ideas for a fluffy gypsy!

[Lady Catherine]

help! I am having a couple of friends who want to come to faire this year. One want to be a pirate, I have that down, but one wants to be a gypsy. Being a belly dancer, I have most of the accessories and the like, but the problem here lies in the top.

I have it in my head for the silhouette. I have a brown velvet tier skirt, brown coin belt, I am planning on making a cream hip length chemise. I have an awesome burgandy tapestry for the vest, but The vest is what I'm stuck on.

I saw this:
http://www.dresslikeapirate.com/scart/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=274&osCsid=fdbf29b34f52f9d9bcba854bca7b9829

but she has a 60 inch waist and quite a LARGE chest and I had heard that under bust bodices are a no-no for the fluffy ladies. What about a short, loose vest?

Any ideas? pictures? sites? Thanks so much! I want her costume to look so pretty!

[Taffy Saltwater]

How about a bolero jacket, short/cap sleeves w/coin trim on the sleeves, rather than a bodice.

Like this:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/pieknits/2806388435/

[Cilean]

I think you have this one image but it is not what typically people consider 'Gypsy' to me it looks like a pirate/arabic mixture.
So I found this image for you to think about as well:



Or perhaps this one:


And my last one:



Alteryears Front opening Bodice I think with some modification would help you and I am with you I really think the bust needs the support of a over the bust bodice.
Here is the link for Alteryears:

www.alteryears.com

Look around for some really funky fabrics, perhaps in a 2 toned velvet that you can emboss some stamps onto, let your mind wander!!  No matchy matchy though!
I think the most important for a gypsy look is accessories.  So if you and your friend would like to bargain shop for material to make scarves. Some for her hair, some for her waist.  Also bangles, large earrings and lovely necklaces.  Perhaps a pouch with a braided strap.


I hope this helps!

Cilean

[operafantomet]

I agree about a bolero-like top or jacket! Especially if you add fringes or coins on the edge and at the sleeves.

Although not exactly this look, I'm at least thinking this effect:
http://www.geocities.com/allpotocostumes/donnas ( also http://www.geocities.com/carlottacostumes/donna/eudj3.jpg )

Or this: http://www.geocities.com/allpotocostumes/gypsymasque

[Lady Catherine]

OHHHH, thanks so much gals!  taffy, that is EXACTLY hwta I was thinking! I may not go for the full cap sleeves, maybe just the ummm, what do you call them, piccadils? but, anyhooo, that is the line I'm thinking!

Cilean, that for all the images! That does give ne nore layering ideas. I have most of the bottom parts, being a dancer myself, and I LOVE Goodwill and Claires for all of my accessories!  BTW, thanks much for the Johnny Depp pic!   

[mollymishap]

Or...maybe something like a traditional ghawazee?  Here's a drawing of one and some links to patterns and such: http://www.suburban-ghawazee.net/.  Your friend may feel more comfortable wearing one of her own bras underneath the garb, which would provide her all the support she needs.  You can then drape the chemise carefully to cover the bra, etc.  HTH!

[Goody]

I can't believe I'm referencing myself as I am not particularly fond of my "fluffy" self but here is me in Simpicity 5359 (http://www.reddawn.net/costume/art/pattern/5359.jpg)

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/30/m_a0fa0af5c0d247468b89e6ad88b49210.jpg

[Tipsy Gypsy]

Or...maybe something like a traditional ghawazee?  Here's a drawing of one and some links to patterns and such: http://www.suburban-ghawazee.net/.  Your friend may feel more comfortable wearing one of her own bras underneath the garb, which would provide her all the support she needs.  You can then drape the chemise carefully to cover the bra, etc.  HTH!

That's what I'm thinking- soft, flowy, and curve-friendly!