Please assist me with putting together Moresca garb

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

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.

[Lady Gregory]

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. 

[gem]

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.

[Lady Gregory]

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.

[insidiousraven]

Pictures!  We want to see pictures!

[Lady Gregory]

Pictures!  We want to see pictures!

Yes, I def will.  I need to figure it out first.

[gem]

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!

[Lady Gregory]

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.

[Rowan MacD]

  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 ^_^.   

[Lady Gregory]

  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.

[Rowan MacD]

  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   

[Lady Gregory]

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.