fil5117

Chris,
I wouldn't get discouraged, I'd think of level 2 and 3 as an aspiration. They're optional refinements to your costume. I started off with the cheaper riding boots, then purchased a second hand pair of leather boots.
 
I suppose there's no harm in attempting to modify chalk holders. Whilst level 1 clearance will get past the 'untrained eye' level 2 and 3 strives more towards replicating exactly what you see on screen, and trained eyes.
 
Here's the detail you're trying to replicate for dosimeters:

 

 

 
Phil

I'd advise you to have the elastic as much to the front of your foot as possible. That way when you put your boot on it doesn't ping off straight away (speaking for experience).
 
As Kris says make sure you register on the 501st UK Garrison forum, if you haven't already. Introduce yourself and explain which uniform you plan to do. They should be able to help you. You can also have a look at the Officer work in progress thread there to see the standard of uniforms and it may give you some more insight into the costume, even some insight into things to be aware of.
 
Good luck.

I'd advise you to have the elastic as much to the front of your foot as possible. That way when you put your boot on it doesn't ping off straight away (speaking for experience).
 
As Kris says make sure you register on the 501st UK Garrison forum, if you haven't already. Introduce yourself and explain which uniform you plan to do. They should be able to help you. You can also have a look at the Officer work in progress thread there to see the standard of uniforms and it may give you some more insight into the costume, even some insight into things to be aware of.
 
Good luck.

Chris,
I wouldn't get discouraged, I'd think of level 2 and 3 as an aspiration. They're optional refinements to your costume. I started off with the cheaper riding boots, then purchased a second hand pair of leather boots.
 
I suppose there's no harm in attempting to modify chalk holders. Whilst level 1 clearance will get past the 'untrained eye' level 2 and 3 strives more towards replicating exactly what you see on screen, and trained eyes.
 
Here's the detail you're trying to replicate for dosimeters:

 

 

 
Phil

Hello Chris! I had to struggle myself with boots; I needed size 11 with a 19 inch calf, so it took me a year to find them, and they were a deal at $225. Real leather riding boots in the dressage style with no zipper are very traditional and are getting hard to come by, so patience is a virtue, especially with a large calf. If you want to hop straight in to L2/L3, it is going to cost more than basic approval. To get into the 501st you can get vinyl funtasma captains boots with inside calf zippers and converted chalk holders, and replace these things later, as many of us have done. They just don't look screen accurate enough for the higher levels, and to achieve that level of authenticity, you have to buy higher quality items. I can tell you after wearing cheap boots that the level of comfort and durability goes up significantly along with the price, and it is the most valuable purchase you can make doing officer. You will hate trooping if you're on your feet all day and your boots hurt you. It will take time and money, but if you put into it it will give back ten fold mate. Good luck!

I have been working on a costume break of the main officers in the original trilogy. This is a long process as I have to watch the film numerous times, freeze framing. I then try to find the actor and character name (very few are credited in the film). So far I have done ANH I'm currently working on ESB.
 
http://www.imperialofficer.com/forum/index.php?/topic/4698-officer-uniform-configuration/
 
My usual recommendation is watch the film yourself, identify an officer you like and build your uniform around what you see them wearing. The simplest Staff Officer is Lieutenant Chilsden.

I have been working on a costume break of the main officers in the original trilogy. This is a long process as I have to watch the film numerous times, freeze framing. I then try to find the actor and character name (very few are credited in the film). So far I have done ANH I'm currently working on ESB.
 
http://www.imperialofficer.com/forum/index.php?/topic/4698-officer-uniform-configuration/
 
My usual recommendation is watch the film yourself, identify an officer you like and build your uniform around what you see them wearing. The simplest Staff Officer is Lieutenant Chilsden.

Without feedback I would likely not improve so any feedback is always greatly appreciated.

I knew the bagginess would probably be a problem, you know you're a costumer when loosing weight is a bad thing haha

For me I try to think of clearance submission pictures as the best possible pictures of your uniform you can get. For a WIP it's fine to be rough and ready, but your final submissions should be as if the Emperor himself was inspecting you
 
Thanks for the positive response to my feedback, I'm pleased you've accepted it as constructive. Putting your uniform up for additional levels of clearance is an admirable thing, and daunting especially as your progress is visible to fellow 501st members.

From my study of the films. The belts are different in each of the classic Trilogy films. Personally, I think it would excellent if you could replicate the belt for the film, but that's just my OCD.
 
ANH : Plain, undyed / scuffed upper and bottom edges
ESB : Plain
RotJ : Belt groove
 
This appears to be true on a general level. For me it's all about studying the costume and understanding it. In Executor and Imperator clearance I have been quite lenient, because I don't think my level of OCD is for everyone
 
And as Mark says we have some excellent belts available here on the forum.

From my study of the films. The belts are different in each of the classic Trilogy films. Personally, I think it would excellent if you could replicate the belt for the film, but that's just my OCD.
 
ANH : Plain, undyed / scuffed upper and bottom edges
ESB : Plain
RotJ : Belt groove
 
This appears to be true on a general level. For me it's all about studying the costume and understanding it. In Executor and Imperator clearance I have been quite lenient, because I don't think my level of OCD is for everyone
 
And as Mark says we have some excellent belts available here on the forum.

For me I always try and replicate what you see on screen. Someone who isn't well versed with the costume may question your decision, but you will be able to show your reference. I believe the CRL would be confusing if it tried to go into too much depth. As BJ said it's a guideline for all occurrences of the costume. If many people wear that costume in the film, with different configurations it will become more generalised. This is why a number of items have been shown as being optional.

Really? Maybe we need to have a formal side by side comparison, and make it a sticky topic. Sadly I binned my CosplaySky cap. I have some older pictures of it. I'll add it to my to do list

Federico,
Just in case you hadn't realised I'm the 'Phil' mentioned in the above post is me, and I'm the one assisting you on your WIP in the UKG. I'll catch up with the posts on this thread tonight.

Yeah sitting in a car for an hour in uniform probably wasn't the best idea before getting submission pictures haha. I'll go ahead and clip off some new pictures in the near future.
 
Thanks!

Now there's a handsome fella on the CRL

Now there's a handsome fella on the CRL

Now there's a handsome fella on the CRL

Cameron,
Thanks for your request. There are somethings you will need to address before I can grant you Imperator level. I'll break down the uniform by part, commenting on it accordingly.
 
Cap
I'd like to congratulate you on your cap, it's got a nice shape to it, and fits you well.
Can you please provide me with a side picture of your code disk to confirm it has the necessary detailing to match the screen-used prop.
 
Tunic
This could with a little pressing and pulling down to provide a crisper appearance.
The arms appear to be a little bunched up where you're wearing the gauntlets. Either they're not tucked in properly or they're a little long, it's hard to tell which.
 
Rank bar
Can you please straighten this a little. Ideally the bottom of Praji's rank bar is in line with the top of the code cylinder pocket.
 
Code cylinder
Can I please have a close up picture of the top of the code cylinder, I cannot see evidence of the blue tip. From what I can see you have a modified dosimeter, which should suffice. We have a supplier here on the IOC that produces excellent replicas which will pass Imperator level clearance.
 
Belt
Can you please provide the following measurements:
the height of the belt
the dimensions of the buckle
the distance from the edge of the buckle to the snap on the belt
 
Jodhpur trousers
Your trousers look a little baggy and rumpled. Hopefully this can be remedied by pressing them and adding elastic stirrups to the bottom and bracers to the top. The flares are especially rumpled as you can see in the picture below, they've actually folded back in on themselves.
 

 
Officer boots
These look to be of a high standard.
 
Belt boxes
These look to be of a high standard.
 
Black gauntlet gloves
These look to be of a good standard, and include the correct back of hand detailing.
 
Merr Sonn Power 5
Looks to be of a good standard, there are a couple of nicks and glue residue, but I'll put these down to battle damage. You have the appropriate greeblies and detailing, so I'm happy with your submission.
 
Merr Sonn Power 5 holster
This looks to be of a high standard, I particularly like the colour.
 
General appearance
This is awkward bit, whilst not mentioned in the CRL we also judge the appearance of the person. At Imperator level you and your uniform are meant to be as close a representation of an Imperial Officer as seen on screen as possible.
We are quite lenient, with the exception of certain face characters (e.g. Grand Moff Tarkin): we do not expect people to look like the actors on the film. We do however expect them to have an 'Imperial look'. Whilst bearded Imperial Officers do not appear in any of the films (it's fine if you want to do a rebel) we do allow beards at Imperator level if they are neatly trimmed.
 
Overall
There a number of points which need to be addressed, whilst there are a few none of them appear to be insurmountable.

Thanks Gary, your post made me chuckle. I was on my way back from parents and have only just started to catch up with the forum.
 
Push buttons have a cream coloured inner button which gives the button a little more depth. Looking at high resolution screen grabs we've concluded push buttons were used on the original rank bars in A New Hope, and The Empire Strikes Back and probably the Return of the Jedi. Return of the Jedi is a little unusual in the fact that all of the rank bars have 3 red buttons and 3 blue buttons, regardless of rank.
 
It is a personal choice, we have an excellent supplier of plexi glass rank bars here, who has served a large number of officers, and are perfectly suitable. Personally I prefer, and encourage people who are producing costumes to Executor and Imperator level of clearance to have a look and consider push buttons.

Gary,
I'm actualy surprised I beat Phil to this one ;) Both are 501st approvable however alot if people, including myself, like the push buttons better. I own a pexiglass one and seen a couple push buttons in person, and the push buttons are much nicer looking. Unfortunatly with the pexiglass, they must be cut to size. And with that comes human error, missizes and imperfections. Also the push button seem to be more screen accurate. You can also usually find very comparable prices for people to make you either ones. I will be purchasing a new rank bar with push buttons since im unhappy with my first selection. So my suggestion to you is to save yourself some time and money and do it right the first time, and order a push button rank bar. You can also earn yourself some extra style points with Phil. ;) Good luck!
Matt

I wouldn't go as far as shaving it off a military trim would look good. Before you reach for the razor I'd ask your Garrison, I'm a bit of a stick in the mud

I have a degree of underlap, you don't want it too short because it won't sit right.
 
I haven't found I need any velcro to hold my belt up, my belt is so tight it's not moving. For my staff officer it has to be tight enough to support the weight of my Merr Sonn Power 5 (based on a Denix Mauser - quite heavy).

I've done a break down of the uniforms from ANH here:
http://www.imperialofficer.com/forum/index.php?/topic/4698-officer-uniform-configuration/#entry53635
I've cleared to Imperator level with the Malcolm Weaver costume - unidentified gantry officer. There is some debate as to whether the officer had 2 or 3 buttons. Even on the bluray it's not clear. I cleared with 3 buttons, and the boss says 3 so we're going with 3.