Torn between two options! ( New Garber Help!)

[scarletnyx]

I am a Druid torn, and I would like some advice from all of ye learned Garbers here about my course of action!

If you can't tell, this year is my first year garbing. I am going as a Druid. I had a few reasons about choosing this to be my first outfit - I do love nature, I figured it out and at most it would only dent my wallet a little, and everything can be reused for other outfits/needs in the future. I have purchased my cloak, staff, belt, a few pouches, and a "dress" ( really a chemise) and love how it has come together.

However, a new development today kinda makes me rethink my chemise choice.

We don't know a lot about historical druids. We know that they were called Druids, they wore white robes/dresses, and that they held court in groves. Discounting all the Roman libel that was wrote about them and sent back to Rome to justify overtaking the Isles, thats about it. My chemise is white, and like I said I like it well enough... But, it is too long ( a tad - sometimes I trip on it when I'm wearing it, and sometimes I don't - so maybe a inch too long ) and a tad too big ( It is a chemise ). These two facts together aren't really a deal breaker ( my husband loves the look) but I found another dress on Etsy today that is tailor made to my measurements, has the same sleeves as the chemise, and has color.

So far, my pros/cons are these.

1. Chemise - I could reuse this. Next year I will be garbing as a pirate, and I will need a chemise of some kind to go under my over dresses and the like. It is white, which is historically accurate. And it's light - I will be wearing this to the Texas Renfair, and it will be hot! However, it's a cotton/poly blend ( the collar is abit itchy ) and it is abit long ( easily fixed with safety pins )

2. Dress - It's tailor made, which is always better than buying a general size. It can be made with different colors ( including white and green and while the latter isn't H/A, I would feel...more mystical? in this). However, the dress sleeves has some embroidery on them, so I couldn't see myself re-using this as a chemise.

Links:
Dress link - http://www.etsy.com/listing/27935470/cotton-12thc-style-angel-sleeve-custom
And me garbed up in what I currently have. Be gentle! 
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EwBoM7IqJ6yA6tR55wGvhJgbGnspRnWmZTcnRVFciA8?feat=directlink

So let the advice flow, O teachers of the Garb!

[Koshiba]

As a preface, I know diddly squat about Druids. Everything I know about Druids comes from BBC's Merlin.

I can see why you're torn! That dress is lovely, I really like the sleeve trim. However, I do like the contrast between the white chemise and the darker cloak. I think it kind of comes down to how much of an annoyance the extra length is (and if you can maybe hem it yourself?). As it stands right now I think it's very nicely put together. Awesome staff, by the way. =)

[Rani Zemirah]

Since very little factual information is actually known about Druids and how they lived their day to day lives, who is to say that they never wore anything besides white?  In fact, for a group who were purported to worship nature I would think green would be a natural color choice. 

Truly though, the choice is entirely up to you... which do you like more? 

[scarletnyx]

Since very little factual information is actually known about Druids and how they lived their day to day lives, who is to say that they never wore anything besides white?  In fact, for a group who were purported to worship nature I would think green would be a natural color choice. 

Truly though, the choice is entirely up to you... which do you like more? 

Le sigh, Rani. I have been thinking about which one I like through all of today! Seriously, it's even. The dress appeals to the flair in me, while the chemise appeals to the simple, learned divine woman thought.The chemise can be reused more than the dress, so there is a slight point in its favor...

[Rani Zemirah]

And is there some reason you shouldn't have both?  I mean, seriously... are you planning to stop buying garb at a sing outfit?  Like anyone EVER does that...   

[PhoenixRose]

And is there some reason you shouldn't have both?  I mean, seriously... are you planning to stop buying garb at a sing outfit?  Like anyone EVER does that...   

I know, right? I bought a second outfit before I was even done making my first! It's kinda addicting.

[scarletnyx]

@Koshiba -Thank you for your advice! As to the hem, like I said I'm pretty sure I can secure the extra length with a few well placed safety pins. And you made me happy giggle with the positive feedback for my outfit!

@ Rani and Phoenix - Oh gods no! Next year will be pirate, and the following year the husband and I are going as a barbarian couple. Thats not counting smaller gatherings we may sniff out here in Texas!

The only reason now I may not get the dress is money. We are newly married, and just buying this outfit ( Around 200 bucks, shipping and handling, sadly nothing handmade... yet!) has caused me to clear my social calender for the month. However, we will be going to a weekend at TRF... I could have one outfit for each day? But I'm stuck as to what else I could use the dress in! I don't want to buy something, wear it once, and stick it somewhere. It wouldn't do the outfit justice. Hrrrmmm

[Rani Zemirah]

Well, since it's at least a vaguely medieval style you could wear it to Sherwood in Feb. and Mar., of course!  Because you'll definitely be wanting to go there, as well, you know!   

[scarletnyx]

Well, since it's at least a vaguely medieval style you could wear it to Sherwood in Feb. and Mar., of course!  Because you'll definitely be wanting to go there, as well, you know!   

Actually SWFF is literally 20 minutes up the road from us, so you bet we will be going! We went this past year and we loved it, so I can't wait to see what will be on next plates menu. Also, we're gonna check out the Celtic festival when it comes here in about a month.

This thread has given me a good bit to chew on. Depending on what the site I got the chemise from ( medievalcollectibles.com )says about me returning it, I may just go on and order the dress in white.

[Rani Zemirah]

Well, something to think about when wearing white as a main garment to Faire is... how long will it actually STAY white?  I am always quite dusty after a day of Faire, and it gets ground into my clothing, so nothing is ever the color it started out as.  It always looks a bit... faded... until I wash it, anyway.  But I don't wear ANY white, so I don't have to worry about bleaching anything, or the damage that bleach does. 

[Delireus]

Hmm, I shall help you in your decision. Get the dress, because:

1. It's awesome. I don't even do druid/medieval garb and I am in love with it
2. It's customizable, and I think a green one would be lovely
3. I'm an enabler, and you neeeed it.

That being said, you do look lovely in your current outfit, so if you decide not to get the dress, you know you have a great outfit already! I like to get things I know I can use for other outfits, so if you can think of just 1 more place you'll wear the dress, I'd say get it 

[scarletnyx]

Well Delireus, I do think you're stalking me!

Reni, I honestly hadn't thought about the dust factor. I can only imagine this year at TRF will be quite dusty unless we get a lot of rain right now.

After speaking with the husband ( and taking into account all of the lovely advice from each and every one of you!) the chemise is going back tomorrow and I will be ordering that dress in white. The look will be the same ( contrast with the cloak ) just more fitted to my body and most importantly of all, I will be supporting an artisan! I have figured out I can always pair it with a bodice for a wench look, or even leather armor for a " warrior princess " feel.

Thanks so much for all the awesome feedback!

[insidiousraven]

If this helps, I've bought from myelegantmuse before. I've had finer sewn stuff, certainly, but what we got from her has held up well so far. I think that dress is very pretty, and very versatile.  Not to mention, as far as dresses/garb goes, it's not horrendously expensive.  I say go for it if you have the extra cash!

[scarletnyx]

If this helps, I've bought from myelegantmuse before. I've had finer sewn stuff, certainly, but what we got from her has held up well so far. I think that dress is very pretty, and very versatile.  Not to mention, as far as dresses/garb goes, it's not horrendously expensive.  I say go for it if you have the extra cash!

As of earlier today, the chemise is on the way back to Medievalcollectibles.com and when I get the return back from that, I will get the dress. It does help knowing she's a good seller! How long have you had your goods from her? I would wear this to both days at the weekend of 1001 Dreams at TRF, SWFF and if my husband and I can make it, to Scarby. I think it should do pretty well, but feedback is nice!

[insidiousraven]

It's actually my boyfriends garb.  She made an archer set specifically for him. He's worn it twice, and shot an archery contest in it, that was last year. Looks fine this year. The only thing we thought could be improved was the finishing of the garment.  Her work is less crisp than I've seen from other people, but that also lends a hand sewn feel to the garment. Aside from that, which really isn't that big of a deal, the garb is perfectly fine.  He'll be wearing it until he gets actual armor. 

Let us know how it works out for you!