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Newbie Here!

Started by Blu'n, September 26, 2008, 11:24:23 PM

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Blu'n

Greetings! I am in need of a few kind suggestions. I just hastily bought this lovely gown because I wanted this to be my garb for my first trip to the faire next year. (And it was just gorgeous and if I never make it to the faire I'm still planning to wear it around my house!). Anyway, in my excitement I didn't really stop to think about what I would wear on my head or as accessories, if necessary. And all I see when I look at the dress is the gorgeous color and can't make up my mind exactly what class it would fall in. I defer to the experts which is why I'm bothering all of you :)

So I have the dress, but now I am not sure about head covering or if I could wear any type of necklace with this? All suggestions are very welcome from a most grateful newbie.


Amyj

I'm seeing pearls and crystals....long strands of both would be great!  Maybe a pretty pin in the middle of the neckline.  As for head covering, depending on how long your hair is, you could wear a nice silver circlet with blue and white ribbons...or a snood that matches the dress color (I have very short hair so I hide it under snoods a LOT).  Or if you can get a french hood in a blue with pearls?  The best part is that you will be adding to and "tweaking" this lovely dress for a long time!!!  ;D
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Blu'n

My hair is short so I was thinking a snood as well. It's fun to think of all the possibilities with the accessories. Thanks so much!

Blu'n

So it would be okaywear jewels and a french hood with this gown or would it be better to tone it down? Or could I go both ways? I just want to try and stay true to the style of gown etc. Thanks!

isabelladangelo

Since the gown is fantastical, I'd go with an elven crown or something along that theme.   You may also just want to wear your hair in braids if your hair is long enough.

mieljolie

Did you call?  Hehe

Seriously, the dress is beautiful.  I agree with Amyj that pearls and crystals and silver would be great with it.  Also,  glass beads in something of a cobalt blue would be nice accents if the colors in the pic are true to reality.

I'm not an expert, but if you are going for fun, don't worry about h/a or accuracy.  I wouldn't fuss or fret about color or class. Just enjoy accessorizing with what you like.  That is what I would do.

Here is a link to many many types of hats that might inspire:  http://gallery.villagehatshop.com/gallery  (Go to the appropriate time period, of course.)
Royal Order of Landsharks - Guppy No. 85

Blu'n

Thanks to all for their input. It is very helpful. I am confused about the term "fantastical" in reference to this dress because in other places on the forum I've seen it used in reference to "elves, fairies, wizards, and pirates." I didn't really see this dress like that, but maybe I'm not looking at it correctly. If it is fantastical as in elves and fairies I'm going to have to seriously overhaul the persona I was working on  :o

HollyAtFairyEffects

Quote from: Lady Ann on September 26, 2008, 11:24:23 PM




Lady Ann, your dress is beautiful!  Where did you get it?  I want one like it for my vow renewal next year, but in a different color. 

Blu'n

Holly - I sent you a message.

isabelladangelo

Fantastical means that it's not a historical gown.  It's something made up but not based on one era of history.  It doesn't mean it's not pretty, because that is lovely, but it does mean that it's not historical.   Strapless gowns are a 19th c invention.  The tippets are based on the ones worn in the 13th and 14th centuries.  The skirts aren't that open in the 16th c.   I think that's based off of 18th c gowns? 

I do like it, thought.  The color is lovely and the overall look should work on most body types.   Like I said, It would be perfect for an elven outfit.   Add a silver cape and that would be scrumptious.  Maybe a silver brooch to the bodice?  A simple silver circlet would look really neat.

Lady Renee Buchanan

I don't know hardly anything about historical garbing, but that dress cried out to me  "GORGEOUS"!  It looks really noble to me.  I think bodice jewelry (check Ebay), a French hood with either a veil or a snood (I'm seeing  white snood that has pearls on it) and some kind of dangly earrings.

Sorry isabelladangelo, to me an elfin type is more tree-like, browns, greens, sort of a robin hood type appearance.  That gown to me just doesn't have that effect.

But Lady Ann, the bottom line is what you like.  If I had that beautiful dress, forget nobility.  I'd feel like I was the QUEEN!

Post lots of pictures, because you're gonna look like a knockout!
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Blu'n

QuoteI don't know hardly anything about historical garbing, but that dress cried out to me  "GORGEOUS"!  It looks really noble to me.  I think bodice jewelry (check Ebay), a French hood with either a veil or a snood (I'm seeing  white snood that has pearls on it) and some kind of dangly earrings.

Sorry isabelladangelo, to me an elfin type is more tree-like, browns, greens, sort of a robin hood type appearance.  That gown to me just doesn't have that effect.

But Lady Ann, the bottom line is what you like.  If I had that beautiful dress, forget nobility.  I'd feel like I was the QUEEN!

Post lots of pictures, because you're gonna look like a knockout!

Thanks...I know that's the bottom line that I just have to do what makes me happy and if it's decking myself out in fabulous jewels that's what I'm gonna do. And I don't mean to start a debate I just am very new and learning about garb and just wanted clarification about the term. Thanks to everyone for their input. I will post pictures when I can! 

Lady Neysa

This dress is very beautiful, I love the color!

Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on September 30, 2008, 05:31:56 PM
Sorry isabelladangelo, to me an elfin type is more tree-like, browns, greens, sort of a robin hood type appearance.  That gown to me just doesn't have that effect.

Just a thought..perhaps Isabella meant elven as in something like Arwen from Lord of the Rings would wear?  That idea seems to fit.

No matter...Lady Ann, I'm sure no matter what accesories you wear you'll look stunning! 

isabelladangelo

Yeap, that's exactly what I was thinking of, Lady Neysa.   ;) 

Lady Ann, never be afraid to ask a question.  Clarification is always a good thing.

Lady Caroline

Oh, it is lovely!!!!  I see a french hood with crystals and pearls!! And I would add matching pearls/crystals/beads to the dress.  Love it.