Monday, June 17, 2013

The 31st Mermaid Day Parade will go on! June 22nd 2013!

I can't believe it already time for the Mermaid Day Parade 2013!

This years event will be extra special since Super Storm Sandy (That B*tch) threatened to put an end to the glittery spectacle that is our beloved Mermaid Day Parade. Coney Island took a beating in the storm, but as a New Yorker she's tough and fighting to bounce back better than ever.  Just last month, Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs reopened with a NEW clam bar! The New York Aquarium opened half of their facility with a NEW shark tank in the works for 2016. Of course it should be said there is a lot more work do be done but for now, lets just focus on the positives. The parade goes on!!! The parade was threatened by loss of funds due to the damage to the historical museum and performance space which generates the money needed to put on the parade. After all a parade which attracts about 750,000 requires a lot of work and a lot of $$$! To make a long story short, the mermaid started a Kickstarter fund (we can only assume from their waterproof laptops) and in a little less than a months time raised over $100k from over 2,468 backers to reach their goal and put the Mermaid Day Parade back on track!
Now that we know it is officially happening it is time to decide on what to wear! Fins! Scales! TENTACLES!... Oh my! I recommend a trip to House of Spandex on 38th Street between 7th & 8th Aves for inspiration. You are not going to believe your eyes when you step into this 2 floor heaven of wall to wall stretch fabric. They have spandex netting which is great since full on spandex might not be weather appropriate. As always with the Mermaid Parade, "Less is more". Don't worry about being underdressed because it is impossible. Of course if riding the subway to the parade I would suggest a shawl to cover with or just travel in a sea-friendly pack.
I'm toying with a Victorian ghost mermaid theme this year. Check out my inspiration photos!
Follow me @kostumegirlscloset for updates on the parade!




Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Figment NYC is June 8-9 2013


SUMMER!!

Who's excited to start the season of sidewalk cafe eating, rooftop drinking and music festivals!? The changing of the seasons gets New Yorkers pretty excited. We own closets (albeit tiny ones) FULL of summer clothing which only gets to see the sun for a few months a year before its back to coats that look like sleeping bags.

With summer comes some fun and often FREE events in NYC. Music of all varieties can be enjoyed from River to River (June 15 - July 14) to Summer Stage (all summer long) and Backyard Festival (July 13). For event details follow @R2RFestival and @SummerStage on Twitter.
 
One event to look for right away is Figment NYC. Taking place on Governor's Island June 8-9. This is great FREE event to attend. The official site describes Figment as "FIGMENT is an explosion of creative energy. It’s a free, annual celebration of participatory art and culture where everything is possible. For one weekend each summer, it transforms Governors Island into a large-scale collaborative artwork – and then it’s gone.".  I have also heard Figment being described as Burning Man East. I could see that but there are way more children at Figment and that, my friends is where Kostume Kult comes into the picture. We lug our tents and costumes onto the Ferry and set up shop to make some lucky kids' days. Stop by and see us cause we will be bringing the fun with Free costumes and face painting.

Quick side note: There are opportunities to volunteer at Figment. Volunteering especially at these type events really provides a richer experience over all. Its just a quick online form to get more information and join a group of cool people doing cooler things!!