Needing direction on garb

[JJames]

Below is what I currently have. This whole garbing thing has kind of started and stopped over the last couple of years. I have picked up pieces here and there but never really completed anything. We are trying to head to the faire this year in garb for a whole new experince. I am not going for H/A, just think it would be fun to go a time or two decked out in garb. The set below is fairly basic to me, was just wanting some input on how I might spice it up a little w/ a smaller budget. My wife says it needs more color, but, not certain what direction to go w/ or if I need to start completely over. I had planned on a brown leather Jerkin and hat to match, I think it would cost around $180 -200 or so, but I have to cut that down in order to put some money toward the wife's garb. So any suggestions of course would be appreciate, many thanks!

James

[Lady L]

Hat, pouches, colorful feathers in hat, fabric tunic/jerkin- in any color you want. Or a doublet, or pirate coat... So many things you could do. If you can sew,or know someone who would sew for you, it wouldn't cost a lot.

[Amyj]

A bright sash...brightly colored/patterned tights...I agree with the hat and feathers...maybe a colorful doublet?  The way I see it, what you have right now is a perfect "blank slate" that will allow you to go WILD if you want to...you can add ANYTHING to it!!!! 

[Delireus]

I really like your basic look, the boots and belt are my favorite. I found this tudor styled doublet on etsy.com, I know it's not leather, but its brown with dark orange trim, and only 65$.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/35083334/mens-tudor-style-brown-doublet-size (there's only 1 right now though, as they're all made to order)

Here's a blue one with silver buttons for 72$

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41938269/blue-renaissance-doublet

Here's a fake lambskin leather light brown jerkin (40$)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/42280398/robin-hood-jerkin-vest-doublet-tunic-for

You know whats the easiest thing to do is dye a white shirt! Wal-mart and any craft store sells cheap fabric dye with instructions, you could dye yours for a colorful look, or buy a new white shirt if you don't want to dye yours, etsy has 20$ ones.

For a cheap hat option, here's a black or brown felt pirate hat with a red feather, but you know it'd be so easy to go to a craft store and bye cheap feathers or accessories for it. It's not the best, but it's cheap (20$, free shipping)
http://tinyurl.com/25oocxl

I really like this pouch, but that's just me. I don't know if this is the look you're going for, but I think it's really awesome (50$)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43106992/elven-leather-two-tone-belt-pouch-sca

Mug clip to match (14$)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/43115845/elven-leather-mug-or-tankard-strap

That's another thing you could add, a mug!

Here's a reversible robin hood style hat, with a peacock feather (25$)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/36459256/options-for-robin-reversible-hat

If you have a sword, that might add something interesting to your outfit as well. But no matter what you buy, you can always add to it yourself. Like I said with the store bought feathers or accessories, it's cheaper and adds a personal, customizable touch. I think you'll look great in no matter which direction you take it, just do what you think looks good

(Sorry I went a bit overboard with ideas, it's fun to help people shop! And it's very much lighter on MY coin purse when other people buy things)

[Imestra]

Thrift stores are fun, fun, fun & cheap!
May I suggest a black leather vest ? which may take a couple of stores and/or shopping trips to locate a style that suits your purpose.

My rogue has recently purchased for ONE dollar, a fantastic wooden mug in excellent condition at ye olde goodwill store.  My latest find was a floor length black leather ladies coat which will be cut up into I dunno what, yet.  Only gave $5. for it. (woo-hoo!!)

[gem]

Just wanted to say, great links, Delireus!!  She recommended everything I was going to: finding a nice doublet/jerkin in the ~$70 range. 

[JJames]

Thank you ladies for the replies! And thank you Delireus for those links. I didnt even consider a doublet. This certainly gives me a direction to start in !

James

[Delireus]

No problem, good luck!

[Higgins]

There are several great ideas already. As it stands right now your outfit is ready to go. I can think of one more finishing touch for every outfit I own. Problem is there is always "one more finishing touch". While I agree that nothing finishes off an outfit like a hat, you could use a brightly colored bandanna instead for a pirate look and splash of color. IMHO spend your available money on the Lady's outfit, for there is no better accessory than a beautiful women at your side.