Their website is overwhelming to say the least. I am heading up to NYRF this weekend to hopefully get garbed out. I love it all, but am leaning towards the Max 2 bodice as I am rather long waisted and amply endowed, and although I don't mind a bit of cleavage, I do not want heavage. But who knows, I may walk out with something completely different once I see and try them on.
I want to dress it down to more of a peasanty look, so was thinking it would look best in more earthy tones. My question is, for this peasant look, what skirt and chemise? Open to other brands as well.
I do love the split brocade skirt look with the silk falda, but am thinking about doing that in the jewel tones for a more noble look down the road, and then making sleeves to go with them. I figure that is an easy project to get started with since it has been ages since I have sewed. I can already tell this is going to become quite the obsession.
I would love to see pics of what you have if you would be so kind post them. Any inspiration and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Do you want pictures of Moresca garb?
Yes, I would love to see you in your garb, whether fully Moresca or mixed with other brands/handsewn. I need inspiration.;)
I could swear we had a conversation and Renee Buchannan posted a picture of herself in a moresca - but I couldn't find it. However, this thread has some folk's opinion on them
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=14602.0
If you do a Google image search for Moresca, you'll find pix of Lady Renee on the very first page! :)
Quote from: mehan on August 16, 2012, 11:04:34 AM
I could swear we had a conversation and Renee Buchannan posted a picture of herself in a moresca - but I couldn't find it. However, this thread has some folk's opinion on them
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=14602.0
Thank you. I have been scouring the boards for info, but missed this thread. Very helpful indeed.:)
Quote from: gem on August 16, 2012, 11:10:56 AM
If you do a Google image search for Moresca, you'll find pix of Lady Renee on the very first page! :)
Yes, Lady Renee certainly looks smashing in all of her Moresca bodices. It is because of her pics and a few others' here that have convinced me to go the Moresca route.
Another question: would a layered, as in multi lengths, skirt in a casual cotton or linen look out of sorts with the more structured Max 2 bodice? I plan to do muted, earthy tones to give it a more casual, peasant look. I am on my phone now, but will post pics of what I have in mind later.
Please keep in mind that I have looking-online-only experience with Moresca, but I'm assuming you've seen this photo of the original Max?
(http://www.moresca.com/images/product/Max-image-2.jpg)
...Which is probably as "peasanty" as you're going to get with Moresca! LOL Also, if you look through their .pdf flyers on their website, I find it easier to visualize whole outfits, than from the general website images.
I'm not 100% sure what you mean by "multilayered" skirt. Like, two skirts layered together, similar to this (http://www.etsy.com/listing/60303833/renaissance-corset-dress-purple-witch?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=renaissance+corset&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all)? Or a tiered skirt, like this one (http://www.etsy.com/listing/90457321/ddnj-choose-color-super-multi-tier-skirt?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=renaissance+skirt+tiered&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all) (not that color, obviously!)?
I do think that with Moresca, there seems to be a danger of shifting toward frou-frou, when you get a lot of layers together. BUT! If you follow mundane fashion at all, stylists often recommend pairing structured pieces with more freeform ones, to create a nicer balance. One way to keep things looking more "toned down," as you say, would be to keep everything within the same color palette (like the purple ensemble linked to above). Purple's a pretty bold color, but the way that etsy merchant has styled it, it reads as a neutral, and the look is fairly "clean" overall. Even mixing up neutrals might prove more "busy" than you were looking for.
But... it's MORESCA!!! Why not go for over-the-top?!
Have fun! One day I hope to get to see their garb in person!
Moresca is all fantastical so it is what you make of it - in other words, it's all about the accessories. Adding a nice looking mug to your simple leather belt around your bodice will help make you look more "peasant". Shoes will also help you to get the right look. Stay away from jewelry and go with the flower wreaths. Non shiny and muted tones will give a more earthy look. Shy away from jewel tones and anything that is the brightly colored.
Quote from: mehan on August 16, 2012, 11:04:34 AM
I could swear we had a conversation and Renee Buchannan posted a picture of herself in a moresca - but I couldn't find it. However, this thread has some folk's opinion on them
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=14602.0
The above thread is the best collection of info regarding Moresca we have to date.
Reviewing it reminded me that I did post the measurements (as provided by the makers to me) and descriptions for the Max II, etc.
The heavage question was also brought up and answered:
Moresca bodices are sized small, and not really made to accommodate large chests. They don't have darts or princess seams, and are boned from top to bottom so they will smash you kinda flat (elizabethan style) so the only place for the girls to go is
up, and you will probably end up with a 'shelf' effect. Some folks like this.
The best way to describe the styling is 'Carnival in Venice' rather than 'Renaissance faire'. There is a lot of fantasy/fairy tale/exotic stuff there. Fun, but not period. I think the closest they get to HA is the 'Phillipa' outfit.
The Max II, Max and Philippa are more noble-looking, while the corduroy is waaaay more affordable and definitely more 'peasant'. All are nearly indestructible, and Moresca has a free repairs forever policy on the Max and Max II.
If you want comfortable, durable
and naughty, you may like to check out Damsel in This Dress. If you want a bodice that will love your curves; either DITD or Odd Bodkin.
Quote from: gem on August 16, 2012, 12:26:46 PM
Please keep in mind that I have looking-online-only experience with Moresca, but I'm assuming you've seen this photo of the original Max?
(http://www.moresca.com/images/product/Max-image-2.jpg)
...Which is probably as "peasanty" as you're going to get with Moresca! LOL Also, if you look through their .pdf flyers on their website, I find it easier to visualize whole outfits, than from the general website images.
I'm not 100% sure what you mean by "multilayered" skirt. Like, two skirts layered together, similar to this (http://www.etsy.com/listing/60303833/renaissance-corset-dress-purple-witch?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=renaissance+corset&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all)? Or a tiered skirt, like this one (http://www.etsy.com/listing/90457321/ddnj-choose-color-super-multi-tier-skirt?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=renaissance+skirt+tiered&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all) (not that color, obviously!)?
I do think that with Moresca, there seems to be a danger of shifting toward frou-frou, when you get a lot of layers together. BUT! If you follow mundane fashion at all, stylists often recommend pairing structured pieces with more freeform ones, to create a nicer balance. One way to keep things looking more "toned down," as you say, would be to keep everything within the same color palette (like the purple ensemble linked to above). Purple's a pretty bold color, but the way that etsy merchant has styled it, it reads as a neutral, and the look is fairly "clean" overall. Even mixing up neutrals might prove more "busy" than you were looking for.
But... it's MORESCA!!! Why not go for over-the-top?!
Have fun! One day I hope to get to see their garb in person!
Yes, I did see those Max bodice ensembles. I do like that look, but wondered if the peplum and epaulettes were too noble for that skirt. I will def look at the PDF files. Thanks for the tip.
The "witch" skirt you linked is more of what I have in mind. I have been eyeing a couple of peices by that second vendor. Have you purchased anything from her?
You are right about Moresca being over-the-top. I think I need to stop obsessing and go try stuff on and see what calls to me. I'm just so excited, I can't stop thinking about it.
I hope you get the chance to go to one of their shops. It was like being a kid in a candystore. I haven't bought anything from them yet, but I have been saving and am going to indulge. Thanks for all your insight.
Quote from: isabelladangelo on August 16, 2012, 01:36:00 PM
Moresca is all fantastical so it is what you make of it - in other words, it's all about the accessories. Adding a nice looking mug to your simple leather belt around your bodice will help make you look more "peasant". Shoes will also help you to get the right look. Stay away from jewelry and go with the flower wreaths. Non shiny and muted tones will give a more earthy look. Shy away from jewel tones and anything that is the brightly colored.
Yes, yes, yes, you are describing exactly what I am envisioning. I know it won't be HA, but I don't want to clash either, just like I wouldn't wear a tailored suit jacket over a terri beach cover up.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 16, 2012, 02:47:47 PM
Quote from: mehan on August 16, 2012, 11:04:34 AM
I could swear we had a conversation and Renee Buchannan posted a picture of herself in a moresca - but I couldn't find it. However, this thread has some folk's opinion on them
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=14602.0
The above thread is the best collection of info regarding Moresca we have to date.
Reviewing it reminded me that I did post the measurements (as provided by the makers to me) and descriptions for the Max II, etc.
The heavage question was also brought up and answered:
Moresca bodices are sized small, and not really made to accommodate large chests. They don't have darts or princess seams, and are boned from top to bottom so they will smash you kinda flat (elizabethan style) so the only place for the girls to go is up, and you will probably end up with a 'shelf' effect. Some folks like this.
The best way to describe the styling is 'Carnival in Venice' rather than 'Renaissance faire'. There is a lot of fantasy/fairy tale/exotic stuff there. Fun, but not period. I think the closest they get to HA is the 'Phillipa' outfit.
The Max II, Max and Philippa are more noble-looking, while the corduroy is waaaay more affordable and definitely more 'peasant'. All are nearly indestructible, and Moresca has a free repairs forever policy on the Max and Max II.
If you want comfortable, durable and naughty, you may like to check out Damsel in This Dress. If you want a bodice that will love your curves; either DITD or Odd Bodkin.
I am sure Lord Gregory won't mind regarding the bolded.
Yes, some of their stuff reminds me of what Cinderella's stepsisters would wear. A lot of their stuff I would have loved to have worn when I had a flat belly pre-motherhood.
I will definitely check out those other brands as well. I have heard great things about both. I am starting with Moresca as I am impatient and can buy in person, love their style, and mainly because I can try it on to see what styles work well with my body type.
Ha ha! I couldn't even find my own pictures! So here are some dressing the Moresca's down. And since I never can figure out how to make them smaller, apologizing in advance for the large sizes.
Regular Max with a cotton chemise and a cotton blend solid skirt. I ended up selling this because it was too big.
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/LadyReneeBuchanan/082111.jpg)
Moresca Cleo in black. You can't get any more dressed down than a pirate or a peasant!
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/LadyReneeBuchanan/DSCN0604.jpg)
Bought a sundress at Goodwill for $4 and cut it down to make the skirt.
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/LadyReneeBuchanan/DSCN0628.jpg)
This is my favorite Moresca garb. It's the Cleo bodice. My friend made me the chemise an the pantaloons. I love the ruffles on the Cleo, and consider my garb to be "hysterically inaccurate."
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/LadyReneeBuchanan/Mar132011SteveReneeRichardAlanMaxMac2.jpg)
I just love the Cleo on Lady Renee ;D.
I could never pull off ruffles, for some reason they look odd on me.
Such fun garb, Lady Renee. Thank you so much for sharing. Love it all, especially the Cleo. Must remember to try that style on as well.
I have a fairy bodice. It's a tank. ;)
(http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo255/GoodyTombShoes/315497_10150277917510819_649420818_8082754_4312530_n.jpg)
Quote from: GoodyTombShoes on August 16, 2012, 06:13:07 PM
I have a fairy bodice. It's a tank. ;)
(http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo255/GoodyTombShoes/315497_10150277917510819_649420818_8082754_4312530_n.jpg)
Love it. What skirt did you pair with it? Me needs lots of gold.
Its a moresca shimmer scroll skirt. Its a beige satin with brown panels.
This is my Moresca Philippa ensemble.
(http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p592/insidiousraven/321376_10100312357939149_16818279_50372059_2191351_n.jpg)
Quote from: insidiousraven on August 17, 2012, 08:38:57 AM
This is my Moresca Philippa ensemble.
(http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p592/insidiousraven/321376_10100312357939149_16818279_50372059_2191351_n.jpg)
That is stunning. Is that the silk falda for the underskirt?
It isn't, but I'm sure the Falda would look good too.
Love the green Phillippa.
I have the Blue,black and tan Max II+shimmer silk falda in blue and the same style overskirt that matches the bodice. The set +a lace blouse cost about $440.00
Quote from: insidiousraven on August 17, 2012, 08:50:36 AM
It isn't, but I'm sure the Falda would look good too.
Pray tell what skirt it is m'lady?
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 17, 2012, 09:24:06 AM
Love the green Phillippa.
I have the Blue,black and tan Max II+shimmer silk falda in blue and the same style overskirt that matches the bodice. The set +a lace blouse cost about $440.00
Sounds lovely. You don't have a pic per chance?
Quote from: Lady Gregory on August 17, 2012, 09:37:49 AM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 17, 2012, 09:24:06 AM
Love the green Phillippa.
I have the Blue,black and tan Max II+shimmer silk falda in blue and the same style overskirt that matches the bodice. The set +a lace blouse cost about $440.00
Sounds lovely. You don't have a pic per chance?
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/therowen9/Siouxcity.jpg) with Milord at Riverssance
His coat is Likely Lotus-collar is removable for laundering.
Beautiful ensemble, Rowan, and what a handsome couple you two make.
I looked at Moresca's facebook page as well as their PDF catalog files, and wow are there ever some great combos that I would never have thought up.
Well, Lady Gregory, HOW DID IT GO?!! We're dying of curiosity to know what you ended up with! Please report back with photos of your Moresca haul!!
Quote from: gem on August 21, 2012, 11:24:00 AM
Well, Lady Gregory, HOW DID IT GO?!! We're dying of curiosity to know what you ended up with! Please report back with photos of your Moresca haul!!
You are so sweet to think of me. Unfortunately, I didn't make it up there as my bil was in a motorcycle accident this past weekend. Hopefully, next weekend, but definitely the week thereafter. I'll keep you posted.
I have seen some awesome combos on their facebook page; love it all. It's just a matter of what combo looks and fits best.;)
One of the great things about the Moresca salespeople is that they take a lot of time fitting you and helping you put together outfits. It's not "try this, it looks great, goodbye." I must have spent 2 hours in there trying on different bodices, and they never treated me like I was taking too long. Instead, they were the ones bringing me different bodices, saying "See how this looks on you. See how this size fits."
Their customer service is fantastic, and they are honest. They wouldn't sell me anything that didn't fit well or was the wrong color for my skin tone. And what really made me happy was that other shoppers were commenting what they thought was nice, and the salespeople would get it for me to try on.
I finally made it to Moresca. I did end up getting the Max 2 in a purple and olive combo. I ended up putting it with the olive pixie and the bronze gitana trimmed in plum. Very different look from what I had planned, but I am pleased. I like the pixie because it is great for the heat and it is long and asymmetrical so it lends itself nicely for layering over the skirt if you keep it untucked. It also gives a more peasant/whimsical look as I wanted to keep it less formal/noble looking (even though purple is a color for the noble, oh well). I plan to layer with another skirt and some sort of long sleeve puff chemise at some point this fall when the temps drop, but haven't decided what yet.
I need to figure out how to post pics so I can show you my new garb. I am so excited. Thanks for all your help. I really, really appreciate it.
Now how on earth do I get laced up tomorrow? I am at a hotel with my 3 and 7 year olds.
Yay!!! It sounds glorious and I can't wait to see it! I spent a bit on the Moresca website tonight studying the color combinations of the Max 2--so many inspired choices!
Sorry to hear about your BIL! I hope he's recovering.
Quote from: gem on August 25, 2012, 11:56:04 PM
Yay!!! It sounds glorious and I can't wait to see it! I spent a bit on the Moresca website tonight studying the color combinations of the Max 2--so many inspired choices!
Sorry to hear about your BIL! I hope he's recovering.
Gem, the combinations are endless. I went back the following day to get another skirt to layer and a chemise to give it a different look. I tried on many combos (Yes, Lady Renee, they are very helpful and patient. They even joked that they knew I would be back, lol). But alas, I just couldn't make up my mind. So I walked out empty handed. I decided to take a week to think about it as I will be going to the Moresca shop at KRF next Sunday.
Pictures! We want to see pictures!
Quote from: insidiousraven on August 28, 2012, 08:57:29 AM
Pictures! We want to see pictures!
Yes, I def will. I need to figure it out first.
Lady G, have you seen the threads in the Photography forum? There are two dedicated to how to post pictures here!
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?board=6.0
It's really simple once you learn how--just three quick steps.
1.) Upload your photos to an image hosting service online (I think FB also works)
2.) Copy the photo URL (In Firefox, you just right-click on the photo and select "copy image location." I'm not sure how it works in other browsers.)
3.) Come here and type in the image tags: [ img ] IMAGE URL GOES HERE [ /img ] (minus the spaces) There's also an image tag icon, the second one above the smiley faces. Clicking that will give the same image tags I just typed. :)
Honestly, it took me longer to type it than it does for me to post a photo!
So I ended up picking up a split brocade overskirt at Moresca this weekend. Another total surprise as I went in with a completely different idea, but once I tried it on, it was all over. It is so figure flattering and complimentary to my garb even though it isn't all that "matchy". What a difference that overskirt makes. I received so many more compliments, bows and royal treatment with just that one piece.
Now I have a new dilemma. I shopped around for a belt and it just didn't look right. My peasant look that I originally planned is now more upper middle class. I saw a beautiful chain maille belt adorned sparsely with some small tiger eye stones. The artisan claims it would be strong enough to hold my goblet and pouch and he would custom make some fasteners for them. That is all I carry with me. Yesterday I carried a basket, but I would much rather keep my hands free. I feel like I am stuck between a leather belt and a full on ornamental girdle. I thought this might be a good happy medium. Thoughts?
I forgot my camera yesterday, so no pics. I promise to get one next time.
I ran into that dilemma also.
I still have not found a belt that looks good with my Moresca stuff, so I ended up buying a largish velvet drawstring pouch with tassel on the bottom, and tying it through the bottom/side laces of the bodice. Looks pretty good.
I bought a narrow (1/2 to 3/4") leather mug/goblet/whatever strap, with double snaps on both ends, from Lords of Leather in a blue color for $5.00, and I attach it the same way.
If you want something to hang lower on your side, like a fan, try a ribbon, decorative chain, etc. The lacing grommets on the bodice are hella strong.
Like most things Moresca-You never know if it will work until you try it all together ^_^.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 06, 2012, 11:34:21 AM
I ran into that dilemma also.
I still have not found a belt that looks good with my Moresca stuff, so I ended up buying a largish velvet drawstring pouch with tassel on the bottom, and tying it through the bottom/side laces of the bodice. Looks pretty good.
I bought a narrow (1/2 to 3/4") leather mug/goblet/whatever strap, with double snaps on both ends, from Lords of Leather in a blue color for $5.00, and I attach it the same way.
If you want something to hang lower on your side, like a fan, try a ribbon, decorative chain, etc. The lacing grommets on the bodice are hella strong.
Like most things Moresca-You never know if it will work until you try it all together ^_^.
I actually tied some upholstery cord around my waist under my bodice and made a slip knot to hang my goblet from. I was thinking about doing the same with a drawer string purse until I find a better solution. I will look into Lords of Leather. Thanks for the tip. I think I will also go to Joanne's and see if I get some inspiration. I have spent a lot of money lately and need to take a break, lol. I am dying for a beautiful feather fan, though.
I got a gorgeous pheasant,peacock and egret feather fan from Faire and Fowl gifts. cost $45.00.
I dressed up the handle with a stretchy rhinestone ring from Gordman's ($6.99) and a topaz colored jewel broach for the top of the handle for $7.00
I ordered a fan from Faire and Fowl. Love it. Thanks for the recommendation. I also bought a Moresca small habib embellished bag to hang from a makeshift chain that I will hide under my bodice along with the fan and goblet. I am currently making some sleeves to attach to the epaulets of the bodice as well. Many, many thanks to everyone for all your input and suggestions. I will update with pics when the whole ensemble is finished. I am already planning my next look; still want to do a peasant, and then maybe a noble next.
Oh, and the ruffle edge of my Moresca gitana skirt started to unravel in several areas and their customer service was great. They didn't have one in stock in my color, so I ended up replacing it with a jade colored falda skirt instead, so the sleeves I am making will be green.