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.
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!
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.
Quote from: Rani Zemirah on October 23, 2009, 12:28:56 AM
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.
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.
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.
Well, nothing you've linked to is remotely historically accurate. :D 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 (http://www.oddbodkin.com/). 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 (http://www.verymerryseamstress.com), Moresca (http://www.moresca.com), Ophelia's (http://www.opheliasonline.com), and Sofi's (http://www.sofisstitches.com/).
Good luck and have fun shopping!!
http://www.renaissancedress.com/fairestarterpacks.htm (http://www.renaissancedress.com/fairestarterpacks.htm)
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 :P
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.
Quote from: gem on October 23, 2009, 09:42:09 AM
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!
Quote from: Betty Munro on October 23, 2009, 11:52:03 AM
Quote from: gem on October 23, 2009, 09:42:09 AM
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! :o
Oh no, cleavage is a must!
Whats this "no makeup" of which you speak?
Pictures will be a must.....A MUST I TELL YOU!
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 (http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com) 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.
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!
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......
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.
Quote from: isabelladangelo on October 23, 2009, 02:53:37 PM
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.
Okay, poly blend is bad, you are very right on that.
HA is going to be hard, its going to be expensive so I am going to go with not so authentic sadly. When I first started out looking I was all for fantasy then I swayed away because everything looked so bloody hot. Then I went the pirate wench route and its what I keep coming back to.
I found the other link http://cgi.ebay.com/RENAISSANCE-DRESS-CORSET-COSTUME-PIRATE-GOWN-WENCH_W0QQitemZ220499495855QQcategoryZ125473QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3907.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D12%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D54
Quote from: Irelandraven on October 23, 2009, 03:06:54 PM
Quote from: isabelladangelo on October 23, 2009, 02:53:37 PM
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.
Okay, poly blend is bad, you are very right on that.
HA is going to be hard, its going to be expensive so I am going to go with not so authentic sadly. When I first started out looking I was all for fantasy then I swayed away because everything looked so bloody hot. Then I went the pirate wench route and its what I keep coming back to.
I found the other link http://cgi.ebay.com/RENAISSANCE-DRESS-CORSET-COSTUME-PIRATE-GOWN-WENCH_W0QQitemZ220499495855QQcategoryZ125473QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3907.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D12%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D54
Make sure you pay attention to the EBay sellers' ratings if buying off there. This one only had a 97%. Check their reviews. See just what warranted a lower rating.
I saw that as well and checked it out, it was shipping disputes on promised by ship dates.
Thanks for the heads up!
Don't buy from Alter Ego, on eBay or anywhere else!!! They've recently lost any claim to responsible business practice they've ever had any claim to, and I'm having to spend even more money to fix what they screwed up, because I don't have time before TRF to return and replace what I bought from them...
Here's a thought. What fair are you going to? Most of my garb that I didn't make myself I bought locally, from merchants at fair. You might wait until you get there, and see if you fall in love with anything on site. If you know your fair, someone here can probably tell you which merchants will be out there, so you can get a sneak peek to their garb online.
Quote from: Irelandraven on October 23, 2009, 03:06:54 PM
Okay, poly blend is bad, you are very right on that.
HA is going to be hard, its going to be expensive so I am going to go with not so authentic sadly. When I first started out looking I was all for fantasy then I swayed away because everything looked so bloody hot. Then I went the pirate wench route and its what I keep coming back to.
You do pay for H/A because, normally, the clothing that is H/A holds up well. It's done by people that have done a ton of research, actually studied the extant garments, and then learned how to make their own patterns to recreate what they saw. They use quality materials and know how to sew. All the time and effort will cost a pretty penny but it will be very worth it if you plan on wearing your outfit every weekend in the summer or fall for the next three to five years. You can get a LOT of mileage out of one gown.
The reason most of us are telling you to shy away from the ebay auctions is that a lot of it is, well, junk. (not that there isn't some good stuff in there, there is! It's just very hard to find) They don't finish the seems right or the bodice isn't boned or it won't hold you right or it's made out of lesser quality materials. I can't tell you how disappointed I was when I ordered the GORGEOUS purple and green satin Elizabethan gown off of ebay many many years ago, only to find it wasn't satin -it was a cheap poly lining material. I paid way too much money for something that was, essentially, a garbage bag. After that, I really got into sewing all my own garb and haven't turned back since.
So, what I would do, is save your money and get something you truly love and not just something that is "eh, that looks cool". You'll be much happier in the long run with something of quality and not getting a cheap plastic bag in the shape of a dress.
I own the desree ebay ensemble in navy. (It was my first garb purchase before I started sewing my own things.) It is flattering and comfortable. It is not a historically accurate design but neither is 90% of the other stuff out there.
I've never owned an Odd Bodkin bodice but have seen many posts praising them. Again, not histically accurate coming down over the hips.
I would never pay that much for a poly-cotton chemise! While linen is my first choice 100% cotton muslin wil be much more comfortable than any polyester blend. Another thing I've noticed with a poly cotton shirt purchased for hubby before I knew better: the poly-coton shirt is showing definite pit stains while the cotton and cotton-linen shirts aren't.
As for Very Merry Seamstress- let's just say that I was less than impressed with the fit and workmanship of my "custom" garb purchased from her.
The second two outfits you linked to at Pearson's look a lot like the work of Lori Ann. I've never bought from her, but her stuff looks very nice and reasonably priced. Here's a link to her etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5918185) and a link to her website (http://lorianncostumedesigns.com/)..
I can't say as to Very Merry Seamstress's pirate/other work, but the work they've done on my cotehardies has been AMAZING. They fit perfectly. Just make sure you get accurate measurements.
My cloak from Very Merry Seamstress is incredible! And after 8 or 9 years (maybe more), it still looks brand new. I am allergic to wool, and Heather worked with me to line the cloak and then put velvet around anywhere that the wool could touch me. I recommend her highly.
Sorry you had a bad experience DC, but I hope you contacted her, as she would put it right before you could blink your eye. She has a great reputation and works hard to keep it, so I know she would want to know if you are not satisfied.
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 24, 2009, 07:30:55 PM
My cloak from Very Merry Seamstress is incredible! And after 8 or 9 years (maybe more), it still looks brand new. I am allergic to wool, and Heather worked with me to line the cloak and then put velvet around anywhere that the wool could touch me. I recommend her highly.
Sorry you had a bad experience DC, but I hope you contacted her, as she would put it right before you could blink your eye. She has a great reputation and works hard to keep it, so I know she would want to know if you are not satisfied.
[/b]
I agree... I've ordered from her multiple times and I have loved each and every piece. I have 4 bodices from her, 4-5 skirts, bracers, cloak, a chemise, bloomers, custom courtesan ensamble, a maternity bodice + nursing bodice vest, etc. from her. She has always been great with any questions I had, responds quickly to her emails, works with you to get what you want, if it is something she can't get her hands on, she will let you know the options she *is* able to find similar to original request, etc. I adore Heather and her work. I've always highly recommended her to anyone who asks where to get good quality, fair priced garb.
Quote from: sealion on October 24, 2009, 07:31:37 AM
As for Very Merry Seamstress- let's just say that I was less than impressed with the fit and workmanship of my "custom" garb purchased from her.
Sealion, I'm very sorry to hear that you were less than impressed with the fit and workmanship of your items. I did respond to your initial concerns immediately, and was very happy to make the adjustments that you requested. If you were still unhappy, I wish you would have given me the opportunity to work with you to correct any further problems - I guarantee every garment I make, and if you were still not satisfied, all you had to do was email me privately and I would have been more than happy to work with you. I never heard from you after you contacted me initially, so I assumed that the problems had been solved. If not, all you had to do was contact me and I would have been more than happy to continue to work with you until you were happy.
While I firmly believe that people absolutely have the right to discuss the reputations of garb manufacturers in this forum, I think it's unfair to complain about a seller if you have not given them every opportunity to make you happy. If you've tried to contact a company and they've blown you off, or have refused to help you, then yes, complain. But if you have not given the seller every opportunity to help you, I don't feel it's fair to complain about them in a public forum.
I want my customers to be happy, always. I never ignore emails, and if there's a problem, you can bet that I will immediately respond to it - you just have to email me about it. If you don't tell me, I have no way of fixing the problem.
Sealion, had I known that you were still unhappy, I would have bent over backwards help you - however, you never told me of any further problems. If you had, I would have absolutely continued to work with you until you were thoroughly pleased with your purchase. In fact, the offer still stands: If I recall correctly, you purchased a hunting frock bodice and a corset bodice. If you email me privately, I will make you an entirely new frock bodice and an entirely new corset bodice for free. I take customer service *very* seriously. If you had notified me, I would have worked endlessly to find a way to make you happy. I will still do so if you will allow me to. I don't ever want to have unhappy customers and I'm deeply saddened that you are still unhappy.
As for me - I'm human - I don't mass-produce my garments, so human error is possible and bound to happen now and again - but these errors are never intentional and I would never leave a customer hanging if I have made a mistake. I will always work tirelessly to find a solution if I have made an error - whether the solution is a refund, a repair, an alteration or by making an entirely new garment, I will always be available to discuss it via private email.
Sealion, again, I'm terribly sorry that you were not pleased, and I would still, very much like to work with you to find a solution that will make you happy. :)
I have your back, Heather!!
I do concur with Heather, that we do bend over backwards to correct anything we make for clients. People spend good money with us and they DESERVE to have the BEST we can do. Be that fabrics and trims, workmanship, fit, uniqueness of design, durability, etc.
Odd Bodkins makes - & I believe originated - the same bodice as in the red ensemble. I'd certainly go w/her as her bodices are famed far & wide their quality.
Lady Kathleen, having seen your work all over this site, if I wanted to go noble I would definately want you to do my garb.
VeryMerrySeamstress, with a guarantee like that I have just bookmarked you under my favorites.
I have to input my two cents here. While I have never ordered from Very Merry Seamstress myself, one my close friends did. She ordered a custom bodice and skirt from her. She wore then all the time for 2 years, then she had gastric by-pass. When they no longer fit, she contacted the website and they took the items apart and remade them for her new smaller size. Now that is sevrice!
Quote from: dragongirl on November 01, 2009, 08:06:10 PM
I have to input my two cents here. While I have never ordered from Very Merry Seamstress myself, one my close friends did. She ordered a custom bodice and skirt from her. She wore then all the time for 2 years, then she had gastric by-pass. When they no longer fit, she contacted the website and they took the items apart and remade them for her new smaller size. Now that is sevrice!
Thats so awesome... thats very very rare to find. Thats what I call customer service that goes above and beyond.