How to 'Noble-ize' it?

[Adriana Rose]

love the color!

[LadyMeg]

That's beautiful!  Of course I had to spend time looking all over that site.  ^_^

But yes, there will be pictures once I finish.  It looks like the red will be a nice sort of 'underdress' and new sleeves are definitely in order.  JCPenny, Walmart, look out! 

[Lady Neysa]

I don't think it necessarily looks "un-noble," but I do think actually looks more Regency than Ren at the moment--probably because it's a single layer and all the same color.  So the first thing I'd do is think about incorporating more layers. How's your fabric stash? Anything you could turn into a giornea to wear over it?  I'd also probably bead the heck out of the bodice! Either an allover pattern, or some beaded trim around the neckline (also bead the sleeves).

For inspiration, check out this ensemble by Lynn McMasters:

Gem, I've seen this gown before but couldn't remember where to find it, it is completely droolable!!!   Thanks for posting it! 

[Lady Neysa]

Meg, a cost-effective source for nice cotton damask for a giornea is the table linens section at JC Penney. Try these damask tablecloths. I used two of the largest oblong ones to make my purple kirtle, and had plenty left over for sleeves (I'm not tall, though).

Ooh Gem that plum-ey purple on the kirtle is gorgeous!  One of my favorite colors.

[LadyMeg]

So here's an update.  I've shortened the 'satin' part and will be covering it with trim and adding a bias edge at the bottom of the dress just to protect it really.  The same trim is going to go around the neckline and I'm not sure about the arm-holes (those ugly grommets.  Curse my young self).  I'm thinking I'll pin it on and get my camera working and see what you ladies think? 

I'm also preparing to draft out the giornea bodice to go with it but I wonder what color combo?  I do like to do the unusual and I did see a red underdress/blue overdress combo that has some appeal.  Black looks great with red but I worry about the sun and heat (after this past weekend, I'm ruling black out) but any strong thoughts on a gold/pale gold color?  Would that be 'oh, no, put that back dear,' or is it a good idea?  I keep bouncing back and forth and you all have FABULOUS opinions and a wealth of knowledge!

[LadyShadow]

For the grommets you could hand stitch over them to hide them. I did that on my dresses.

[DonaCatalina]

I'm also preparing to draft out the giornea bodice to go with it but I wonder what color combo?  I do like to do the unusual and I did see a red underdress/blue overdress combo that has some appeal.  Black looks great with red but I worry about the sun and heat (after this past weekend, I'm ruling black out) but any strong thoughts on a gold/pale gold color?  Would that be 'oh, no, put that back dear,' or is it a good idea?  I keep bouncing back and forth and you all have FABULOUS opinions and a wealth of knowledge!

If I am undecided about color combos, I just take a swatch to the fabric store and hold it up to everything they have. You might find some surprising combinations that work well together.

[gem]

I'm with Dona C--take one of the sleeves to the fabric store with you. Gold and red is a *classic* color combination, so you really can't go wrong with it, but... you did say you were drawn to things that were more unusual, so why not experiment? Maybe a lighter purple, a cocoa, or a rose? The gown now looks like it's leaning toward the terra cotta side of red, is that right? Even a sage green or very pale blue would be lovely.

When I'm playing with color combinations, I'll often trace the outline of the project onto a sheet of paper several times, and pull out my colored pencils.

Can't wait to see the finished ensemble!