The Powers that Be at Irrational Games have decided to give Elizabeth a complete head to toe makeover for the Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea DLC and I for one, am very pleased. I had surmised in an earlier article that the artistic style of Elizabeth hinted at film noir femme fatale type of look, and we can certainly see how that silhouette was inspired by that era, but there are still details that keep Elizabeth’s look very 2013.
As a New Yorker, it is an unspoken rule that you are judged first and foremost by your shoes. The smallest details usually speak the largest volumes about you. Elizabeth’s shoes, at first glance, seem like your typical do-goody 1940’s housewife type of shoes. They look like shoes that Ingrid Bergman wore in Casablanca in one of the scenes that she wasn’t important in. But at closer glance, there are slight rhinestone details and ruched leather that scream 2013.
These Adrienne Vittadini Cecilia T-Strap Pumps are just about the right heel height, and though slightly lighter, could absolutely work in a potential Elizabeth cosplay: http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/cecilia-t-strap-pumps
For those veterans willing to sacrifice less of a heel for comfort (hey, walking around a convention floor for 10+ hours in heels is HARD – trust me, I know) these flats from Sole Society are great: http://www.solesociety.com/shoes/addy-black-ecru.html
We move upwards on Elizabeth to the next detail of her clothing, her stockings. Maybe it’s because the first ever Lingerie Fashion Week has just ended, but in an age when many a girl will wear leggings as pants, stockings are quite an understated glamour. I personally like these Fredericks of Hollywood stockings, though the fishnet is slightly smaller than what Elizabeth seems to be wearing. In actuality, it actually looks like Elizabeth is wearing two pairs of stockings, one pair of sheer stockings with backseam and then fishnet stockings over those. But that, of course, is open to interpretation 😉 http://www.fredericks.com/Lace-Top_Backseam_Fishnet_Stocking/36985,default,pd.html?cgid=co60&sz=40&all1=all
The skirt Elizabeth wears is slightly more of a challenge. It’s clearly a knee-length skirt, but also very has a very high waist. I’ve found as a general rule, modern high waisted skirts are generally shorter in length, and like to hang around my thighs. However, I’m very excited that she’s wearing a high waisted skirt in the first place, which makes this cosplay very accessible for “curvier” girls (I am one of those too!). This ASOS Bengaline skirt seems like the best viable option, as it’s also a piece one could transition from cosplay to outfit: http://tinyurl.com/mcd95bx . Another option could be every girl’s favourite store, Forever 21’s Rib Panel Skirt http://tinyurl.com/kp5d4bq.
Elizabeth’s belt, is very tiny, and seems to only be visible from her direct front. There are no ornamentations or other detailing on the belt other than the gold clasp itself. Though the details on this belt are slightly different, this J. Crew Snakeskin Round Buckle belt is beautiful and would look excellent. http://tinyurl.com/me9ja8m
The details on Elizabeth’s shirt, such as the cuffs, collar, bird pendant and ribbon will probably have to be lovingly crafted, these Lucky Brand Jeans Brooke Chambray Shirts are a great jumpoff point once the pockets are removed (or kept if you so desire!)
Elizabeth’s makeup, is “dramatic” by 1940’s standards, which in 2013, seems relatively mild. However, her look is accessible to a range of shades. Her lipstick is a bold, seductive red and is easily my favourite part of her face, because it is a *massive* change from the previous instalment of almost-nude lipstick we’re used to seeing her in. Stila Cosmetics offers a great liquid lipstick at a reasonable price; their shade Firey is perfect for matching Elizabeth’s lip colour, and could even double as a great date-night lipstick! (Or if you’re more like me, that lipstick is also great for getting groceries.) http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/stay+all+day+liquid+lipstick.do?sortby=ourPicks
The rest of Elizabeth’s makeup consists of a dark brown eye shadow, well-defined eyes, strong eyebrows and a very powdered face with a light blush, which still keeps her look accessible and easily replicable in case you accidentally decide to sleep in on day 2 of a convention because you were jumping in a lake at 5 am (Hey, it happened once!) Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion is a solid black eyeliner that will keep your eyeliner solid all day. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3590029
For powder and blush, it is slightly harder to give advice over a medium such as the Internet due to variance in every different person’s skin colour, but I personally really love Laura Mercier Mineral Finishing Powder, which can work on a range of skin colours. http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/Laura-Mercier-Mineral-Finishing-Powder/prod24070032/?ecid=BGCIGoogleProductAds&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=prod24070032sku2
These are just mere suggestions. The true beauty of cosplay, however, is that the interpretation of Elizabeth or any other character is completely up to the person who’s portraying the character. The important thing is to have fun and be confident in your ability! Have fun with this one, cosplayers. I know I will 🙂