Best Women’s Wide Width Shoes For Walking All Day At Walt Disney World

I’m going to Disney World in October 2021. I am still trying to find that perfect pair of shoes. I have a very very wide flat foot and constant feet/leg/knee pain. I’ve asked around and purchased some shoes based on recommendations from others online. But even some of those recommendations didn’t work out for me. Here’s what’s worked, and what has been returned so far.

Updated 8/01/2021 (newest updates near top):

Easy Spirit Tabata Sandals

I’m so excited to tell you about these shoes. These are my favorite favorite pair from this whole list so far!!

The item I purchased was:

Easy Spirit
Tabata 7 Denim 8.5 WW (EE)
ASIN: B08TVN1NG4

Easy Spirit Tabata 7 | Zappos.com

Tabata 7 by Easy Spirit at Zappos.com. Read Easy Spirit Tabata 7 product reviews, or select the size, width, and color of your choice.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Pros:

  • THE MOST COMFORTABLE LIGHTEST WEIGHT SHOE I HAVE EVER OWNED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!
  • Comes In Double Wide
  • Adjustable Velcro Straps
  • THEY FIT!!!!
  • I wasn’t crazy about the color/style – but other people like them, I get a lot of compliments!
  • SO comfortable – I can’t stress this enough – they’re AMAZING
  • Zappos Return Policy is very generous. I ordered some other shoes which I’ll share below which had to be sent back. Easy peasy. They have a 365 day return policy incase you feel lazy – but the sooner you return – the sooner you get refunded.
  • These ones definitely aren’t being returned though. I am in love with these shoes!

Cons:

  • Literally only comes in this one color
  • There have been many other releases of Tabata by Easy Spirit but this “version 7” is the newest release. I am going to order some of the older versions – in hopes they are the same shoe – just different colors. For example Tabata 2 comes in like 10 colors lol.

Final Verdict: It’s a keeper and it is going to Disney World – FOR SURE – best shoes ever. I’m going to order more.

SAS Embark Sandals

I loved these and almost wanted to keep them, but the ankle strap…. dug into me a bit. Not for us ladies with CANKLES. (fat women who have no definition between calf and ankle lol).

The item I ordered was:

SAS
Embark Nero 8.5 WW – Double Wide (D)
ASIN: B07XG7S25L

SAS Embark | Zappos.com

Embark by SAS at Zappos.com. Read SAS Embark product reviews, or select the size, width, and color of your choice.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Pros:

  • Awesome Footbed – Footbed is wide and very cushioned. Felt nice and luxorious.
  • Loved the black with tiny silver sparkle accents – SO pretty – feminine – even SEXY – which is so hard to find in a DOUBLE WIDE women’s shoe.
  • I liked these – I really liked these – except…. (see the Cons)

Cons:

  • It had a hard – VERY thick ankle strap – and yes, all the straps are velcro – BUT I have Cankles. I am extra Cankley. No lie. And my fat folds around my ankle and my fat folded right over this ankle strap.
  • I walked around the house 10-15 minutes and decided that this ankle strap was going to eventually hurt me.
  • It was SO HARD and THICK and just UNFORGIVING as heck.
  • The ankle strap was too thick and went up too high onto my leg. It was the only flaw – but a critical one for me.
  • Also if price is a factor for you – these are almost $200 – but they are VERY attractive shoes – and if you don’t have fat ankles like me – these are very comfy shoes.

Final Verdict: Returned.

Trotters Tiki

These were quite similar to my Vionics ordered before – shared below.

The item I ordered was:

Trotters
Womens Tiki Black Nubuck Leather 8.5 WW (EE)
ASIN: B08P9GS9YL

Trotters Tiki | Zappos.com

Tiki by Trotters at Zappos.com. Read Trotters Tiki product reviews, or select the size, width, and color of your choice.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Pros:

  • Double wide
  • All velcro
  • Adjustable
  • Fit pretty well
  • Lightweight
  • Soft
  • Pretty comfy

Cons:

  • The piece in the middle was leaving a little imprint or mark on the top of my foot, so I just removed it, because it just slid across the straps, not sewn on or anything. They look a little weird without it lol. But otherwise, now they fit and feel much better.

Final Verdict: I kept these – They might go to Disney if I don’t find something better. Right now I have 2 or 3 pairs I like better – but these might be a “just in case”.

Skechers Go Walk Arch Support Slides

I bought these from a store called Hitchcock’s – If you send them your measurements – which I did not – they can adjust and size shoes to fit you. And every shoe on their website is wide. The selection – especially for women isn’t great. But these shoes turned out pretty OK – They are coming to Disney World with me.

The Item I purchased was:

GoWalk Grey Arch Fit Slide

Amazingly lightweight, Skechers’ “GOwalk Arch Fit” slide sandal has stretchable padded Lycra ® straps with adjustable glitter buckles, a luxurious molded, high-rebound Arch Fit footbed and a flexible, dual-density Ultra Go TM cushion outsole. Women’s whole sizes 5 to 12 in an extra wide width that fits 2E.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Pros:

  • They –mostly– fit there are a FEW issues – see cons below
  • Very lightweight and comfortable
  • They are bouncy soft like moon shoes – whee.
  • They look pretty – I received compliments – people saying they loved my shoes
  • They do stretch some over-time which solves the cons – kinda.
  • Just slip on and off

Cons:

  • They are a LITTLE snug in the width department – just a little. I can’t adjust the strap because it’s not an easily manipulable material. If they had one or two more notches in the straps – or if they were velcro instead of the little needle into the hole design – they’d be flawless. If I contacted Hitchcocks or ordered another pair I bet they could add a few extra holes for me or stretch them using a shoe stretcher. I do find each time I wear them, they’re getting stretched a bit and moulding more to my feet.
  • The buckle and straps don’t lay flat – I think it’s because they’re a little bit too narrow for me – but overtime I noticed this less.
  • Some people might not like the textured footbed, it does take some time to get used to it. It’s intended to massage and stimulate your feet.
  • I didn’t see this wide item available on Skechers website. Might be made special for or adjusted by Hitchcocks.

Final Verdict: I kept them, wear them a lot – and they’ll be going to Disney World.

Kizik Women’s Cairo

The item I purchased was: Kizik Women’s Cairo

Women’s Cairo – Bahama

Say hello to your new favorite shoe — The Madrid is the perfect shoe for all-day wear around the house or a casual day at the office. Designed using our environmentally-friendly fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Built with our patented F.A.S.T.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

I saw these on Facebook. They’re supposed to stretch to fit your feet and be able to put on just by stepping into them. They do not make wide sizes, but I thought since they’re so stretchy, they might fit. I was wrong.

Pros:

  • A lot of colors and styles
  • You can just step into them (if they fit you – they didn’t fit me)

Cons:

  • Not wide – at all – hurt my foot – I did get it on, but almost couldn’t get it off lol
  • Return process is a huge hassle. I didn’t see any way to return them so I emailed their support team and it took them almost 3 weeks to respond to me. They sent me a label in the mail and also one I can print myself. So I am in the process of returning these.
  • Expensive – but so are a lot of others on our list. These ones are $99 before shipping and taxes and etc.

Final Verdict: Not wide enough for me – returning. – And their return process is a hassle. I recommend avoiding these because of the lengthy return process.

Propet Women’s Joelle Slide Sandals

These came in a double wide, so I gave them a shot, despite another pair of Propets being very ill-fitting below.

The item I purchased was: Propet Women’s Joelle Slide Sandals from Famous Footwear.

Propet
Women’s Joelle Medium/Wide Slide Sandal
Color: Blue Snake Leather
Size: 8.5 2E EXTRA WIDE
Quantity: 1

Pros:

  • I think they fit better than the last pair of Propets below
  • Velcro adjustable straps
  • Super easy return policy (Spoiler: I returned these lol) Just walked right into Famous Footwear – showed my order confirmation email, they scanned a thing, and put the funds back on my card. I like that.

Cons:

  • The footbed had some weird design of a raised color strip of shreded fabric or shreded leather – as a design choice – it’s weird because no one will see it on the footbed – and from a comfort standpoint – it was hurting my feet – rubbing and pressing around my arches.

Final Verdict: Returned to my local Famous Footwear – Easiest return out of all of these so far.

Propet’s Women Walker’s Sandal

These are the other Propets I ordered. These ones came from Amazon. They are the illest fitting shoes I’ve ever purchased and were quickly returned. Thanks to Amazon Prime I was able to return these to my local Kohls.

The item I purchased was:

Propet Women’s W0001 Breeze Walker Sandal, Black Grain, 8 X (US Women’s 8 EE)

Propét Women’s Breeze Walker Sandal

Buy Propét Women’s Breeze Walker Sandal and other Walking at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Pros:

  • I dunno because they didn’t fit me in width nor length
  • Amazon Prime Members can return to local stores such as Kohls and Whole Foods.

Cons:

  • Definitely did not fit me. My toes hung over the edge. Order at least one size up if you’re ordering these.
  • They looked and felt cheaply made.

Final Verdict: Returned.

Telic Boise Bliss Rose Quartz

This is another pair from a Facebook Ad. They didn’t come in Wide so I ordered a size up just to try. I did poke my own extra holes in the straps using a nail – and a lot of effort lol. After poking them, I knew I couldn’t return them – but now they mostly fit me – I might have to poke one more hole in one of them – the other one is perfect – we all have one bigger foot you know. So I kept these. They’re mostly sold out at this time.

The item I purchased was: Telic Boise Bliss Rose Quartz size M – US Women’s 9 / Men’s 8

Rose Quartz

This beautifully designed sandal has an anatomically correct footbed and is offered in four colors. With a slight wedge and adjustable straps, it can be dressed up or dressed down. It is contoured to support the arches of your feet and has a deep heel cup with great medial arch and metatarsal support.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Pros:

  • They are made of a spongey type of material so you can pierce the straps with a nail to add some extra holes to increase the width
  • Good arch support
  • Lightweight
  • Comfy
  • So many colors – I love the pink ones I ordered but also love the mint green color too.
  • Slip on design

Cons:

  • If you don’t want to stab them with a nail to add some more holes to both straps – I would say these are not for wide feet.
  • The fact that I can stab and pierce the material – makes me wonder – what would happen if I stepped on a nail or rock or piece of glass – etc LOL – I think they’re overcharging for really super cheap rubbery material and am pretty concerned that these will not hold up well overtime.
  • The thing that makes them a Pro in this case might also be a Con lol.

Final Verdict: I kept them, I like/love them, but not sure if they will come to Disney because of the above-mentioned uhm porosity (I guess for lack of a better word) or sponginess of the materials used in construction? Glad I got them though since they’re sold out now in my size.

Teva Women’s Ascona Sport Web

The Item I purchased: Teva Women’s Ascona Sport Web 8.5 (they didn’t offer wide, but it had adjustable straps so I took a chance. It is not the item in the pic below).

Women’s Ascona Sport WEB

Shop the women’s Ascona Sport WEB sandal at teva.com for FREE SHIPPING on orders $35+!

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Sadly, this is another return for me. It almost fit, except for the strap closest to the ankle strap (not the ankle strap itself, the next one up.) There’s a good 2 inches between end one and end 2. All of the other straps fit well. Ankle, and the 2 or 3 toe straps. But the one strap right on the middle of the foot – too short. I can’t fasten it.

Pros:

  • Footbed Felt Super Soft And Cushioned And Awesome
  • Every strap except for one fit me
  • Could have probably cut that strap off and still had a secure fit – but too expensive for that much trouble
  • Light weight!!! MUCH lighter than my other Teva reviewed below (the ones I actually kept.)

Cons:

That one damn strap is super short and it’s tied to the other straps above, so if I loosen it, the others get too tight.

  • It just doesn’t fit
  • Not wide enough
  • About 2-3 inches too short of a strap
  • Does not come in Wide

Final Verdict: Not wide enough, returning. Almost fit, except for one strap not being long enough – had that one strap been longer – they would have been quite comfortable. I debated just cutting that strap off – but for $80.00 I rather return them for a refund.

Clarks Women’s Arla Gracie Sandal

The item I purchased was:

I purchased this one through Amazon. I went with an 8.5 Wide in the coral color.

Clarks womens Arla Gracie Sandal, Bright Coral Textile, 8.5 Wide US

Buy Clarks womens Arla Gracie Sandal, Bright Coral Textile, 8.5 Wide US and other Platforms & Wedges at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Unfortunately, these cute strappy sandals didn’t fit. Not wide enough for me to get my foot into the top part of them. Since only the ankle strap was adjustable – and even that was tight. Despite being marketed as wide shoes, these just aren’t wide at all.

Pros:

  • Comfy Footbed With Lots Of Cushioning
  • Cute feminine colors

Cons:

  • Not wide enough
  • Only one strap is adjustable
  • Seemed to run long in length

Final Verdict: Returning these ones since I can’t even get them on

Hoka

The Item I tried on was:

HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoes in 8.5 wide

HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoes

Shop a wide selection of HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoes at DICK’S Sporting Goods and order online for the finest quality products from the top brands you trust.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Someone recommended these to me today and to my surprise, my local Dick’s had them in an 8.5 wide (my usual size). Also to my surprise, they are SO TIGHT and Ill-Fitting and HARD as rocks and HURT that I only kept em on my feet for 5 seconds. I couldn’t stand it AT ALL. It felt like something was PRESSING DOWN HARD on the top of my foot. I assume they just weren’t wide enough for me, despite being marketed as wide width. Works for some people, some people love them, but NOT ME – worst of the worst! Absolutely horrible. Glad I was able to try them on and save myself $150 and the hassle of returns.

Pros:

  • Colorful
  • Lightweight
  • Firm Arch Support
  • Available locally even in small towns

Cons:

  • Even the wide evidentally is not wide enough for me
  • SOMETHING was PRESSING DOWN on the top of my foot
  • Excruciating Pain – never felt pain like this in my whole life from a pair of shoes. Removed them immediately.
  • Again the idea of wearing tennis shoes at Disney World worries me because of heat, humidity, water rides, wet socks, and wet shoes, and sweaty feet causing blisters. Other people do it, but I much prefer an open toe design and waterproof shoe without needing socks.
  • Expensive – $150 at my local Dicks

Final Verdict: Absolutely hated them. Grateful Dicks had them so I could try them on. They hurt worse than any shoe I’ve ever had on my feet in my life. Simply NOT WIDE enough even though they supposedly were “wide width”

Comfortview

I purchased this item last week from Woman Within because they were on clearance.

The Item I purchased was:

The Alivia Sandal

  • Color: Dusty Pink
  • Size: 8-WW
  • Price: $23.39
  • Quantity: 1

The Alivia Sandal

Set the standard for comfortable summer footwear with these must-have water-friendly sandals. Nubuck-like upper with lycra-like lining Water-friendly footbed Padded insole Flexible, skid-resistant outsole 1¼” stable flat heel Water-friendly footbed sandals available in full and half sizes 7-11, 12 M, W, WW

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Even though it was marked as double wide, not wide enough AGAIN for me, couldn’t even get my feet inside even though I pulled and stretched and yanked at the upper part of the shoes for a good 15 minutes. The soles feel wonderful, but the upper part is too tight, my ankle is hanging off the back of the shoe, because my feet are too fat to push my feet forward all the way into the toe space. I can only get in about 2/3 of the way. At least I purchased them on massive clearance. The sale is over now and they’re back up to over $80.

Pros:

  • Cute Colors
  • Comfy Soles
  • Lightweight
  • Slip On Design
  • Breathable Open Toe Design

Cons:

  • Even the double Wide is too narrow – my feet just can’t fit. I’m bummed about that. So back they go.

Final Verdict: Wanted to love them, got a great buy, and it’s actually going to cost me half that price almost ($9.99) to return them, but they just aren’t wide enough for me and don’t fit me. Sigh. Story of my life!!

Brooks Running Shoes

The Item I purchased was:

Ariel ’20 $160.00
Item #: 1203152E064.085
Attributes: Color: 064 – Black/Ebony/Blue Size: 8.5 Womens Width: Extra Wide 2E

Brooks Ariel 20 – Women’s Running Shoes

Desktop-1 Desktop-2 Mobile-1 Mobile-2 All our running shoes prioritize comfort, but our GuideRails® technology adds support by keeping excess movement in check. So you stay in your natural stride, even when you get tired. Did you know support doesn’t just refer to arch support? GuideRails® support aids your feet, knees, and hips.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

These were the first shoes recommended to me for Disney World. They are plenty wide enough, going up to double wide in a few select styles. They might be almost TOO wide…. NOT SURE yet… They DO have a generous 90 day return policy even if worn and used. I’m on the fence about returning these and trying for just single wide instead of double wide…. My foot slips in these and I feel the heel of the shoe rubbing my heel which I think after 10-12 miles a day for 8 days, my feet will kill me and have angry heel blisters… I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I need a smaller width, or a smaller length… Or both maybe. I have until September 11, 2021 to return these, and I think they’ll be going back. Also with Florida heat and humidity and water rides at the parks… I think soggy sweaty shoes and wet socks will also produce some scary blisters. Not to mention my feet feel hot and warm in these already, even here near Pittsburgh where the heat and humidity are much milder than in Florida.

Pros:

  • 90 Day Return Policy Even When Worn And Used
  • Plenty Wide Enough – Even Maybe Too Wide…
  • Great Support And Traction
  • Balance Correcting Shoes
  • Looks Nice

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Too Wide For Me (or I need to go down in length not sure. Shopping for shoes online is so hard!)
  • Only 2 colors/styles available for Women’s Double Wide Widths
  • Honestly not comfortable, between my heel slipping and rubbing the back of the shoe, and just being super hard and firm, these don’t feel comfortable at all.
  • Fear Of Blisters From Heel Slipping And Rubbing Back Of Shoe
  • Fear Of Heat/Sweat/Water

Final verdict: Probably going to return. Not Sure If I’ll Exchange Them For Another Size Or Just Get Refund.

Fit Flops

The item I purchased was:

WALKSTAR

Product code: 193998989904
Red
uk 6 us 8 eu 39
Qty: 1

Women’s Walkstar Polyester-Webbing-Leather Toe-Thongs

Forever a favorite, our original, one and only, wide-fit, sporty webbing Walkstar is back! The sandal that launched FitFlop (in 2007), that sold millions worldwide, and sparked instant devotion in the women who wore it.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Several people recommended Fit Flops. I can never wear regular Flip Flops because of my super wide feet. My widest part is right before the toes begin at the top of the foot. So the way Flip Flops have that inverted V style strap makes them too narrow to fit my feet. People promised me that Fit Flops were different. And the footbed (in my hands) felt so soft and light and amazing… BUT… for me… I couldn’t get my wide feet into these darn things – as expected. No can do. Already sent them back and still waiting on my refund. I was sad to have to return these because they are so cute. But they literally don’t fit. If you have wide feet – like REALLY WIDE feet – like me – these are a hard pass.

Pros:

  • Beautiful colors and large selection
  • Feels like a nice light weight soft material
  • Breathable, Cool, and Waterproof

Cons:

  • Not Wide Enough – Literally could not get my feet even half way inside them

Final Verdict: Returned about 2 weeks ago – still waiting on my refund.

Tevas

The Item I purchased was:

W HURRICANE XLT2 – CC

Qty: 1

Color: PINK

Size: 08

Product Total: $90.00

Hurricane XLT2 Christian Cowan

Tapping into Christian Cowan’s unquestionably fierce aesthetic, we teamed up with the designer to inject the classic Hurricane with high shine metallics and head-turning hues. Enlisting glittering, plant-based connector straps, this cool-wearing, quick-drying spinoff is offered in an extended size range for ultimate inclusivity.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

I decided to keep my Tevas Hurricanes although I’m NOT sure they’re the right shoes for Disney World. They’re JUST BARELY wide enough. And they feel extremely heavy on my feet. They have a million (OK 3 or 4) velcro adjustable straps. And again, my problem area is the top of my foot shortly before where my toes begin. I’m super wide at this point. There is a strap right at this point… It’s velcro so I can adjust it, but… even as loosely as I can make that strap it still feels a little bit snug. If I try to cheat and make it even looser by not lining up the velcro exactly, I can feel velcro digging at me sometimes. And there’s a big metal buckle on my pair (not shown in the picture I see my link is generating here on this article) But the big metal buckle is pinching my wide feet. I feel like it could ALMOST work, but not quite… But they’re pink and have glitter – and I can never find cute feminine shoes in a wide width… and for like day to day errands and stuff – they’re fine… I just don’t think they’re “DISNEY WORLD FINE”. For Disney World, I need better than Fine – I need EXTREME COMFORT and EXCELLENT FIT. This is like “Mostly Fits” and “Kinda Comfy” But misses the mark for me, but not enough so that I would return them. In Fact, I MIGHT try to order a second pair of Tevas – but one without that metal buckle – and maybe order a size up to see if that gives me some more width.

Pros:

  • SO CUTE COLORS AND STYLES
  • Comfy Footbed
  • Water Proof
  • Breathable
  • Cool
  • Adjustable

Cons:

  • Despite Being Adjustable – They’re still not REALLY wide enough. The back ankle strap is SOOOOO long that the designer’s logo is on the side of my ankle and could STILL go tighter – MEANWHILE the Toe Strap(s) are too short to REALLY fit my Wide Feet
  • That Damn Buckle Is So Hard And Pokes My Foot
  • Velcro Can Be Felt Rubbing Against My Feet If I Don’t Have The Straps Done Right
  • They ARE HEAVY!!!!! SUPER HEAVY!!! UGH….

Final Verdict: Kept Them – MIGHT try them at Disney World – But most likely will just keep them for day to day use. Might order another pair of Tevas in a different style – specifically one without a metal buckle, and might order a size up to see if that offers any more width.

Vionics:

The item I ordered was from Amazon this time

This is what I ordered:

Vionic Women’s Amber
Size: 8 Wide | Color: Pink Snake

Vionic Women’s Amber

Buy Vionic Women’s Amber and other Sport Sandals & Slides at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

These are my leading pair here so far – saved the best for last right? I ordered mine on Amazon and the reviews mention that the velcro will break after a few weeks – I’ve only had my pair for about 3 days so I don’t know yet how durable these shoes really are. But DAMN GIRL these shoes are SO LIGHT and COMFY and PLENTY WIDE. And the pale pink color looks fabulous with a wide range of skin tones and colors. They are Cute and Comfy and WIDE – but not TOO wide – Perfect width for my Wide feet. I love them. I’ve been wearing them every day for the past three days since they arrived.

Pros:

  • Wide Enough And Not Too Wide
  • Super Comfy Cushioned Footbed
  • LIGHT WEIGHT!! YES
  • Breathable Open Toe Design

Cons:

  • Might Not Be Waterproof – Might Have Some Issues Once They Get Wet – We Will See?
  • Several users have reported that the velcro wears out extremely quickly or that the straps break; I have not owned mine long enough to find out – but it would suck to find this out at Walt Disney World.

Final Verdict: IT’S A KEEPER – I’m definitely still looking for 1 or 2 more good pairs of shoes to switch in between each day at Disney World (which is what people recommend regardless of what shoes you take). In this case, also taking some other pairs along in case the velcro breaks on these like so many reviewers complain of on Amazon. Just in case!

So What Do I Normally Wear When I’m Not At Disney World?

We all have feet and we all have places to go and in the USA everywhere is “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” So obviously I’m wearing SOMETHING already every day right? Well yes, obviously. But they’re not the comfiest. They START OUT amazing – but over time they hurt my feet.

My GO TO – summer casual shoes are Under Armor Velcro Slides. I have been buying a new pair every summer. I took them to the beach, went in the ocean in them, and everything. They’re SO comfy and fit perfectly on my wide feet. They might be Men’s shoes or unisex shoes I’m not sure – but they fit me! so YAY.

Under Amor Slides:

In fact, as I typed up this review I decided to go ahead and order another pair.

The item I just ordered is:

Women’s UA Ignite IX Slides

Sku: 3022717-300-8

Color: Breeze / Stellar Pink – 300

Size: 8

Qty: 1

Women’s UA Ignite IX Slides

The memory foam not only feels great, but also helps eliminate pressure on your feet after you work out. Adjustable synthetic strap with soft foam underneath for added comfort Footbed built with two layers of Performance 4D Foam® for unprecedented comfort Anatomical contours provide additional cushioning Re-engineered EVA outsole built with durable traction pods in heel for lightweight cushioning & comfort ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UNDER ARMOUR APP.

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

The problem begins after months of use – they get… worn down? I don’t know how else to describe it… The memory foam in the sole loses its cushioning – and I feel a very very strong impact with EVERY step. I think that’s why my feet are in pain every day even when I’m not doing anything, even sitting or laying or barefoot. My feet and legs and knees hurt always. These shoes start out feeling like walking on clouds but after just day to day use they get smooshed down until they have NO shock Absorption at all… DEFINITELY NOT APPROPRIATE FOR DISNEY WORLD… NO WAY. Shock Absorption is SO IMPORTANT. You will walk an average of 10-12 miles a day!! and most people do 8-10 days in Disney – so you’ll rack up about 100 miles at the end of your trip!!! Imagine that with no shock absorption – YIKES….

While I mostly love under armor slides for day-to-day errands or even shorter trips with less activity, I don’t recommend them for Disney World.

But if you want a comfy pair of slides, check them out. I got mine at Dick’s. And then I just ordered another pair right now on Under Amor’s official site.

Pros:

  • Tons and Tons Of CUTE COLORS
  • WIDE! Fit Great!
  • At First They Feel AMAZING Like Walking On Clouds (But that quickly changes)
  • Still Even After The Cushioning Is Worn Down, They Remain Lightweight, Breathable, And Even Waterproof
  • CHEAP – $29.99!!! Compared to shoes on this list that cost $160 or up – these are a steal.

Cons:

  • The Cushioning Gets Worn Down SUPER QUICKLY
  • Which Leads To Having NO SHOCK ABSORPTION AT ALL!
  • Probably Damaging My Feet In The Long Run…

Final Verdict: Still Love Them, Buy Them Every Year. I will probably wear these on the plane and around the hotel resort anyways so they’ll still be coming to Disney World – but I think around the park, they will hurt me because of no Shock Absorption. Maybe my new pair I just ordered will last the week – but putting 100 miles on them by the end of the week, I know they’ll be shot down afterward. Still, for $29, throw them away, or bring a couple of pairs, and throw each of them away after.

What Do I Wear In Rain Or Snow?

You won’t have to worry about Snow in Florida at Disney World – and even if there’s rain, many of the shoes on this list are waterproof and the rain is usually fleeting and mild. But if you’re like me, and live in a cold climate where it snows 6+ months out of the year, you might be looking for a nice year round shoe that will protect you from the elements.

I generally tend to prefer Skechers and Bobs (a brand also by Skechers) because they run wider than most of their competitors. I did buy a pair of Nike, wide or even extra-wide, last year, or the year before and those have been my go to winter shoes but I will say – Every shoe is different even by the same manufacturer. I tried on like 4 Nike “Wide” and only one fit me – and after having them a year or two… I STILL notice they’re just not wide enough to be comfy for me. I feel a pinch near the toe box area. Not at the front, not in length, but on each side, squeezing my toes.

Someone recommended to me to try Men’s shoes that they run wider, but my own research suggests that men’s shoes are wider at the heel, and narrower at the toe. And women’s shoes are wider at the toe and narrower at the heels. Apparently, men’s and women’s feet are shaped differently, who knew right? So I have not tried a men’s wide Nike yet, and I dunno if I would try it or not.

In high school I also used to buy Fila, because I felt that they also ran wider than most other brands.

Your mileage may vary.

No two feet are exactly alike.

No matter what, bring multiple pairs of shoes to Disney World and walk several miles first to break them in.

Happy shopping – and have a great time at Disney, blisters and all. What are a few blisters, compared to once in a lifetime vacation memories, right? 🙂

If you’re going in October for the 50th anniversary, maybe see you there!!

I will update this post as I continue to buy new shoes. I have one more pair on its way in the mail. Check back for new updates up through October.

After my trip in October, I’ll update this article to let you know which shoes I decided to take, and how each one made me feel after each day in the parks.

Stay tuned!

Best Women’s Wide Width Shoes For Walking All Day At Walt Disney World was originally published on

Oodie Unboxing Review

Hey guys and gals, I purchased an “Oodie” and it just arrived so I’m doing an unboxing and try on review for all of you. You can watch the video above or read through my written review here below.

So what is an Oodie? an Oodie is just an oversize fleece lined Hoodie. You can buy them from http://www.oodie.com

This is not a sponsored review. I just saw a facebook ad and I was like Oh that’s cute. It’s like it’s terrible, ugly, and cute all at the same time. The only thing really making them so cute is the variety of cute animal print patterns they have available.

I chose the otter print which you can find right here: https://us.theoodie.com/products/otter-oodie

I also really like:

The bunny one: https://us.theoodie.com/products/bunny-oodie

Corgi one: https://us.theoodie.com/products/corgi-oodie

Koala one: https://us.theoodie.com/products/koala-wearable-hooded-blanket

Panda one: https://us.theoodie.com/products/panda-oodie

Unicorn one: https://us.theoodie.com/products/unicorn-wearable-hooded-blanket

Avocado Toast one: https://us.theoodie.com/products/avocado-oodie

Bulldog one: https://us.theoodie.com/products/bulldog-oodie

They do have a cat one, but it’s not that cute in my opinion even though I love cats: https://us.theoodie.com/products/cat-hooded-blanket

Like OK – I like almost all of them… And if they were more reasonably priced I’d buy all of them…

Now yes, admittedly, they do have special savings for buying multiple packs, and yes you can select your patterns in those packs…

But for just one oodie it’s regularly priced $99….

THESE ARE NOT WORTH $99 GUYS!! PLEASE!!! I’m sorry, they’re not. That price is CRAY-CRAY!!

I paid $69 for mine…. and I still feel like even THAT price is Crazy. GTFO…. That’s insane.

These are not worth anywhere close to that price.

They should be like $49 regularly priced with like a coupon to make them $29.

That’s the truth OK.

Just from NORMAL WEAR for less than a day, mine had fleece falling off!! $100 for fleece falling off? Get out of here you crazy sons of a…

Like legit all I did was put it on, played some cards, and watched some TV and look, cute picture but I didn’t realize the fleece had pulled off in big chunks and tangled into my hair… until after I took the picture.

My fiance in the pics is just wearing a regular hoodie, not an oodie, and even though it’s not fleece lined, he’s probably still just as warm, and probably actually more comfortable than me, because you know his hoodie actually fits and doesn’t feel like it weighs 20 lbs lol.

My other big complaint is the shade of blue – mine is not as blue as the one in the stock photos. BUT if you look at other people who did reviews, the color is like WAY off in a lot of them!!! There’s one that’s lavender for god’s sake, not even blue. And another one has dark brown otters, instead of the more uhm blonde-ish otters?

I know colors look different on computer screens, but not THAT different lol.

There’s not many reviews for the otter patterned oodie. And I haven’t added mine to the site yet – once I get a cute pic where I don’t have fleece in my face, I will share my thoughts.

In that review, It’d probably be like 3 stars?

Like my big complaints are it’s SO HEAVY…. This company sells weighted blankets too – but to my knowledge, these Oodies aren’t supposed to be weighted? It’s not listed as a selling point, but it puts SO MUCH WEIGHT ON MY BACK AND SHOULDERS – caps for emphasis LOL.

After trying Oodie I can safely say I don’t think weighted blankets are for me.

I like as little clothes as possible. Like if I’m alone being in the buff is the best LOL. I know bad mental image sorry :). But if I have to wear clothes I like dresses and leggings because they’re light weight and not super tight or form restricting. Like I hate jeans for the same reason – soooo heavy ugh.

I want to be freeeee lol.

So number 1, Oodie is heavy!

Number 2 – Oodie fleece falls off – unacceptable for something that cost $100. It’s not like I pulled on it, I wasn’t even active!!! I was sitting playing cards and sitting watching TV that’s IT!!! Unacceptable for the price. Poor quality right there.

Number 3: Oodie is expensive!!!!!!! $99 — Really??? REALLY?! Get out of town. That’s crazy. You know this shit cost them probably like $10 at most to make.

Oodie is FLEECING us – literally – lol.

Number 4: Patterns and Colors are cute but seem to vary widely in what you receive. Case in point the otter oodie – just look at those reviews, where the fook did that lavender one come from? And paler blue than mine? and the majority do have the nice bright “electric blue” color – but color is all over the map. Like I said I totally know color can vary from monitor screens, but – not by that much – not enough to make one lavender – or to make some of the otters brown instead of blonde lol.

OK But those 4 flaws aside…. Yeah I kinda like it. If I hadn’t paid $69 for it, I’d love it and overlook the flaws. If I had paid $49 or $39 for it, I’d give it like 5 stars…. I’m REALLY glad I didn’t pay $99 for this – cuz it’s definitely not worth that much.

That’s my honest opinion. Your mileage may vary.

I still kinda want more oodies – but they are price prohibitive, and quality for the price is not what I would expect at all. Like my fleece shouldn’t be flaking off after just sitting on the couch. It’s never been washed or anything it’s brand new. I have fleece blankets and they don’t peel off everywhere. What’s up with that, huh?

Oodie does have a good deal right now if you buy multiple hoodies, you can save hundreds of dollars – another sign that the single oodie is marked up WAY too high – cuz you know they aren’t going to sell these at a loss in profits. So how can you explain getting like 4 or 5 oodies for the price of 2 oodies?! lol. Stop fleecing us. Lower your non-discount retail price of a single oodie to like 39-49 and I’ll buy damn near every pattern you have – I love the designs enough to overlook the fact that the fleece is fluffing off or that the oodie is damn heavy. lol.

Final verdict: Oodie is cute, warm, cozy, and comfy – but definitely not worth $99 – and not even worth the $69 discounted price I paid.

What do you think? Are you a fan of Oodie? Let me know in the comments section below.

Oodie Unboxing Review was originally published on

Nylon Fleece Leggings – One Size Fits All – Do They Fit Plus Sized Girls? Fashion Review

Warning: These videos have tons of cameltoe, fat girls, who are almost 40 with no bra, uneven boobs, granny panties, and unshaven legs. You have been warned! lol It’s not pretty! Watch at your own risk!

Nylon Fleece Leggings One Size Fits All? Not Quite. Plus Size Girl Fashion Review.

Nylon Fleece Leggings One Size Fits All? Not Quite. Plus Size Girl Fashion Review

Warning: This video has tons of cameltoe, fat girls, who are almost 40 with no bra, uneven boobs, granny panties, and unshaven legs. You have been warned ! l…

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Hi girls! I ordered these fleece lined nylon leggings from some Facebook ad like four months ago that just arrived today. I can’t even remember for sure which brand they are or where I purchased them from.

I ordered three pairs all supposed to be the same just different colors but each pair was a lil bit different.

I try them on for you.

I am 5 ft 5 224 lbs. I carry most my weight in my thighs and ass. I’m usually a size 16 or 18 US or size 1X or even 2X depending on the brand of leggings.

The store only offers one size fits all. Let’s see what happens!

This is not a paid review. I bought these with my own money just sharing my own experiences.

I have three videos for you. I’m copying this description to all three.

Nylon Fleece Leggings. One Size Fits All? Not Quite. Plus Size Female Fashion Review.

Warning: This video has tons of cameltoe, fat girls, who are almost 40 with no bra, uneven boobs, granny panties, and unshaven legs. You have been warned ! l…

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Honestly the black ones with lightest fleece fit me well with no cameltoe and a nice color and feel nice and silky but they do snag a little bit but not as much as regular nylons. But they have the least fleece not as warm not acceptable for 20-30 degrees winter outdoor weather but they do look nice on my legs.

The other two pairs two videos almost fit except for major camel toe lol. Not very comfortable but they are warmer and snag resistant.

If you’re wondering if these will fit you I think if you’re like 175-195, the answer is YES, but 200 plus like me, I think the answer is a hard no. No one wants camel toe ever lol.

I assume I’ll get a lot of hate and hurtful comments about my body but it’s OK if my review can help other plus sized women make an informed decision then it’s fine. Fat girls wear clothes too you know lol. I feel like YouTube might delete these videos because of the camel toe but I’ll also be uploading these to my blog at GeekySweetie.com

Nylon Fleece Leggings. One Size Fits All? Not Quite! Plus Size Female Fashion Review

Warning: This video has tons of cameltoe, fat girls, who are almost 40 with no bra, uneven boobs, granny panties, and unshaven legs. You have been warned ! l…

//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js

Thanks for watching!

Nylon Fleece Leggings – One Size Fits All – Do They Fit Plus Sized Girls? Fashion Review was originally published on

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume

Note: This costume was designed for me by Kathy’s Creations in Greenville PA. This is the 2nd cosplay costume that Kathy has created for me. About 2 years ago I also commissioned her for my Lunar Eternal Blue Lucia cosplay costume.

Kotori Cosplay
Kotori Cosplay

I have a bad habit of not taking wig caps with me to my fittings and/or losing wig caps lol. I will buy wig cap before the anime convention next month. These pics aren’t great, because of no wig cap, and I also wasn’t wearing any makeup, not even lip gloss, lol.

But of course I was so excited that I couldn’t help taking like a million (OK about 40 lol) pictures in my costume.

As I was trying it on (and taking copious amounts of pictures in the fitting room lol) Kathy was putting the finishing details on the costume such as the ribbons on the crown and trimming the arm bands in the same cyan aqua blue color as the skirt / bows. That’s why you may notice some slight differences in each image. It was a work in progress.

It turned out SO cute though!!!

This costume has been a dream of mine for at least the past 3 or 4 years now. Ever since I got the UR Snowbird Kotori card in the Love Live School Idol Festival mobile game. I shamefully have not watched the Love Live School Idol Festival Anime yet – I hear it is really good though. I love the mobile game. Kotori is by far my favorite girl. I love all of her costumes. And her hair and face are just the cutest to me personally. Though everyone has their opinion on favorite girls when it comes to anime and games like this. There are a lot of other Kotori Minami Outfits I’d like to try someday.

love games live party GIF

But, the Snowman (sometimes also called Snowbird) Costume was my favorite!! I ordered a wand too but sadly it has not arrived – it’s been 3 months so looks like I got scammed – I would recommend not buying anything from Joebuy.com FYI lol. I have contacted their support 3 or 4 times inquiring about when my order will ship to no avail — but it’s probably just as well – while having a prop would make the costume more accurate, it would be a hindrance to enjoying my day at the convention. Hard to go shopping / carry a prop / carry shopping bags / and play arcade games or do an escape room puzzle etc.

Image result for snowbird kotori UR love live

This is (supposedly) a pic of the wand I had purchased (I say supposedly because these Chinese knock off sites are so notorious for stealing other people’s images etc). I purchased it on January 8th. This is now March 9th, and the order is marked as “processing” even though I have an email (and bank statement) saying that payment was received on January 8th.

Seriously guys don’t buy from this site… I’ve waited 3 months and it says it’s “In Stock” so why am I waiting 3 months? I think it’s a fake website / scam.

It’s a shame because it looked cute – and the snow bird to clip on my shoulder was perfect too — but like I said maybe it’s fate or kismet that the wand didn’t ship because I would have been stuck holding/carrying it all over all day.

As you can see, in the original Kotori Snowbird Costume – the top is like a teddy or lingerie, with a slit all the way down the front, bearing the stomach…

1.) I’m chubby

2.) I have scars from a surgery on my tummy

3.) I wanted to be a bit more modest because of my age (36).

Yet, even with the modifications to the top, it still perfectly captures the spirit and design of the character. I kinda like the fact that I “pulled off” a fairly accurate representation of the character as a “plus size” cosplayer. A lot of girls my size would be scared to cosplay a more revealing costume. But we were able to make a few modifications that made it more “plus size” friendly while still capturing the spirit and overall look of the original. I think us plus size gals should cosplay as whoever we want! And if you’re comfortable bearing your belly – more power to you, but I myself was not. The modifications to the top and skirt let me feel more comfortable – and still clearly represent the intended character. Anyone who has seen the UR Kotori Minami Snowbird Card in Love Live School Idol Festival would still know who I’m cosplaying as – and I don’t feel anyone would shame me for wearing something too revealing for my body size/shape (or age for that matter being in my 30s now).

People might still be like “EWW a fat Kotori.” but I don’t care. I’m comfortable in the costume, and feel it represents the character and does justice to it. I’m proud of my cosplay. And my opinion of my cosplay is the only opinion that should really matter to me. It has been a literal dream of mine for years now to cosplay this exact character. But I always wondered how I would pull it off, given my weight. But now, seeing my cosplay vision realized, it’s so exciting and so amazing and awesome. I’m so glad I stuck to my gut and my heart and went for the character I wanted to go as!!

This just proves cosplay is for everyone. You can always modify costumes to suit your needs. Just go have fun with it. You’ll be happy in the end. Even if you overhear people saying negative things, just ignore them, and enjoy your day. I’m sure I might get a few negative replies here about my costume, my appearance, my weight, or even the fact I haven’t watched the anime yet (maybe I’ll try to watch it before Tekko) (but at least I’ve played the game lol. I’m not a fake anime/gamer girl by any means. I do know the characters and chose this as a character and game that I love.)

Other modifications were made

– Skirt was lengthened a great deal.

No bloomers —

Because instead of thigh highs, I ordered custom leggings from Artscow.

I wish I had made the blue stripes on the one leg wider and more noticeable now that I’m looking at it. But overall happy and would recommend Artscow. Their lead and delivery time felt a bit long, but you can make any kind of leggings – or dresses – or anything you want with your own art work. It was easy enough to create a white/blue stripe pattern in photoshop and save and upload my design. Price was fair too.

I chose leggings instead of thigh highs because:

1.) I couldn’t find blue and white vertical striped stockings anywhere. – horizontal stripes a plenty, but vertical no where to be found.

2.) I know I could have bought fabric paint and painted my own stripes onto plain white opaque stockings

3.) But 1, I worried about a steady enough hand to make the lines look straight and neat and tidy.

4.) I worried that my thigh highs would roll down to like knee highs, which is usually what happens when I wear thigh highs. Especially since David Lawrence Convention Center is HUGE. And I’ll be doing a LOT of Walking…

I know in the original artwork for the card within the game, we can’t see what Kotori’s shoes look like. But action figures and other character goods have been released which show a blue heeled shoe.

Image result for snowbird kotori figure

I have a VERY wide foot – So wide that sometimes even buying wide shoes does not fit me…. I found a pair of DOUBLE WIDE shoes on amazon… They run actually BIG… I had to return and go a size smaller (in length) and still my heel pops out sometimes. My shoes are not pictured in any of my cosplay photos yet. And yes, I know they’re not the right shade of blue. But none the less, they are close…. They aren’t very comfortable… But women wear uncomfortable shoes all the time. I can do it too I guess, for a day…

These are the shoes I ordered:

I know, not exact, but you have NO idea HOW HARD IT IS to find a “CUTE” wide width shoe – period – and then expect it to be BLUE — or a very specific SHADE of blue??? Forget it LOL….. Not happening….

If I was a millionaire I would make my own company that made wide width shoes for young women that were cute, sexy, trendy, AND MOST OF ALL, comfortable!!

Like most women, I love shoes!! But I can’t buy/collect shoes like other women because they NEVER fit — and what DOES fit me — Birkenstocks, Clarks, Cobbie Cuddlers, Earth Brands, etc — do not offer attractive designs….

Anyways — I think I’m going to wear my shoes from amazon (pictured above)… I may regret it – I haven’t broken them in — the toe box is a little too narrow, the heel is a little too wide, the top of the toes feel like they’re putting pressure on my toes. A bit – like not overly uncomfortable… I dunno lol. It’s like they’re not as comfortable as my Go to Shoes / Sandals (Clarks usually) — But sacrifices must be made in the name of fashion — at least when it comes to cosplay! LOL… But all this walking…. Maybe I will bring a backpack or some type of tote bag large enough to fit a pair of comfy shoes and trade off if my feet are hurting too much – I don’t want to ruin my whole day at the convention and not enjoy myself! And I could use said tote or backpack to store my goodies, my wallet, and anything I pick up at the convention.

So after writing this last paragraph, I took a break from writing this blog post, and decided to order a custom print crossbody bag that should hopefully be able to fit a comfy pair of shoes.

I ordered this from Artscow whom I also ordered the leggings from. I am kinda iffy as to if it will arrive before Tekko but nonetheless, I will use the bag on other occasions, even including just everyday use. And it’s not like this is the last time I will wear this costume either, so I will have it for next time I bust out the Kotori cosplay 🙂 To get free shipping (for orders over $20), I also ordered a Mini button with the same image (for just $0.99 – much better than the nearly $20 shipping fee lol).

I’m not even sure it’ll be large enough to fit a pair of shoes? I hope so though. I found this other crossbody photo bag on another site, for like twice as much (shown below)

Now clearly that looks large enough to fit a pair of sandals, flipflops, or flats.

The measurements on snaptote’s site are as follows:

9.5″W x 12.25″H x 1″D

The measurements for the one on Artcow are as follows:

10.25″(W) x 12″(H) x 2.5″(D)

Which means if those measurements are accurate Artcows is a bit wider, a quarter of an inch shorter, and almost 3 times deeper….

If the picture from snaptote is accurate in showing the bag on a woman’s body….

That should be plenty big for shoes —

If not… Well a girl’s gotta have a purse anyways — and I like the idea that my purse will show people “who I am” – both at the convention as part of my cosplay — and for everyday use by showing I’m a geeky anime and gamer girl. So all is not lost even if it doesn’t suit my plans for packing a spare pair of comfy shoes lol.

It’s like someone can come up and ask me who I am supposed to be at the convention and I can show them my purse and tell them I’m Kotori Minami from Love Live School Idol. OR Someone on the street or at a store or restaurant could see my bag and be like OMG I love Kotori too, or I love Love Live School Idol Festival too! Or even just “I love anime too” or even just “I love your bag!” I get compliments all the time anymore when I’m out I think it’s 2 fold – 1 I’m happier now than I have been in a long, long time. People are drawn to that happy energy – and 2. I buy 95% of my outfits on amazon and etsy custom made, and really weird farout there, I will do some reviews of some of the shops I frequently purchase from online, but the number 1 place I have found is on amazon and called CowCow – not to be confused with ArtsCow. I haven’t tried making a dress on Artscow yet – they do have that option though. – I have unicorn dresses, cat dresses, dinosaur dresses, candy dresses, rabbit dresses, just all these wacky crazy print dresses lol. Everywhere I go, people take notice because I’m unique and stand out because I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace it and rock my geekyness. I get compliments all the time. For a long time too I was dying my hair rainbow colors – but had to stop because of my hair getting so damaged from continuous bleaching. I also had a formal event to go to, so seemed like a good time to give my hair a break for a bit. lol.

My Fashions
My Fashions

Anyways the last prop that you haven’t really seen up close yet is the crown. I ordered this crown on ebay for hella cheap, and my seamstress sewed the blue/white striped bow onto one end. It clips into hair with two barrettes. It is a little heavy and weighs the wig down some. I’m hoping once I have wig cap and wig on properly it will be less slippery.

Yes, I know it’s not quite the exact shade of blue, but close enough and so cheap (I think it was like 2 dollars).

I even have the perfect nail polish for my costume too, assuming I can remember what shade this was lol. I always get my nails done at the salon because Gel polishes are just so much better than regular polish, Lasts 3 or 4 weeks and I can go swimming in it or do anything and it doesn’t come off. So nice.

#shiny #sparkle my new #mermaid #mermaidnails #nails #manicure #manipedi #nailart #turquoise #teal #cyan #aqua #bluegreen #greenblue #bluenails #greennails #kawaii #cute

A post shared by jenilee (@xenokitten) on

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Having shown you everything there is to see, I will leave you with some close up larger images of my costume itself. Sorry these pictures are pretty terrible. I actually had a really stressful bad day yesterday – Seeing my costume — and my boyfriend’s reaction to my costume though made my day so much better / darn near perfect lol. But the stress from earlier in the day left deep shadows on my eyes and broke out my skin a bit. I also don’t have any makeup on, not even lip gloss, and had no wig cap, so my dark hair is showing through / looking a mess lol.

Hopefully I will take more pics at Tekko – I was just excited lastnight seeing my finished costume for the first time and wanted to see the “complete look”.

If you see me at Tekko feel free to say hi!! Come talk to me about some Shoujo anime/manga, video games, or Asian Balljointed Dolls and similar toys. I’m really shy but if others talk to me first, I generally will reciprocate 🙂 I’m just recently getting back into cosplay and conventions. I’m dragging my boyfriend to Tekko with me even though he’s not into anime – It’s so nice to have someone to go with. We are both looking forward to the Escape Room and Arcade and other fun activities – Maybe some Board Games. I’m probably mostly looking forward to the Dealer Room LOL I wonder if they will have any Asian balljointed dolls or accessories, or pure neemos, or other dolls? Not that I can afford to spend much there this year :(… Life happens lol. Next year I will plan better and save more. :). My upcoming trip to Peru and some unexpected car repairs have zonked me hard. We’re also looking to do a short overnight/weekender local roadtrip type trip next month (potentially if it isn’t booked full yet). It’ll still be fun though just to wear my costume and walk around looking at everything and playing in the Arcade and Escape Room with my boyfriend.

I’m really looking forward to Tekko – it will be my first anime convention in probably 10 years or more. I’ve (recently) been to a few other geeky conventions but not anime specific, nor as large as, Tekko. I used to go to Tekko when it was further north outside of pittsburgh – I forget where? A marriott somewhere – maybe cranberry or monroeville- when it first started and for the first 3 or 4 years. – Man it’s been forever since I’ve been back to Tekko. I can’t wait! We will have so much fun.

Here are a few pics showing more of the details of my costume. Please excuse that they’re not photo perfect yet (no wigcap, shoes, makeup etc and I’m looking a little stressed/tired) — The costume is still cute though!! Can’t wait to wear it at Tekko!!

My Love Live Snowbird Kotori Cosplay Costume

kotori cosplay wig

See You At Tekko!

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume was originally published on

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume

Note: This costume was designed for me by Kathy’s Creations in Greenville PA. This is the 2nd cosplay costume that Kathy has created for me. About 2 years ago I also commissioned her for my Lunar Eternal Blue Lucia cosplay costume.

Kotori Cosplay
Kotori Cosplay

I have a bad habit of not taking wig caps with me to my fittings and/or losing wig caps lol. I will buy wig cap before the anime convention next month. These pics aren’t great, because of no wig cap, and I also wasn’t wearing any makeup, not even lip gloss, lol.

But of course I was so excited that I couldn’t help taking like a million (OK about 40 lol) pictures in my costume.

As I was trying it on (and taking copious amounts of pictures in the fitting room lol) Kathy was putting the finishing details on the costume such as the ribbons on the crown and trimming the arm bands in the same cyan aqua blue color as the skirt / bows. That’s why you may notice some slight differences in each image. It was a work in progress.

It turned out SO cute though!!!

This costume has been a dream of mine for at least the past 3 or 4 years now. Ever since I got the UR Snowbird Kotori card in the Love Live School Idol Festival mobile game. I shamefully have not watched the Love Live School Idol Festival Anime yet – I hear it is really good though. I love the mobile game. Kotori is by far my favorite girl. I love all of her costumes. And her hair and face are just the cutest to me personally. Though everyone has their opinion on favorite girls when it comes to anime and games like this. There are a lot of other Kotori Minami Outfits I’d like to try someday.

love games live party GIF

But, the Snowman (sometimes also called Snowbird) Costume was my favorite!! I ordered a wand too but sadly it has not arrived – it’s been 3 months so looks like I got scammed – I would recommend not buying anything from Joebuy.com FYI lol. I have contacted their support 3 or 4 times inquiring about when my order will ship to no avail — but it’s probably just as well – while having a prop would make the costume more accurate, it would be a hindrance to enjoying my day at the convention. Hard to go shopping / carry a prop / carry shopping bags / and play arcade games or do an escape room puzzle etc.

Image result for snowbird kotori UR love live

This is (supposedly) a pic of the wand I had purchased (I say supposedly because these Chinese knock off sites are so notorious for stealing other people’s images etc). I purchased it on January 8th. This is now March 9th, and the order is marked as “processing” even though I have an email (and bank statement) saying that payment was received on January 8th.

Seriously guys don’t buy from this site… I’ve waited 3 months and it says it’s “In Stock” so why am I waiting 3 months? I think it’s a fake website / scam.

It’s a shame because it looked cute – and the snow bird to clip on my shoulder was perfect too — but like I said maybe it’s fate or kismet that the wand didn’t ship because I would have been stuck holding/carrying it all over all day.

As you can see, in the original Kotori Snowbird Costume – the top is like a teddy or lingerie, with a slit all the way down the front, bearing the stomach…

1.) I’m chubby

2.) I have scars from a surgery on my tummy

3.) I wanted to be a bit more modest because of my age (36).

Yet, even with the modifications to the top, it still perfectly captures the spirit and design of the character. I kinda like the fact that I “pulled off” a fairly accurate representation of the character as a “plus size” cosplayer. A lot of girls my size would be scared to cosplay a more revealing costume. But we were able to make a few modifications that made it more “plus size” friendly while still capturing the spirit and overall look of the original. I think us plus size gals should cosplay as whoever we want! And if you’re comfortable bearing your belly – more power to you, but I myself was not. The modifications to the top and skirt let me feel more comfortable – and still clearly represent the intended character. Anyone who has seen the UR Kotori Minami Snowbird Card in Love Live School Idol Festival would still know who I’m cosplaying as – and I don’t feel anyone would shame me for wearing something too revealing for my body size/shape (or age for that matter being in my 30s now).

People might still be like “EWW a fat Kotori.” but I don’t care. I’m comfortable in the costume, and feel it represents the character and does justice to it. I’m proud of my cosplay. And my opinion of my cosplay is the only opinion that should really matter to me. It has been a literal dream of mine for years now to cosplay this exact character. But I always wondered how I would pull it off, given my weight. But now, seeing my cosplay vision realized, it’s so exciting and so amazing and awesome. I’m so glad I stuck to my gut and my heart and went for the character I wanted to go as!!

This just proves cosplay is for everyone. You can always modify costumes to suit your needs. Just go have fun with it. You’ll be happy in the end. Even if you overhear people saying negative things, just ignore them, and enjoy your day. I’m sure I might get a few negative replies here about my costume, my appearance, my weight, or even the fact I haven’t watched the anime yet (maybe I’ll try to watch it before Tekko) (but at least I’ve played the game lol. I’m not a fake anime/gamer girl by any means. I do know the characters and chose this as a character and game that I love.)

Other modifications were made

– Skirt was lengthened a great deal.

No bloomers —

Because instead of thigh highs, I ordered custom leggings from Artscow.

I wish I had made the blue stripes on the one leg wider and more noticeable now that I’m looking at it. But overall happy and would recommend Artscow. Their lead and delivery time felt a bit long, but you can make any kind of leggings – or dresses – or anything you want with your own art work. It was easy enough to create a white/blue stripe pattern in photoshop and save and upload my design. Price was fair too.

I chose leggings instead of thigh highs because:

1.) I couldn’t find blue and white vertical striped stockings anywhere. – horizontal stripes a plenty, but vertical no where to be found.

2.) I know I could have bought fabric paint and painted my own stripes onto plain white opaque stockings

3.) But 1, I worried about a steady enough hand to make the lines look straight and neat and tidy.

4.) I worried that my thigh highs would roll down to like knee highs, which is usually what happens when I wear thigh highs. Especially since David Lawrence Convention Center is HUGE. And I’ll be doing a LOT of Walking…

I know in the original artwork for the card within the game, we can’t see what Kotori’s shoes look like. But action figures and other character goods have been released which show a blue heeled shoe.

Image result for snowbird kotori figure

I have a VERY wide foot – So wide that sometimes even buying wide shoes does not fit me…. I found a pair of DOUBLE WIDE shoes on amazon… They run actually BIG… I had to return and go a size smaller (in length) and still my heel pops out sometimes. My shoes are not pictured in any of my cosplay photos yet. And yes, I know they’re not the right shade of blue. But none the less, they are close…. They aren’t very comfortable… But women wear uncomfortable shoes all the time. I can do it too I guess, for a day…

These are the shoes I ordered:

I know, not exact, but you have NO idea HOW HARD IT IS to find a “CUTE” wide width shoe – period – and then expect it to be BLUE — or a very specific SHADE of blue??? Forget it LOL….. Not happening….

If I was a millionaire I would make my own company that made wide width shoes for young women that were cute, sexy, trendy, AND MOST OF ALL, comfortable!!

Like most women, I love shoes!! But I can’t buy/collect shoes like other women because they NEVER fit — and what DOES fit me — Birkenstocks, Clarks, Cobbie Cuddlers, Earth Brands, etc — do not offer attractive designs….

Anyways — I think I’m going to wear my shoes from amazon (pictured above)… I may regret it – I haven’t broken them in — the toe box is a little too narrow, the heel is a little too wide, the top of the toes feel like they’re putting pressure on my toes. A bit – like not overly uncomfortable… I dunno lol. It’s like they’re not as comfortable as my Go to Shoes / Sandals (Clarks usually) — But sacrifices must be made in the name of fashion — at least when it comes to cosplay! LOL… But all this walking…. Maybe I will bring a backpack or some type of tote bag large enough to fit a pair of comfy shoes and trade off if my feet are hurting too much – I don’t want to ruin my whole day at the convention and not enjoy myself! And I could use said tote or backpack to store my goodies, my wallet, and anything I pick up at the convention.

So after writing this last paragraph, I took a break from writing this blog post, and decided to order a custom print crossbody bag that should hopefully be able to fit a comfy pair of shoes.

I ordered this from Artscow whom I also ordered the leggings from. I am kinda iffy as to if it will arrive before Tekko but nonetheless, I will use the bag on other occasions, even including just everyday use. And it’s not like this is the last time I will wear this costume either, so I will have it for next time I bust out the Kotori cosplay 🙂 To get free shipping (for orders over $20), I also ordered a Mini button with the same image (for just $0.99 – much better than the nearly $20 shipping fee lol).

I’m not even sure it’ll be large enough to fit a pair of shoes? I hope so though. I found this other crossbody photo bag on another site, for like twice as much (shown below)

Now clearly that looks large enough to fit a pair of sandals, flipflops, or flats.

The measurements on snaptote’s site are as follows:

9.5″W x 12.25″H x 1″D

The measurements for the one on Artcow are as follows:

10.25″(W) x 12″(H) x 2.5″(D)

Which means if those measurements are accurate Artcows is a bit wider, a quarter of an inch shorter, and almost 3 times deeper….

If the picture from snaptote is accurate in showing the bag on a woman’s body….

That should be plenty big for shoes —

If not… Well a girl’s gotta have a purse anyways — and I like the idea that my purse will show people “who I am” – both at the convention as part of my cosplay — and for everyday use by showing I’m a geeky anime and gamer girl. So all is not lost even if it doesn’t suit my plans for packing a spare pair of comfy shoes lol.

It’s like someone can come up and ask me who I am supposed to be at the convention and I can show them my purse and tell them I’m Kotori Minami from Love Live School Idol. OR Someone on the street or at a store or restaurant could see my bag and be like OMG I love Kotori too, or I love Love Live School Idol Festival too! Or even just “I love anime too” or even just “I love your bag!” I get compliments all the time anymore when I’m out I think it’s 2 fold – 1 I’m happier now than I have been in a long, long time. People are drawn to that happy energy – and 2. I buy 95% of my outfits on amazon and etsy custom made, and really weird farout there, I will do some reviews of some of the shops I frequently purchase from online, but the number 1 place I have found is on amazon and called CowCow – not to be confused with ArtsCow. I haven’t tried making a dress on Artscow yet – they do have that option though. – I have unicorn dresses, cat dresses, dinosaur dresses, candy dresses, rabbit dresses, just all these wacky crazy print dresses lol. Everywhere I go, people take notice because I’m unique and stand out because I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace it and rock my geekyness. I get compliments all the time. For a long time too I was dying my hair rainbow colors – but had to stop because of my hair getting so damaged from continuous bleaching. I also had a formal event to go to, so seemed like a good time to give my hair a break for a bit. lol.

My Fashions
My Fashions

Anyways the last prop that you haven’t really seen up close yet is the crown. I ordered this crown on ebay for hella cheap, and my seamstress sewed the blue/white striped bow onto one end. It clips into hair with two barrettes. It is a little heavy and weighs the wig down some. I’m hoping once I have wig cap and wig on properly it will be less slippery.

Yes, I know it’s not quite the exact shade of blue, but close enough and so cheap (I think it was like 2 dollars).

I even have the perfect nail polish for my costume too, assuming I can remember what shade this was lol. I always get my nails done at the salon because Gel polishes are just so much better than regular polish, Lasts 3 or 4 weeks and I can go swimming in it or do anything and it doesn’t come off. So nice.

#shiny #sparkle my new #mermaid #mermaidnails #nails #manicure #manipedi #nailart #turquoise #teal #cyan #aqua #bluegreen #greenblue #bluenails #greennails #kawaii #cute

A post shared by jenilee (@xenokitten) on

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

#shiny #sparkle my new #mermaid #mermaidnails #nails #manicure #manipedi #nailart #turquoise #teal #cyan #aqua #bluegreen #greenblue #bluenails #greennails #kawaii #cute

A post shared by jenilee (@xenokitten) on

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Having shown you everything there is to see, I will leave you with some close up larger images of my costume itself. Sorry these pictures are pretty terrible. I actually had a really stressful bad day yesterday – Seeing my costume — and my boyfriend’s reaction to my costume though made my day so much better / darn near perfect lol. But the stress from earlier in the day left deep shadows on my eyes and broke out my skin a bit. I also don’t have any makeup on, not even lip gloss, and had no wig cap, so my dark hair is showing through / looking a mess lol.

Hopefully I will take more pics at Tekko – I was just excited lastnight seeing my finished costume for the first time and wanted to see the “complete look”.

If you see me at Tekko feel free to say hi!! Come talk to me about some Shoujo anime/manga, video games, or Asian Balljointed Dolls and similar toys. I’m really shy but if others talk to me first, I generally will reciprocate 🙂 I’m just recently getting back into cosplay and conventions. I’m dragging my boyfriend to Tekko with me even though he’s not into anime – It’s so nice to have someone to go with. We are both looking forward to the Escape Room and Arcade and other fun activities – Maybe some Board Games. I’m probably mostly looking forward to the Dealer Room LOL I wonder if they will have any Asian balljointed dolls or accessories, or pure neemos, or other dolls? Not that I can afford to spend much there this year :(… Life happens lol. Next year I will plan better and save more. :). My upcoming trip to Peru and some unexpected car repairs have zonked me hard. We’re also looking to do a short overnight/weekender local roadtrip type trip next month (potentially if it isn’t booked full yet). It’ll still be fun though just to wear my costume and walk around looking at everything and playing in the Arcade and Escape Room with my boyfriend.

I’m really looking forward to Tekko – it will be my first anime convention in probably 10 years or more. I’ve (recently) been to a few other geeky conventions but not anime specific, nor as large as, Tekko. I used to go to Tekko when it was further north outside of pittsburgh – I forget where? A marriott somewhere – maybe cranberry or monroeville- when it first started and for the first 3 or 4 years. – Man it’s been forever since I’ve been back to Tekko. I can’t wait! We will have so much fun.

Here are a few pics showing more of the details of my costume. Please excuse that they’re not photo perfect yet (no wigcap, shoes, makeup etc and I’m looking a little stressed/tired) — The costume is still cute though!! Can’t wait to wear it at Tekko!!

My Love Live Snowbird Kotori Cosplay Costume

kotori cosplay wig

See You At Tekko!

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume was originally published on

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume

Note: This costume was designed for me by Kathy’s Creations in Greenville PA. This is the 2nd cosplay costume that Kathy has created for me. About 2 years ago I also commissioned her for my Lunar Eternal Blue Lucia cosplay costume.

Kotori Cosplay
Kotori Cosplay

I have a bad habit of not taking wig caps with me to my fittings and/or losing wig caps lol. I will buy wig cap before the anime convention next month. These pics aren’t great, because of no wig cap, and I also wasn’t wearing any makeup, not even lip gloss, lol.

But of course I was so excited that I couldn’t help taking like a million (OK about 40 lol) pictures in my costume.

As I was trying it on (and taking copious amounts of pictures in the fitting room lol) Kathy was putting the finishing details on the costume such as the ribbons on the crown and trimming the arm bands in the same cyan aqua blue color as the skirt / bows. That’s why you may notice some slight differences in each image. It was a work in progress.

It turned out SO cute though!!!

This costume has been a dream of mine for at least the past 3 or 4 years now. Ever since I got the UR Snowbird Kotori card in the Love Live School Idol Festival mobile game. I shamefully have not watched the Love Live School Idol Festival Anime yet – I hear it is really good though. I love the mobile game. Kotori is by far my favorite girl. I love all of her costumes. And her hair and face are just the cutest to me personally. Though everyone has their opinion on favorite girls when it comes to anime and games like this. There are a lot of other Kotori Minami Outfits I’d like to try someday.

love games live party GIF

But, the Snowman (sometimes also called Snowbird) Costume was my favorite!! I ordered a wand too but sadly it has not arrived – it’s been 3 months so looks like I got scammed – I would recommend not buying anything from Joebuy.com FYI lol. I have contacted their support 3 or 4 times inquiring about when my order will ship to no avail — but it’s probably just as well – while having a prop would make the costume more accurate, it would be a hindrance to enjoying my day at the convention. Hard to go shopping / carry a prop / carry shopping bags / and play arcade games or do an escape room puzzle etc.

Image result for snowbird kotori UR love live

This is (supposedly) a pic of the wand I had purchased (I say supposedly because these Chinese knock off sites are so notorious for stealing other people’s images etc). I purchased it on January 8th. This is now March 9th, and the order is marked as “processing” even though I have an email (and bank statement) saying that payment was received on January 8th.

Seriously guys don’t buy from this site… I’ve waited 3 months and it says it’s “In Stock” so why am I waiting 3 months? I think it’s a fake website / scam.

It’s a shame because it looked cute – and the snow bird to clip on my shoulder was perfect too — but like I said maybe it’s fate or kismet that the wand didn’t ship because I would have been stuck holding/carrying it all over all day.

As you can see, in the original Kotori Snowbird Costume – the top is like a teddy or lingerie, with a slit all the way down the front, bearing the stomach…

1.) I’m chubby

2.) I have scars from a surgery on my tummy

3.) I wanted to be a bit more modest because of my age (36).

Yet, even with the modifications to the top, it still perfectly captures the spirit and design of the character. I kinda like the fact that I “pulled off” a fairly accurate representation of the character as a “plus size” cosplayer. A lot of girls my size would be scared to cosplay a more revealing costume. But we were able to make a few modifications that made it more “plus size” friendly while still capturing the spirit and overall look of the original. I think us plus size gals should cosplay as whoever we want! And if you’re comfortable bearing your belly – more power to you, but I myself was not. The modifications to the top and skirt let me feel more comfortable – and still clearly represent the intended character. Anyone who has seen the UR Kotori Minami Snowbird Card in Love Live School Idol Festival would still know who I’m cosplaying as – and I don’t feel anyone would shame me for wearing something too revealing for my body size/shape (or age for that matter being in my 30s now).

People might still be like “EWW a fat Kotori.” but I don’t care. I’m comfortable in the costume, and feel it represents the character and does justice to it. I’m proud of my cosplay. And my opinion of my cosplay is the only opinion that should really matter to me. It has been a literal dream of mine for years now to cosplay this exact character. But I always wondered how I would pull it off, given my weight. But now, seeing my cosplay vision realized, it’s so exciting and so amazing and awesome. I’m so glad I stuck to my gut and my heart and went for the character I wanted to go as!!

This just proves cosplay is for everyone. You can always modify costumes to suit your needs. Just go have fun with it. You’ll be happy in the end. Even if you overhear people saying negative things, just ignore them, and enjoy your day. I’m sure I might get a few negative replies here about my costume, my appearance, my weight, or even the fact I haven’t watched the anime yet (maybe I’ll try to watch it before Tekko) (but at least I’ve played the game lol. I’m not a fake anime/gamer girl by any means. I do know the characters and chose this as a character and game that I love.)

Other modifications were made

– Skirt was lengthened a great deal.

No bloomers —

Because instead of thigh highs, I ordered custom leggings from Artscow.

I wish I had made the blue stripes on the one leg wider and more noticeable now that I’m looking at it. But overall happy and would recommend Artscow. Their lead and delivery time felt a bit long, but you can make any kind of leggings – or dresses – or anything you want with your own art work. It was easy enough to create a white/blue stripe pattern in photoshop and save and upload my design. Price was fair too.

I chose leggings instead of thigh highs because:

1.) I couldn’t find blue and white vertical striped stockings anywhere. – horizontal stripes a plenty, but vertical no where to be found.

2.) I know I could have bought fabric paint and painted my own stripes onto plain white opaque stockings

3.) But 1, I worried about a steady enough hand to make the lines look straight and neat and tidy.

4.) I worried that my thigh highs would roll down to like knee highs, which is usually what happens when I wear thigh highs. Especially since David Lawrence Convention Center is HUGE. And I’ll be doing a LOT of Walking…

I know in the original artwork for the card within the game, we can’t see what Kotori’s shoes look like. But action figures and other character goods have been released which show a blue heeled shoe.

Image result for snowbird kotori figure

I have a VERY wide foot – So wide that sometimes even buying wide shoes does not fit me…. I found a pair of DOUBLE WIDE shoes on amazon… They run actually BIG… I had to return and go a size smaller (in length) and still my heel pops out sometimes. My shoes are not pictured in any of my cosplay photos yet. And yes, I know they’re not the right shade of blue. But none the less, they are close…. They aren’t very comfortable… But women wear uncomfortable shoes all the time. I can do it too I guess, for a day…

These are the shoes I ordered:

I know, not exact, but you have NO idea HOW HARD IT IS to find a “CUTE” wide width shoe – period – and then expect it to be BLUE — or a very specific SHADE of blue??? Forget it LOL….. Not happening….

If I was a millionaire I would make my own company that made wide width shoes for young women that were cute, sexy, trendy, AND MOST OF ALL, comfortable!!

Like most women, I love shoes!! But I can’t buy/collect shoes like other women because they NEVER fit — and what DOES fit me — Birkenstocks, Clarks, Cobbie Cuddlers, Earth Brands, etc — do not offer attractive designs….

Anyways — I think I’m going to wear my shoes from amazon (pictured above)… I may regret it – I haven’t broken them in — the toe box is a little too narrow, the heel is a little too wide, the top of the toes feel like they’re putting pressure on my toes. A bit – like not overly uncomfortable… I dunno lol. It’s like they’re not as comfortable as my Go to Shoes / Sandals (Clarks usually) — But sacrifices must be made in the name of fashion — at least when it comes to cosplay! LOL… But all this walking…. Maybe I will bring a backpack or some type of tote bag large enough to fit a pair of comfy shoes and trade off if my feet are hurting too much – I don’t want to ruin my whole day at the convention and not enjoy myself! And I could use said tote or backpack to store my goodies, my wallet, and anything I pick up at the convention.

So after writing this last paragraph, I took a break from writing this blog post, and decided to order a custom print crossbody bag that should hopefully be able to fit a comfy pair of shoes.

I ordered this from Artscow whom I also ordered the leggings from. I am kinda iffy as to if it will arrive before Tekko but nonetheless, I will use the bag on other occasions, even including just everyday use. And it’s not like this is the last time I will wear this costume either, so I will have it for next time I bust out the Kotori cosplay 🙂 To get free shipping (for orders over $20), I also ordered a Mini button with the same image (for just $0.99 – much better than the nearly $20 shipping fee lol).

I’m not even sure it’ll be large enough to fit a pair of shoes? I hope so though. I found this other crossbody photo bag on another site, for like twice as much (shown below)

Now clearly that looks large enough to fit a pair of sandals, flipflops, or flats.

The measurements on snaptote’s site are as follows:

9.5″W x 12.25″H x 1″D

The measurements for the one on Artcow are as follows:

10.25″(W) x 12″(H) x 2.5″(D)

Which means if those measurements are accurate Artcows is a bit wider, a quarter of an inch shorter, and almost 3 times deeper….

If the picture from snaptote is accurate in showing the bag on a woman’s body….

That should be plenty big for shoes —

If not… Well a girl’s gotta have a purse anyways — and I like the idea that my purse will show people “who I am” – both at the convention as part of my cosplay — and for everyday use by showing I’m a geeky anime and gamer girl. So all is not lost even if it doesn’t suit my plans for packing a spare pair of comfy shoes lol.

It’s like someone can come up and ask me who I am supposed to be at the convention and I can show them my purse and tell them I’m Kotori Minami from Love Live School Idol. OR Someone on the street or at a store or restaurant could see my bag and be like OMG I love Kotori too, or I love Love Live School Idol Festival too! Or even just “I love anime too” or even just “I love your bag!” I get compliments all the time anymore when I’m out I think it’s 2 fold – 1 I’m happier now than I have been in a long, long time. People are drawn to that happy energy – and 2. I buy 95% of my outfits on amazon and etsy custom made, and really weird farout there, I will do some reviews of some of the shops I frequently purchase from online, but the number 1 place I have found is on amazon and called CowCow – not to be confused with ArtsCow. I haven’t tried making a dress on Artscow yet – they do have that option though. – I have unicorn dresses, cat dresses, dinosaur dresses, candy dresses, rabbit dresses, just all these wacky crazy print dresses lol. Everywhere I go, people take notice because I’m unique and stand out because I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace it and rock my geekyness. I get compliments all the time. For a long time too I was dying my hair rainbow colors – but had to stop because of my hair getting so damaged from continuous bleaching. I also had a formal event to go to, so seemed like a good time to give my hair a break for a bit. lol.

My Fashions
My Fashions

Anyways the last prop that you haven’t really seen up close yet is the crown. I ordered this crown on ebay for hella cheap, and my seamstress sewed the blue/white striped bow onto one end. It clips into hair with two barrettes. It is a little heavy and weighs the wig down some. I’m hoping once I have wig cap and wig on properly it will be less slippery.

Yes, I know it’s not quite the exact shade of blue, but close enough and so cheap (I think it was like 2 dollars).

I even have the perfect nail polish for my costume too, assuming I can remember what shade this was lol. I always get my nails done at the salon because Gel polishes are just so much better than regular polish, Lasts 3 or 4 weeks and I can go swimming in it or do anything and it doesn’t come off. So nice.

#shiny #sparkle my new #mermaid #mermaidnails #nails #manicure #manipedi #nailart #turquoise #teal #cyan #aqua #bluegreen #greenblue #bluenails #greennails #kawaii #cute

A post shared by jenilee (@xenokitten) on

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

#shiny #sparkle my new #mermaid #mermaidnails #nails #manicure #manipedi #nailart #turquoise #teal #cyan #aqua #bluegreen #greenblue #bluenails #greennails #kawaii #cute

A post shared by jenilee (@xenokitten) on

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Having shown you everything there is to see, I will leave you with some close up larger images of my costume itself. Sorry these pictures are pretty terrible. I actually had a really stressful bad day yesterday – Seeing my costume — and my boyfriend’s reaction to my costume though made my day so much better / darn near perfect lol. But the stress from earlier in the day left deep shadows on my eyes and broke out my skin a bit. I also don’t have any makeup on, not even lip gloss, and had no wig cap, so my dark hair is showing through / looking a mess lol.

Hopefully I will take more pics at Tekko – I was just excited lastnight seeing my finished costume for the first time and wanted to see the “complete look”.

If you see me at Tekko feel free to say hi!! Come talk to me about some Shoujo anime/manga, video games, or Asian Balljointed Dolls and similar toys. I’m really shy but if others talk to me first, I generally will reciprocate 🙂 I’m just recently getting back into cosplay and conventions. I’m dragging my boyfriend to Tekko with me even though he’s not into anime – It’s so nice to have someone to go with. We are both looking forward to the Escape Room and Arcade and other fun activities – Maybe some Board Games. I’m probably mostly looking forward to the Dealer Room LOL I wonder if they will have any Asian balljointed dolls or accessories, or pure neemos, or other dolls? Not that I can afford to spend much there this year :(… Life happens lol. Next year I will plan better and save more. :). My upcoming trip to Peru and some unexpected car repairs have zonked me hard. We’re also looking to do a short overnight/weekender local roadtrip type trip next month (potentially if it isn’t booked full yet). It’ll still be fun though just to wear my costume and walk around looking at everything and playing in the Arcade and Escape Room with my boyfriend.

I’m really looking forward to Tekko – it will be my first anime convention in probably 10 years or more. I’ve (recently) been to a few other geeky conventions but not anime specific, nor as large as, Tekko. I used to go to Tekko when it was further north outside of pittsburgh – I forget where? A marriott somewhere – maybe cranberry or monroeville- when it first started and for the first 3 or 4 years. – Man it’s been forever since I’ve been back to Tekko. I can’t wait! We will have so much fun.

Here are a few pics showing more of the details of my costume. Please excuse that they’re not photo perfect yet (no wigcap, shoes, makeup etc and I’m looking a little stressed/tired) — The costume is still cute though!! Can’t wait to wear it at Tekko!!

My Love Live Snowbird Kotori Cosplay Costume

kotori cosplay wig

See You At Tekko!

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume was originally published on

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume

Note: This costume was designed for me by Kathy’s Creations in Greenville PA. This is the 2nd cosplay costume that Kathy has created for me. About 2 years ago I also commissioned her for my Lunar Eternal Blue Lucia cosplay costume.

Kotori Cosplay
Kotori Cosplay

I have a bad habit of not taking wig caps with me to my fittings and/or losing wig caps lol. I will buy wig cap before the anime convention next month. These pics aren’t great, because of no wig cap, and I also wasn’t wearing any makeup, not even lip gloss, lol.

But of course I was so excited that I couldn’t help taking like a million (OK about 40 lol) pictures in my costume.

As I was trying it on (and taking copious amounts of pictures in the fitting room lol) Kathy was putting the finishing details on the costume such as the ribbons on the crown and trimming the arm bands in the same cyan aqua blue color as the skirt / bows. That’s why you may notice some slight differences in each image. It was a work in progress.

It turned out SO cute though!!!

This costume has been a dream of mine for at least the past 3 or 4 years now. Ever since I got the UR Snowbird Kotori card in the Love Live School Idol Festival mobile game. I shamefully have not watched the Love Live School Idol Festival Anime yet – I hear it is really good though. I love the mobile game. Kotori is by far my favorite girl. I love all of her costumes. And her hair and face are just the cutest to me personally. Though everyone has their opinion on favorite girls when it comes to anime and games like this. There are a lot of other Kotori Minami Outfits I’d like to try someday.

love games live party GIF

But, the Snowman (sometimes also called Snowbird) Costume was my favorite!! I ordered a wand too but sadly it has not arrived – it’s been 3 months so looks like I got scammed – I would recommend not buying anything from Joebuy.com FYI lol. I have contacted their support 3 or 4 times inquiring about when my order will ship to no avail — but it’s probably just as well – while having a prop would make the costume more accurate, it would be a hindrance to enjoying my day at the convention. Hard to go shopping / carry a prop / carry shopping bags / and play arcade games or do an escape room puzzle etc.

Image result for snowbird kotori UR love live

This is (supposedly) a pic of the wand I had purchased (I say supposedly because these Chinese knock off sites are so notorious for stealing other people’s images etc). I purchased it on January 8th. This is now March 9th, and the order is marked as “processing” even though I have an email (and bank statement) saying that payment was received on January 8th.

Seriously guys don’t buy from this site… I’ve waited 3 months and it says it’s “In Stock” so why am I waiting 3 months? I think it’s a fake website / scam.

It’s a shame because it looked cute – and the snow bird to clip on my shoulder was perfect too — but like I said maybe it’s fate or kismet that the wand didn’t ship because I would have been stuck holding/carrying it all over all day.

As you can see, in the original Kotori Snowbird Costume – the top is like a teddy or lingerie, with a slit all the way down the front, bearing the stomach…

1.) I’m chubby

2.) I have scars from a surgery on my tummy

3.) I wanted to be a bit more modest because of my age (36).

Yet, even with the modifications to the top, it still perfectly captures the spirit and design of the character. I kinda like the fact that I “pulled off” a fairly accurate representation of the character as a “plus size” cosplayer. A lot of girls my size would be scared to cosplay a more revealing costume. But we were able to make a few modifications that made it more “plus size” friendly while still capturing the spirit and overall look of the original. I think us plus size gals should cosplay as whoever we want! And if you’re comfortable bearing your belly – more power to you, but I myself was not. The modifications to the top and skirt let me feel more comfortable – and still clearly represent the intended character. Anyone who has seen the UR Kotori Minami Snowbird Card in Love Live School Idol Festival would still know who I’m cosplaying as – and I don’t feel anyone would shame me for wearing something too revealing for my body size/shape (or age for that matter being in my 30s now).

People might still be like “EWW a fat Kotori.” but I don’t care. I’m comfortable in the costume, and feel it represents the character and does justice to it. I’m proud of my cosplay. And my opinion of my cosplay is the only opinion that should really matter to me. It has been a literal dream of mine for years now to cosplay this exact character. But I always wondered how I would pull it off, given my weight. But now, seeing my cosplay vision realized, it’s so exciting and so amazing and awesome. I’m so glad I stuck to my gut and my heart and went for the character I wanted to go as!!

This just proves cosplay is for everyone. You can always modify costumes to suit your needs. Just go have fun with it. You’ll be happy in the end. Even if you overhear people saying negative things, just ignore them, and enjoy your day. I’m sure I might get a few negative replies here about my costume, my appearance, my weight, or even the fact I haven’t watched the anime yet (maybe I’ll try to watch it before Tekko) (but at least I’ve played the game lol. I’m not a fake anime/gamer girl by any means. I do know the characters and chose this as a character and game that I love.)

Other modifications were made

– Skirt was lengthened a great deal.

No bloomers —

Because instead of thigh highs, I ordered custom leggings from Artscow.

I wish I had made the blue stripes on the one leg wider and more noticeable now that I’m looking at it. But overall happy and would recommend Artscow. Their lead and delivery time felt a bit long, but you can make any kind of leggings – or dresses – or anything you want with your own art work. It was easy enough to create a white/blue stripe pattern in photoshop and save and upload my design. Price was fair too.

I chose leggings instead of thigh highs because:

1.) I couldn’t find blue and white vertical striped stockings anywhere. – horizontal stripes a plenty, but vertical no where to be found.

2.) I know I could have bought fabric paint and painted my own stripes onto plain white opaque stockings

3.) But 1, I worried about a steady enough hand to make the lines look straight and neat and tidy.

4.) I worried that my thigh highs would roll down to like knee highs, which is usually what happens when I wear thigh highs. Especially since David Lawrence Convention Center is HUGE. And I’ll be doing a LOT of Walking…

I know in the original artwork for the card within the game, we can’t see what Kotori’s shoes look like. But action figures and other character goods have been released which show a blue heeled shoe.

Image result for snowbird kotori figure

I have a VERY wide foot – So wide that sometimes even buying wide shoes does not fit me…. I found a pair of DOUBLE WIDE shoes on amazon… They run actually BIG… I had to return and go a size smaller (in length) and still my heel pops out sometimes. My shoes are not pictured in any of my cosplay photos yet. And yes, I know they’re not the right shade of blue. But none the less, they are close…. They aren’t very comfortable… But women wear uncomfortable shoes all the time. I can do it too I guess, for a day…

These are the shoes I ordered:

I know, not exact, but you have NO idea HOW HARD IT IS to find a “CUTE” wide width shoe – period – and then expect it to be BLUE — or a very specific SHADE of blue??? Forget it LOL….. Not happening….

If I was a millionaire I would make my own company that made wide width shoes for young women that were cute, sexy, trendy, AND MOST OF ALL, comfortable!!

Like most women, I love shoes!! But I can’t buy/collect shoes like other women because they NEVER fit — and what DOES fit me — Birkenstocks, Clarks, Cobbie Cuddlers, Earth Brands, etc — do not offer attractive designs….

Anyways — I think I’m going to wear my shoes from amazon (pictured above)… I may regret it – I haven’t broken them in — the toe box is a little too narrow, the heel is a little too wide, the top of the toes feel like they’re putting pressure on my toes. A bit – like not overly uncomfortable… I dunno lol. It’s like they’re not as comfortable as my Go to Shoes / Sandals (Clarks usually) — But sacrifices must be made in the name of fashion — at least when it comes to cosplay! LOL… But all this walking…. Maybe I will bring a backpack or some type of tote bag large enough to fit a pair of comfy shoes and trade off if my feet are hurting too much – I don’t want to ruin my whole day at the convention and not enjoy myself! And I could use said tote or backpack to store my goodies, my wallet, and anything I pick up at the convention.

So after writing this last paragraph, I took a break from writing this blog post, and decided to order a custom print crossbody bag that should hopefully be able to fit a comfy pair of shoes.

I ordered this from Artscow whom I also ordered the leggings from. I am kinda iffy as to if it will arrive before Tekko but nonetheless, I will use the bag on other occasions, even including just everyday use. And it’s not like this is the last time I will wear this costume either, so I will have it for next time I bust out the Kotori cosplay 🙂 To get free shipping (for orders over $20), I also ordered a Mini button with the same image (for just $0.99 – much better than the nearly $20 shipping fee lol).

I’m not even sure it’ll be large enough to fit a pair of shoes? I hope so though. I found this other crossbody photo bag on another site, for like twice as much (shown below)

Now clearly that looks large enough to fit a pair of sandals, flipflops, or flats.

The measurements on snaptote’s site are as follows:

9.5″W x 12.25″H x 1″D

The measurements for the one on Artcow are as follows:

10.25″(W) x 12″(H) x 2.5″(D)

Which means if those measurements are accurate Artcows is a bit wider, a quarter of an inch shorter, and almost 3 times deeper….

If the picture from snaptote is accurate in showing the bag on a woman’s body….

That should be plenty big for shoes —

If not… Well a girl’s gotta have a purse anyways — and I like the idea that my purse will show people “who I am” – both at the convention as part of my cosplay — and for everyday use by showing I’m a geeky anime and gamer girl. So all is not lost even if it doesn’t suit my plans for packing a spare pair of comfy shoes lol.

It’s like someone can come up and ask me who I am supposed to be at the convention and I can show them my purse and tell them I’m Kotori Minami from Love Live School Idol. OR Someone on the street or at a store or restaurant could see my bag and be like OMG I love Kotori too, or I love Love Live School Idol Festival too! Or even just “I love anime too” or even just “I love your bag!” I get compliments all the time anymore when I’m out I think it’s 2 fold – 1 I’m happier now than I have been in a long, long time. People are drawn to that happy energy – and 2. I buy 95% of my outfits on amazon and etsy custom made, and really weird farout there, I will do some reviews of some of the shops I frequently purchase from online, but the number 1 place I have found is on amazon and called CowCow – not to be confused with ArtsCow. I haven’t tried making a dress on Artscow yet – they do have that option though. – I have unicorn dresses, cat dresses, dinosaur dresses, candy dresses, rabbit dresses, just all these wacky crazy print dresses lol. Everywhere I go, people take notice because I’m unique and stand out because I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace it and rock my geekyness. I get compliments all the time. For a long time too I was dying my hair rainbow colors – but had to stop because of my hair getting so damaged from continuous bleaching. I also had a formal event to go to, so seemed like a good time to give my hair a break for a bit. lol.

My Fashions
My Fashions

Anyways the last prop that you haven’t really seen up close yet is the crown. I ordered this crown on ebay for hella cheap, and my seamstress sewed the blue/white striped bow onto one end. It clips into hair with two barrettes. It is a little heavy and weighs the wig down some. I’m hoping once I have wig cap and wig on properly it will be less slippery.

Yes, I know it’s not quite the exact shade of blue, but close enough and so cheap (I think it was like 2 dollars).

I even have the perfect nail polish for my costume too, assuming I can remember what shade this was lol. I always get my nails done at the salon because Gel polishes are just so much better than regular polish, Lasts 3 or 4 weeks and I can go swimming in it or do anything and it doesn’t come off. So nice.

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Having shown you everything there is to see, I will leave you with some close up larger images of my costume itself. Sorry these pictures are pretty terrible. I actually had a really stressful bad day yesterday – Seeing my costume — and my boyfriend’s reaction to my costume though made my day so much better / darn near perfect lol. But the stress from earlier in the day left deep shadows on my eyes and broke out my skin a bit. I also don’t have any makeup on, not even lip gloss, and had no wig cap, so my dark hair is showing through / looking a mess lol.

Hopefully I will take more pics at Tekko – I was just excited lastnight seeing my finished costume for the first time and wanted to see the “complete look”.

If you see me at Tekko feel free to say hi!! Come talk to me about some Shoujo anime/manga, video games, or Asian Balljointed Dolls and similar toys. I’m really shy but if others talk to me first, I generally will reciprocate 🙂 I’m just recently getting back into cosplay and conventions. I’m dragging my boyfriend to Tekko with me even though he’s not into anime – It’s so nice to have someone to go with. We are both looking forward to the Escape Room and Arcade and other fun activities – Maybe some Board Games. I’m probably mostly looking forward to the Dealer Room LOL I wonder if they will have any Asian balljointed dolls or accessories, or pure neemos, or other dolls? Not that I can afford to spend much there this year :(… Life happens lol. Next year I will plan better and save more. :). My upcoming trip to Peru and some unexpected car repairs have zonked me hard. We’re also looking to do a short overnight/weekender local roadtrip type trip next month (potentially if it isn’t booked full yet). It’ll still be fun though just to wear my costume and walk around looking at everything and playing in the Arcade and Escape Room with my boyfriend.

I’m really looking forward to Tekko – it will be my first anime convention in probably 10 years or more. I’ve (recently) been to a few other geeky conventions but not anime specific, nor as large as, Tekko. I used to go to Tekko when it was further north outside of pittsburgh – I forget where? A marriott somewhere – maybe cranberry or monroeville- when it first started and for the first 3 or 4 years. – Man it’s been forever since I’ve been back to Tekko. I can’t wait! We will have so much fun.

Here are a few pics showing more of the details of my costume. Please excuse that they’re not photo perfect yet (no wigcap, shoes, makeup etc and I’m looking a little stressed/tired) — The costume is still cute though!! Can’t wait to wear it at Tekko!!

My Love Live Snowbird Kotori Cosplay Costume

kotori cosplay wig

See You At Tekko!

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume was originally published on

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume

Note: This costume was designed for me by Kathy’s Creations in Greenville PA. This is the 2nd cosplay costume that Kathy has created for me. About 2 years ago I also commissioned her for my Lunar Eternal Blue Lucia cosplay costume.

Kotori Cosplay
Kotori Cosplay

I have a bad habit of not taking wig caps with me to my fittings and/or losing wig caps lol. I will buy wig cap before the anime convention next month. These pics aren’t great, because of no wig cap, and I also wasn’t wearing any makeup, not even lip gloss, lol.

But of course I was so excited that I couldn’t help taking like a million (OK about 40 lol) pictures in my costume.

As I was trying it on (and taking copious amounts of pictures in the fitting room lol) Kathy was putting the finishing details on the costume such as the ribbons on the crown and trimming the arm bands in the same cyan aqua blue color as the skirt / bows. That’s why you may notice some slight differences in each image. It was a work in progress.

It turned out SO cute though!!!

This costume has been a dream of mine for at least the past 3 or 4 years now. Ever since I got the UR Snowbird Kotori card in the Love Live School Idol Festival mobile game. I shamefully have not watched the Love Live School Idol Festival Anime yet – I hear it is really good though. I love the mobile game. Kotori is by far my favorite girl. I love all of her costumes. And her hair and face are just the cutest to me personally. Though everyone has their opinion on favorite girls when it comes to anime and games like this. There are a lot of other Kotori Minami Outfits I’d like to try someday.

love games live party GIF

But, the Snowman (sometimes also called Snowbird) Costume was my favorite!! I ordered a wand too but sadly it has not arrived – it’s been 3 months so looks like I got scammed – I would recommend not buying anything from Joebuy.com FYI lol. I have contacted their support 3 or 4 times inquiring about when my order will ship to no avail — but it’s probably just as well – while having a prop would make the costume more accurate, it would be a hindrance to enjoying my day at the convention. Hard to go shopping / carry a prop / carry shopping bags / and play arcade games or do an escape room puzzle etc.

Image result for snowbird kotori UR love live

This is (supposedly) a pic of the wand I had purchased (I say supposedly because these Chinese knock off sites are so notorious for stealing other people’s images etc). I purchased it on January 8th. This is now March 9th, and the order is marked as “processing” even though I have an email (and bank statement) saying that payment was received on January 8th.

Seriously guys don’t buy from this site… I’ve waited 3 months and it says it’s “In Stock” so why am I waiting 3 months? I think it’s a fake website / scam.

It’s a shame because it looked cute – and the snow bird to clip on my shoulder was perfect too — but like I said maybe it’s fate or kismet that the wand didn’t ship because I would have been stuck holding/carrying it all over all day.

As you can see, in the original Kotori Snowbird Costume – the top is like a teddy or lingerie, with a slit all the way down the front, bearing the stomach…

1.) I’m chubby

2.) I have scars from a surgery on my tummy

3.) I wanted to be a bit more modest because of my age (36).

Yet, even with the modifications to the top, it still perfectly captures the spirit and design of the character. I kinda like the fact that I “pulled off” a fairly accurate representation of the character as a “plus size” cosplayer. A lot of girls my size would be scared to cosplay a more revealing costume. But we were able to make a few modifications that made it more “plus size” friendly while still capturing the spirit and overall look of the original. I think us plus size gals should cosplay as whoever we want! And if you’re comfortable bearing your belly – more power to you, but I myself was not. The modifications to the top and skirt let me feel more comfortable – and still clearly represent the intended character. Anyone who has seen the UR Kotori Minami Snowbird Card in Love Live School Idol Festival would still know who I’m cosplaying as – and I don’t feel anyone would shame me for wearing something too revealing for my body size/shape (or age for that matter being in my 30s now).

People might still be like “EWW a fat Kotori.” but I don’t care. I’m comfortable in the costume, and feel it represents the character and does justice to it. I’m proud of my cosplay. And my opinion of my cosplay is the only opinion that should really matter to me. It has been a literal dream of mine for years now to cosplay this exact character. But I always wondered how I would pull it off, given my weight. But now, seeing my cosplay vision realized, it’s so exciting and so amazing and awesome. I’m so glad I stuck to my gut and my heart and went for the character I wanted to go as!!

This just proves cosplay is for everyone. You can always modify costumes to suit your needs. Just go have fun with it. You’ll be happy in the end. Even if you overhear people saying negative things, just ignore them, and enjoy your day. I’m sure I might get a few negative replies here about my costume, my appearance, my weight, or even the fact I haven’t watched the anime yet (maybe I’ll try to watch it before Tekko) (but at least I’ve played the game lol. I’m not a fake anime/gamer girl by any means. I do know the characters and chose this as a character and game that I love.)

Other modifications were made

– Skirt was lengthened a great deal.

No bloomers —

Because instead of thigh highs, I ordered custom leggings from Artscow.

I wish I had made the blue stripes on the one leg wider and more noticeable now that I’m looking at it. But overall happy and would recommend Artscow. Their lead and delivery time felt a bit long, but you can make any kind of leggings – or dresses – or anything you want with your own art work. It was easy enough to create a white/blue stripe pattern in photoshop and save and upload my design. Price was fair too.

I chose leggings instead of thigh highs because:

1.) I couldn’t find blue and white vertical striped stockings anywhere. – horizontal stripes a plenty, but vertical no where to be found.

2.) I know I could have bought fabric paint and painted my own stripes onto plain white opaque stockings

3.) But 1, I worried about a steady enough hand to make the lines look straight and neat and tidy.

4.) I worried that my thigh highs would roll down to like knee highs, which is usually what happens when I wear thigh highs. Especially since David Lawrence Convention Center is HUGE. And I’ll be doing a LOT of Walking…

I know in the original artwork for the card within the game, we can’t see what Kotori’s shoes look like. But action figures and other character goods have been released which show a blue heeled shoe.

Image result for snowbird kotori figure

I have a VERY wide foot – So wide that sometimes even buying wide shoes does not fit me…. I found a pair of DOUBLE WIDE shoes on amazon… They run actually BIG… I had to return and go a size smaller (in length) and still my heel pops out sometimes. My shoes are not pictured in any of my cosplay photos yet. And yes, I know they’re not the right shade of blue. But none the less, they are close…. They aren’t very comfortable… But women wear uncomfortable shoes all the time. I can do it too I guess, for a day…

These are the shoes I ordered:

I know, not exact, but you have NO idea HOW HARD IT IS to find a “CUTE” wide width shoe – period – and then expect it to be BLUE — or a very specific SHADE of blue??? Forget it LOL….. Not happening….

If I was a millionaire I would make my own company that made wide width shoes for young women that were cute, sexy, trendy, AND MOST OF ALL, comfortable!!

Like most women, I love shoes!! But I can’t buy/collect shoes like other women because they NEVER fit — and what DOES fit me — Birkenstocks, Clarks, Cobbie Cuddlers, Earth Brands, etc — do not offer attractive designs….

Anyways — I think I’m going to wear my shoes from amazon (pictured above)… I may regret it – I haven’t broken them in — the toe box is a little too narrow, the heel is a little too wide, the top of the toes feel like they’re putting pressure on my toes. A bit – like not overly uncomfortable… I dunno lol. It’s like they’re not as comfortable as my Go to Shoes / Sandals (Clarks usually) — But sacrifices must be made in the name of fashion — at least when it comes to cosplay! LOL… But all this walking…. Maybe I will bring a backpack or some type of tote bag large enough to fit a pair of comfy shoes and trade off if my feet are hurting too much – I don’t want to ruin my whole day at the convention and not enjoy myself! And I could use said tote or backpack to store my goodies, my wallet, and anything I pick up at the convention.

So after writing this last paragraph, I took a break from writing this blog post, and decided to order a custom print crossbody bag that should hopefully be able to fit a comfy pair of shoes.

I ordered this from Artscow whom I also ordered the leggings from. I am kinda iffy as to if it will arrive before Tekko but nonetheless, I will use the bag on other occasions, even including just everyday use. And it’s not like this is the last time I will wear this costume either, so I will have it for next time I bust out the Kotori cosplay 🙂 To get free shipping (for orders over $20), I also ordered a Mini button with the same image (for just $0.99 – much better than the nearly $20 shipping fee lol).

I’m not even sure it’ll be large enough to fit a pair of shoes? I hope so though. I found this other crossbody photo bag on another site, for like twice as much (shown below)

Now clearly that looks large enough to fit a pair of sandals, flipflops, or flats.

The measurements on snaptote’s site are as follows:

9.5″W x 12.25″H x 1″D

The measurements for the one on Artcow are as follows:

10.25″(W) x 12″(H) x 2.5″(D)

Which means if those measurements are accurate Artcows is a bit wider, a quarter of an inch shorter, and almost 3 times deeper….

If the picture from snaptote is accurate in showing the bag on a woman’s body….

That should be plenty big for shoes —

If not… Well a girl’s gotta have a purse anyways — and I like the idea that my purse will show people “who I am” – both at the convention as part of my cosplay — and for everyday use by showing I’m a geeky anime and gamer girl. So all is not lost even if it doesn’t suit my plans for packing a spare pair of comfy shoes lol.

It’s like someone can come up and ask me who I am supposed to be at the convention and I can show them my purse and tell them I’m Kotori Minami from Love Live School Idol. OR Someone on the street or at a store or restaurant could see my bag and be like OMG I love Kotori too, or I love Love Live School Idol Festival too! Or even just “I love anime too” or even just “I love your bag!” I get compliments all the time anymore when I’m out I think it’s 2 fold – 1 I’m happier now than I have been in a long, long time. People are drawn to that happy energy – and 2. I buy 95% of my outfits on amazon and etsy custom made, and really weird farout there, I will do some reviews of some of the shops I frequently purchase from online, but the number 1 place I have found is on amazon and called CowCow – not to be confused with ArtsCow. I haven’t tried making a dress on Artscow yet – they do have that option though. – I have unicorn dresses, cat dresses, dinosaur dresses, candy dresses, rabbit dresses, just all these wacky crazy print dresses lol. Everywhere I go, people take notice because I’m unique and stand out because I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace it and rock my geekyness. I get compliments all the time. For a long time too I was dying my hair rainbow colors – but had to stop because of my hair getting so damaged from continuous bleaching. I also had a formal event to go to, so seemed like a good time to give my hair a break for a bit. lol.

My Fashions
My Fashions

Anyways the last prop that you haven’t really seen up close yet is the crown. I ordered this crown on ebay for hella cheap, and my seamstress sewed the blue/white striped bow onto one end. It clips into hair with two barrettes. It is a little heavy and weighs the wig down some. I’m hoping once I have wig cap and wig on properly it will be less slippery.

Yes, I know it’s not quite the exact shade of blue, but close enough and so cheap (I think it was like 2 dollars).

I even have the perfect nail polish for my costume too, assuming I can remember what shade this was lol. I always get my nails done at the salon because Gel polishes are just so much better than regular polish, Lasts 3 or 4 weeks and I can go swimming in it or do anything and it doesn’t come off. So nice.

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Having shown you everything there is to see, I will leave you with some close up larger images of my costume itself. Sorry these pictures are pretty terrible. I actually had a really stressful bad day yesterday – Seeing my costume — and my boyfriend’s reaction to my costume though made my day so much better / darn near perfect lol. But the stress from earlier in the day left deep shadows on my eyes and broke out my skin a bit. I also don’t have any makeup on, not even lip gloss, and had no wig cap, so my dark hair is showing through / looking a mess lol.

Hopefully I will take more pics at Tekko – I was just excited lastnight seeing my finished costume for the first time and wanted to see the “complete look”.

If you see me at Tekko feel free to say hi!! Come talk to me about some Shoujo anime/manga, video games, or Asian Balljointed Dolls and similar toys. I’m really shy but if others talk to me first, I generally will reciprocate 🙂 I’m just recently getting back into cosplay and conventions. I’m dragging my boyfriend to Tekko with me even though he’s not into anime – It’s so nice to have someone to go with. We are both looking forward to the Escape Room and Arcade and other fun activities – Maybe some Board Games. I’m probably mostly looking forward to the Dealer Room LOL I wonder if they will have any Asian balljointed dolls or accessories, or pure neemos, or other dolls? Not that I can afford to spend much there this year :(… Life happens lol. Next year I will plan better and save more. :). My upcoming trip to Peru and some unexpected car repairs have zonked me hard. We’re also looking to do a short overnight/weekender local roadtrip type trip next month (potentially if it isn’t booked full yet). It’ll still be fun though just to wear my costume and walk around looking at everything and playing in the Arcade and Escape Room with my boyfriend.

I’m really looking forward to Tekko – it will be my first anime convention in probably 10 years or more. I’ve (recently) been to a few other geeky conventions but not anime specific, nor as large as, Tekko. I used to go to Tekko when it was further north outside of pittsburgh – I forget where? A marriott somewhere – maybe cranberry or monroeville- when it first started and for the first 3 or 4 years. – Man it’s been forever since I’ve been back to Tekko. I can’t wait! We will have so much fun.

Here are a few pics showing more of the details of my costume. Please excuse that they’re not photo perfect yet (no wigcap, shoes, makeup etc and I’m looking a little stressed/tired) — The costume is still cute though!! Can’t wait to wear it at Tekko!!

My Love Live Snowbird Kotori Cosplay Costume

kotori cosplay wig

See You At Tekko!

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume was originally published on

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume

Note: This costume was designed for me by Kathy’s Creations in Greenville PA. This is the 2nd cosplay costume that Kathy has created for me. About 2 years ago I also commissioned her for my Lunar Eternal Blue Lucia cosplay costume.

Kotori Cosplay
Kotori Cosplay

I have a bad habit of not taking wig caps with me to my fittings and/or losing wig caps lol. I will buy wig cap before the anime convention next month. These pics aren’t great, because of no wig cap, and I also wasn’t wearing any makeup, not even lip gloss, lol.

But of course I was so excited that I couldn’t help taking like a million (OK about 40 lol) pictures in my costume.

As I was trying it on (and taking copious amounts of pictures in the fitting room lol) Kathy was putting the finishing details on the costume such as the ribbons on the crown and trimming the arm bands in the same cyan aqua blue color as the skirt / bows. That’s why you may notice some slight differences in each image. It was a work in progress.

It turned out SO cute though!!!

This costume has been a dream of mine for at least the past 3 or 4 years now. Ever since I got the UR Snowbird Kotori card in the Love Live School Idol Festival mobile game. I shamefully have not watched the Love Live School Idol Festival Anime yet – I hear it is really good though. I love the mobile game. Kotori is by far my favorite girl. I love all of her costumes. And her hair and face are just the cutest to me personally. Though everyone has their opinion on favorite girls when it comes to anime and games like this. There are a lot of other Kotori Minami Outfits I’d like to try someday.

love games live party GIF

But, the Snowman (sometimes also called Snowbird) Costume was my favorite!! I ordered a wand too but sadly it has not arrived – it’s been 3 months so looks like I got scammed – I would recommend not buying anything from Joebuy.com FYI lol. I have contacted their support 3 or 4 times inquiring about when my order will ship to no avail — but it’s probably just as well – while having a prop would make the costume more accurate, it would be a hindrance to enjoying my day at the convention. Hard to go shopping / carry a prop / carry shopping bags / and play arcade games or do an escape room puzzle etc.

Image result for snowbird kotori UR love live

This is (supposedly) a pic of the wand I had purchased (I say supposedly because these Chinese knock off sites are so notorious for stealing other people’s images etc). I purchased it on January 8th. This is now March 9th, and the order is marked as “processing” even though I have an email (and bank statement) saying that payment was received on January 8th.

Seriously guys don’t buy from this site… I’ve waited 3 months and it says it’s “In Stock” so why am I waiting 3 months? I think it’s a fake website / scam.

It’s a shame because it looked cute – and the snow bird to clip on my shoulder was perfect too — but like I said maybe it’s fate or kismet that the wand didn’t ship because I would have been stuck holding/carrying it all over all day.

As you can see, in the original Kotori Snowbird Costume – the top is like a teddy or lingerie, with a slit all the way down the front, bearing the stomach…

1.) I’m chubby

2.) I have scars from a surgery on my tummy

3.) I wanted to be a bit more modest because of my age (36).

Yet, even with the modifications to the top, it still perfectly captures the spirit and design of the character. I kinda like the fact that I “pulled off” a fairly accurate representation of the character as a “plus size” cosplayer. A lot of girls my size would be scared to cosplay a more revealing costume. But we were able to make a few modifications that made it more “plus size” friendly while still capturing the spirit and overall look of the original. I think us plus size gals should cosplay as whoever we want! And if you’re comfortable bearing your belly – more power to you, but I myself was not. The modifications to the top and skirt let me feel more comfortable – and still clearly represent the intended character. Anyone who has seen the UR Kotori Minami Snowbird Card in Love Live School Idol Festival would still know who I’m cosplaying as – and I don’t feel anyone would shame me for wearing something too revealing for my body size/shape (or age for that matter being in my 30s now).

People might still be like “EWW a fat Kotori.” but I don’t care. I’m comfortable in the costume, and feel it represents the character and does justice to it. I’m proud of my cosplay. And my opinion of my cosplay is the only opinion that should really matter to me. It has been a literal dream of mine for years now to cosplay this exact character. But I always wondered how I would pull it off, given my weight. But now, seeing my cosplay vision realized, it’s so exciting and so amazing and awesome. I’m so glad I stuck to my gut and my heart and went for the character I wanted to go as!!

This just proves cosplay is for everyone. You can always modify costumes to suit your needs. Just go have fun with it. You’ll be happy in the end. Even if you overhear people saying negative things, just ignore them, and enjoy your day. I’m sure I might get a few negative replies here about my costume, my appearance, my weight, or even the fact I haven’t watched the anime yet (maybe I’ll try to watch it before Tekko) (but at least I’ve played the game lol. I’m not a fake anime/gamer girl by any means. I do know the characters and chose this as a character and game that I love.)

Other modifications were made

– Skirt was lengthened a great deal.

No bloomers —

Because instead of thigh highs, I ordered custom leggings from Artscow.

I wish I had made the blue stripes on the one leg wider and more noticeable now that I’m looking at it. But overall happy and would recommend Artscow. Their lead and delivery time felt a bit long, but you can make any kind of leggings – or dresses – or anything you want with your own art work. It was easy enough to create a white/blue stripe pattern in photoshop and save and upload my design. Price was fair too.

I chose leggings instead of thigh highs because:

1.) I couldn’t find blue and white vertical striped stockings anywhere. – horizontal stripes a plenty, but vertical no where to be found.

2.) I know I could have bought fabric paint and painted my own stripes onto plain white opaque stockings

3.) But 1, I worried about a steady enough hand to make the lines look straight and neat and tidy.

4.) I worried that my thigh highs would roll down to like knee highs, which is usually what happens when I wear thigh highs. Especially since David Lawrence Convention Center is HUGE. And I’ll be doing a LOT of Walking…

I know in the original artwork for the card within the game, we can’t see what Kotori’s shoes look like. But action figures and other character goods have been released which show a blue heeled shoe.

Image result for snowbird kotori figure

I have a VERY wide foot – So wide that sometimes even buying wide shoes does not fit me…. I found a pair of DOUBLE WIDE shoes on amazon… They run actually BIG… I had to return and go a size smaller (in length) and still my heel pops out sometimes. My shoes are not pictured in any of my cosplay photos yet. And yes, I know they’re not the right shade of blue. But none the less, they are close…. They aren’t very comfortable… But women wear uncomfortable shoes all the time. I can do it too I guess, for a day…

These are the shoes I ordered:

I know, not exact, but you have NO idea HOW HARD IT IS to find a “CUTE” wide width shoe – period – and then expect it to be BLUE — or a very specific SHADE of blue??? Forget it LOL….. Not happening….

If I was a millionaire I would make my own company that made wide width shoes for young women that were cute, sexy, trendy, AND MOST OF ALL, comfortable!!

Like most women, I love shoes!! But I can’t buy/collect shoes like other women because they NEVER fit — and what DOES fit me — Birkenstocks, Clarks, Cobbie Cuddlers, Earth Brands, etc — do not offer attractive designs….

Anyways — I think I’m going to wear my shoes from amazon (pictured above)… I may regret it – I haven’t broken them in — the toe box is a little too narrow, the heel is a little too wide, the top of the toes feel like they’re putting pressure on my toes. A bit – like not overly uncomfortable… I dunno lol. It’s like they’re not as comfortable as my Go to Shoes / Sandals (Clarks usually) — But sacrifices must be made in the name of fashion — at least when it comes to cosplay! LOL… But all this walking…. Maybe I will bring a backpack or some type of tote bag large enough to fit a pair of comfy shoes and trade off if my feet are hurting too much – I don’t want to ruin my whole day at the convention and not enjoy myself! And I could use said tote or backpack to store my goodies, my wallet, and anything I pick up at the convention.

So after writing this last paragraph, I took a break from writing this blog post, and decided to order a custom print crossbody bag that should hopefully be able to fit a comfy pair of shoes.

I ordered this from Artscow whom I also ordered the leggings from. I am kinda iffy as to if it will arrive before Tekko but nonetheless, I will use the bag on other occasions, even including just everyday use. And it’s not like this is the last time I will wear this costume either, so I will have it for next time I bust out the Kotori cosplay 🙂 To get free shipping (for orders over $20), I also ordered a Mini button with the same image (for just $0.99 – much better than the nearly $20 shipping fee lol).

I’m not even sure it’ll be large enough to fit a pair of shoes? I hope so though. I found this other crossbody photo bag on another site, for like twice as much (shown below)

Now clearly that looks large enough to fit a pair of sandals, flipflops, or flats.

The measurements on snaptote’s site are as follows:

9.5″W x 12.25″H x 1″D

The measurements for the one on Artcow are as follows:

10.25″(W) x 12″(H) x 2.5″(D)

Which means if those measurements are accurate Artcows is a bit wider, a quarter of an inch shorter, and almost 3 times deeper….

If the picture from snaptote is accurate in showing the bag on a woman’s body….

That should be plenty big for shoes —

If not… Well a girl’s gotta have a purse anyways — and I like the idea that my purse will show people “who I am” – both at the convention as part of my cosplay — and for everyday use by showing I’m a geeky anime and gamer girl. So all is not lost even if it doesn’t suit my plans for packing a spare pair of comfy shoes lol.

It’s like someone can come up and ask me who I am supposed to be at the convention and I can show them my purse and tell them I’m Kotori Minami from Love Live School Idol. OR Someone on the street or at a store or restaurant could see my bag and be like OMG I love Kotori too, or I love Love Live School Idol Festival too! Or even just “I love anime too” or even just “I love your bag!” I get compliments all the time anymore when I’m out I think it’s 2 fold – 1 I’m happier now than I have been in a long, long time. People are drawn to that happy energy – and 2. I buy 95% of my outfits on amazon and etsy custom made, and really weird farout there, I will do some reviews of some of the shops I frequently purchase from online, but the number 1 place I have found is on amazon and called CowCow – not to be confused with ArtsCow. I haven’t tried making a dress on Artscow yet – they do have that option though. – I have unicorn dresses, cat dresses, dinosaur dresses, candy dresses, rabbit dresses, just all these wacky crazy print dresses lol. Everywhere I go, people take notice because I’m unique and stand out because I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace it and rock my geekyness. I get compliments all the time. For a long time too I was dying my hair rainbow colors – but had to stop because of my hair getting so damaged from continuous bleaching. I also had a formal event to go to, so seemed like a good time to give my hair a break for a bit. lol.

My Fashions
My Fashions

Anyways the last prop that you haven’t really seen up close yet is the crown. I ordered this crown on ebay for hella cheap, and my seamstress sewed the blue/white striped bow onto one end. It clips into hair with two barrettes. It is a little heavy and weighs the wig down some. I’m hoping once I have wig cap and wig on properly it will be less slippery.

Yes, I know it’s not quite the exact shade of blue, but close enough and so cheap (I think it was like 2 dollars).

I even have the perfect nail polish for my costume too, assuming I can remember what shade this was lol. I always get my nails done at the salon because Gel polishes are just so much better than regular polish, Lasts 3 or 4 weeks and I can go swimming in it or do anything and it doesn’t come off. So nice.

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Having shown you everything there is to see, I will leave you with some close up larger images of my costume itself. Sorry these pictures are pretty terrible. I actually had a really stressful bad day yesterday – Seeing my costume — and my boyfriend’s reaction to my costume though made my day so much better / darn near perfect lol. But the stress from earlier in the day left deep shadows on my eyes and broke out my skin a bit. I also don’t have any makeup on, not even lip gloss, and had no wig cap, so my dark hair is showing through / looking a mess lol.

Hopefully I will take more pics at Tekko – I was just excited lastnight seeing my finished costume for the first time and wanted to see the “complete look”.

If you see me at Tekko feel free to say hi!! Come talk to me about some Shoujo anime/manga, video games, or Asian Balljointed Dolls and similar toys. I’m really shy but if others talk to me first, I generally will reciprocate 🙂 I’m just recently getting back into cosplay and conventions. I’m dragging my boyfriend to Tekko with me even though he’s not into anime – It’s so nice to have someone to go with. We are both looking forward to the Escape Room and Arcade and other fun activities – Maybe some Board Games. I’m probably mostly looking forward to the Dealer Room LOL I wonder if they will have any Asian balljointed dolls or accessories, or pure neemos, or other dolls? Not that I can afford to spend much there this year :(… Life happens lol. Next year I will plan better and save more. :). My upcoming trip to Peru and some unexpected car repairs have zonked me hard. We’re also looking to do a short overnight/weekender local roadtrip type trip next month (potentially if it isn’t booked full yet). It’ll still be fun though just to wear my costume and walk around looking at everything and playing in the Arcade and Escape Room with my boyfriend.

I’m really looking forward to Tekko – it will be my first anime convention in probably 10 years or more. I’ve (recently) been to a few other geeky conventions but not anime specific, nor as large as, Tekko. I used to go to Tekko when it was further north outside of pittsburgh – I forget where? A marriott somewhere – maybe cranberry or monroeville- when it first started and for the first 3 or 4 years. – Man it’s been forever since I’ve been back to Tekko. I can’t wait! We will have so much fun.

Here are a few pics showing more of the details of my costume. Please excuse that they’re not photo perfect yet (no wigcap, shoes, makeup etc and I’m looking a little stressed/tired) — The costume is still cute though!! Can’t wait to wear it at Tekko!!

My Love Live Snowbird Kotori Cosplay Costume

kotori cosplay wig

See You At Tekko!

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume was originally published on

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume

Note: This costume was designed for me by Kathy’s Creations in Greenville PA. This is the 2nd cosplay costume that Kathy has created for me. About 2 years ago I also commissioned her for my Lunar Eternal Blue Lucia cosplay costume.

Kotori Cosplay
Kotori Cosplay

I have a bad habit of not taking wig caps with me to my fittings and/or losing wig caps lol. I will buy wig cap before the anime convention next month. These pics aren’t great, because of no wig cap, and I also wasn’t wearing any makeup, not even lip gloss, lol.

But of course I was so excited that I couldn’t help taking like a million (OK about 40 lol) pictures in my costume.

As I was trying it on (and taking copious amounts of pictures in the fitting room lol) Kathy was putting the finishing details on the costume such as the ribbons on the crown and trimming the arm bands in the same cyan aqua blue color as the skirt / bows. That’s why you may notice some slight differences in each image. It was a work in progress.

It turned out SO cute though!!!

This costume has been a dream of mine for at least the past 3 or 4 years now. Ever since I got the UR Snowbird Kotori card in the Love Live School Idol Festival mobile game. I shamefully have not watched the Love Live School Idol Festival Anime yet – I hear it is really good though. I love the mobile game. Kotori is by far my favorite girl. I love all of her costumes. And her hair and face are just the cutest to me personally. Though everyone has their opinion on favorite girls when it comes to anime and games like this. There are a lot of other Kotori Minami Outfits I’d like to try someday.

love games live party GIF

But, the Snowman (sometimes also called Snowbird) Costume was my favorite!! I ordered a wand too but sadly it has not arrived – it’s been 3 months so looks like I got scammed – I would recommend not buying anything from Joebuy.com FYI lol. I have contacted their support 3 or 4 times inquiring about when my order will ship to no avail — but it’s probably just as well – while having a prop would make the costume more accurate, it would be a hindrance to enjoying my day at the convention. Hard to go shopping / carry a prop / carry shopping bags / and play arcade games or do an escape room puzzle etc.

Image result for snowbird kotori UR love live

This is (supposedly) a pic of the wand I had purchased (I say supposedly because these Chinese knock off sites are so notorious for stealing other people’s images etc). I purchased it on January 8th. This is now March 9th, and the order is marked as “processing” even though I have an email (and bank statement) saying that payment was received on January 8th.

Seriously guys don’t buy from this site… I’ve waited 3 months and it says it’s “In Stock” so why am I waiting 3 months? I think it’s a fake website / scam.

It’s a shame because it looked cute – and the snow bird to clip on my shoulder was perfect too — but like I said maybe it’s fate or kismet that the wand didn’t ship because I would have been stuck holding/carrying it all over all day.

As you can see, in the original Kotori Snowbird Costume – the top is like a teddy or lingerie, with a slit all the way down the front, bearing the stomach…

1.) I’m chubby

2.) I have scars from a surgery on my tummy

3.) I wanted to be a bit more modest because of my age (36).

Yet, even with the modifications to the top, it still perfectly captures the spirit and design of the character. I kinda like the fact that I “pulled off” a fairly accurate representation of the character as a “plus size” cosplayer. A lot of girls my size would be scared to cosplay a more revealing costume. But we were able to make a few modifications that made it more “plus size” friendly while still capturing the spirit and overall look of the original. I think us plus size gals should cosplay as whoever we want! And if you’re comfortable bearing your belly – more power to you, but I myself was not. The modifications to the top and skirt let me feel more comfortable – and still clearly represent the intended character. Anyone who has seen the UR Kotori Minami Snowbird Card in Love Live School Idol Festival would still know who I’m cosplaying as – and I don’t feel anyone would shame me for wearing something too revealing for my body size/shape (or age for that matter being in my 30s now).

People might still be like “EWW a fat Kotori.” but I don’t care. I’m comfortable in the costume, and feel it represents the character and does justice to it. I’m proud of my cosplay. And my opinion of my cosplay is the only opinion that should really matter to me. It has been a literal dream of mine for years now to cosplay this exact character. But I always wondered how I would pull it off, given my weight. But now, seeing my cosplay vision realized, it’s so exciting and so amazing and awesome. I’m so glad I stuck to my gut and my heart and went for the character I wanted to go as!!

This just proves cosplay is for everyone. You can always modify costumes to suit your needs. Just go have fun with it. You’ll be happy in the end. Even if you overhear people saying negative things, just ignore them, and enjoy your day. I’m sure I might get a few negative replies here about my costume, my appearance, my weight, or even the fact I haven’t watched the anime yet (maybe I’ll try to watch it before Tekko) (but at least I’ve played the game lol. I’m not a fake anime/gamer girl by any means. I do know the characters and chose this as a character and game that I love.)

Other modifications were made

– Skirt was lengthened a great deal.

No bloomers —

Because instead of thigh highs, I ordered custom leggings from Artscow.

I wish I had made the blue stripes on the one leg wider and more noticeable now that I’m looking at it. But overall happy and would recommend Artscow. Their lead and delivery time felt a bit long, but you can make any kind of leggings – or dresses – or anything you want with your own art work. It was easy enough to create a white/blue stripe pattern in photoshop and save and upload my design. Price was fair too.

I chose leggings instead of thigh highs because:

1.) I couldn’t find blue and white vertical striped stockings anywhere. – horizontal stripes a plenty, but vertical no where to be found.

2.) I know I could have bought fabric paint and painted my own stripes onto plain white opaque stockings

3.) But 1, I worried about a steady enough hand to make the lines look straight and neat and tidy.

4.) I worried that my thigh highs would roll down to like knee highs, which is usually what happens when I wear thigh highs. Especially since David Lawrence Convention Center is HUGE. And I’ll be doing a LOT of Walking…

I know in the original artwork for the card within the game, we can’t see what Kotori’s shoes look like. But action figures and other character goods have been released which show a blue heeled shoe.

Image result for snowbird kotori figure

I have a VERY wide foot – So wide that sometimes even buying wide shoes does not fit me…. I found a pair of DOUBLE WIDE shoes on amazon… They run actually BIG… I had to return and go a size smaller (in length) and still my heel pops out sometimes. My shoes are not pictured in any of my cosplay photos yet. And yes, I know they’re not the right shade of blue. But none the less, they are close…. They aren’t very comfortable… But women wear uncomfortable shoes all the time. I can do it too I guess, for a day…

These are the shoes I ordered:

I know, not exact, but you have NO idea HOW HARD IT IS to find a “CUTE” wide width shoe – period – and then expect it to be BLUE — or a very specific SHADE of blue??? Forget it LOL….. Not happening….

If I was a millionaire I would make my own company that made wide width shoes for young women that were cute, sexy, trendy, AND MOST OF ALL, comfortable!!

Like most women, I love shoes!! But I can’t buy/collect shoes like other women because they NEVER fit — and what DOES fit me — Birkenstocks, Clarks, Cobbie Cuddlers, Earth Brands, etc — do not offer attractive designs….

Anyways — I think I’m going to wear my shoes from amazon (pictured above)… I may regret it – I haven’t broken them in — the toe box is a little too narrow, the heel is a little too wide, the top of the toes feel like they’re putting pressure on my toes. A bit – like not overly uncomfortable… I dunno lol. It’s like they’re not as comfortable as my Go to Shoes / Sandals (Clarks usually) — But sacrifices must be made in the name of fashion — at least when it comes to cosplay! LOL… But all this walking…. Maybe I will bring a backpack or some type of tote bag large enough to fit a pair of comfy shoes and trade off if my feet are hurting too much – I don’t want to ruin my whole day at the convention and not enjoy myself! And I could use said tote or backpack to store my goodies, my wallet, and anything I pick up at the convention.

So after writing this last paragraph, I took a break from writing this blog post, and decided to order a custom print crossbody bag that should hopefully be able to fit a comfy pair of shoes.

I ordered this from Artscow whom I also ordered the leggings from. I am kinda iffy as to if it will arrive before Tekko but nonetheless, I will use the bag on other occasions, even including just everyday use. And it’s not like this is the last time I will wear this costume either, so I will have it for next time I bust out the Kotori cosplay 🙂 To get free shipping (for orders over $20), I also ordered a Mini button with the same image (for just $0.99 – much better than the nearly $20 shipping fee lol).

I’m not even sure it’ll be large enough to fit a pair of shoes? I hope so though. I found this other crossbody photo bag on another site, for like twice as much (shown below)

Now clearly that looks large enough to fit a pair of sandals, flipflops, or flats.

The measurements on snaptote’s site are as follows:

9.5″W x 12.25″H x 1″D

The measurements for the one on Artcow are as follows:

10.25″(W) x 12″(H) x 2.5″(D)

Which means if those measurements are accurate Artcows is a bit wider, a quarter of an inch shorter, and almost 3 times deeper….

If the picture from snaptote is accurate in showing the bag on a woman’s body….

That should be plenty big for shoes —

If not… Well a girl’s gotta have a purse anyways — and I like the idea that my purse will show people “who I am” – both at the convention as part of my cosplay — and for everyday use by showing I’m a geeky anime and gamer girl. So all is not lost even if it doesn’t suit my plans for packing a spare pair of comfy shoes lol.

It’s like someone can come up and ask me who I am supposed to be at the convention and I can show them my purse and tell them I’m Kotori Minami from Love Live School Idol. OR Someone on the street or at a store or restaurant could see my bag and be like OMG I love Kotori too, or I love Love Live School Idol Festival too! Or even just “I love anime too” or even just “I love your bag!” I get compliments all the time anymore when I’m out I think it’s 2 fold – 1 I’m happier now than I have been in a long, long time. People are drawn to that happy energy – and 2. I buy 95% of my outfits on amazon and etsy custom made, and really weird farout there, I will do some reviews of some of the shops I frequently purchase from online, but the number 1 place I have found is on amazon and called CowCow – not to be confused with ArtsCow. I haven’t tried making a dress on Artscow yet – they do have that option though. – I have unicorn dresses, cat dresses, dinosaur dresses, candy dresses, rabbit dresses, just all these wacky crazy print dresses lol. Everywhere I go, people take notice because I’m unique and stand out because I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace it and rock my geekyness. I get compliments all the time. For a long time too I was dying my hair rainbow colors – but had to stop because of my hair getting so damaged from continuous bleaching. I also had a formal event to go to, so seemed like a good time to give my hair a break for a bit. lol.

My Fashions
My Fashions

Anyways the last prop that you haven’t really seen up close yet is the crown. I ordered this crown on ebay for hella cheap, and my seamstress sewed the blue/white striped bow onto one end. It clips into hair with two barrettes. It is a little heavy and weighs the wig down some. I’m hoping once I have wig cap and wig on properly it will be less slippery.

Yes, I know it’s not quite the exact shade of blue, but close enough and so cheap (I think it was like 2 dollars).

I even have the perfect nail polish for my costume too, assuming I can remember what shade this was lol. I always get my nails done at the salon because Gel polishes are just so much better than regular polish, Lasts 3 or 4 weeks and I can go swimming in it or do anything and it doesn’t come off. So nice.

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Having shown you everything there is to see, I will leave you with some close up larger images of my costume itself. Sorry these pictures are pretty terrible. I actually had a really stressful bad day yesterday – Seeing my costume — and my boyfriend’s reaction to my costume though made my day so much better / darn near perfect lol. But the stress from earlier in the day left deep shadows on my eyes and broke out my skin a bit. I also don’t have any makeup on, not even lip gloss, and had no wig cap, so my dark hair is showing through / looking a mess lol.

Hopefully I will take more pics at Tekko – I was just excited lastnight seeing my finished costume for the first time and wanted to see the “complete look”.

If you see me at Tekko feel free to say hi!! Come talk to me about some Shoujo anime/manga, video games, or Asian Balljointed Dolls and similar toys. I’m really shy but if others talk to me first, I generally will reciprocate 🙂 I’m just recently getting back into cosplay and conventions. I’m dragging my boyfriend to Tekko with me even though he’s not into anime – It’s so nice to have someone to go with. We are both looking forward to the Escape Room and Arcade and other fun activities – Maybe some Board Games. I’m probably mostly looking forward to the Dealer Room LOL I wonder if they will have any Asian balljointed dolls or accessories, or pure neemos, or other dolls? Not that I can afford to spend much there this year :(… Life happens lol. Next year I will plan better and save more. :). My upcoming trip to Peru and some unexpected car repairs have zonked me hard. We’re also looking to do a short overnight/weekender local roadtrip type trip next month (potentially if it isn’t booked full yet). It’ll still be fun though just to wear my costume and walk around looking at everything and playing in the Arcade and Escape Room with my boyfriend.

I’m really looking forward to Tekko – it will be my first anime convention in probably 10 years or more. I’ve (recently) been to a few other geeky conventions but not anime specific, nor as large as, Tekko. I used to go to Tekko when it was further north outside of pittsburgh – I forget where? A marriott somewhere – maybe cranberry or monroeville- when it first started and for the first 3 or 4 years. – Man it’s been forever since I’ve been back to Tekko. I can’t wait! We will have so much fun.

Here are a few pics showing more of the details of my costume. Please excuse that they’re not photo perfect yet (no wigcap, shoes, makeup etc and I’m looking a little stressed/tired) — The costume is still cute though!! Can’t wait to wear it at Tekko!!

My Love Live Snowbird Kotori Cosplay Costume

kotori cosplay wig

See You At Tekko!

My Love Live School Idol Festival Kotori Minami Snowbird Cosplay Costume was originally published on