CONTEST–Win a $150 Gift Certificate to Clockwork Couture

Dipping My Toes in Copper Colored Waters‏ »

CONTEST–Win a $150 Gift Certificate to Clockwork Couture

April 4, 2010 by suzannelazear

We have some great things lined up for you this week. Tomorrow, April 5th, Donna from Steampunk Clothier Clockwork Couture will be blogging about Steampunk Fashion. Tuesday, April 6th, we’ll have artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith . Author Jana Oliver will be visiting us on Thursday, April 8th.

But, to kick off the week, I’m very excited to announce our Steampunk Ensemble Contest!

Starting today and running through Sunday, April 11th, 2010, you’ll have a chance to create your own Steampunk ensemble using clothes from Clockwork Couture. Ensembles will then be judged by author Gail Carriger, who will choose her top picks. All top pics will receive a prize (to be determined). From those top picks, she’ll choose one lucky winner who will win a $150 gift certificate to Clockwork Couture. (Just think of the boots, the corsets, the parasols…they have nice men’s stuff, too.)

Entering is easy!

Create your ensemble using Polyvore which is a free, easy-to-use collage site for clothes and accessories. Enter “Clockwork Couture” and you’ll see tons of their squee-worthy clothes for you to make an ensemble out of. Don’t forget to give your ensemble a name. When you’re ready, post the link to your set in the comments section of this post (sorry, only one ensemble per person).

If you’re confused, here’s an ensemble I created for a contest Clockwork Couture had several months ago:

I called it “In Which Suzanne Presents on Steampunk Romance at the RWA National Conference”

In which Suzanne presents on Steampunk Romance at the RWA National Conference by sovereignqueen on Polyvore.com

Get the idea?

For those of you who are super computer savy, you can also use pictures directly from the Clockwork Couture site (there’s more of a selection there), collage them using your own program, and host them on your own site. Just remember to post a link we can access.

Rules:
1) Contest is open from April 4th to April 11th, 2010. The contest will close Sunday night at 11:59 pm PST
2) Links must be posted in the comment box before that time to be elgible. Please make sure your link can be viewed
3) One entry per person please
4) Entries must use Clockwork Couture clothing and accessories (but you can use non-clockwork couture accents, backgrounds, etc)
5) Entries will be judged the week of April 12th by our impartial guest judge, though the Lolitas or Donna may step in, if needed. Winners will be announced, and winning ensembles displayed, sometime after April 12, most likely towards the end of the week. We’ll let you know if it’ll be longer than that
6) Feel free to post/blog/tweet about the contest
7) Decision is final
8) Have fun

Please post any questions for me in the comment box. Thank you so much to Clockwork Couture for sponsoring the contest. (If I could only enter. Have you seen their boots?) Feel free to spread the word about the contest–with convention season coming, who doesn’t need more clothes?

Posted in Contest, costumes, Steampunk, Steampunkapalooza | Tagged Clockwork Couture, Contest, Steampunkapalooza, suzanne lazear | 112 Comments

112 Responses

on April 4, 2010 at 12:31 pm Alex Draven

My attempt is here: http://alexdravenwrites.posterous.com/a-lady-of-fire-and-substance-clockwork-coutur
- on April 5, 2010 at 10:41 am suzannelazear
  
  Alex, that’s lovely. Wow.
on April 5, 2010 at 7:46 am Steampunk Ensemble Contest « Caught in the Cogs

[...] Every day there is a new guest post and possibly even a contest! The entire celebration was kicked off by (the quite amazing) Steampunk Paranormal Romance author Gail Carriger, and she’s also judging the Steampunk Ensemble Contest! The prize is a $150 Gift Certificate to Clockwork Couture. It’s easy (and fun) to enter, so go over and do that now. [...]
on April 5, 2010 at 7:50 am O. M. Grey

This is a great contest! My ensemble is here:
http://omgrey.wordpress.com

It’s a rather a Gothic Lolita Steampunk feel placed on the same background as my beautiful book cover for Avalon Revisited.

Hopefully I’ll get bonus points for piecing it together mad-scientist style.
- on April 5, 2010 at 10:45 am suzannelazear
  
  Oooh, I love the texture in that. Thanks for entering.
on April 5, 2010 at 9:58 am elizabethdarvill

Fantastic contest! Here is my set! http://www.polyvore.com/real_airship_pirates_dont_wear/set?id=17555562
- on April 5, 2010 at 10:41 am suzannelazear
  
  LOL, Elizabeth. I love it!
- on April 5, 2010 at 10:53 am O. M. Grey
  
  Oooh! This is awesome!
on April 5, 2010 at 10:29 am Rebecca C. Wright

Wow, first time I have ever tried this site…what an addictive thing it is:)

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=1479816
- on April 5, 2010 at 10:42 am suzannelazear
  
  Isn’t it, Rebecca? Thanks for entering!
on April 5, 2010 at 10:36 am stella Price

OMG love this! here is my entry… http://www.polyvore.com/cogs_couture_adventure/set?id=17556704

Cogs and Couture for a lady of Adventure! So addicting! I LOVE this Idea!
- on April 5, 2010 at 10:48 am suzannelazear
  
  It is very addicting. Thanks for entering!
on April 5, 2010 at 11:10 am Citalin

http://www.polyvore.com/jaunt_to_work_adventure/set?id=17557759

Why yes, I would wear this to work, and yes, I love my job.
- on April 5, 2010 at 5:57 pm suzannelazear
  
  I love your job, too, lol. Thanks for dropping by!
on April 5, 2010 at 12:29 pm Marissa

Here is my attempt at throwing a costume together for a character in a book of mine. Used PhotoShop to put together the dress, corset, boots, hat, necklaces, and glasses. Added a sepia tone just to make it flow together.

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l0f4pm2J7R1qbv8y5o1_500.jpg
- on April 5, 2010 at 5:57 pm suzannelazear
  
  Isn’t dressing characters fun?
  - on April 6, 2010 at 8:23 am Marissa
    
    It really is. I have a whole folder dedicated to images for design. Most of them are from clockwork couture.
on April 5, 2010 at 2:39 pm Danielle

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=1480986
- on April 5, 2010 at 5:59 pm suzannelazear
  
  They have such great boots, don’t they?
on April 5, 2010 at 3:01 pm Kate McClure

Well, I have entered the ensemble contest, my entry entitled: A Simple Adveturess’ Ensemble

I hope I have done this correctly, these darn new-fangled machines do get the best of me!
- on April 5, 2010 at 5:58 pm suzannelazear
  
  Kate, your link didn’t appear. Try posting again.
on April 5, 2010 at 6:27 pm J Platt

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17573923

My wife and I would love to be the beneficiaries of such a wonderful prize! I hope it’s visible!
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:01 am suzannelazear
  
  I can see it just fine! Thanks for stopping by!
on April 5, 2010 at 6:35 pm Nightmareware

Here’s mine. I call it “dark steam.”

http://www.polyvore.com/dark_steam/set?id=17559217
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:01 am suzannelazear
  
  Love the bustier.
on April 5, 2010 at 6:42 pm Aukert

Here is my attempt!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17574363
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:02 am suzannelazear
  
  Thanks for stopping by!
on April 5, 2010 at 6:44 pm Liz

Here’s my submission!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17574509

This is something I would totally wear.
- on April 6, 2010 at 10:37 am O. M. Grey
  
  Love those boots!
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:02 am suzannelazear
  
  I’m a total sucker for cute boots.
on April 5, 2010 at 7:11 pm Sangu

This is my entry. This was such fun to do, and oh, how I long for this outfit!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17575529
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:03 am suzannelazear
  
  wow, those are great shoes!
on April 5, 2010 at 8:53 pm Vbunny

Fun contest! *crosses fingers*
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=1481056
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:03 am suzannelazear
  
  Love the black and white theme!
on April 5, 2010 at 9:48 pm Cassie

Well, this is my first time making an outfit on Polyvore, so I’m sure it’s just dreadful, but here’s my ensemble!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17579411
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:04 am suzannelazear
  
  That’s a great first attempt! Ployvore has a learning curve, but it’s great fun.
on April 6, 2010 at 12:39 am Vanessa

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=1482135

oh my – this was FUN!! I call mine Lockhart… like the kids books…
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:05 am suzannelazear
  
  Nice use of color.
on April 6, 2010 at 12:04 pm Caitlin

My attempt is here:

Life in Sepia Tones Can Still Be Full of Color.
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17594333
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:06 am suzannelazear
  
  I like the Eiffel tower pic in the background.
on April 7, 2010 at 8:09 am Nick

Here’s mine: http://www.polyvore.com/clockwork_dandy/set?id=17589074
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:06 am suzannelazear
  
  Finally, a men’s ensemble. Thanks for entering.
on April 7, 2010 at 10:22 am Kristen

My steampunk female spy is here: http://www.polyvore.com/spymistress/set?id=17623904

And now off to shop for real! lol
- on April 7, 2010 at 11:07 am suzannelazear
  
  ooh, nice theme!
on April 7, 2010 at 10:23 pm Deborah Schneider

I spent way too much time searching for the right clothes and accessories. Of course, now my character has a uniform.

http://debster-blahblahblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-cant-my-characters-behave.html
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:40 pm suzannelazear
  
  So it was all *research* right?
on April 8, 2010 at 9:49 am Paul

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17654864

Very few of your men’s clothes are available on polyvore… but I’ve got to try. Need to have my clothes ready for Abney Park and all!
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:41 pm suzannelazear
  
  Another men’s ensemble–super fab! Thanks for entering.
on April 8, 2010 at 12:06 pm tamibates

im glad to found your blog
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:42 pm suzannelazear
  
  we’re glad you found us, too.
on April 8, 2010 at 8:53 pm Sarah Hurd

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17675493
Hello this one is mine
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:42 pm suzannelazear
  
  I really like that corset, it’s so cute.
  - on April 12, 2010 at 3:10 pm Sarah Hurd
    
    i would love to buy it if i had the money
on April 9, 2010 at 4:34 am Jana

Okay, now my credit card is in peril. I hadn’t seen your wares before but now I’m definitely ‘there’. Thanks for offering the gift certificate!
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:43 pm suzannelazear
  
  Such cute stuff it’s addicting, right?
on April 9, 2010 at 8:30 am Grey

Simple Stripes.

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=286059
- on April 9, 2010 at 8:31 am Grey
  
  http://www.polyvore.com/clockwork_couture/set?id=17684706
  - on April 10, 2010 at 8:44 pm suzannelazear
    
    Less can be more. Thanks for dropping by.
on April 9, 2010 at 8:42 am Bonnie

Really rad entries! Looking good!

I have enjoyed checking out your creations for a while, and hope to definately get a few things as soon as I can afford. I hadn’t used Polyvore before, very cool

My entry: !!

http://www.polyvore.com/clockwork/set?id=17684763
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:44 pm suzannelazear
  
  great first try. Thanks for entering.
on April 9, 2010 at 9:20 am Claire

My entry! Great contest.

http://www.polyvore.com/clockwork_couture_ensemble/set?id=17685852
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:45 pm suzannelazear
  
  Thanks for entering!
on April 9, 2010 at 9:24 am Laura

Here is my entry. I love participating in these contests, so much fun!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17685907
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:46 pm suzannelazear
  
  It’s fun dreaming up outfits, isn’t it?
on April 9, 2010 at 11:34 am SqueakyWilliams

Here’s my entry.

Why should adventure limit accessories?

All the items I love coordinated in one outfit…keep up the great work! I tried polyvore…talk about addictive! Wound up just doing my own.

http://casswilliams.blogspot.com/
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:48 pm suzannelazear
  
  I love your outfit’s backstory.
on April 9, 2010 at 1:32 pm nastyromo

This is my ensemble entry(I hope it works!) My friend, Lisa, helped me. I call it “Less is More.” (wink)
http://antoniomyblog.wordpress.com/antonios-ensemble/?preview=true&preview_id=12&preview_nonce=53d5c87632

Thanks, Antonio Rich
- on April 9, 2010 at 1:44 pm nastyromo
  
  Correction…try this one instead: http://antoniomyblog.wordpress.com/antonios-ensemble/
  - on April 10, 2010 at 8:54 pm suzannelazear
    
    Very creative. Thanks for entering.
on April 10, 2010 at 9:12 am Bean

http://www.polyvore.com/steampunk_in_blue/set?id=17719175
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:51 pm suzannelazear
  
  short and sassy, nice.
on April 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm vialila

here is my entry in the steampunk ensemble contest (any excuse to play with great images and fashion!) it’s called “a clockwork rose”:

http://www.psycherotica.com/working/clockwork.html
- on April 10, 2010 at 5:57 pm The Marvellous Misadventurer
  
  A clockwork rose? No way! My Etsy shop’s name is “Clockwork Roses!”
  - on April 10, 2010 at 6:37 pm vialila
    
    ha! funny. i was thinking “a clockwork orange”, only with a different color!
- on April 10, 2010 at 8:55 pm suzannelazear
  
  Oooh, I am loving those boots.
on April 10, 2010 at 5:49 pm The Marvellous Misadventurer

Here is my entry! I wanted to give it a very period feel, with many of the pieces being a sort of “reinvented.” That’s what steampunk’s all about! I think it’s perfect for any lady.

http://www.polyvore.com/aristocrats_ensemble/set?id=17736085
- on April 10, 2010 at 9:01 pm suzannelazear
  
  Very ladylike, indeed.
on April 10, 2010 at 8:08 pm Alison/ Cry_Havoc

My steampunky submission. I own some of this stuff and LOVE all of it!

I augmented with a bustle skirt…but that’s about it.

The Baroness and her Engineer!! I couldn’t really come up with the correct subtleties in my story in my head until today. I just arrived at St. Kitts. VIOLA!!

The wind blow constantly here, where better to have an airship captain and her first mate test their mettle!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17740301

(oops, wrong spot on the first post…)
- on April 10, 2010 at 9:02 pm suzannelazear
  
  Very creative. Thanks for entering.
on April 10, 2010 at 9:49 pm Arwen

http://www.polyvore.com/pirates_need_parasols/set?id=17743014

Even pirates need love…and fashion.
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:10 pm suzannelazear
  
  Nice theme, Arwen. Thanks for entering.
on April 10, 2010 at 9:58 pm Arwen

LOL y’all did so much better with your backgrounds. I had no clue how to do that. It was fun to play though!
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:15 pm suzannelazear
  
  It was a good first try!
on April 10, 2010 at 11:45 pm Cindy

What a great contest!

http://www.polyvore.com/on_town/set?id=17745168
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:18 pm suzannelazear
  
  I love those boots.
on April 11, 2010 at 12:46 am MithrilDesigns

My entry is “Absinthe Afternoon”.

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17745788

Thank you for hosting the contest. You have a wonderful site to explore!
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:19 pm suzannelazear
  
  Oh, and those boots, too.
on April 11, 2010 at 2:38 am Laura Lipsy

Here is my entry!

Engineers need something stylish, comfortable, and that can hold all their tools as well. Not to mention the fine stein to enjoy a pint of ale after a long hard day working on the airship!

http://www.torridimagery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Essential-Engineering.jpg
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:20 pm suzannelazear
  
  and more cute boots.
on April 11, 2010 at 6:02 am Stacie VanEvery

Here is my Attempt:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17749715

I think I did it right. Please don’t forget the sewing machine!
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:32 pm suzannelazear
  
  Looks good to me. Thanks for stopping by.
on April 11, 2010 at 7:32 am Marne

‘Fae’bulous Victorian
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17751418
I hope I did this correctly. It is a fun site and I learned something new. Thanks so much for getting me there ; )
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:38 pm suzannelazear
  
  I’m glad you had fun.
on April 11, 2010 at 8:14 am Sayde Grace

This was so much fun! I am going to play awhile longer but I really should be writing! Why’d you have to intro me to this??

http://www.polyvore.com/saydes_steampunk/set?id=17751679
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:39 pm suzannelazear
  
  because everyone needs a break sometimes. Thanks for entering.
on April 11, 2010 at 8:17 am Shannon

I had just as much fun looking at everyone’s creations as I had making a collage myself. Weldone everyone!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=1494931

Cheers,
Shannon
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:41 pm suzannelazear
  
  Everyone’s is just so fab. I’m glad I’m not judging.
on April 11, 2010 at 9:05 am CaptainInnah

http://twitter.com/CaptainInnah

I tweeted my entry!

Its also here:

http://www.polyvore.com/my_entry/set?id=17754343
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:42 pm suzannelazear
  
  Nice.
on April 11, 2010 at 9:09 am Jenn

I know it’s kinda plain jane, but I can see myself wearing it on a night out on the town.

I call it Girls Night Out!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/app

I hope this works!
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:43 pm suzannelazear
  
  Jenn, it didn’t work. Go repost the linky!
  - on April 12, 2010 at 4:27 am Jenn
    
    http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/browse.sets?uid=1495146
    
    I hope this one works!
  - on April 12, 2010 at 6:45 am suzannelazear
    
    got it!
on April 11, 2010 at 4:02 pm Jenny Smith

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/app
on April 11, 2010 at 4:17 pm Jenny Smith

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17770325

I think I messed it up before. I’m pretty sure the one I posted above is blank. Oh well, I fixed it!
- on April 11, 2010 at 6:30 pm Donna Ricci
  
  Jenny, your entry must use items from ClockworkCouture.com try again while there is still time!
on April 11, 2010 at 5:04 pm Aiden

My entry:

Mistress of the Skies. Air Pirate Captain.

After travelling the high skies for nigh on ten years, Captain Portia Muldoon of the Sky Fox understands the need to dress well. Both loved and feared by her crew, comfort and practicality are just two of the things she has to consider. As Captain of a ship full of roguish pirates, she has to command respect, and with this sassy outfit, she manages to do that without sacrificing style and fashion.
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17771566
- on April 11, 2010 at 9:44 pm suzannelazear
  
  I love your backstory!
on April 11, 2010 at 6:49 pm Winter

Lazy Lavender Afternoons: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=17775408

First attempt, thus the rather spartan look, but I’m still rather pleased with it on the whole.
- on April 12, 2010 at 6:45 am suzannelazear
  
  oooh, lots of color! Thanks for entering.
on April 12, 2010 at 6:33 am suzannelazear

The contest is now *closed*. Thank you so much for entering. Keep checking back to find out the results. Such great enteries, I’m glad I’m not the judge.
on May 21, 2010 at 3:12 pm Miss Bonnie

Just checking in with you Captain Couture…I was worried that a thousand years had past, and perhaps I had missed all the excitements, contest results, and other fine get-ups! I entered in time and all…but wasn’t sure if a result was posted yet, that I simply couldn’t locate.

Huzzah!

Im off!