Need shopping help

[Praetorian]

I dont think there is any chance of renting at the faire. I know she isnt comfortable with that. As far as leggings go, I can tell you she wont go with that. She is not a dainty girl and would feel very self uncomfortable in anything that is that tight. I think she is convinced that a bodice could be cool if it fits and she likes the flowey skirts so that is probably the direction we are headed. She really likes the ornate gowns but we both know that isnt in the cards with our budget. On top of that it needs to be functional as she will be working for part of the day. If she had her way right now she wouldnt dress in garb at all. I told her since we were working there she had to. I am hoping she likes the faire wear and will decide to take part in the future when we attend.

[Capn Zeph]

Okay, this probably won't be an actual good suggestion, at least considering time-frame and current hobbies or skills, but making your own garb is a great way to go.  There are a lot of serviceable commercial patterns available out there, once you start looking.

My wife taught herself sewing with a hand-me-down sewing machine, then we went and bought her a new one.  Not counting footwear and weapons, my pyratical garb -- which is generally quite well-received, if I do say so myself -- was made for well under $200.  Probably less than a hundred, if you discount the buttons and the few "specialty" items.  Heck, I even made most of the leather goods (not boots or shoes) myself, and turn a little coin selling others, so...

Anyway, as I was trying to say, making it yourself can work, at times...

[Praetorian]

Thanks Capn. My wife sews but just doesnt have the time right now. Maybe if she gets garbed up and enjoys it she might decide to make her own dress that is a little more fancy. Time will tell thats for sure.

[Capn Zeph]

Praetorian--

If she decides she wants to try it at a later date, send me an e-mail or sommat (it's given on my profile thingie), and I can give you some points/tips my wife has found on various patterns, if it would help at all.

[Yrose]

You could get a good outfit for that price at Swan Lace. They are south of the Sea Devil and I have several of their pieces. I've had no complaints and they are comfortable.

[Praetorian]

well..... Silly Silly me thinking my idea of a budget was going to be adhered to. We didnt even make it past or out of Moresco. She ended up with a really pretty outfit which doubled the budget and some. At least she liked it and wore it all day Saturday.

[eldatari]

Moresca has that effect on people.

[Praetorian]

If I had knoww to go right instead of left....

As soon as she put on the bloomers she was loving the outfit. To expensive not to wear again that is for sure.

[DonaCatalina]

I see that Casta Diva is listed as having two shops this year. Do they have anything good?

[Sootikin]

On top of that it needs to be functional as she will be working for part of the day. If she had her way right now she wouldnt dress in garb at all. I told her since we were working there she had to.

If she's working there, she absolutely MUST be in garb of some sort, or she must not be visible to the public. Them's the rules. Have her ask whoever she's working for, if she needs clarification.

And on a personal note ... please, please, PLEASE put her in a full bodice. Don't put her in that girdle-type thingy that lets her hoots hang over it. That would be what we ordinarily call a "belt." A good bodice should cover nips to hips.

Basics she'll need: chemise, bodice, skirt, shoes, headwear. Have her check the participants' handbook for sources.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

Dra's stuff is great- milord bought a shirt from her at least 10 years ago that still looks almost new, and a good friend has garb from the Frock Shoppe that she uses in her theater gigs. Nice work, both.

I'll toss in a vote for Faire Paire too (www.tightsgoddess.com), just a few shops down the lane from Frock Shoppe. Her gowns are flattering to many body types, soft and comfy, and machine washable! They feel great in cooler weather, and she can layer under them too, if needed. I have one in burgundy and one in royal blue, and I love 'em, love 'em, love 'em. One can easily get a gown there for under $200.

[Praetorian]

On top of that it needs to be functional as she will be working for part of the day. If she had her way right now she wouldnt dress in garb at all. I told her since we were working there she had to.

If she's working there, she absolutely MUST be in garb of some sort, or she must not be visible to the public. Them's the rules. Have her ask whoever she's working for, if she needs clarification.

And on a personal note ... please, please, PLEASE put her in a full bodice. Don't put her in that girdle-type thingy that lets her hoots hang over it. That would be what we ordinarily call a "belt." A good bodice should cover nips to hips.

Basics she'll need: chemise, bodice, skirt, shoes, headwear. Have her check the participants' handbook for sources.

We dont actually work for the faire but I have in the past so I understand the rules as they pertain to vendors there and we will adhere to them. (it was actually a good excuse to get my wife in garb) We managed to spend more than planned on a nice outfit at Moresco complete with bloomers, bodice that fits and isnt the "lift kit" style, a skirt, chemise and floral head piece. It is very pretty and fits well which was a requirement since we require a pretty large range of motion for our photography. We dont just shoot standing up.  Anyway, we are set and ready for the wedding.

I checked out Dra and wasnt that excited about them. There garb seemed a little more modern than what I like. I did pick up a new shirt at Ravenswood.