Hey there!

First off, I’m one of painfullyhip’s avid readers! Keep up the good job! But in any case, I’m just needing fashion inspirations from the two of you when it comes to a pirate theme party. That perhaps can also involve easy DIYs. And for shoes, what do you think will be appropriate especially if I’m living in a hot sunny weather country? Eg; gladiators/ankleboots? Any ideas? Thanks a whole lot! =D

Love, Lis.

Arrrrrrr-righty then, Lis. I’m assuming you’re looking for Pirate costume suggestions, rather than the Pirate Wench variety? Because frankly? I think the concept of the bosom-laden, voluminous skirt-afflicted Pirate Wench was made up by Disney or Hallmark. Besides, androgyny is HOT.

Ruffled-front poet’s blouse (translation: “puffy shirt” for anyone who was born before 1986): find one at a thrift store. If it’s burning hot, try converting it into a halter blouse by cutting around the collar and over the shoulders, opening up the back.

Fitted vests: worn over ruffled top with fitted trousers, preferably…

Striped trousers, knickers with buttons or harem capris: I’ve seen striped skinny pants at Hot Topic and lots of cute cropped knickers at Target and Walmart… or sew a cinched and buttoned hem onto some cropped pants. Tie a long scarf around your hips to finish it off.

Hair wear: Wear a long scarf tied low around your forehead, trailing down in back, Keith Richards’ style and/or braid some thin leather laces found at a craft/fabric store and then garnish the ends with beads and feathers like this thingy from Urban Outfitters.

Obvious accessories: Hoop earring(s), skull scarf (circa 2006), parrots or anything with feathers or coins. Wear some smudgy black eyeliner concentrated mostly on the bottom lids.

Lastly: Pillage, plunder, rifle, and loot, but unless you actually are Keith Richards who by now probably has the liver of a Body Worlds cadaver, avoid an attempt at drinking an entire bottle of Captain Morgans. Yo ho!

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