I think I'm ready to dedicate!

[Leyf]

I've been going to renaissance faires since I was 11 years old. Today I still go every year to Bristol and Minnesota. I only recently started to get into costume though. My first costume was very simple, very cheap. I bought it online for like $40 with some cheap boots and what not. I had a fake dagger and I bought a leather mug and glass vial at the faires that year, so my costume was, simply put, nooby.

The next year I decided I really liked dressing up so I wanted to advance my costume. I got a fake sword, a nice leather belt, some simple leather armor, a cloak, etc. I looked pretty cool, but it was nothing crazy. I dress up as an archer every year and I was feeling pretty good about my appearance. I even had a quiver and bow too.

By this year, I am certain I will go to the renaissance faires every year and I foresee myself going for the rest of my life. I love the faires too much to not go. I've even bought some "dedicated" items like a real sword (which I dropped $275 on). But my real question is, how do I know when its time to "complete" my costume? I know its a big commitment, and a big chunk out of the wallet, but I will be coming into about $1,000 by the end of this year and I want to spend a lot of this on completing my costume. I did a LOT of browsing at the faire shops last year on ideas to complete my costume. I was estimating around $600 to get everything that I needed to have a completed costume.

Do you think its a bad decision for me to spend all this money on my costume? I'm afraid that if I buy it now, I might out grow it because I'm not done growing. When should I complete my costume? I guess I'm just looking for some advice from veteran faire-goers. Anything helps, really!

Thanks!

[Dinobabe]

First off, there is no such thing as a completed outfit!
If you have spent much time reading the garb and sewing boards you will see that everyone is constantly finding the next new clothing piece, accessory, or other must have.  If you want to spend some money on good quality pieces that you really like then go ahead.  Just keep in mind that you might find another must have piece in a few years (that could be completely different).  That is also why many people here learn to sew.  That way they can constantly add to their garb collection while saving some money.  I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that has worn only the one same outfit for years.  As my mood changes so does my garb choice.  I have noble, merchant, peasant, pirate, bellydancer, archer, cross-over (male clothing), and many more ideas of things I want.  I think my advice would be to find one good piece to start and then slowly add to that.  And not every piece need be expensive.  One of my best skirts my grandma made for me years ago.  No need to blow all of your money at once to find something "better" a bit later.  Good luck!

[Hoowil]

I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that has worn only the one same outfit for years. 

Hey, I've been wearing pretty much the same thing going on six years.  Granted, that is due to the time and funds going into the garbing of my wife and two rapidly growing children (who generally get two new ensembles each year).

But yes, you'll never be done when it comes to the collecting of garb and accessories. You'll find you tastes may change a little, or that there is something out there you never thought to do, or even that you want different garb for different weather. Around my neck of the woods you'll notice more folks in noble and middle class garb on cooler days, and more peasants on the scorchers or rainy days. If you have your eye on something, and the money, go for it.

[Dinobabe]

I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that has worn only the one same outfit for years. 

Hey, I've been wearing pretty much the same thing going on six years.  Granted, that is due to the time and funds going into the garbing of my wife and two rapidly growing children (who generally get two new ensembles each year).

You said it right there!  "pretty much the same thing..." still means not the exact same thing!

[DonaCatalina]

Take your time. If you rush into adding to your garb; you might find you bought something you weren't really happy with just because you thought you needed to buy something.
Look around and compare...ad talk to people about what they wear if you like what you see. My garb has evolved quite a bit over the years. I finally retired a dress a couple of years ago that had seen over a decade of service.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

There are several RF members at Bristol.  Usually there most of the summer.  Come look for us!

I agree about the garb.  Read the thread "Garb Woes" and see what happens when something you think you love turns out to be less than you thought!

[The Bruce of Springstein]

I learned the hard way to commit your first big purchase on good quality footwear. I blew threw three 50 to 100 dollar online purchased boots that fell apart and rubbed me raw the first 6 years of garbing.
Last year went to Son of Sandlar and made the best purchase of my Renlife.
Theyre pricey but youll have them forever and your feet will thank you.