First set and I need some help please.

[Irelandraven]

I am looking into buying my first set and I am totally confused. I want too look close to authentic but still find the perfect outfit for me. I have never worn a pirate or wench set and I wanted to know if I can bounce some ideas off someone. I am going to link some sets and I want to see which one everyone likes better or if anyone as delt with the places I am linking. I have been researching sets for about 2 months also. I am 5'8, 140 pounds and a 34D.

Wow, I hope that made sense lol.

Bloody hell I am a mess, okay here we go.....

This is a four piece pirate set and it will be custome fit to my measurements, does this seem like a good deal and also does it look somewhat authentic? http://cgi.ebay.com/4pc-Renaissance-RED-COSTUME-BODICE-SKIRT-CLOAK-CHEMISE_W0QQitemZ290361601528QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439ae66df8

This is actually my favorite one but the issue is I wish the skirt was about three inches longer because I plan on wearing boots with heels. http://www.pearsonsrenaissanceshoppe.com/MysteriousMaiden.html

This one is just really beautiful http://www.pearsonsrenaissanceshoppe.com/IrishLass.html

I thank you so much in advance for any advice or help. I never order from online and both places do not take returns so I want to make sure I am making the right purchase.

[Rani Zemirah]

If the second one is your favorite, then you should get it and have a 3 inch coordinating trim added to the bottom of the skirt... it wouldn't cost much, and there are bound to be alterations shops in your area. 

If you're going to be wearing it at Faire, though, you might want to give your footwear some serious thought.  Boots with heels on uneven ground can be a recipe for disaster, or at least a visit to the orthopedist, and if it's at all muddy or slick they can be downright treacherous!

[Celtic_Fae]

If you're really serious about the stuff on Pearson's, I'd look around and see if other sellers can beat their prices. A lot of their stuff is generic, popping up in multiple shops around the 'net and E Bay.

[Genievea Brookstone]

If you're going to be wearing it at Faire, though, you might want to give your footwear some serious thought.  Boots with heels on uneven ground can be a recipe for disaster, or at least a visit to the orthopedist, and if it's at all muddy or slick they can be downright treacherous!

So true! I made this mistake wear boots with a kitten heal the first time I went to KCRF. We weren't there 10 min and my heel got stuck in the flooring of a vendor and broke. Luckily a very kind cobbler took the heel off the other boot and patched the bottom up so I could still wear them. However because of the way they were built for heels by the end of the day my back was screaming.

Flat boots make happy feet and backs.

As for the garb look at the fabric contents. More synthetic = hot.  If your going to spend a lot of money it should be on something that you truely love.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I bought a Royal Coffer outfit for me and one for my husband.  "Made to your measurements" was not accurate in our case.  We ended up spending big bucks to have it remade because not one piece of it fit.  My girlfriend bought garb from them too, and after 1 season, the back grommets ripped out.

Also, if you go to faire, you will see lots and lots of people wearing the same outfit in different colors that they bought on Ebay.  If it doesn't bother you to wear the same thing at the same time as other people, that might not be a problem for you, but we didn't like it.

Others may have different experiences with this seller, but my friend and I have both had bad experiences.

[Tixi]

I suppose there is no nice way to say this, but I have always thought that the RC stuff is pretty awful. I recommend staying away.

[gem]

Well, nothing you've linked to is remotely historically accurate.    That's OK, the vast majority of what you'll see on others at Fair isn't, either!  I'm not sure there's really any such animal as an "authentic pirate wench!"

That said, I'm afraid I've really only heard bad things about the fit of Royal Coffers' clothes.  I think the Pearson's stuff you've linked to is *absolutely lovely*, and if you love it, go for it!  But there are a couple of things that jump out to me.  First, it definitely looks more Victorian than you typically see at Fair (the curved corset that goes over the hips; Renaissance era bodices typically stop at the natural waistline, even the fantasy/fairwear variety), which is fine if that's the look you want (and, OMG--so cute!).  But... probably more importantly, as busty as you are, I'd really recommend staying away from an underbust bodice.  You aren't rigid like that dress form  , and they don't tend to be that flattering on those of us with more generous assets.  You want something that's going to support and flatter your beautiful figure.

If you're looking for other recommendations, I have only ever heard positive things (raves, in fact) about the work of Dev at Odd Bodkin.  Her bodices are some of the most highly praised in the industry, and they often go for very good prices in her ebay auctions.  Other well-regarded clothiers are Very Merry Seamstress, Moresca, Ophelia's, and Sofi's.

Good luck and have fun shopping!!

[Tixi]

http://www.renaissancedress.com/fairestarterpacks.htm

[Irelandraven]

I didn't have a good feeling about RC and the fact that its very "common" makes my choice that much easier.

I have to say you are the nicest lasses I have come across on any forum I have been on, thank you so much for your help, it is so highly appreciated. If you come across any other websites and want to link them that would be great.

I really liked Odd Bodkin, her site is well informed and explains everything in detail. I would rather pay a tad more for something thats going to fit right and will last.

I have so many garb sites bookmarked I went and confused myself  

I am going to take your advice also on the boots, last thing I need is to be face first in the dirt.......

I have never tried on a underbust bodice so that advice is really helpful thank you! (Isn't that outfit just cute!)

Again, lasses, thank you.

[Betty Munro]

I'm not sure there's really any such animal as an "authentic pirate wench!"

What???  Pirate wench not H/A?    I am crushed.  Shocked and appalled.  I have been so mislead!!!
How will I ever recover from the horrer of such a statement?  (in case there is any question - I'm kidding!)
Yes, it is true, I have personally also had no luck finding any historical pictures to match the wench garb worn by 95% of non-noble garbed faire ladies.
Thank the gods that faire is a fantasy day and not a graded graduate project.  Otherwise we'd all be in the marsh bog irish dress, no makeup, no deoderant and no cleavage!!!  (sudders to think of) 

Have a blast shopping and be sure to post a picture of you in your chosen garb!

[Irelandraven]

I'm not sure there's really any such animal as an "authentic pirate wench!"

What???  Pirate wench not H/A?    I am crushed.  Shocked and appalled.  I have been so mislead!!!
How will I ever recover from the horrer of such a statement?  (in case there is any question - I'm kidding!)
Yes, it is true, I have personally also had no luck finding any historical pictures to match the wench garb worn by 95% of non-noble garbed faire ladies.
Thank the gods that faire is a fantasy day and not a graded graduate project.  Otherwise we'd all be in the marsh bog irish dress, no makeup, no deoderant and no cleavage!!!  (sudders to think of) 

Have a blast shopping and be sure to post a picture of you in your chosen garb!

Let not forget.......non shaved legs! 

Oh no, cleavage is a must!

Whats this "no makeup" of which you speak?

Pictures will be a must.....A MUST I TELL YOU!

[isabelladangelo]

Just going off what everyone else has already said:

Yeah, none of those were authentic.  :-)   What I would suggest doing is looking at Elizabethan Portraits to see what was really worn.  It's mostly noble stuff but I think it will give you a lot better idea.   

Underbusts...You sound to be just a size smaller than I am.   Underbusts are for those of us that aren't as ample up top.  If you need to wear a bra with your bodice, something is WRONG.

Go with natural fibers.  Linen, cotton, and silk are all great fabrics.   You'll be MUCH happier in the long run.

Get a linen chemise if you can, at least.   Cotton is good too.  Make sure it's white or off-white.   You'll notice in the portraits above, all chemises are.

Bodices should be at least two inches smaller than you are in size in order to fit right.   Measure your bust line at the fullest (so not your bra size) and take at least two inches off of that.  That is the bust size you want for the bodice.

I checked out Etsy and didn't see anything HA that wasn't pretty outrageous in price.   

If you want to go HA, don't get anything that has multiple panels to lace, laces at the top of the shoulders, or uses tapestry fabric.  Go with solid colors.  Metal boning and cable tie boning is good.   

[Adriana Rose]

Wow you beat me to it Isabella!

The under bust corset is pretty but for anyone who is above a modest c cup its a icky thing! I've seen too many lager busted women rocking that look with out a bra and well the St Paul beer girl is the only one that can pull it off!  But on that note wear under busts i am I am a 37 c so i never wear it without a strapless bra EVER!


Odd Bodkin rock they are very good quality and the seamstress is on the boards here i think!

A trick for measuring your bust is to take the measuring tape and line the sucker up with your nips and tada! you have a bust measurment!

[Irelandraven]

Okay, I am starting to narrow it down again =)

I am so glad I asked this question because I would have ordered that underbust outfit and the puppies would not have looked their best.

White chemise, got it!

Okay I am going to link a few ideas tell me what you think.

This on in either red, black or the red and black on their Ebay store page. I really love the neck on this. http://cgi.ebay.com/Blood-Red-Renaissance-Gown-Dress-Bodice-a-few-READY_W0QQitemZ250516680383QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a53f52ebf

This bodice but in a different color and fabric http://picasaweb.google.com/oddbodkinrenshop/Swatches#5278624466765484386


This chemise under http://www.oddbodkin.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=640

There is another but I can't find it......

[isabelladangelo]

If you aren't going for H/A, the ebay one is fine.  It's loosely based off a popular 19th c design and is very modern.   Pretty, but modern.  So watch out for that. 

Not the split sleeve chemise.  It's poly cotton for one thing which is not going to be fun in the heat.  A chemise is VERY simple to make and look right if you want to go that route.

Try for something more like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Medieval-Celtic-Tudor-SCA-Chemise-Gown-Renaissance-NEW_W0QQitemZ150381513877QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item23036fcc95

or a bodice shaped more like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Renaissance-Elizabethan-Corset-Gown-Dress-Costume_W0QQitemZ300359943163QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45eed903fb

Again, assuming you still want to go H/A ish.