the complete wrong direction. It took me 20 minutes to get to the bathroom and i felt like a failure at life. They probably all thought I had some bowel problems or something. I'm just an idiot and I'm not sure which situation is more embarrassing.
We finally left after that and Alena and I stopped by Jen's hotel room for some more ICE COLD WATEEER before going back to the room and going to bed.
Sunday
Always the worst day of the convention, Sunday of course involved us waking up a little sore, packing our stuff, and saying goodbyes. Sarah and Katie called a bell boy first, so Alena and I waited until they were gone for a bit before calling another one. He was the best bell boy ever in that he took down the staff elevator and even took the bell cart to our garage. When we got there, we had an epic time finding my car, which was between levels. The staff was completely unhelpful, but this poor bell boy kept up and we finally found it, after which we gave him an excellent tip. When we got done with that ordeal, I realized I'd somehow lost the hotel keys, at which point I finally broke down in tears.
When we got to the hotel, I had to wait in the checkout line forever, but I at least found out there was no charge for lost keys, which was a great relief. After checking out, we went back to the convention center to find Aysha relaxing in a lobby. She gave me some Welch's grape juice which I love her eternally for. I think this may have been the convention of people giving me free drinks. We all went to the dealer's room to look around some more, and I could no longer hold back my need to spend money at Anime Sekai, so I bought the Greece figure I'd been looking at a few times in the past. I also found a new volume of Natsume Yuujinchou, so I picked that up too.
After that, we met up with Steph, who I found out is also a Natsume fan! We gushed over it for a little bit, but then she and Aysha had to leave, so it was just me and Alena again. We went out to Phillip's for lunch, since I can't go to Baltimore without a trip there. I got cream of crab soup, a crab cake, and a chocolate lave cake. Everything was absolutely wonderful. Finally, we drove home and all was well. Lastly, here are a few pictures.
The stitching on this Nero's vest was amazing! Actually, the whole costume was awesome. Wig, sword, clothes, devil bringer - all amazing.
The Q&A at the Sixh fashion show. The one designer, EB (with the bluish spiky hair) had kick ass shoes. I couldn't stop staring at them.
They were handing out Super Saiyan crowns at the Funimation booth. This was on Sunday.
Either there was a lot of awesome Little Sister cosplay this year, or I kept seeing the same few girls over and over, but either way I was pleased.
lol wut
Other than that, I've been doing lots of fun stuff this summer. Ashley and I went to Coney Island, I just went to New York this past Saturday (and got an IW parasol at Tokyo Rebel that I couldn't order online!), went to the Mutter Museum, went to Six Flags, traveled all over Jersey (not sure if that's good or bad), and got back into True Blood (which is a mind blowing series that everyone needs to love now). It's been a good summer.
Thursday
I went to pick up Alena and Ashley around noon, and we got to the hotel around 3:00pm. Parking was a breeze and so was check in, which was like something out of the Twilight Zone for me. I didn't get any retribution for that stroke all the way until Sunday, either! All the hotel staff were saying how i had the most beautiful costume and asking which character I was dressing as. I didn't try to explain to them that it wasn't a costume at all unless they asked about a character, in which case I just said, "Oh, it's actually just a style based on modesty, but thank you!". Unfortunately it's the only outfit I don't have a picture of myself in.
Anyway, it was just the three of us in the room that night, so we stuck together and went to Subway for dinner before getting our badges (4:30pm). The guy behind the counter, instead of having the ignorant reaction to my clothes that I was expecting, started gushing about how beautiful they were, asked for a picture, and pretty much ignored everyone else around! It was kind of awkward, seeing as how I thought he was really rude to Alena, though. After that, we went to get our badges. Upon seeing the line, I was discouraged until I heard something I had only heard in my dreams since last year. Could it be real? Yes it was...
ICE COLD WATEEEER, ONLY ONE DOLLAAAAR
Ashley and i had just been telling Alena the magic of Ice Cold Water Guy, when suddenly he appeared! He even had a megaphone this time! He apparently got incredibly popular this year. He even got his own Facebook fan page.
The line ended up moving pretty quickly, and i wasn't extremely uncomfortable even with my layers of full coverage clothing. After getting our badges, we ventured back into the heat to check out the Matsuri Festival, but it was pretty uneventful (even though Alena has her thing for JYB) and I was happy when my friend Aysha appeared out of nowhere and pulled us into an air conditioned hotel lobby to hang out and cool off. After awhile of sitting around in the AC, we went back to the hotel to relax and refresh before heading out to the 21+ meet up at some bar that we had no idea how to get to.
To get to this bar, we trusted Ashley's phone GPS, which was a horrible mistake, seeing as how it took us through the red light district. Amongst fine establishments such as Hustler club, there were nasty cottage cheese bodied hookers dressed in all spandex (not much, mind you), big "scary" bouncers (scary is in quotes because these looked like the safest people to run to), skeezy guys that were either drunk or high trying to proposition me (because obviously I looked like a hooker in my EGL gear), and some cops patrolling corners to try and deter the hookers from getting business. There were a few strippers too, but I don't think many of them ventured outside. How could I tell the difference between the strippers and the hookers? The strippers made enough money to buy some nice boobs and at least look somewhat sexy.
Anyway, we got to the bar after the most awkward/scary walk of our lives only to find out it was closed (8:00pm). Trust weeaboos to plan a meet at a time the bar isn't even open yet. We finally decided to go downstairs to a place called Luckie's Tavern, which had good music, nice atmosphere, and an awesome bartender. He made great drinks and had a good personality! It was all good until some douche started hitting on Alena and couldn't take a hint to back the fuck off. Of course, by that point, I was feeling the liquor, so I was just cracking up and finally egging him on, which probably didn't help the situation.
We left after even my drunk ass could tell how uncomfortable Alena was and decided to try the bar upstairs again (9:30pm). It was called Angels Rock Bar, but we didn't know anything past that. Unfortunately, it was a rock/metal club that had a loud ass live band performing and an atmosphere almost completely the opposite of Luckie's. Leave it to weeaboos to choose the shitty place that blows out your eardrums over the friendly place that you could actually socialize in. The people that planned the meet were there, but they made no move to greet us or say hello, even though I was dressed in Japanese fashion and we had badges, so we were obviously going to the con and probably came for the meet they posted on Facebook. Neither of the other two wanted to drink, but I felt bad staying there and not ordering anything, so I just got one drink, we stayed for a few songs, then we left and took another route back to the hotel. The only fun thing from the trip back was seeing a sad looking pimp with a polyester suit, cheap cane, and expandable file as opposed to a briefcase. At the hotel, I was debating going with Ashley to hang out in some of her friends' hotel, but decided not to and stayed with Alena to hang out in the room before going to bed.
Friday
Friday morning, Alena and I got up sort of early to go meet up with some Baltimore lolitas to go to a patisserie in the area. The meeting place was "in front of the convention center", which has two entrances, so we weren't sure which to go to. We went to one, found some girls wandering and experiencing the same confusion we were, waited awhile, went to the other entrance, found some more people, went back, and finally found the host! While we were waiting, Jen took some pictures of us:
Alena and I with that ICE COLD WATEEEEER that I actually got for free from Jen (LESS THAN ONE DOLLAAAAR)
Mousse, Alena, and I
After we met the host, she decided it was too hot to walk to the place, so we ended up going inside the convention center and just getting Starbucks stuff before sitting in a huge group and chatting (and getting many many pictures taken... which I somehow have none of on Facebook. I'd probably have to look for them and that would take work).
Alena and I decided to get in line very early for the Sixh fashion show (2:00pm). So early, in fact, that we were there before a line even formed! Eventually, a couple showed up and asked a staffer, who told us we could all be in front of the line. We started chatting with the two during the long wait - apparently the girl in the pair was an aspiring Lolita and the boyfriend was trying to support her. Unfortunately for her, all talks for EGL were ruined when I happened to find out that he WORKS AT BETHESDA. You know, that company that makes the wonder known as The Elder Scrolls?! I got so excited that I got the whole line looking at me for a minute, but the boyfriend, who I then found out was name George, talked to me about many things like how the development of Skyrim is going, some information that hasn't been released to the press yet about it (which I swore not to share with anyone), the fuck ups with Fallout New Vegas, and information about other series the company develops and produces. I felt kind of bad, leaving out Alena and George's girlfriend, but I could not contain my inner nerd during the whole conversation!
When we got into the show, we got front row, so we could see absolutely everything, but we also had to be right near the seriously loud speakers. The show was fun, but the models didn't stand still long enough for me to get any good pictures. I made sure to take that into account for when I was going to be modeling later on that day.
After the Sixh show (6:00pm), Alena and I waited around for awhile, since the Ultimate Lolita Fashion Show was in the same room, until Jen showed up, who was also in the show. We were both modeling for our friend Skylar who has a brand called Candy Threads. After sitting around for awhile, Jen realized she forgot bloomers and I realized I forgot my tights and my shoes! After a slight panic attack, we texted Skylar and she said it would be fine if we were a bit late, so we left Alena to form a line again with my buddy George and went to both of our hotels to get the respective items. At Jen's room, I took ICE COLD WATEEEER out of her fridge, because I'm a mooch like that.
We got back to the convention center in plenty of time to get changed, although my makeup looked like shit since I was so sweaty and nasty. I wore a long sleeved black blouse and a red JSK, so it wasn't very cool, but it was super comfortable otherwise. The organization of the show was sort of a mess and we ended up getting pulled on stage way early (Skylar was supposed to be the fifth designer to walk, but we ended up going second, I think). Also, one of the models decided to bail, but I called my friend Aysha, who happened to be in line for the show and perfect measurements! She saved the day, even though she was extremely nervous, and everything ended up going well. George told me I looked miserable on stage, though. I was going for the goth look (I'm used to classic), but maybe I overdid it a bit.
In the "dressing room" aka bathroom before the show
I wish I'd had black bloomers and/or petticoat, but I can't change that now.
After our stint on the show, we had to wait for what seemed like eternity for the rest of the designers to show their stuff, then a final group walk, then for the designers to go on stage with their favorite look to do a Q&A. The show was supposed to end at 10:00pm, but ended up running until after 10:30pm. Having not eaten since having a scone at Starbucks that morning, I was fucking starving. I met up with Alena and Ashley, then we all changed into our own stuff (I decided to go with sweats since I had been in EGL in the heat for the entire day), and Alena informed me that George had gotten us reservations at The Cheesecake Factory. My hero!
We went and met him and his girlfriend, to find out that three of their friends were coming, making it a party of 9 with Ashley's friend there, making for a very long wait. It turns out the other friends had been in the fashion show for another designer, and I tried to get along with them, but apparently they didn't like us very much, as they decided to get a separate table. It ended up making the seating process quicker, so I'm fine with their standoffish act. During dinner, we were all tired, thirsty, and hungry, but we still had a good time, and we had a good waiter that never let our glasses get empty. We finally got back to the hotel room at about 1:30am, and I was completely exhausted, so I went to sleep pretty quickly.
Saturday
The Baby, the Stars Shine Bright fashion show was scheduled for 10:00am this morning, meaning we'd have to be in line by 8:00am to get a good seat, meaning I'd have had to be up by 6:00am to look halfway decent. Needless to say, after the night before, I didn't get up. According to Alena, when she tried to wake me, I kicked her away and did nothing else, so she stopped trying. I can't say I blame her, but I am kind of sad I missed it. Luckily, I've been told I didn't miss much.
I got up and dressed, then waited around for awhile until Alena got back around 12:30pm, and we went to go to the dealer's room for the first time. We explored, got some photos taken, and I ended up buying two really overpriced doujinshi (one of which I found online for less than half the price afterward... damn impulse buys). After that, we went to the Lolita Swap Meet (2:30pm), and I got some rings from Skylar, but otherwise there wasn't anything I was extremely interested in buying. We sat around for awhile chatting with other lolitas and members of our own group (we saw Jen, Mousse, Kari, Skylar, Aysha, and a few others), until hunger got the best of us and we wanted real food.
We ended up going to a place at that mall in the inner harbor. I forget what it was called, but it was a noodle shop. I got tomato soup. I am an idiot. There is no better way than tomato soup and petticoats to make a hot day feel 100% hotter. Still, it was probably the best tomato soup I've ever had - made from scratch with chunks of tomato, using herbs for flavor instead of salt. I still couldn't finish it because portions were huge and I felt like I was going to combust from the fullness and the heat. I felt bad throwing it away and I wish I had some right now.
After lunch, we went back to the dealer's room to finish looking at things overall and so I could cave in and make another expensive purchase - I bought a $100 cutsew at h.NAOTO's FRILL stand (the shirt). I actually wore it to New York just two days ago and it was very comfy, even in the heat of the city and the subway.
I was really excited, as I am whenever I buy varying brands (I feel like it makes me less of an IW elitist or something), but we had to get kicked out since they were closing and Alena was going to the Distant Worlds concert outside of the convention, thus needing to catch the light rail. When she left, I tried to get in touch with Jen, who told me she was in Artist's Alley. I hadn't been there yet, so I figured I'd go meet her. I neglected to tell her I was on my way,so she left, but I ended up bumping into Mousse and Kari by accident, anyway! We went around shopping and I ended up getting a cute bracelet and a deco cell phone case. I was also excited to when I saw Heather and got her to discretely grope my boobs in her magical way. I was also happy to see Mike, but we didn't get to talk much before we went on to pick up some necklaces Kari had ordered. Finally, we went to the art show. There were a few really beautiful pieces, but I couldn't be bothered to go through what I did the last time I endured an auction, so I didn't put a bid on anything.
Frilladelphia planned a con meet to see the showing of Psycho Gothic Lolita, so Mousse, Kari, and I decided to head up to the meeting place and wait for others to show up (7:45pm). There was already a line forming for the movie, but we didn't get in because we didn't think it would get too bad. All the others were a little late, but we had a small gathering before we got in line.
Top row left to right: Triell, Skye, Jen, me, Mousse
Bottom row left to right: Kari, Aysha
It wasn't the most flattering photo for any of us, as we were all tired and hungry, but Mousse just looks like the epitome of IDGAF. And no, she's not breaking the rules of lolita, because she's wearing a kei style. Skylar hadn't arrived yet, so she unfortunately did not make the photo.
Anyway, after that we finally got in line, which by this point had reached epic proportions (8:45pm). We all had a feeling we wouldn't get in, but we waited anyway. Sure enough, by the time we got to the front, they were only doing single seats, so we bailed. Jen, Aysha, and I decided to just stay nearby and wait to the Affording Lolita panel. We weren't sure if it would actually be informative, be itas who had no idea what they were doing, or be elitists looking down on everyone. It ended up being choice elitist! Jen ended up getting so pissed of that we left early to fine Alena sitting nearby waiting for us. While they all stood around talking, I decided to make a break for the bathroom, only to find out I'd gone in the complete wrong direction. It took me 20 minutes to get to the bathroom and i felt like a failure at life. They probably all thought I had some bowel problems or something. I'm just an idiot and I'm not sure which situation is more embarrassing.
We finally left after that and Alena and I stopped by Jen's hotel room for some more ICE COLD WATEEER before going back to the room and going to bed.
Sunday
Always the worst day of the convention, Sunday of course involved us waking up a little sore, packing our stuff, and saying goodbyes. Sarah and Katie called a bell boy first, so Alena and I waited until they were gone for a bit before calling another one. He was the best bell boy ever in that he took down the staff elevator and even took the bell cart to our garage. When we got there, we had an epic time finding my car, which was between levels. The staff was completely unhelpful, but this poor bell boy kept up and we finally found it, after which we gave him an excellent tip. When we got done with that ordeal, I realized I'd somehow lost the hotel keys, at which point I finally broke down in tears.
When we got to the hotel, I had to wait in the checkout line forever, but I at least found out there was no charge for lost keys, which was a great relief. After checking out, we went back to the convention center to find Aysha relaxing in a lobby. She gave me some Welch's grape juice which I love her eternally for. I think this may have been the convention of people giving me free drinks. We all went to the dealer's room to look around some more, and I could no longer hold back my need to spend money at Anime Sekai, so I bought the Greece figure I'd been looking at a few times in the past. I also found a new volume of Natsume Yuujinchou, so I picked that up too.
After that, we met up with Steph, who I found out is also a Natsume fan! We gushed over it for a little bit, but then she and Aysha had to leave, so it was just me and Alena again. We went out to Phillip's for lunch, since I can't go to Baltimore without a trip there. I got cream of crab soup, a crab cake, and a chocolate lave cake. Everything was absolutely wonderful. Finally, we drove home and all was well. Lastly, here are a few pictures.
The stitching on this Nero's vest was amazing! Actually, the whole costume was awesome. Wig, sword, clothes, devil bringer - all amazing.
The Q&A at the Sixh fashion show. The one designer, EB (with the bluish spiky hair) had kick ass shoes. I couldn't stop staring at them.
They were handing out Super Saiyan crowns at the Funimation booth. This was on Sunday.
Either there was a lot of awesome Little Sister cosplay this year, or I kept seeing the same few girls over and over, but either way I was pleased.
lol wut
Other than that, I've been doing lots of fun stuff this summer. Ashley and I went to Coney Island, I just went to New York this past Saturday (and got an IW parasol at Tokyo Rebel that I couldn't order online!), went to the Mutter Museum, went to Six Flags, traveled all over Jersey (not sure if that's good or bad), and got back into True Blood (which is a mind blowing series that everyone needs to love now). It's been a good summer.