Artistic soul

Imagine bank of Seine, people strolling, watching painters and street musicians at work just to end up in one of cute little Paris cafeterias with a cup of hot coffee talking to their beloved. This is what Brewbelly had in mind while dressing up today, except for in her mind it wasn't Seine but Brandywine, and it wasn't Paris but Bree. This minstrel outfit encourages to sing and play theorbo and breathing in the atmosphere. Enjoy!

Chest: Frostbluff Dress of Thanks, rose dye (winter festival)
Head: Hat of the Mighty Verse, black dye (Moria minstrel epic set)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Mighty Verse, rose dye (Moria minstrel epic set)
Back: Ceremonial Defender's Cloak, rose dye (store)

Guest: Rendalc of Eldar

We have seen Rendalc's casual outfit, but every decent hobbit burglar should also have an armour ready to wear to battle, no matter how fierce. Despite his mischievous nature, kind of expected for a burglar of his reputation, he dressed up in a noble way to cheer up the hobbits present in the Last Homely House: "Don't worry pals, we will keep the Middle-Earth safe until you're done with your mission. It's in the right hands!"

Chest: Hauberk of the Greenwood, white dye (store)

Head: Razor-helm, white dye (drop from Grand Stairs)
Shoulders: Dagfari’s Protection, default dye (Quest: Wright of Destruction)
Hands: Fine Footman’s Gloves, white dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Brushed Leather Boots, white dye (store)

Back: Elf Lord’s Cloak, white dye (store)

Wardrobe restriction removed in Isengard?

In his new post, Jadzi mentions:

"Also, I should note that as it stands now in Beta, the current restrictions on what you can add to the wardrobe are being removed. You'll no longer need to be able to equip a piece to add it. So, for instance, a soloing minstrel could find a piece of heavy armor they like and use it cosmetically."

This means we would be able to use any item - heavy, medium, light of any level and class without need to have a character being able to equip it. 

It would be absolutely great for all of us fashion freaks if it stays like this to the live release. My top heavy character is still only level 54 and I was already worried how will I level her up to get access to T7 crafted heavy items, which I hope will be beautiful. Let us pray! :)

Gûlhiril en Hithaeglir

Gûlhiril en Hithaeglir, Magic Lady of the Misty Mountains, is a powerful sorceress. She wanders the snowy dales and peaks alone, only rarely met by her fellow elves passing through the mountains. It is unknown when she departed from Rivendell and decided to study runes alone, but this pictures were taken when she was still residing in Imladris, only discovering the High Pass. If you meet her on your journeys, do not disturb your studies - only silently admire her powerful magic in action.

Chest: Frostbluff Robe of Thanks, black dye (winter festival)
Head: Quilted Hat, black dye (T2 crafted)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Swift Arrow, black dye (Mirkwood level 65 hunter purple set)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, black dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Scout's Boots, black dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Dove, black dye (store)

Guest: Gerbag of Whitywindle

Gerbag is already a famous dwarven fashionista (outfit 1, 2). His third outfit provides no disappointment. In this gleaming armour he truly shines as the King of the Mountain.

Chest: Smith-klath, gold dye (world drop)
Legs: Dwarf Steel Leggings, washed (T4 crafted)
Head: Helm Of Rallying, gold dye (world drop)
Shoulders: Strong Defender's Shoulder Guards, washed (T3 crafted)
Hands: Westernesse Steel Gauntlets Of Might, washed (world drop)
Feet: Barrow-warrior's Boots, gold dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Back: Cloak of Silver Star, gold dye (store)

Beautiful quest rewards from Isengard!

The Rise of Isengard NDA was recently lifted, so we can see beautiful screenshots from beta on the forums. I would particularly like to point you to the post by Jadzi who took a screenshots of the wonderful items highly usable as cosmetics:

Learned Stag robe:

Variety of Dunlending quest-reward cosmetics:

Jadzi also mentions: "Most quests in Dunland offer a choice between three pieces of yellow-grade gear, and these armor pieces are among them."

I think we have a lot to look forward to. Rise of Isengard launches on September 27th and I already can't wait to get those items and use them in my outfits! :)

Town-saver

The city never sleeps. Even when you feel you're safe in your warm, cozy bed, there are thieves, brigands and criminals waiting for your guard to drop to attack. But fear not, there are protectors who keep an eye on you and your loved ones during the night. Manequithir, member of Bree's night watch, used to fight in battles for centuries until he found out that it's the most simple people who need heroic deeds the most. Now you can meet him wandering around the darkest alleys of Bree, as well as watching little human and hobbit children while they sleep, listening to every noise that could mean harm to them.

Chest: Protector's Armour, black dye (T5 crafted)
Legs: Leather Leggings of Courage, black dye (world drop)
Head: Town-Saver's Helm, black dye (skirmish cosmetic barter)
Shoulders: Protector's Pauldrons, black dye (store)
Hands: Enduring Dwarf Leather Gauntlets Of Might, black dye (world drop)
Feet: Leather Boots of Might, black dye (world drop; also available at Bree outfitter)
Back: Ceremonial Defender's Cloak, black dye (store)

Guest: Argendauss of Brandywine

Argendauss Donderrion, a man of a group of Dale men who traversed the Misty Mountains to settle in Eriador after Smaug razed Dale and claimed the Lonely Mountain as his lair. The Donderrions integrated with the Dúnedain, and now Argendauss and his clan fight to restore an ancient kingdom that is not theirs by heritage, but by choice.

Chest: Hauberk of the Forgotten Hope, forest green dye (Wardens of Annuminas reputation captain set)
Legs: Ceremonial Leggings of the West Tower, red dye (Annuminas classic skirmish barter)
Head: Circlet of Eorlingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Shoulders: Ceremonial Shoulders of the West Tower, forest green dye (Annuminas classic skirmish barter)
Hands: Steel Gloves, default dye (heavy armoursmith in Bree)
Feet: Nenuial's Boots, forest green dye (Annuminas classic skirmish barter)
Back: Specialist's Cloak, white dye (skirmish jewellery and cloaks barter)

Playful grace

"The Lore-Master is a seeker of knowledge and a guardian of wisdom. He wields ancient secrets and lore to confound his foes and aid his friends, protecting them against the dark powers of the Enemy" blah blah blah... Ladriell, a teenage lore-mistress in training, is already fed up with this jibber-jabber they teach her at school. She follows the "practice makes perfect" path of learning and although she sometimes bits off more than she can chew, her fellow raven always saves her (or flies for help). Together they make a great combo and have a lot of fun! And even more when they meet some nice guys on the road :)

Chest: Enduring Elven Leather Jacket of Might, purple dye (world drop; also available from Rivendell medium armoursmith or T4 crafted)
Legs: Leggings of Determination, purple dye (world drop)
Head: White Rose Circlet, default dye (spring festival)
Shoulders: Pristine Elven Shoulder Guards, purple dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, purple dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Gaerdail, purple dye (drop from the Rift)
Back: Swan-cloak, purple dye (store)

Guest: Haldhuin of Snowbourn

A bright, shimmering light has risen from the mound of Othrongroth. The hobbits, who were taking care of poor Lalia on the surface, stopped breathing for a moment. Even the little girl, still mourning her imaginary prince who's betrayed her, forgot about the Wight Prince and stared at the source of the light. It was him, courageous warden Haldhuin, who has just come out of the Great Barrow. "He did it!" hobbits screamed, "He slayed the feared Sambrog!" The celebration of victory has taken place afterwards and the hobbits never forgot the brave warrior who saved them and got Barrow-downs rid of its biggest menace.

Chest: Barrow-Scout's Jacket, gold dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Legs: Barrow-Scout's Leggings, gold dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Head: Barrow-Scout's Helm, gold dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Shoulders: Barrow-Scout's Shoulder Pads, gold dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Hands: Barrow-Scout's Gauntlets, gold dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Feet: Barrow-Scout's Boots, gold dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Back: Flames of the Deep, black dye (skirmish cosmetic barter)

Presenting our new friends

I would like to let you know about the two new friendly sites of the LOTRO Fashion. Enjoy exploring them! :)

Curved Steel is a blog dedicated to appreciation of female dwarves in LOTRO. Unfortunately, most people laugh at people role-playing their dwarven characters as females and mock them, even though its known that in Tolkien lore dwarven women exist and have their stable position in dwarven society. This blog creates a friendly place for female dwarf players who want to share their characters' stories, outfitting & hair/beardcutting ideas and anything else connected to their gaming experience. My dwarven lady Khamrad is very happy such a project exists and once she gets past the shyness, she might tell her story there as well :)

MMORaid is a new MMO news site, which dedicates quite a lot of articles to our favourite LOTRO. It allows members to submit their own articles, participate in discussions and vote on what articles they would like to see make it on the site. To me it seems they took the right direction and I think I will become a dedicated reader :)
Tip: You can filter LOTRO-related articles only by clicking LOTRO tag in the tag cloud or by using this link.

Cheers :)

Golden bravery

Captains, leaders of men, are by nature noble and fearless. I cannot help myself associating them with golden armours shining in front lines. The breastplate of the North-Drake has been long preserved in Maney's family, being inherited from father to son for generations. It has seen many battles and has many scratches, but never failed its wearer. Let it bring hope to Maney's legions as well!

Chest: Breastplate of the North-Drake, gold dye (drop from the Rift)
Legs: Sturdy Westernesse Leather Leggings, ranged green dye (T5 crafted)
Shoulders: Shining Dwarf Leather Shoulder Guards, gold dye (world drop)
Hands: Dwarf Leather Gauntlets of Fate, gold dye (world drop)
Feet: Gaerdail, ranger green dye (drop from the Rift)
Back: Wood-Wanderer's Cloak, gold dye (store)

Guest: Gerbag of Whitywindle

We have already seen Gerbag's exquisite battle outfit. But even a guardian who is always ready for battle needs a noble, ceremonial outfit which he can use on special occasions, but also join battle wearing it anytime. This royal chain serves its purpose. Not to mention the dwarven ladies who faint on sight of him when he comes home for a visit ;)

Chest: Hauberk Of Mirrormere, indigo dye (store)
Hands: Gauntlets Of Sun-Lands, indigo dye (world drop)
Feet: Gangalengi, washed (drop from Carn Dum)
Back: Cloak of the Steadfast, navy dye (Esteldin reputation barter)

Which posts do you like the most?

After two weeks of my absence because of real life issues I'm back to apologize :) and bring new outfits & poll results!

I'm really annoyed by being forced to make long breaks from the blog. Especially because I don't like testing your readers' patience with me :) But after each break, I have quite a lot fresh ideas, very interesting wishes waiting in my mailbox, as well as beautiful guest submissions. I will publish them over the next days and I'm looking forward to your opinions!

As for the last poll, it seems you like my original creations, what makes me blush :) Thank you for that! I myself voted for wish-based outfits, because I really like working with people to create the best outfit possible according to their thoughts. It broadens my horizons - I tend to stick to my favourite pieces, colours etc. and you people force me to change that - which is great :)

Please, don't forget to vote in the current poll - what armour do you have access to? I would like to make the posts on the blog more accessible to you. As you might have noticed, I use heavy armour pieces very often and I don't know how many of you actually can access those. What if 60% of my readers are light wearers?! Please help me find out :)

Naughty girl

This warden likes to attract attention. It might be just her occupational illness, or maybe she was born that way - but she has to be in the centre of attention even when she's not war-crying or dealing precise blows to her enemy. No doubt she won't be overlooked in this deep crimson red outfit, the question is - will it attract only the enemies, or even her handsome elven fellowship members? ;)

Chest: Shining Dwarf Quilted Jacket, crimson dye (world drop)
Legs: Enduring Leather Leggings of Detemination, crimson dye (world drop)
Shoulders: Pristine Elven Shoulder Guards, crimson dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Golden Host Gloves of the Awakened, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Golden Host Boots of the Gloaming, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Inn League, crimson dye (Inn League reputation reward)

Guest: Ordvalt of Landroval

A good burglar always tries to blend in environment. Ordvalt has recently spent a lot of time among the unusual folk of Enedwaith and decided he might be more trusted if he didn't look like macho Indiana Jones winking on every woman in 100 metres range. Question is - will the mask and furry robe prevent him from doing so? :)

Chest: Furrier's Robe, black dye (store)
Head: Boar-head Festival Mask, black dye (Fall festival)
Shoulders: Gwathnor's End, black dye (Quest: Vol. II, Book 6, Chapter 8: New Devilry)
Hands: Gloves of the West-lands, black dye (world drop)
Feet: Boots of the West-fold, black dye (Isengard pre-order)
Back: Campaign Backpack, black dye (store)

Mysterious gentleman

Jack Lewisdown, Owen Farfield and Carlo Williams have recently had a very pleasant visit. An old friend stopped by and had a lengthy talk about books and who knows what else - these three hobbits are a gossip topic for the whole Michel Delving themselves, not even this honourable hobbit of unrevealed identity. Was it Ronald Dwale himself? And who was his lovely company? One of the patrons heard him referring to her as "his Lúthien", but given his beer apetite that day he might have been just mixing up what he's heard and some elven stories. Or...?

Note: I really recommend this Wiki page to everyone interested in LOTRO's references to life of J.R.R. Tolkien. Jack Lewisdown, Owen Farfield and Carlo Williams refer to real members of The Inklings - literary discussion group and most probably friends of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Today's and yesterday's outfits are my tribute to Professor and his wife. On their gravestone, they are referred as Beren and Lúthien, which we can consider a proof of what the inspiration for the most beautiful love story in the Middle-earth was. Thank you, Mr. Professor, and thank you, Mrs. Edith Mary Tolkien for supporting you husband for 55 years.

19 years old J.R.R. Tolkien and 16 years old Edith Mary Bratt, inspiration for Lúthien Tinúviel and Arwen Evenstar

Chest: Lawgiver's Robe, black dye (store)
Head: Extravagant Festival Hat, black dye (Winter festival)
Shoulders: Rock Climber's Shoulder Guards, grey dye (T6 crafted)
Hands: Extravagant Festival Gloves, black dye (Winter festival)
Back: Ceremonial Defender's Cloak, black dye (store)

Guest: Gerbag of Whitywindle

The world is grey, the mountains old,
The forge's fire is ashen-cold
No harp is wrung, no hammer falls
The darkness dwells in Durin's halls

Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai menu!

J.R.R. Tolkien: Song of Durin's Awakening

Chest: Chainmail Breastplate, washed (outfitter vendor)
Legs: Highwayman Leggings, umber dye (drop from Dushkâl and Gríshakrum in Urugarth)
Head: Worker's Helmet, washed (Quest: Opening the Waterways)
Shoulders: Shining Shoulder Guards, washed (world drop)
Hands: Reinforced Westernesse Steel Gauntlets Of Might, washed (drop from Barad Gúlaran)
Feet: Dwarf Leather Boots, washed (outfitter vendor)