Save a thrift store dress?

[Sweet T]

Greetings all,

I am fortunate enough to have a mom who works in a thrift store. She saved a beautifully beaded dress and wondered if it could become a ren fair costume.
So here is the idea, could I pass this off as a 1500's Italian inspired gown?

Any suggestion on color combination etc... is welcome. The other option is to cut off the beads and scrap the dress.

Thanks

[Kahlan Rose]

If you are going just for the overall shape, I'm sure with some creativity and inspiration you would be able to pull it off. Its a gorgeous dress. Keep us updated!

[Taffy Saltwater]

I would make a sheer silver beaded/embroidered overdress a la the Just Breathe scene in Ever After, long full sleeved camicia (chemise), and two-part laced sleeves - the sheer overdress fabric sandwiched to a sturdier fabric for body.  Cut the bodice of your beaded gown down a little & add some silver trim.   Maybe some silver French knots in the underdress hem - maybe about 1/2 way to the knee. Silver shoes to complete the look.

[isabelladangelo]

You need a lot more volume in the skirt.   I use at least 4 yards of material in all my Italians.  I wouldn't go with less than 3 yards.   What you might want to do is keep the beaded bodice, cut off the skirt, and use the skirt for gauntlets instead.  Similar to this style:
http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/wardrobe/CarpaccioBetrothed.jpg

[Sweet T]

I agree about the volume on the yellow material. It's all I have in that though.

Here is my option in silver, just using what's in the fabric stash. I've got two of these 1970's "robes" which are way to small for me. I've chopped the arms off one and draped the rest as a skirt. I can use the other one to double the volume of the skirt. I am wondering about color though. The dress seems sort of cream next to the silver. Is this a problem or an asset?

I desperately want a fancy sleeve with the gauntlets etc...yet fear the silver is overwhelming in it's shinyness. Perhaps too far off the mark?

[Sweet T]

So here is the last option from within the stash. There's at least 3 yards for the skirt and enough for gauntlets/extra bits. Yes, these are the curtains from 1980 something, pulled from the bottom of the garage closet. Recycling is H/A right?

So I need a reality check regarding the print. Fabric on top is shown in reverse for your consideration.

Thanks for your input.

[isabelladangelo]

I like the red fabric.  The silver is just off enough that it will confuse the eye too much.  You either need a clear contrast (red or the yellow) or an exact match.

[Adriana Rose]

The silver makes it look really bridal.. but the red makes the white pop really well!

[PurpleDragon]

The red looks really good, maybe another darker color instead though, try a deep blue, or maybe a black or burgundy and see which one looks best. 

[Sitara]

I think the red looks best as well.

[DonaCatalina]

I like the red........
The yellow would be my second choice.Not too many people look really good in yellow.
The bluey-silver just doesn't make the dress 'Pop"

[Dayna]

Red, and my choice would be used as it is draped on the bodice, rather than the side showing on the skirt.

Dayna

[Sweet T]

Thanks all,

I will be going for the red in an imitation of the picture link above. I tried both sides but the cream side clashes with my coloring. The pattern is so big, I will have to break down and purchase some solid fabric to do the sleeves with. Pictures will come soon.

All your advice is highly appreciated!

[operafantomet]

I would make a split in the skirt to allow a full underskirt to give more "oomph" - not a crinoline look, but a fullness similar to these:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/venezia1/bellini1496ven.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze1/ghirlandaio1482.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze1/ghirlandaio1486b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/ferrara/cossaferrarra1476-84c.jpg

The split could either be at the sides, or one in front.

Just an idea, though. It looks like you have a good thing going, and the beadwork is lovely! Can't wait to see the development.

[mollymishap]

Oooooh!!!  I LOVE that you're recycling that dress!  Here are some thoughts on what I would do to get as much versatility out of the outfit as possible:

1: Un-stitch the bodice from the skirt & see how the skirt is cut--it looks to be on the bias to me, but I may be wrong. 

2- If it *is* cut on the bias, you may be able to re-cut & piece the skirt to make it fall on the straight grain. This will make the drape of the skirt less clingy and hopefully a bit fuller.

3- You can then get any ole cotton and attach it to the sides of the fashion fabric (as if to make a forepart).  This will add the fullness others have suggested.  The cotton won't show if you plan ahead to where the opening of your over-gown will reveal only the fashion fabric.

4- You can then re-attach the skirt to the bodice.  What this does is give you the foundation for a bunch of different looks.  I personally LOVE the red color (not the pattern so much), but I think the silver looks really nice, too. 

5- Wear it and enjoy all the Oohs and Ahhs you're bound to get! 

HTH!

[LadySeasan]

That is a lovey dress! You are so lucky for your mom to have saved it
I do think the red with that dress will be a great idea
Post pictures when it is done