So... my current bodice is crap. And by crap, I mean non supportive and ugly :(
Evidence: I am the one on the right in the burgundy and olive.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2329/5706023282_d59f4a1cc5_z.jpg)
It's decided... I'm definitely getting a new bodice this year. I'm going for a non HA merchant class look. I guess you could call my persona a bard, as I have flutes and a tambourine on my belt, but I really don't consider myself a character.
What do you think? What kind of bodice would look best? I'm thinking a front laced bodice with epaulets and picadills. Something akin to the Philippa Bodice from Moresca, or the middle class ensemble from Faire Finery.
Thanks!
The CandleQueen has this listed on Ebay as a wench dress.
(http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/m/mFBjdNLL63E07s_n-FqyaEA/140.jpg)
It appears to have more support than your current bodice. I believe Lady Kathleen knows the seamstrss.
A hoop skirt and some sleeves would help upgrade it to merchant clas / middle class.
I have a gown from The CandleQueen/Faire Finery (the one I'm wearing in my profile pic)and her bodices are very well made, and quite supportive. I am amply endowed in all areas, and only wear a cami with a shelf bra for a very little additional support under my bodice & chemise and am comfortably and adequately supported all day.
I've not tried on any Moresca bodices, but I've heard wonderful things from others here about them as well.
Moresca is awesome!
Moresca is great. So is Pendragon. Both do wonderful work, are comfortable, and give lots of support (I have 2 Moresca's & 3 Pendragons).
I have an Irish dress, which is basically a bodice with a skirt attached, from Lady Kathleen of Olmsted which is incredibly beautiful and comfortable, so I think a bodice by itself would be just as comfortable. So well made, it will last for decades!
What vendors do you have at your fair? I'd be inclined to wear my old bodice to the fair site on opening day, then scurry quickly to my favorite vendor and replace it with something from their stock! (In fact, I have done this more than once! Ha!)
That said, I have been drooling over the Philippa bodice from Moresca for years, and have never, ever seen anyone who actually had one. So because I want to see a picture of you in it, that's getting my vote!
Moresca was where I got my first bodice. Have you considered making your own?
I know I couldn't make it the way I want it, so that's not an option. I go to kcrf, though only once or twice a year. We don't have moresca or pendragon or others at our faire, and i dont think I want to spend my precious moments at faire trying clothes on! My boyfriend would be bored.
Now um wondering if I do go moresca, should I splurge and get a matching split skirt to go with it. Too many choices ???
This is next on my shopping list. I saw this at KCRF where SS had a shop not far from Tigr Toggs. Boned to within an inch of solid. Reasonably priced and can be used as outer and inner wear.
It is back laced though.
http://www.sofisstitches.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=154