Decor or Functional? What do you use your Goggles, Canes, watches, etc. for?

by Lady Rayna Keller

Jul 1, 2014

My husband just made the comment "Mommy's are just for decoration on top of her hat." to my daughter about my goggles and it got me thinking.   Is there really a preference to why we make our costumes the way we do?   I know most make functional weapons and most use their goggles in a functional way but do you plan it before hand or does it just end up that way?

 

My goggles personally started off as a functional thing for my very first character, an explorer who needed to keep the sand and grit from her eyes but as my character changed into a Sorceress the need for them kind of vanished unless I was in the back of my store working on potions.   So basically they went from functional to decoration in a matter of months.   On the other hand the goggles I just made my daughter are both functional and decor for her.....she likes wearing them as goggles and on her head as a headband/tiara.

 

Now that I think of it my watch is both decor and functional but then again what watch isn't if it still works right?   So I pose the question to you:

 

Is your goggles, watches, canes, weapons, etc. DECOR OR FUNCTIONAL?  Did they start off as one then eventually ended up as the other?   Inquiring minds are wondering as those of us who are still new, making new personas, etc. are interested in knowing.

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    Rev. Demetrius Hunt

    My kit pieces are mostly functional. I don't use goggles as they don't fit with my character. However, all of the watches and such have a use. The canes I are only really used if my trick knee is acting up (arthritis and then stabbed in it during a reenactment). My blades are all functional too, when the environment allows for them. I am still looking for a good sword cane. I like fencing at events, and would like to be able to use a sword stick like the one used in my writings.  

    The skeleton key I carry used to be functional as it belonged to the Hunt family home back in the day. It's an odd heirloom, but I like it.

    Apr 9, 2017

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      Mikhail 'Krakyn' Cogsmith

      I can only stand functional. I like to tinker and build, so whenever i see something, my mind must discover how it works. If i find it is fake, it makes me very sad and disappointed. I live to see things work.

      Apr 5, 2021

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        Rev. Demetrius Hunt

        I only add finctional items. If it's a cane, it can be used for orthopedic purposes. If it's a watch or compass, it works. If it's a tool, it's a usable piece. Even the skeleton key I wear belonged to the old family house.

        Nov 1, 2021