5th July 2011: Complete Here's how it all looks together, not a bad job I think.
5th July 2011: Top Hat Black wool top hat. I really wanted a satin one but they were out of my price range sadly. I wish it was a little taller also but it does the job I guess.
5th July 2011: Cane Purchased from ebay. Black hardwood shaft with a silver plated handle.
I wanted this so I could re-create a drawing by Adam Hughes and someone pointed out I might need the help in those heels XD
3rd July 2011: Tailcoat The tailcoat was bought from www.borntodance.org.uk. I couldn't afford a proper one (that along with the fact most are made for men) so I was left with choosing either a fancy dress or dance wear one, I figured one made for dancers would be more hard-wearing.
When it arrived it was sooo creased 0_o I've ironed it since but fear it creasing easily during wear. It's made from 100% polyester and tbh feels a bit cheap but it looks the part. Oh and it has shoulder pads, they feel odd, not sure if I should take them out.
3rd July 2011: Bottoms and fishnet tights I got some "big knickers" from Peacocks lol, they're tummy control briefs and the material is quite thick although I will wear extra underwear underneath them (need something under the fishnets anyway). I bought some bikini bottoms to wear over the top but they were cut too low on the leg. I might find another pair but tbh the matt look of the briefs match the tailcoat better even if originally I wanted a satin-look pair.
I went for regular sized fishnets in the end as Adam Hughes doesn't tend to draw Zee with wide-net ones like other artists do.
2nd July 2011: Wig and make-up test Got some photos wearing the wig now that it's finished and also had a make-up test. I'm wearing concealer, foundation, powder, black eyebrow pencil, liquid eyeliner on my top lid and just under my lower one, brown eye shadow, mascara and a lip gloss in a sorta purple shade (in some lights it looks pink and others brown... it's odd). I did get red lipstick but it looked awful on me and in one of Adam Hughes drawings she has a slight purple colour on anyway so I hope it looks ok.
2nd July 2011: Wig styling complete Cut the side fringe in, I think I cut it a bit too short but I'm not a fan of having hair covering my eyes lol
1st July 2011: Progress so far Here's how everything looks at the moment.
The shirt is a boys (age 14-15) formal shirt with a wing collar. They don't make this style of shirt for ladies hence why I had to get a boys one (an adult man's size would have swamped me).
I've got my much loved triple gel bra on in an attempt to achieve a more Zatanna-sized bust XD
The bottoms are temporary just for this photo, it's actually a swimming costume with the top half bunched under the corset. I will be getting some bikini bottoms instead.
30th June 2011: New shoes Wanted a pair with higher heels so bought these from Barratts. I actually hate pointy toed shoes lol but Zee wears them so ah well.
My feet will be killing at the end of the day ^^'
27th June 2011: Flower brooch For the lapel of the tailcoat. Cheap ebay job.
25th June 2011: Wig Bought from a UK seller on ebay as it looked pretty much perfect. However I thought it already had a pre-styled side swept fringe but it was just the way the seller tucked the strands to one side in the photo, bah. I shall have to cut one in without destroying it... Made of Kanekalon and feels nice but malts a bit. Has a skin top side parting.
25th June 2011: Gloves White cotton masonic gloves. The original pair I bought were too big but luckily I managed to find some ladies fit ones.
2nd May 2011: Wand Bought a cheap plastic wand from a fancy dress shop. Nothing exciting but the white tips can be pulled off leaving a hollow tube so I'm thinking of sticking some flowers in it for a photo or something.
28th April 2011: Underbust Corset My favourite store to buy corsets from (Corsets Boulevard) was having an Easter sale so I decided it would be the best time to pick up my underbust for this costume. I opted with a cream corset as it looks that colour in some references and it will help break up the white of the shirt.
This corset is fully steel-boned (steel busk and spiral steel), made from satin and fully lined in cotton with waist tape. The laces are strong enabling tight lacing, I can reduce my waist size by 2-4 inches (laces not pulled tight in photos).
I love CB's corsets, I have bought 3 from them in the past and they are an absolute bargain considering the quality. Will certainly be ordering more in the future to increase my collection!
13th March 2011: Shoes Picked up a pair of black patent high heels from the Marks and Spencer outlet, managed to get an extra 25% off also as they have a slight scuff on one of the shoes. Bargain!
I thought these were the perfect style for Zee but now I'm thinking the heel should be higher perhaps...
9th January 2011: Reference images Art by Adam Hughes.
FairyPorchQueen - 10th January 2011 I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on this! She's one of my favourites!
Leonie Heartilly - 10th January 2011 I hope I don't disappoint then!
Fables - 15th January 2011 <3 I love Zatanna so much! Good luck, it'll be cool to see when it's done ^^,
Captain_Marvelous - 15th January 2011 Wicked! I think every girl regardless of weather or not they are DC fans should do Zattana :) im sure you will look fabarooney! and regardless of weather or not you like other DC im getting a photo with you at lfcc when im green lantern :P
Leonie Heartilly - 15th January 2011
It's not that I dislike comic heroes, they've just never really caught my attention before (apart from the big films like Batman etc). But I work in a comic shop so I cannot avoid it! lol I am watching Justice League the animated series and learning ;)
But so far I love Zatanna's character ^^ And yes photos!
Ranma1-2 - 14th March 2011
Glad to see youre doing this. Dont worry about pulling off her sexy look, I think you will do just fine. ^_^
I would say though - if you are ok walking in higher heels, def go for some killer heels. I would use the lower shoes as backups in case feet get tired on the day or if there is a lot of walking to get to the cosplay event. But for photos killer heels. ;)
I also agree with you on AH artwork, love his stuff.
I never got to finish my Z costume like I wanted to, but I am putting that right at the mo, likely re-wearing improved vers for Kita. :)
Leonie Heartilly - 14th March 2011
If funds allow and I find a suitable pair I will prob end up getting some higher ones. I have a really high pair already that I can walk in so I should be fine hopefully =) Would like the re-create the shot of her standing with the cane (drawn bt AH).
I look forward to seeing your re-vamp at Kita ^^
Ranma1-2 - 14th March 2011
Oh great. Killer heels ftw. ^_^
Yes, cane..I only noticed that recently. Also never noticed she has a cape too. I like the idea of an extra layer, for travelling and when it gets cold. (and could also double up for steampunk costumes). I might have to make me one of those. :)
Best wishes with your re-creating pose idea, Im sure it is gonna look fab!
I look forward to seeing your progress. And in summer Im hoping to get down to LFCC too so I should see your Z cosplay for real. :)
Quinzel - 28th April 2011
Ooh Zatanna! With the exception of Harley Quinn, I've always preferred the Marvel girls but there's no denying that Zatanna is a great gal to cosplay.
The corset is gorgeous; you're going to rock this.
Fables - 28th April 2011 I love love love that corset! You're going to look amazing, I can't wait~
Newdles - 28th April 2011 This looks set to be made of extreme awesome! Have fun making it :-)
sjbonnar - 28th April 2011 This is looking great ^_^
eternal_aranel - 28th April 2011 Zatanna! :D
Leonie Heartilly - 28th April 2011 Woah so much interest in this! 0.o I hope I can pull her off okay!
FusionRose - 28th April 2011 Wow, Can't wait to see this hun, you'll look awesome x.
FairyPorchQueen - 2nd May 2011 Corset is perfect!
RevolverKitty - 4th May 2011 The corset is gorgeous hun, cant wait to see the finished product :)
Leonie Heartilly - 4th May 2011 Thank you ladies!
Freyarule - 4th May 2011
Oooh that corset looks nice, I'll have to look into that store if I ever need one :D
Yay for AH! I adore Adam Hughe's art :D
Leonie Heartilly - 5th May 2011 I deff recommend them!
Ranma1-2 - 14th May 2011
Net tights test - Leonie I agree with you, the mesh size on those looks big. I searched a lot when I did my Zatanna costume and the ones that I think are the best match are called Medium Fish net - eg http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Black-Medium-Net-Tights-Size-Medium-36-42-/270687053068?pt=UK_Hosiery_Socks&hash=item3f0634a50c
Wear over a normal pair of sheer black for the exact Zatanna art ref look.
Or if you are lucky you can find tights that are sheer with a fish net pattern added. I only saw those once though.
I'm really looking forward to seing you do this. :)
Leonie Heartilly - 14th May 2011 Thanks for the link, those do look better =)
Moonchild - 1st July 2011
LEGS <3
Progress is looking great! Can't wait to see in person ^^
Frederica la Noir - 1st July 2011 Whhhoooosh! this is amazing stuff! Can't wait to see :) xxx
Quinzel - 1st July 2011 Love the progress - this looks great on you.
Leonie Heartilly - 1st July 2011 Thank you ladies =D
FusionRose - 1st July 2011 The progress is coming along nicely, looking forward to seeing this finished x.
sjbonnar - 2nd July 2011 This is looking amazing so far!
Mangamad - 2nd July 2011 I see what you mean. lol XD
Ranma1-2 - 2nd July 2011
This is looking Amazing! I cant wait to see it for real. :) ..umm I hope its gonna be there on Sat..cuz I've booked my coach ticket for Saturady now.
New shoes - love these. ^_^
What are you doing for the topper?
Leonie Heartilly - 2nd July 2011
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Ranma1-2~ I thought you would appreciate the higher heels ;) Yes I am wearing this the Saturday and I have a top hat on it's way (only a wool one sadly, satin ones are expensive and I didn't want to make it).
Dragonkid01 - 3rd July 2011 I ♥ Zatanna Zatara can't wait to see it will be awesome
Ranma1-2 - 3rd July 2011 Eeeeexcellent. ^_^ see you there.
gaming_goddess - 5th July 2011 Looks so sexy! Really love this - can't wait to see this for real!
Leonie Heartilly - 5th July 2011 Thanks hun! Looking forward to seeing you =3
Moonchild - 5th July 2011
Ahh this looks soo good! You have such an amazing figure!
Really looking forward to seeing you at LFCC ^^
Leonie Heartilly - 5th July 2011 The corset hides my tummy... lol
Ranma1-2 - 6th July 2011 Darn, that is Soooo sexy! This is how I wish mine had turned out. Well done Leonie you look FAB!
Eloraborealis - 6th July 2011 You look amazing, can't wait to see this at LFCC! :D
sjbonnar - 6th July 2011 You look lovely ^_^
Freyarule - 6th July 2011 It suits you so well! :)
Zelvyne - 6th July 2011
Looks wonderful - wish I could see it in person.
And wow, I don't envy you those heels =p
Leonie Heartilly - 6th July 2011 Thank you for all the nice comments everyone ^^
sjbonnar - 8th July 2011 You look fantastic.
CrystalNeko - 10th July 2011 You -really- suit Zatanna! You look fantastic in all your photos!
Ranma1-2 - 10th July 2011
I saw you walk past twice on Sat - and you looked totally FABulous! but I wasnt in costume yet ..and then later when I was changed I didnt see you :( ..Pics together would have been great. I did find a Batman and a Harly and very briefly a Riddler with Penguin. Havent found any pics to share yet though.. :S
I hope you do Z again sometime..you really looked Amazing!
sjbonnar - 11th July 2011 Suited her so incredibly well. Well done!
Leonie Heartilly - 11th July 2011 I'm glad you like her!
Pandora-Chi - 12th July 2011 Oh my god! I saw you at LFCC and thought you looked familiar but I'm stupid for not figuring it out! *wacks self* You looked really pretty in this cosplay! Suits you so well! :)
ElegantAura - 12th July 2011 You make a wonderful Zatanna! Amazing work ^_^
Plasticsharkattack - 13th July 2011 THIS IS SO. EPIC. :)
FairyPorchQueen - 13th July 2011 Well i must say you make a MAGICAL Zatana!
BabemRoze - 13th July 2011 Looks amazing!
Zaiburst - 13th July 2011
well done, you really suit her!
and those legs! wow :D
Leonie Heartilly - 13th July 2011 Gosh thank you so much for all the positive feedback everyone! I didn't think she would be this popular!
shawlax1 - 17th July 2011 great costume =]
Solaria - 20th July 2011 Seriously you suit this so much *3* Black hair looks really good on you too! Such a lovely Zatanna <3
Leonie Heartilly - 20th July 2011 NavigatorxNami- Thank you! I actually love having my hair black, I used to dye it that all the time but my family complain that I'm "too pale" for it and it makes me look "washed out". Bah. I shall be dyeing it again soon lol
Dragonkid01 - 26th August 2011 you look so magical az ♥ Zatanna Zatara
Leonie Heartilly - 26th August 2011 Thanks ^^
WarriorTeddy - 5th September 2011 I recall seeing you on the saturday of the con, and saying to myself 'that is one hot Zatanna' :D
MattDark - 13th October 2011
Been getting back into comics recently, so its sweet to see a great comic-book cosplay. And one thats not often done either!
Very nicely done
Leonie Heartilly - 13th October 2011 I'm glad you like it =)
Angelphie - 1st November 2011 Awesome costume and you look fabulous in it!
MattDark - 1st November 2011
So glad you wore this again for expo. Glad I got to see it in person.
(Just wish my camera hadnt decided to die)
RevolverKitty - 16th January 2012 So in love with you in this outfit, you look absolutely amazing! :D
Leonie Heartilly - 18th January 2012 Thank you for all the positive comments! It's great to know this costume is liked a lot by people =)
Anonymous - 5th March 2012
hay hun, sorry to spam and I dunno if you're planning on doing this costume (which is epic btw!!!) to May expo but there's a Batman/DC meet up on Saturday and it'd be awesome if you could come??
http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/forum?c=showthread&ThreadID=7143
if you know anyone else that might be going that'd be interested please direct them to the forum post. Thanks!
but honestly, I frigging love this costume, hope I can get a shoot with you nect time you wear it =]
Leonie Heartilly - 8th March 2012 My costumes for May aren't set yet hun but I might be wearing this for LFCC again this year so don't really want to wear it to Expo too. I'm glad you like it so much though! x