time to break out the sparkle

Its that wonderful time of the year again, nope not just wonderful winter where the excuse to break out snuggly jumpers and truck loads of teas.  Ok so they are great things but its time to venture out into the cold dark night in search of sparkle and joy at the Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

If you haven't heard about this amazing festival before its time to embrace something new and enjoy some amazing artists.

I'm already in the planning stage of how I'm going to get to everything.  Step one is to make my short list however with over a 100 performers its a hard task, but I've manged to get it down to the folllowing.

Tom Dickins - well no surprise that Tom is on my must see list.  I can't wait to spend the night listening to these amazing songs from such a talented artist.

Dates: Wednesday 18 July

Time: 8pm

Price: $20 pre-sale / $25 on the door (+ transaction fee)

Venue: Chapel Off Chapel

The its off to the Bohemia Cabaret Club where they are hosting Steam Up II, an entertaining blend of Burlesque, Cabaret and the Steam Punk phenomenon.  Starring Oscar Sonnet, Madame ‘Mama’ Natalia, Jasper Jewell, Red Devochkin and Jack Lad as ‘Finickity Jack’.

Date: Saturday 14 July

Time: Doors open 5pm; show from 8pm
Price: $20 pre-booked; $25 at the door 

Venue: Bohemia Cabaret Club, 226-228 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

Well this is the starting point, now I just have to check the calender to see just how much I can fit in.  I do hope you jump on the website and see what you can find out there that sparks your interest.

Dishonored - Revenge Solves Everything

In the steampunk vibe of this week I thought I'd show you the new game that I am longing to play.  Thanks to BFG I was shown the trailer for Dishonored, and I was blown away.  I loved Bioshock and Bioshock2; yep I'm waiting with baited breath for the latest installment of this series.  However until I get to unwrap the plastic on the game I will be playing Dishonored assuming that its released before Bioshock.  

So what is all this I'm talking about you may be asking; well the team from Arkane and Bethesda I think say it best.

GAME OVERVIEW

 You are the once-trusted bodyguard of the beloved Empress. Framed for her murder, you become an infamous assassin, known only by the disturbing mask that has become your calling card. In a time of uncertainty, when the city is being besieged by plague and ruled by an oppressive government armed with neo-industrial technologies, dark forces conspire to bestow upon you, abilities beyond those of any common man – but at what cost? The truth behind your betrayal is as murky as the waters surrounding the city, and the life you once had is gone forever.

Are you interested???? I know I am.  Hey anything that combines a great story, beautiful stylized art, steampunk and super-powers and I'm in.  Not a gamer?? well its time to try or at least find your buddy who plays a little and steal their set up for a few hours coz trust me you are going to want to indulge in this game.

Now watch....... and I dare you to say you don't want to see more.

xpost!!!!

 

How do you get me to fall in love even more with Felicia Day and steampunk?  COMBINE THEM!!!!  After watching this weeks episode of the flog (yep I'm addicted and can't wait till i get home on a tuesday night to see whats up) I have had to hide my wallet so I don't go shopping crazy at Clockwork Couture.

 

So after watching Felicia it was time to hit the  Clockwork Couture website and wow I'm so glad I did.  The clothing is amazing but it doesn't stop there look at this.....

How amazing is this glycerin based soap  and its a  truly a Clockwork Couture exclusive. This rust colored soap is infused with your choice of oils made for Clockwork Couture by an independent blender using any one of our oils.  Skeleton key is vintage and unique. Style will vary. No animal products used.  Soap is packaged in gift worthy label and bag.

Looking for more than just soap and clothing how about these wonderful rings!!!!  

Maybe your after the the Hi-voltage Toric Generator Ring (left); or how about the Dr Von Rosenstein's Induction Principle Ring (centre) or maybe your after something a bit more dainty with the Tea Cup ring. Well lets just say I so want to jump on a plane right now and go shopping.

It really makes me smile to see how many people out there are still making beautiful pieces of clothing that really are pieces of art.  Ok I know your all just scrolling down the pages for the corsets, so here you go with a couple of my favourites.

1. Crimean War Steampunk Overbust Corset

Sweet heart Overbust pattern perfect for long ,medium & short torso female.  I just adore the Antique metal clasp opening and the Tan Faux Leather trim with antique metal chain with button.  It even includes 6 suspender loops at the bottom. 

2. Military Corset with Tails - a Clockwork exclusive

Created for Clockwork Couture us by one of the most amazing corsettiere's I've seen in ages.   This is a high quality tight lacing corset suitable for extended wear. Exclusively for Clockwork Couture, an underbust corset made of cotton denim with hand-sewn soutache on the tails.

Ok so get that steampower pumping and check out this amazing site.  I dare you....

Euchronia

As we head to the end of the year the question of "what are you doing for new years eve?" are cropping up. This year I will put down the rockabilly clothing and embrace my goth/steampunk side; which means I will be heading to Euchronia. What on earth is Euchronia you may ask, well its a steampunk / neo-Victorian Year's End Ball held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Euchronia first took place in 2008 and will return to amaze and astound again on the 31^st of December, 2010. The event will open for general admission at 9pm and proceedings will continue 'til the early hours of the following morning.

But firstly let me explain a little about what Steampunk is. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history and speculative fiction. Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain —that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H.G Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but developed earlier in an alternate history.

The venue for 2010 is a breathtakingly grand former power station only very recently re-purposed as an events venue:The Substation, Newport. The building features a perfect blend of history and modern facilities to delight both neo-Victorian enthusiasts and discerning event-goers of every stripe.

Euchronia, from the Greek eu (good) and chronos (time), promises a fine evening of musical and terpsichorean pursuits: a good time for all! Euchronia 2010 will feature three main sound-spaces and a number of additional niche spaces, each with a different musical focus. The main stage in the huge Central Hall will host bands, live cabaret-style acts and some DJ'ed music. The Mezzanine floor above will comprise a dedicated dance space featuring a mix of new romantic, gothic fusion, industrial, retro, futuristic, electro and EBM music to keep the dance-obsessed euphoric until the wee small hours. Finally, our Parlour will be a designated relaxation space with a more ambient and laid-back soundscape. In addition Euchronia 2010 introduces a Member's Lounge for the exclusive use of Antipodean League members throughout the evening.

Dress Code: neoVictorian, steampunk, formal black tie/white tie/ballgown, pirate punk, Edwardian, vintage 20's & 30's, fetish, dieselpunk, goth! Think Moulin Rouge, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Golden Compass, Oliver Twist, Sweeney Todd, plus anything and everything in between. (The "code" is not strictly enforced, but guests in jeans and tshirt might feel out of place.

Steampunk technology

I found this while reading a wonderful tech blog

The key is made out of purple heart & has approximately 26 Ruby's which look great when the key catches the light, & when the Keys plugged into a USB, it glows green from underneath the gears giving the key a good sense of movement.

This gem was on sale via etsy but is sadly sold out. Oh well back to the drawing board.