What Will I Wear?

It's February, so Convergence is only five months away.  I'm currently dealing with whether or not I have a room reserved.  My current status is "stand by".  Since I'm on the subject, I'm thinking about a costume.  It's good to start early, because of shipping and such.

Last year I purchased a pretty cool one for under $100.  It really got noticed, even though most people didn't know who I was supposed to be.  It looks different when not on a female mannequin.  I still have it, and plan to wear it a least a little this time too.

This year I'm thinking Rumpelstiltskin.  I can't think of a cooler costume, so imagine my surprise when I can't find a ready-made costume for him online.  The downside is I'll have to spend a little more; work a little harder.  The upside is I'll probably be the only person with such a costume there.  The question is, how much are we talking?

The great thing about Rumpelstiltskin is that, even though he has a very unique look, he doesn't always have the exact same look.  I can make a costume with the kind of things he wears, and still be very recognizable.

His eyes are black with varying amounts of gold.  Sometimes there's almost no gold.  I already have a pair of black contacts, so that should be good.  The rest of his makeup should be pretty easy, and cost about $25.

I found this pair of pants for $40 that will go with whatever he wears.

This wig will do, and it's $15.  I will have to add some coloring, and mousse.  We're already at $80, and we still have a ways to go.

Now here's where real decisions need to be made.  He either wears expensive looking "regency" style dress clothes, or he wears crocodile leather.  I think I could have something like the vest and sleeves made from faux crocodile leather for about $100.  I've priced the material at $25, and I know a cheap tailor.  Mine doesn't have to be as detailed.

On the other hand, the regency style dress clothes can be purchased, but I can't find a vest like that for under $100.  A decent shirt can be had for $20.

My next step will be to check a couple of places that rent costumes.  I might be able to rent the wig, pants, shirt, and vest.  If that can be done, I
bet it will be $100 or less.