so i am very excited that i will be attending a faire once again, after many years since my last visit!...which was nearly a decade ago. and as such, i'm a bit anxious about what i've chosen to wear. i've decided to dress up as a pirate this year, since the weekend i was wanting to attend was Bucaneer weekend at MOSI. and i want to ensure that i won't be ridiculous, or seem like i'm trying too hard.
what i plan on wearing is ankle high black leather boots, which have a nice flat heel so i can walk more comfortably through the day. a burgandy skirt with vertical black ribbons, a white shirt with off the shoulder poofy sleeves, and a black/red halter corset i bought from fredricks.
i'd also like to buy the Leg Avenue unisex pirate hat, a nice big plumey red feather from Michaels/Joannes that i may sew or super glue on. i also have a fantastic leather sword belt, which will be holding a plastic halloween prop sword. i like the paint job, it does look rather like old burnished metal. would this need to be peace tied anyway, even if it is plastic and not sharp in anyway? i'd also like some strings of beads to put in my hair, though i'm not sure if i should make it myself, or buy a few off someone on etsy...how many beads would be suitable, for each side of my head?
i am also increadibly disappointed i cannot bring my bearded dragon on a leash..especially since she has such a lovely princess cone hat she could wear! a dragon princess at a renaissance faire, what could be more fun? but alas.
soo any critque or advice about what i plan on wearing? does it sound like it'd blend in decently? thank you ahead of time for the help, thou kind folk!^^
Skip the "corset" - the way those ones are made aren't meant to hold you up for any length of time. The featherwieght boning it probably has will give out halfway through the day and you'll get gapage and fat rolls of doom.
Instead, either buy a proper bodice as faire or wear a fitted vest (thrift store!). The vest - particularly a long one- would be most appropriate. Actual seafaring murdering thieves (ie, pirates) in the 18th century (which is what most people dress towards although there were pirates in the 16th C: Grace O'Malley for one) would have worn britches, a white long sleeved shirt, and stockings in the winter. (In summer, they went barefoot onboard according to some accounts).
As for the sword, double check with the faire's rules - a lot of faires do not allow weapons of any kind (real or imaginary) to be brought into faire. If they do allow them, it probably does need to be peace tied.
Also, how long is your skirt? I've noticed a trend lately to wear knee length which doesn't work. It should be at least ankle length if you want to wear a skirt. Pirates wouldn't wear such a thing, of course, on board. You need to climb the rigging for one without be encumbered. Pants that hit just below the knee work really well for climbing and wadding through water. :-)
well first off i would like to point out i am not trying to do an H/A outfit. i just do not have the money or time for that, and plus i would not want to do a historical pirate, i'm more in love with the more..romantic type of pirate i guess. XD
also,i was able to wear my corset for the better majority of a day, driving about and doing artistic shopping. so i think the boning will hold up well for the one day! though i would very much like to buy a nice corset at the faire, if i have enough money that is. i'm more concerned if the corset will not stand out too much. this is a link to the corset i have (http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/17/57/51/90/56172_10.jpg) the red is brighter than the skirt i have.
and i did check their policy, it does say weapons are allowed but must be peace tied. so i guess maybe it will..i don't know, i guess i'll find out when i get there! i may just have to leave the sword in my car. and my skirt is indeed ankle length! i'm very very fond of it.<3
A) I'd be weary about posting the picture you just did. Kids do read this board.
B) Historically Accurate does not mean spending a lot of money. I've made plenty of H/A or close to H/A outfits for under $40. Even a few under $20. (Including a Norse one I wear on rainy pirate weekends. The Vikings were pirates!) Rather, as I found, it's that people don't want to spend the time making something (I normally sew while watching my favorite shows on the tv).
A bodice would be the most appropriate even if you are going fantasy. I've seen what those F of Hollywood "corsets" look like from the back. I have to hold back my hands from going up to some ladies and correcting the symatery (the back lacing always ends up crooked with gapage. I just want to straighten! ;D I could tell you a couple of horror stories but you'd need brain bleach on standby first. )
And Yay on the skirt! :-) I think the rest of the outfit sounds fine for building upon, honestly. I'd just leave the "corset" off and do a quick run to the local thrift store for a fitted vest for now.
Quote from: ledtampa on February 12, 2014, 12:23:33 PM
so i am very excited that i will be attending a faire once again, after many years since my last visit!...which was nearly a decade ago. and as such, i'm a bit anxious about what i've chosen to wear. i've decided to dress up as a pirate this year, since the weekend i was wanting to attend was Bucaneer weekend at MOSI. and i want to ensure that i won't be ridiculous, or seem like i'm trying too hard.
While the corset you have is not ideal, it would definitely not make you look ridiculous. Many people wear something similar.
first i would like to say thank you isabella, i didn't really think of that..i edited the picture so nothing too risque is showing. just the corset. and if there is gapage on my corset, i would not mind at all if you had come up to me and wanted to retie it! i would actually be rather thrilled, but since i am wearing a shirt underneath and no skin is showing, i can live with a gap.
and i unfortunately just can't make anything because i don't have the skills even with help from my father who is good at sewing, so i would have to buy it made by someone else, which can be expensive. and i've been to thrift stores, and rarely see a vest i would consider right for a faire. but the point is, i'm not intrested in doing historical this time around.
and thank you Sitara! i know it's not really the best, but it's all i have.i doubt wearing an all white or all black corset would look good, so i feel i have to go with the red/black for now.
I missed the pic, but read the comments-so I will assume it was the 'sexy pirate' look.
The Sexy Pirate exists exactly no where outside of a costume store or fetish site; and is designed for adult themed parties. however, we see it all the time at faire, so do what you want.
Dressing up is about what makes you happy.
If you are interested in doing something a little less Halloween costume and more family friendly, take a few bucks along to faire, go to a leather shoppe and try on a leather waist cincher. They are inexpensive, and I think that will be what you will fall in love with in the end.
Instead of a skirt, you may want to consider loose breeches, or even Turkish style pants fashioned after some of the outfits in POTC...They are stylish and comfortable, for all day wear. As Isabella suggested- a long vest is another clothing item that looks surprisingly good, and is very comfortable.
actually rowen, you haven't missed anything. the corset picture i have up is the same one currently showing with the blonde, it just was showing underwear as well, which as isabella pointed out not not be too kid friendly. just to be safe, i cropped the picture a bit. i'm not really trying to go for a sexy pirate look so i'm not exactly sure how that came up...this corset is just the one i happen to have that i feel may be the best, and will be worn with a shirt underneath and a full skirt.
so while the family appropriate isn't the right term, i would like something maybe less....garish? a leather waist cincher does sound great, though my first love will always remain with corsets.<3
and breeches would be nice, but as i said, at this point, i have to work with what i currently have due to money and time restraints. though i think the skirt is plenty stylish anyway, i just need some kind of leggings or shorts for underneath to be truly comfortable.
probably for clarification purposes, i should say right now i intend to go to the MOSI Renaissance Faire in Tampa Fl, on March 9th. and while i might have enough time to order some pants, i do not have the money. and i do not have the skills to make anything myself, as wonderful as that would be.
The outfit that you have described will fit in just fine at your Renaissance Faire. You are not going "sexy" nor historically accurate and for now, since you are just going for FUN you will be FINE. =) You will blend in with many other visitors there. As long as you are comfortable in what you are wearing then it really is all that matters. It isn't as though you are going to wear a chainmail bikini with nothing underneath!
Isabella has great knowledge and ideas for garb, but she is thinking more along the lines of "proper" clothing for the time. You aren't going that route at this time so I would just file away Isabella's ideas for later use. She is correct, also, in that it doesn't necessarily take a lot of money to have a more accurate look. But again, for now, you'll be fine and you can always look around when you get there and find things to save up for! =)
GO HAVE FUN and don't worry so much about what others think of your outfit. We've seen it all. Trust me.
thank you so much ladyfae^-^ and yes, certainly no chainmail bikinis...ever!! dear god what a horror that would be. XD
i'm sure isabella does know what she's talking about, but that may be more for people who make their clothes...though i have seen some rather lovely dresses online for about 150, which sounds decent enough. most of my money does go towards my conventions and cosplay, though i can't help indulging in the renaissance when i can!
and i'm sure you've all seen it, that's why i'm worried! XD i know when i go to anime conventions, when i see someone who has only just kinda tried to cosplay, my eyes can pick it out and i think, "yup, not a lot of effort went into that" and i don't wan't to be thought of that way.
I haven't been to MOSI, but going by what I've seen at TRF, sounds like you'd fit in just fine. Either way, I say if you like how it looks and feel comfortable in the outfit you've picked out, then that's all that really matters.
The problem with the idea of "you do what you feel" is that it sometimes violates the "is this actually appropriate in front of kids?" (which doesn't sound like it is the case here, but I certainly have seen individuals of, shall we say ample, size attempt to fit into three pieces of leather, held together by safety pins, that wouldn't have covered someone a quarter of their size. No, I'm not joking. And yes, it wasn't appropriate around anyone.) Also, it often ruins the feel of the faire for other people. (Check out the video "Where is the Renaissance in the festival?" http://youtu.be/N0EDrtEBsA8 (http://youtu.be/N0EDrtEBsA8))
The same people that have the idea of "do whatever you want" tend to get very upset when people critique their outfits in anyway. (The "How dare you judge me!" attitude. ::) ) Well, when you get dressed up, people are going to stare at you. Even other people who are dressed up. And yes, they are going to pass "judgements" on your idea of attire. This is why we have things like People of Walmart. If you are going to wear it - own it! Don't get all upset because someone didn't like your outfit. If enough people are giving you funny looks, then yeah, it probably is a good idea to change. Like absolutely everything else in life, wearing garb is -and should be- a learning experience. You learn what styles you like, what fits best with your faire, and what works best for you. Dressing up in a bikini, wearing striped socks, and a pair of fairy wings really doesn't work well for the faire, typically, nor is it a good style for - well- anyone outside of a rave, maybe. (Yeah, I really saw that one year. EVERYONE's jaw dropped open over that and I think it was the next year that MDRF instituted some new "garb" rules. )
So no, do what you want is not a good idea. Following guidelines established in the Renaissance (it is the Renaissance Festival afterall. Our ancestors dressed like this 24/7. They knew what they were doing) helps to guide you to what is appropriate and what will work. This way, you are less likely to end up on a Renn Fest version of a People of Walmart like site.
I've easily seen - and even bought for myself- a long skirt, a white peasant blouse, and even a bodice at the thrift store for under $20 - about the same price as a ticket to the Renn Fest. Now, granted, my thrift store I go to every week is sort of the mega mall of thrift stores. Last week I bought 5+ yards of green cotton damask. I've also gotten wool and even silk for gowns there. The point is it doesn't have to be expensive to dress in something that will be comfortable and look nice.
LOL..I hadn't seen that video in years..I forgot it was out there!
NRF is no longer located at Scary acres, however, the same folks show up.
We are improving every year!
Is there a website like People of Walmart for renaissance faires?
Quote from: Rowen MacD on February 13, 2014, 09:12:00 AM
Is there a website like People of Walmart for renaissance faires?
There are listserves. :-D Normally, everyone just gripes about the "Fairy Princess Victorian Renaissance SASS" auctions on ebay of reject 1970's poly gowns. Once in a while, there is true gem that requires massive amounts of brain bleach to erradicate the image from your head. I found watching anything BBC or the PBS Elizabeth with Anne-Marie Duff works very, very well as brain bleach.
http://www.pyramidcollection.com/itemdy00.aspx?ID=51,669&T1=P98654+XS (http://www.pyramidcollection.com/itemdy00.aspx?ID=51,669&T1=P98654+XS)
I recently purchased this waist cincher for mundane wear, but it would probably work for your girl pirate look.
Gina
I like the fact that no matter what the price keeps going up :) (in the video)
thank you so much gina, and while it looks great...it's too expensive for me to buy right now. something like that, i may be able to buy at the faire when i have money, but unless it's 30 dollars or cheaper, i simply can't get it right now.
I didn't really mean a carte blanche "do what you feel", I was speaking of this particular outfit, in this particular thread. But since you mentioned it, I really dislike the POWM type sites. I think they are mean and nasty, and people need to stop tearing each other down for sport and entertainment.
You know what? If you are not staff or a volunteer at the faire (in which case there would be regulations on what you can wear), who cares? I've been going to faire for over half of my life, and have worked as a volunteer at a number of them. I've had different groups at different faires try to recruit my family to join because we show up in garb and have fun. And at the same time, I've had snarky comments from people at those very same faires, on the same day, in the same garb. If you are going as a paytron, nobody affiliated with the fair should comment, or do anything except make sure you enjoy the day. Yes, there are some playtrons who can get a bit judgemental, but remember, we all started with what we could throw together. I say do what feels right to you, that you can manage in the time and money available, and enjoy the faire. If you remember the magic of faires, and want to keep dressing, then work peice by peice, as time and finances allow to slowly build up your garb. I don't know anyone who ever has their garb completely finished, it always evolves as tastes and experiences change, and the oppertunity to expand on what you have comes along.
Aye, garb is never finished!!
Gina
Quote from: Tink on February 13, 2014, 10:30:16 PM
... I really dislike the POWM type sites. I think they are mean and nasty, and people need to stop tearing each other down for sport and entertainment.
I don't like them either, which is why I don't know where to find them...A friend of mine who plays a fairy was featured on POWM (she stopped for allergy meds on the way to faire) but we all got a good laugh..... at the expense of the poster.
The comments were overwhelmingly positive and complementary. She looked lovely and ethereal, and everybody was questioning why she was put on the site. Within a week the pic was taken off.
To some people,
anything different is scary.
If it's scary, it makes them uncomfortable; and if if makes them uncomfortable, it must be attacked and criticized to help them validate their feelings.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on February 14, 2014, 08:31:42 AM
To some people, anything different is scary.
If it's scary, it makes them uncomfortable; and if if makes them uncomfortable, it must be attacked and criticized to help them validate their feelings.
And then there are people who desperately need to look in the mirror and ask "does this fit?" before going outside. ;) Like I said, most of the listserves are just critiques on keyword spamming - the ones I know of absolutely do not allow people to critque the person - just the outfit. (Ie, you can say "Dressed to kill takes on a whole new meaning with his outfit. Ouch! My eyes are bleeding!" but not "What an idiot for dressing like that!") because most of the people understand that garbing and costuming is a learning experience. Therefore, we have all been there and all done that -or know someone who has and has gotten better. No one is above redemption. :-)
And, let's face it, the world would be a far, far better place is individuals did stop to pull up their trousers once in a while.
Side note: Don't forget that people come back to re-read old threads. I've seen countless times where someone a month or even a year later brings back a dead thread with a "me too!!!!" comment. For every one of those, there are probably at least ten or more people re-reading old threads that don't comment in them. This means when you say something generally like "do what you want!" others who are not the OP will interpret that as being able to wear their chainmail bikinis/banana slings to faire.
Quote from: isabelladangelo on February 12, 2014, 01:22:59 PM
A) I'd be weary about posting the picture you just did. Kids do read this board.
I would not worry to much about that. Kids today have seen much more just going to the beach or a night at the local movie theater.
My only comment would be depending on where you are, try and find a real sword or at least a wall hangar or fencing sword.
PS I just noticed in yoru profile that you are in Tampa. I am sure you can find something there. Even here on the boards. If not try E-bay. I have seen fencing pieces out there for cheap.
Quote from: isabelladangelo on February 13, 2014, 04:31:13 AM
(Check out the video "Where is the Renaissance in the festival?" http://youtu.be/N0EDrtEBsA8 (http://youtu.be/N0EDrtEBsA8))
T
Look, look! It's ME at 3:28!!!! (red bodice, red skirt, yellow overskirt), manning (woman-ning) the crossbow booth.
(off topic, I know the people who wrote and sang that song, and am good friends with one - she's our queen). I haven't been to NRF since 2012 (fairy mode).
ledtampa - I think what you have planned sounds fine. You aren't working the faire, so as long as you are covered, comfortable, and like what you are wearing, go and have fun.
Some people like HA, and some people just want to be comfortable, look awesome, and have fun. :) I find that, depending on why I am going to a faire, my goals change with time and seasons.
Go and have fun!
i feel like i have to apologize, i seem to have started some kind of minor rucus over this...XD
Rosalind, congratulations in finding yourself in the video! it's always a wonderful feeling, realizing you have made an imprint on the world wide web! were you wearing a quiver?
and Blakduke, thank you for the suggestion, though the only swords i'd be intrested in having in my home would be katanas. so i have no desire at all to get a real sword for the renaissance, because i'd have to store it somewhere in my house and it'd feel like a waste. so i'll stick with the prop, which is exactly that and what i need. a prop!
Lol! It is absolutely NOT your fault at all ledtampa. Do not feel the slightest hint of need to apologize. As you stay around the boards, you'll see this happens about every three months or so. ;)
Not to beat a dead horse, but no pirat ever carried a Katana ?' With thatI will sign out of this thread. Have fun and good luck
Quote from: BLAKDUKE on February 15, 2014, 04:26:33 PM
Not to beat a dead horse, but no pirat ever carried a Katana ?' With thatI will sign out of this thread. Have fun and good luck
Ching Shih might have. She was the pirate queen in the early 19th Century. I'm sure she at least uh...acquired? a few. ;D
not saying that i would carry a katana around...i'm just saying if i ever bought a real steel sword, it would be a katana. not a rapier or whatever...
anyway, what i AM carrying is a..? i dunno what it's called, but here's a picture of my sword. i think it's quite nice!
(http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/20427.jpg)
Quote from: ledtampa on February 15, 2014, 10:26:07 AM
i feel like i have to apologize, i seem to have started some kind of minor rucus over this...XD
Rosalind, congratulations in finding yourself in the video! it's always a wonderful feeling, realizing you have made an imprint on the world wide web! were you wearing a quiver?
No quivver - just tucked a few bolts in my sash to have them handy while hawking the booth. We did great that year. This was shot many eons ago, before I joined our royal court. Still one of my favorite costumes, but it doesn't fit anymore ( :( ).
Quote from: ledtampa on February 15, 2014, 08:18:31 PM
not saying that i would carry a katana around...i'm just saying if i ever bought a real steel sword, it would be a katana. not a rapier or whatever...
anyway, what i AM carrying is a..? i dunno what it's called, but here's a picture of my sword. i think it's quite nice!
(http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/20427.jpg)
That would technically be called a Cutlass, my dear.
Hmmm... so I have purchased some garb, which may not be historically accurate, but I think our faire might be moving in a fantasy faire direction, given all of the themed weekends and contests. I'm a trad goth, so in the past I didn't give a hoot about what was historically accurate at the faire. This year, I'm trying to pay a bit more attention to costuming, whilst fitting in with the "spirit" of our French St. Louis Faire weekends: http://www.stlrenfest.com/themeweekends.html. (http://www.stlrenfest.com/themeweekends.html.) Next year I will make my own garb, but this year I am pressed for time and have a budget. I am the leader of a local goth meetup group and would like to maintain a dark flavour in my costumes.
How would ren-fest vets perceive these gowns I have purchased?: https://img0.etsystatic.com/033/1/6529501/il_570xN.506039608_tbss.jpg (https://img0.etsystatic.com/033/1/6529501/il_570xN.506039608_tbss.jpg)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261472935081?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261472935081?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
and a very Elven fantasy one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Medieval-Dress-Blue-silver-and-white-size-small-never-worn-/261462944836?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=YztZhd0JKes6xdCVKMw0iNThOLE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Medieval-Dress-Blue-silver-and-white-size-small-never-worn-/261462944836?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=YztZhd0JKes6xdCVKMw0iNThOLE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)
I have done much research and know that most French overdresses would have been laced on the side or back for upper-class women and that my chemises should be linen. I know the last dress is more Lord of the Rings than Ren Fest, but other than that, how bad are these outfits? What could I do to them to improve?
My number one concern with the dresses you purchased is that they don't look like natural materials. It might not be a big deal this weekend but it will be a huge deal later in the season. I've seen many people go down due to wearing polyester/acetate/other unnatural materials in the heat. I've also heard many complaints by people wearing unnatural materials about how cold they were in cooler weather. You tend to be okay around the 70f-80f mark but any higher or lower than that and you will have issues, particularity on the warmer side.
Like I said, I've seen people go down (as in turn sheet white after being red and then collapse). 9 times out of 10, they are wearing unnatural fabrics. Even with good hydration, you can still have issues. Natural fabrics breathe nicely and absorb/wick away the moisture. Unnatural fabrics prevent the skin from breathing and are basically like wearing a plastic bag. It might be a very elegant looking plastic bag but know that you want to be very cautious.
That being said, many people do start out with the Irish dress style - it is completely fictional however. Most open front gowns during the 16th Century either had a closed skirt (dog-legged styled) or the bodice was angled & pointed (look up mid 16th Century Venetian gowns for an idea of what they really looked like).
The dresses look beautiful! I think you will fit in just fine.
I too like the dresses you've chosen. I think most ren-fest vets would approve. And if not, the only thing that matters is that you like the dresses and are comfortable in them. Isabella has a good point. Try to stay with natural fabrics especially if your Faire is during hot weather. You will sweat and melt in a polyester gown.
Gina
Thanks! Yep... I did mention I was a Goth, right? And a native St. Louisan? I'm happy as a clam in full velvet and taffeta having a graveyard picnic in the high heat of July 8). Mere mortals may not have my fortitude! Seriously though, am ordering a cotton or linen chemise. Good looking-out, ladies :)
As for the front-lacing, as I mentioned, I am aware that most upper-class French women would have had side or back lacing (or a placard or some sort of fabric covering their front lacing), but I have read about instances where the front lacing is historically accurate to the period ; this post discusses front-lacing as illustrated in period Florentine paintings:http://genvieve.net/sca/mcitalrennotes/ (http://genvieve.net/sca/mcitalrennotes/) Of, course my gowns aren't meant to be historically accurate, but it is nice to see that front-lacing was used in the very early Italian Renaissance.
All the dresses are pretty. I love,love, love the red patterned dress. All would look great at faire.
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on May 09, 2014, 07:18:29 PM
All the dresses are pretty. I love,love, love the red patterned dress. All would look great at faire.
Thank you!!!
Quote from: eraserheadgirl on May 09, 2014, 06:42:04 PM
Thanks! Yep... I did mention I was a Goth, right? And a native St. Louisan? I'm happy as a clam in full velvet and taffeta having a graveyard picnic in the high heat of July 8). Mere mortals may not have my fortitude! Seriously though, am ordering a cotton or linen chemise. Good looking-out, ladies :)
As for the front-lacing, as I mentioned, I am aware that most upper-class French women would have had side or back lacing (or a placard or some sort of fabric covering their front lacing), but I have read about instances where the front lacing is historically accurate to the period ; this post discusses front-lacing as illustrated in period Florentine paintings:http://genvieve.net/sca/mcitalrennotes/ (http://genvieve.net/sca/mcitalrennotes/) Of, course my gowns aren't meant to be historically accurate, but it is nice to see that front-lacing was used in the very early Italian Renaissance.
A picnic is maybe a couple of hours, lying around, in the shade, typically. At faire, you will be up, walking around, for at least three hours. This means you will be much hotter. I've heard the "but I've worn X before at Y!" many times. That is the one of the reasons so many people end up in the "ER" esque tent at Faire and why, at events, I'm the one at camp glaring at them and forcing them to rest. ;D People don't seem to understand how much hotter you will feel and your body truly gets from even a gentle walk compared to lying around. Also, I realized I recognized the black and white dress fabric specifically - and yes, very much unnatural fabrics. I was thinking of buying some from Walmart for curtains and a tablecloth on an end table. ;) So, I've actually played with that fabric before.
My point was about front opening, not front lacing. Front lacing has almost always been around. ;) However, front lacing does not mean the dress is open completely down the front. Most of the time, the dress opening, in period, ends right about at the hip level. Front opening means that the dress is fully open from the very top to the hem. You won't find that except as a Flemish gown:
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdO9VLTGf5-5b7G3iD8HXC4-Bx_G5ERMplqnR3biD5Quw6ipxymQ)
Or, as in the above post, Venetian:
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/6b/33/3f/6b333f3fea60f470fd061db1e7ede219.jpg)
As you can see, the styles are wide or angled at the top and aren't meant to be closed. On the Venetian, the waistline is also angled.
The Irish dress - of which every lady has had one at one point- has a straight waistline, closed front, and opens all the way down to the hem. It simply didn't exist in period. Not that it is a bad thing - just that it isn't correct. (Unfortunately, in English we tend to associate "not correct" with "bad" when that shouldn't be the case at all! Something can be "not correct" and still work perfectly fine.)
Quote from: Trillium on May 09, 2014, 11:08:12 AM
The dresses look beautiful! I think you will fit in just fine.
Trillium, your fairy costume looks cute- what are you planning on wearing to the faire this year?
Aww, thank you! I have made several costumes over the years and what I wear depends heavily on the weather that day (and room in the truck). I live in Texas so in the fall we really don't know what we will have from one day to the next. Could be 90 one day and 65 the next, if we are camping I bring a few options. I have my faerie garb, gypsy garb (most of the tops and skirts are interchangable depending on the weather), and pirate. I am making a tribal dancer outfit right now (not really "belly dancer"). The skirt and gwahzee coat are mostly done-still needs trim, still fighting with the top.
Quote from: Trillium on May 10, 2014, 09:10:23 AM
Aww, thank you! I have made several costumes over the years and what I wear depends heavily on the weather that day (and room in the truck). I live in Texas so in the fall we really don't know what we will have from one day to the next. Could be 90 one day and 65 the next, if we are camping I bring a few options. I have my faerie garb, gypsy garb (most of the tops and skirts are interchangable depending on the weather), and pirate. I am making a tribal dancer outfit right now (not really "belly dancer"). The skirt and gwahzee coat are mostly done-still needs trim, still fighting with the top.
I hear you on the weather, St. Louis is notoriously unpredictable, but I LOVE the heat. Some goth friends and I like to get full decked out in Victorian goth and go to Six Flags all summer. I'm a roller coaster junkie :).
My husband and I love camping! Are you camping out on the fairgrounds? It makes more sense that your faire is in the fall. I wish ours was in early October (though it could still be hot), only so we could have the possibility of wearing cloaks. A tribal dancer outfit sounds fun, maybe it will inspire you to do some dancing!! What sort of shoes are you planning to wear?
I just got these in the mail! https://www.medievalmoccasins.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MM&Product_Code=LOWTOP (https://www.medievalmoccasins.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MM&Product_Code=LOWTOP)
I am very excited, they are my first pair of "real" ren shoes. I usually wear some Roman style sandles or boots if it is cold.
The Texas Renaissance Festival (in the fall) and Sherwood Forest Faire (early spring) both have onsite camp grounds which is a lot of fun
Quote from: Trillium on May 10, 2014, 02:45:46 PM
I just got these in the mail! https://www.medievalmoccasins.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MM&Product_Code=LOWTOP (https://www.medievalmoccasins.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MM&Product_Code=LOWTOP)
I am very excited, they are my first pair of "real" ren shoes. I usually wear some Roman style sandles or boots if it is cold.
The Texas Renaissance Festival (in the fall) and Sherwood Forest Faire (early spring) both have onsite camp grounds which is a lot of fun
Those shoes are amazing!! You'll have to let me know how comfy they are :)
Isabella, THANK YOU for addressing the picnic vs. faire thing as far as heat (or really anything!) goes. I just got home from a VERY warm weekend at faire and saw several people drop from the heat. It's really scary; last year the heat contributed to a good friend suffering a heart attack in the middle of the faire day, and his faire-going experience began before I was born! This is one of the top safety issues that I think doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Faire's no fun if you're sick, hurt, or even simply uncomfortable! (Wear good shoes! Use natural fiber fabrics! Drink lots of water! Reapply sunscreen!)
Goth chicks are totally badass, but we are speaking from experience here, and are only concerned for your well-being. Please be safe so you can have lots of fun <3
Quote from: isabelladangelo on May 10, 2014, 07:37:48 AMThe Irish dress - of which every lady has had one at one point- has a straight waistline, closed front, and opens all the way down to the hem. It simply didn't exist in period. Not that it is a bad thing - just that it isn't correct. (Unfortunately, in English we tend to associate "not correct" with "bad" when that shouldn't be the case at all! Something can be "not correct" and still work perfectly fine.)
Also, this whole quote rocks :D
Quote from: Sev on May 11, 2014, 11:03:20 PM
Isabella, THANK YOU for addressing the picnic vs. faire thing as far as heat (or really anything!) goes. I just got home from a VERY warm weekend at faire and saw several people drop from the heat.
Not a problem! I hope that everyone who did have issues this weekend got nothing more than a very good lesson in what to wear and not wear at faire. It scares me every year to see some of the items people think are great to wear. Part of the reason I push the H/A side of garbing is because our Ancestors knew what the heck they were doing in the heat. Super thin chemise sleeves, lightweight linen or tropical weight wool dress, nice big brimmed straw hat - and you are good to go! They didn't have A/C or sunscreen and it did easily get up to 95F in Italy. ;D
Hey ladies, thank you for you concern about the heat. This will certainly not be my first time attending the ren faire here (or several of our other weekend festivals). I have attended in the past in full goth garb, so I am aware of how hot it can get. Luckily, my chemises and my sleeves are detachable. Also, I know you weren't intending to be condescending, but I'm a 33 year old woman and know staying hydrated is important. Looks like it should be in the 70s for us in St. Louis on opening day- looking forward to it.
I assure you there was absolutely no condescension or ill will intended! But on the internet it's hard to guess at someone's age or experience (and your avatar doesn't suggest you're 33!), and there's also the consideration (at least on my part) that we are speaking not only to the people currently participating in the thread, but also to anyone else who may come across this conversation in the future, and may take the wrong impression from it -- for example, seeing that you've done well in full goth garb in the heat, and then trusting that they themselves will also be fine, without knowing yet how their body might react to such a thing. That is potentially a recipe for disaster, and a lot of people (myself included) have used old threads on these boards for reference on all sorts of topics...
Quote from: Sev on May 12, 2014, 05:29:34 PM
I assure you there was absolutely no condescension or ill will intended! But on the internet it's hard to guess at someone's age or experience (and your avatar doesn't suggest you're 33!), and there's also the consideration (at least on my part) that we are speaking not only to the people currently participating in the thread, but also to anyone else who may come across this conversation in the future, and may take the wrong impression from it -- for example, seeing that you've done well in full goth garb in the heat, and then trusting that they themselves will also be fine, without knowing yet how their body might react to such a thing. That is potentially a recipe for disaster, and a lot of people (myself included) have used old threads on these boards for reference on all sorts of topics...
Thank you Sev, (especially for the compliment that I look young, all women in my family do-and it can be frustrating, actually). I hope you all have a good season and no more of your friends faint!! I received my new parasol and sandalwood fan today- not HA, but should help. I'm also fortunate enough to have been able to purchase a season pass, so I can come and go in and out of the heat as I please :). Where is your home faire, Sev?
Quote from: eraserheadgirl on May 12, 2014, 02:14:50 PM
Hey ladies, thank you for you concern about the heat. This will certainly not be my first time attending the ren faire here (or several of our other weekend festivals). I have attended in the past in full goth garb, so I am aware of how hot it can get. Luckily, my chemises and my sleeves are detachable. Also, I know you weren't intending to be condescending, but I'm a 33 year old woman and know staying hydrated is important. Looks like it should be in the 70s for us in St. Louis on opening day- looking forward to it.
Don't forget, age has nothing to do with wisdom. The wisest words are often from the mouth of babes...and the dumbest actions are often from people who should know better. Which is why we have the Darwin Awards. ;D Also, as Sev stated, people very often go through the boards to see what information has already been presented.
Quote from: isabelladangelo on May 12, 2014, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: eraserheadgirl on May 12, 2014, 02:14:50 PM
Hey ladies, thank you for you concern about the heat. This will certainly not be my first time attending the ren faire here (or several of our other weekend festivals). I have attended in the past in full goth garb, so I am aware of how hot it can get. Luckily, my chemises and my sleeves are detachable. Also, I know you weren't intending to be condescending, but I'm a 33 year old woman and know staying hydrated is important. Looks like it should be in the 70s for us in St. Louis on opening day- looking forward to it.
Don't forget, age has nothing to do with wisdom. The wisest words are often from the mouth of babes...and the dumbest actions are often from people who should know better. Which is why we have the Darwin Awards. ;D Also, as Sev stated, people very often go through the boards to see what information has already been presented.
You are insulting.
I don't think Isabella was directing that at you specifically -- I think she was saying it more generally to sort of reaffirm what I said about how you can never simply assume who it is you're talking to online, and thus that it's best to cover all one's bases when sharing safety information and concerns, thus why she and I both were spewing all kinds of cautions. =)
Sandalwood fans are AWESOME, and so are parasols. =D Very cool to have a season pass! I dreamed of having such a thing when I was still a patron more often than a participant haha.
I got my start as a patron at King Richard's Faire in MA a shocking twelve years ago (well, shocking to me haha), and also started performing there several years ago. Recently, though, the New Hampshire Renassaince Faire has been feeling more and more like home. But I'm usually at least visiting pretty much every event in New England, heh...
Quote from: eraserheadgirl on May 12, 2014, 09:57:40 PM
Quote from: isabelladangelo on May 12, 2014, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: eraserheadgirl on May 12, 2014, 02:14:50 PM
Hey ladies, thank you for you concern about the heat. This will certainly not be my first time attending the ren faire here (or several of our other weekend festivals). I have attended in the past in full goth garb, so I am aware of how hot it can get. Luckily, my chemises and my sleeves are detachable. Also, I know you weren't intending to be condescending, but I'm a 33 year old woman and know staying hydrated is important. Looks like it should be in the 70s for us in St. Louis on opening day- looking forward to it.
Don't forget, age has nothing to do with wisdom. The wisest words are often from the mouth of babes...and the dumbest actions are often from people who should know better. Which is why we have the Darwin Awards. ;D Also, as Sev stated, people very often go through the boards to see what information has already been presented.
You are insulting.
And generally statements such as yours are not welcome or appropriate. As stated, this thread could be a valuable resource for others, and Isabella is a very well respected resource here. Nothing in her post was insulting, but your response definitely is. I will be reporting it to the moderator.
Thank you Sev and Lady Rosalind - yes, my comments were very generalized. I did email the new girl and explained in a bit more graphic detail what I've seen happen at faire and at Pennsic. It's not pretty and I know it might make some very sensative people sick and/or angry which is why I don't post exactly what happened at faires past here. It made me angry when I saw a 4 year old drop one year at faire. However, she told me she's won't be back (I guess because we dared to think that maybe explaining about the heat was a good idea?). Oh well!
Perhaps she just didn't understand that we all tend to try to take care of each other!
Alright ladies, lets mind our manners please. Not gonna say anything more, been some long difficult days. Just play nice.
Ladies?!? :o I've been called a lot of things, but... ;D
lol, sorry Merlin!
Yeah, Merlin can act a bit too much like a dirty old man to be considered a lady. :P
Wow! Personal attacks are becoming rampant in this thread! ;D Back to garb...
What would be a really cool ensemble for a dirty old man? I need to branch out a little with my garb.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 15, 2014, 06:02:25 AM
Wow! Personal attacks are becoming rampant in this thread! ;D Back to garb...
What would be a really cool ensemble for a dirty old man? I need to branch out a little with my garb.
A towel with grease and cooking stains on it to carry around as an accessory to the rest of your garb. ;D
Quote from: isabelladangelo on May 15, 2014, 09:57:59 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 15, 2014, 06:02:25 AM
Wow! Personal attacks are becoming rampant in this thread! ;D Back to garb...
What would be a really cool ensemble for a dirty old man? I need to branch out a little with my garb.
A towel with grease and cooking stains on it to carry around as an accessory to the rest of your garb. ;D
Now I want to get a plain single color beach towel, get it all stained and grimy, and wear it as a toga. Tell everyone I'm a house elf.
Quote from: Hoowil on May 15, 2014, 04:42:22 PM
Quote from: isabelladangelo on May 15, 2014, 09:57:59 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 15, 2014, 06:02:25 AM
Wow! Personal attacks are becoming rampant in this thread! ;D Back to garb...
What would be a really cool ensemble for a dirty old man? I need to branch out a little with my garb.
A towel with grease and cooking stains on it to carry around as an accessory to the rest of your garb. ;D
Now I want to get a plain single color beach towel, get it all stained and grimy, and wear it as a toga. Tell everyone I'm a house elf.
You are too tall. Might work for the kids though. ;D
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 15, 2014, 06:02:25 AM
Wow! Personal attacks are becoming rampant in this thread! ;D Back to garb...
What would be a really cool ensemble for a dirty old man? I need to branch out a little with my garb.
Okay, back to the original topics - sort of. I would LOVE to see someone do this:
(http://historicmyths.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/pieter_bruegel_the_elder_-_the_cripples.jpg)
Fur tails, in the 16th century, were what tin foil hats are today. (Think What's the Frequency, Kenneth? http://youtu.be/jWkMhCLkVOg (http://youtu.be/jWkMhCLkVOg)) Not exactly dirty old man, but pretty crazy works. ;D The garb is pretty simple too - stick a bunch of fur tails randomly to a piece of white linen for a tabbard (to stop the voices, of course!). Wear this over a pretty simple pair of trousers and doublet. Don't forget your hat - apparently paper hats were en vogue even for the crazy side of life in the Renaissance. ...I think I even remember seeing a painting where one crazy had an eyepatch.
That fur tail picture of yours has been on my mind for a while now. Was it to ward off evil spirits.. or fleas? I would love to know the story behind the practice.
Unusual garb like this just tickles my interest-Like Butch's shaggy wool cap commonly used by french seamen,which later became the signature headpiece of the ship's carpenter.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 15, 2014, 06:19:15 PM
That fur tail picture of yours has been on my mind for a while now. Was it to ward off evil spirits.. or fleas? I would love to know the story behind the practice.
Unusual garb like this just tickles my interest-Like Butch's shaggy wool cap commonly used by french seamen,which later became the signature headpiece of the ship's carpenter.
I doubt it was the fleas. This article is really good about the history of beggars and fools wearing foxtails: http://historicmyths.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/myth-1-the-cautionary-tale-of-fox-tails/ (http://historicmyths.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/myth-1-the-cautionary-tale-of-fox-tails/)
This article says that there is period reference to using the fox tails under skirts to hide the cleft of the butt?
"There is some evidence that fox tails were being worn as undergarments in the 14th century. In Chronica Johannis de Reading et Anonymi Cantuariensis, John of Reading complains, in an entry dated 1344, that women were wearing clothes so tight that they wore a fox tail hanging down inside their skirts at the back to "hide their arses." John of Reading equates this immodesty in dress with the sin of pride and complains that it will surely bring down future misfortune. "
Apparently, someone back then was wearing tight skirts! I wonder if there are portraits?
Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 16, 2014, 08:04:44 AM
This article says that there is period reference to using the fox tails under skirts to hide the cleft of the butt?
"There is some evidence that fox tails were being worn as undergarments in the 14th century. In Chronica Johannis de Reading et Anonymi Cantuariensis, John of Reading complains, in an entry dated 1344, that women were wearing clothes so tight that they wore a fox tail hanging down inside their skirts at the back to "hide their arses." John of Reading equates this immodesty in dress with the sin of pride and complains that it will surely bring down future misfortune. "
Apparently, someone back then was wearing tight skirts! I wonder if there are portraits?
It was more that the torso was tight. :-)
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc93plrCe21rul442o1_500.jpg)
You've probably seen this style dress many times before. This illumination is from about 20 years after the quote. The correct term for the dress is "Gothic Fitted Dress". The guy facing the girl in the illumination is wearing a cotehardie.
There are a lot of thoughts on the quote and I think I've mentioned a couple of them before. One is that it was a bustle. Another is that the qoute isn't meant to be taken seriously- he was attempting to describe how foolish the dress style was by bringing a symbol of the fool - the foxtail. Sort of "They are all foolish even if they try to hide it."