Masquerade Ball

ForgetThisLostLenore · 12-27-2007, 08:55 AM

I'm thinking of having a masquerade ball for my birthday party, I'm turning 16 and of course I can't have the normal, loud, annoying over attended 'Super Sweet 16'. There is only a slight possibility of this, since we still have to find a place to have it.

What I'm getting to, is that I have nothing to wear. My boyfriend has requested that we look somewhat phoenix-like with our masks. So I was going to get a corset and a ballgown like skirt. Does anyone have any idea of a US based site or store that would sell these items, good quality, and for less than an arm and a leg? I would rather not go over $200 with this, which I know is hard, with the corset.

On another note, has anyone bought a corset from Heavy Red? Are they sturdy?

Delkaetre · 12-27-2007, 09:11 AM

America takes this whole 'sixteenth birthday' thing a lot more seriously than the rest of the world, huh?
I can't vouch for Heavy Red, but they look a lot more reliable than many online corsetiers which claim to be affordable. As long as you're not going for heavy lacing and full steel bones (instead of just steel busk) then all should be well.
I'd suggest you check ebay, as there are some pretty good things there.

As for masks, I'd encourage you to get a good quality leather mask, as it'll look better and feel better than a papier mache one ever could. A handworked leather mask will look more unique, and can be worn over and over, as well as making an excellent ornament. Have a look at these sites for inspiration. There's a particularly good $60 flame wing mask in themaskstore which would suit your 'phoenix' theme.
http://www.cleoscave.com/
http://www.mansourdesigns.com/MASKS.htm (pricey, but some utterly unique designs)
http://www.themaskstore.com/inv-leather.htm#vufw
http://www.angel-mask.com/movindex.htm (these guys are some of the best you can get- heartily recommended)

ForgetThisLostLenore · 12-27-2007, 09:17 AM

Thanks! Yeah, here, 16 is the huge, 'special' age. I don't get why, but I needed an excuse for a party.

Delkaetre · 12-27-2007, 09:22 AM

I still don't see why it's 'special'.
You're not legally old enough to drink, to live on your own, to own a credit card or any of the other things that come with adulthood.. it's not exactly a coming of age. Are you legal to drive or have sex at sixteen, or is it seventeen for those?

ForgetThisLostLenore · 12-27-2007, 09:24 AM

Driving is the big thing for 16. The only big thing. Sex is 17, drinking 21. Yeah, personally I think 18 or 21 are bigger, but here, we don't even make too big of a deal of 18.

Underwater Ophelia · 12-27-2007, 12:03 PM

I think it's because that used to be the age when young rich girls would get their "coming out" parties.

lostintranslation · 12-27-2007, 12:15 PM

I turned 16 and didn't get anything special. I don't have a license, I didn't get a car or a part of anything. I'm in the US, but my folks aren't wealthy or anything, so I didn't expect any of that.

ForgetThisLostLenore · 12-27-2007, 06:46 PM

Oh, I don't get a car, and I could get a license, but I'm not, because that would mean learning how to drive in a month. :P

††BlackRose†† · 12-27-2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostintranslation

I turned 16 and didn't get anything special. I don't have a license, I didn't get a car or a part of anything. I'm in the US, but my folks aren't wealthy or anything, so I didn't expect any of that.

Same. I didn't get a party or anything either. :P

ZyklonB · 12-27-2007, 07:22 PM

If you change your mind on the phoenix thing, goblin and crumb also has some nice leather masks.

Sadly I can't post links yet. Just google it and they should come up.

badteccy · 12-28-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForgetThisLostLenore

I'm thinking of having a masquerade ball for my birthday party, I'm turning 16 and of course I can't have the normal, loud, annoying over attended 'Super Sweet 16'. There is only a slight possibility of this, since we still have to find a place to have it.

What I'm getting to, is that I have nothing to wear. My boyfriend has requested that we look somewhat phoenix-like with our masks. So I was going to get a corset and a ballgown like skirt. Does anyone have any idea of a US based site or store that would sell these items, good quality, and for less than an arm and a leg? I would rather not go over $200 with this, which I know is hard, with the corset.

On another note, has anyone bought a corset from Heavy Red? Are they sturdy?

DO NOT BUY A CORSET FROM HEAVY RED!
The steel boning in mine came out of the thread after like, less than 2 months.