My problem: I broke my shoulder in 4 places and on Monday I go for surgery and our faire opens on the following Sat. I know I won't be able to wear a corset for awhile.HECK! I can't even dress myself because I'm right handed and its my right shoulder. :-\So what to wear? Something so simple that my husband can get me in it. Hopefully I'll be able to wear some kind of garb. I just know I can't stand the thought of missing opening day! :'(
theres always gypsy and bellydancer options. For gypsy you could have a waist cincher and vest over a chemise and skirt. just make sure the vest you use can be put on and taken off without causing you shoulder issue...the vest isnt all that necessary, I just think its a really cool look. Belly dancer things tend to be easy to get on and shouldn't have any affect on your shoulders at all...
Irish dress!
I wear mine over my regular 21st century undergarments, and they clasp closed so there's no tough lacing:
(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/17691164/275717823.jpg) (http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/7547261/98888666.jpg)
I know most of the garbmongers have Irish-style gowns, but I'm drawing a blank on who, specifically, at the moment. Maybe Misty Thicket? ETA: Saw several on ebay. :)
Also, try almost any of the gowns from Sofi's Stitches (http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/7547261/98888666.jpg) or Likely Lotus (http://www.likelylotusblue.com/shopindex.html). No corsets required! (They also have Irish dresses.)
Here's a pretty example:
(http://www.sofisstitches.com/catalogue/ProductColorModule/102.jpg)
Given that it's a shoulder injury, I'd go with something like a gothic fitted gown or maybe a strapless Elizabethan corset (http://cgi.ebay.com/Front-Lacing-Tudor-Costume-Corset-Reed-Stays-sz-16-18-/350364106043?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0). You want something that will still support you but won't put any weight on the shoulders.
I did both an irish gown and front/back laced strapless corset with my broken shoulder. To be truthful it was getting the chemise on that was hardest. Anything over the head was impossible. Finally figured out that I had to step into the chemise. Timing is almost the same - broke it Aug 20th, went to faire all three days Labor day weekend. I found that being at faire in the corset was more comfortable than the irish dress - something about standing straighter?, I dunno.
Two other things to think about - privy..... hmmm....perhaps I will PM you with those suggestions
and people! I couldn't believe the number of people that walked up to me, smacked me on my (splinted) arm and said "didya break your arm?" - complete strangers as well as newly met playtrons - keep someone standing guard.
Good luck with surgery and recovery. And with finding something to wear
Try a simple tunic dress with a apron over it. Simple, flowing and not too much to put pressure on your shoulder.
Quote from: dragongirl on August 22, 2010, 12:26:07 PM
Try a simple tunic dress with a apron over it. Simple, flowing and not too much to put pressure on your shoulder.
The problem I see with that is that you still have to wear a bra. The way most bras are designed, the pressure is put on the shoulders to holster you in place. Not something you want when your shoulder is broken! And not wearing something for support is far worse on you shoulders...
Maybe a very supportive strapless long line bustier underneath something loose and flowing? You might try a bridal shop in your search, if that sounds like something that would work...
Where's Joyce? :D
I don't know enough about the shoulder injury to comment intelligently about support/not support, but if you *need* support but can't wear a corset, what about [urlhttp://cadieux.mediumaevum.com/florentine.html]bust taping[/url] (scroll down)? It might help act as a bandage/support for the injury, too.
Shoulder injuries suck!
I have 2 tears in my rotator cuff and I had alot of trouble with bodice straps this summer I had to take the straps off my moresca max to help ( I lost the darn things in the shuffle this summer too grr)
My mom had to get her shoulder operated on as well I know she wore alot of bras that snapped in the front, and lots of button front shirts.
So I would just wear a chemise with a bra under and the sling or evil brace thingie. And a pretty belt and the rest of your standard gear.
Feel better soon!
Perhaps you could get a good friend to cover your sling in a lovely brocade with some gorgeous trim to look like it's just another beautiful accessory!!! :D
Crossing fingers that your surgery went well today!!
Well how about a simple chemise, skirt, and an underbust corset? Or even an Irish Dress, you don't have to Lace it tight at all
Here's hoping for a quick recovery for you! Hmmm . . . .would you consider a little cross-dressing? In a man's jerkin (or a ladies' pirate look), yhen you wouldn't have to mess with supportive bodices a'tall.
Rosamundi has a great idea, mens' clothing is a comfortable option. Depending on how it feels, you might be able to do a strapless bra. I need a lot of support for the girls and I even use one under my moresca to keep things in place while I'm dressing.
Good luck!
Quote from: isabelladangelo on August 22, 2010, 05:14:12 PM
Quote from: dragongirl on August 22, 2010, 12:26:07 PM
Try a simple tunic dress with a apron over it. Simple, flowing and not too much to put pressure on your shoulder.
The problem I see with that is that you still have to wear a bra. The way most bras are designed, the pressure is put on the shoulders to holster you in place. Not something you want when your shoulder is broken! And not wearing something for support is far worse on you shoulders...
A PROPERLY FITTED bra supports you from the band, with the straps only holding the tops of the cups up, not supporting the bust in any way. If you need to haul the bra straps up to support you, the chances are that the band is too big and the cups too small, and you are wearing the wrong design for your body type. Something like 78% of women are still wearing the wrong size of bra... I send LOTS of lasses off to get a properly fitted bra before making them a wedding or bridesmaid gown, or posh evening frock. VERY FEW come back with the same size and cup of bra they were wearing before they got fitted properly. All are more comfortable in their new bras.
If the corset fits properly and doesn't have shoulder straps, it might be easier and more comfortable to wear. Whatever you decide/try, have a pain and stress free fair, and no thumpings from strangers! I can't imagine why anyone should be so crass as to thump a plaster cast. Idiots!
Thank you everyone for all the great ideas, I'm going to start putting on garb tomorrow to see what will work!Many hugs to everyone. :D