A question for the fount of all knowledge, and some general natter

I've been bra-shopping at Target, where I once again learned the useful lesson that I am a twisted mutant whose body shape is unprecedented in all of fashion. Since my other option is to drive an hour to one of the specialty stores where they will probably sell me a $400 hand-wash-only German-engineered TurboTit-a-Tron, I am giving serious consideration to making my own. I've sewn corsets and Victorian gowns; a bra can't be much more difficult!

The question is now about bra shops or bra patterns (although I wouldn't object if anyone could point me towards either, and that includes the New Yorkers as I will be up there later this year). It's even more TMI-y, though, so if the bra part made you cringe, bail now.

Okay, anyone left reading - have you ever tried one of those epilator things that they sell with the electric razors? Do they work? Are they worth it?

On T-Shirts

We all have too many T-shirts. Yes, you too. Admitting the problem is the first step in the solution.

So since clearing out little-opened drawers was so useful last weekend, this week's task was going through the T-shirts. Goal: To halve the amount that I own, or at least put them into more useful circulation.

In my case, there were two bulging drawers, one for t-shirts that I can wear anywhere, and one for fannish T-shirts. I was very successful in halving the "regular" shirt count, and I practically emptied the fannish drawer, although that was in part by reclassifing many of the contents. It emptied half... I mean they're being... look, I got rid of more than seven things, okay? It counts.

Da Rules:

1) Do I remember owning this shirt? If I pulled it out and went "I didn't remember owning this!" then out it went. If it's been buried that long, then I won't remember it enough to regret losing it.

2) Does it still fit well enough to be seen in public? (Remember last week's rant about getting rid of "I'll diet back into that" clothing.) No second chances - into the box.

3) Do I already have a lot of stuff with that theme? Short of Media*West, there's nowhere I go that I need more than two t-shirts with the same theme. For instance, three Shakespeare Festival shirts were at least one too many. Ditto shirts for old fandoms; even at Media*West I like a little variety.

4) Do I have *anywhere* wear it? ("To bed" and "Painting the house" counts) If not - out it goes.

End result: The fandom drawer is 2/3 empty. The "regular" drawer is only slightly less full, but that's because things like the mystery shirts were reclassified - there's no reason I can't wear the ReviewingtheEvidence.com polo to work, or the one with "It was a dark and stormy night" on it. They're not rude, crude, political, or offensive in any way.

Sleepwear is overflowing; in about a month or two I'll know which ones I'm pulling out all the time and which ones I'm avoiding and can purge accordingly. (And why *did* I have *three* of the Shaolin Hockey shirts in the first place?)

The Team Wench one, which bears the logo I designed, is far too tight. It has been set aside to be turned into a sofa pillow (an excellent second life for T-shirts and sweatshirts. You're not able to admire them inside the drawer, now are you?)

Based on the success of getting rid of books and briefcases at Media*West this year, I have started a box for next year. It takes fans to appreciate some of those - like the too-tight one that says "Hester Prynne deserved an A+!"

x-posted to homekeeping

(no subject)

I. Want. This! For once, a configurable bento that doesn't cost the earth and would adapt for Western food. Fortunately, there's a Dollar General on the way to the Rennfaire - looking more and more like I'm going tomorrow, now, hope it's not too hot! - and if I'm there when they open, then I'll still get to faire in time to see if the Pyrates Royale have sold out of their new album.

And I'm probably going to go in mundanes after all, as I'll be stopping at Whole Paycheck on the way home, and possibly Borders as well, and that's just a little too much shopping to be doing in a full-length gown.