tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83438022024-03-14T00:26:58.594-04:00The Costume DivaThe Costume Journal is dedicated to my adoration of luscious silks, bundles of historical patterns, sewing projects, and every costumed event that has ever given me an excuse to make a new outfit from a by-gone era.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-74717203060908591212012-09-24T13:11:00.001-04:002012-09-24T13:11:57.693-04:00It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ix04QPw_GBY/UGCSQ0zAi-I/AAAAAAAABp0/tHfGotKzdsM/s1600/20111031_174130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ix04QPw_GBY/UGCSQ0zAi-I/AAAAAAAABp0/tHfGotKzdsM/s320/20111031_174130.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O5h0WuPxCU/UGCSR4IUQpI/AAAAAAAABqE/glhWEwoucP8/s1600/halloween+2011+cs+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O5h0WuPxCU/UGCSR4IUQpI/AAAAAAAABqE/glhWEwoucP8/s320/halloween+2011+cs+067.jpg" width="240" /></a>....the most wonderful time for a costumer, that is. All Hallows Eve approaches which means lots of sewing for me. I've taken on a few Costume Diva commissions, and am still open for a few more if you get your orders in by October 8th. I thought I'd show off a commission I made last year that I never got around to posting.<br />
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My good friend Lauren from high school gave me free reign, and told me she wanted a spooky Victorian costume, using Disney's Haunted Mansion as my inspiration. For my pattern I used <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5900-misses-steampunk-costume.aspx" target="_blank">Simplicity 2207</a> (a new Steampunk collection they came out with last year). I dove into my local Fabric store's $2 bin and managed to find the fabulous black and white striped twill that the dress is made out of. I trimmed it with black tulle and a deep burgundy crepe. I had tons of tulle left over when I was finished with the trim and tulle bustle, so I decided to make a tulle shawl with silk rose petals sandwiched in the layers.<br />
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Lauren had a great time playing a Victorian Vampire, and she really brought this costume to life!! Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-26220138252908834612012-08-26T16:53:00.004-04:002012-08-26T16:53:48.718-04:00Costume Yard Sale<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTAHAwCeOW4/UDqKne6fsRI/AAAAAAAABl8/csPSkMWw-ls/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTAHAwCeOW4/UDqKne6fsRI/AAAAAAAABl8/csPSkMWw-ls/s320/IMG_0718.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Hey everyone! Hubby and I relocated this year. We finally have more square footage and a small back yard, but for some reason we still feel like we have less room than ever. I think our 'stuff' decided to reproduce while we had it locked away in storage for the past two years. It's time to sell off some old favorites to make way for the new. Head over to my <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/ladyinoui/m.html?item=130754916434&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562" target="_blank">eBay </a>listings and check out see if there is anything that might interest you. Check back next week...I think I might have some more costumes and corsets that I'm ready to part with.<br />
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Up for sale is a Museum Replica Arwen costume, a cut of silk suiting
fabric, a set of civil war bloomers, Edwardian undergarments, and a few
other Muggle items that might be of interest.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMIN15V3vIM/UDqKwcdohcI/AAAAAAAABmE/vptmymMrYj0/s1600/Megan+and+Ethan+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMIN15V3vIM/UDqKwcdohcI/AAAAAAAABmE/vptmymMrYj0/s320/Megan+and+Ethan+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-82975893610124339012012-02-27T12:09:00.023-05:002012-02-28T23:28:56.853-05:00Oscar Red Carpet 2012Yay! It's that time of year again. It's time for my highly anticipated non-expert-entirely-subjective fashion review.<br /><br />I'll start this post by saying that I wasn't thrilled with the Red Carpet looks this year. There were a few exceptions that were really gorgeous, but overall I'm not loving the styles that are in this year. However, since I'm a ballgown-poofy-more-is-more kinda girl, I have a hard time when the looks trend more towards slim and sleek.<br /><br />There were a lot of pretty vintage hairstyles on the carpet which I really loved, and some severe looking bangs. This year's theme was definitely Black and White. Black and White were the 'it' colors:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNt_Yxi6v3A/T0vC365ZGgI/AAAAAAAABlk/QawlyLeujIc/s1600/-67c388aa138b95e9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNt_Yxi6v3A/T0vC365ZGgI/AAAAAAAABlk/QawlyLeujIc/s320/-67c388aa138b95e9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874818208176642" border="0" /></a>Milla Jovovich wore Elie Saab and looked positively gorgeous. Check out that stunning 1930's hairstyle. A lot of 'best dressed' lists have her at the top this year. While I really like the gown, it just doesn't beat out some of my other favorites.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X47Y7Nz_4eY/T0vBi0GDc3I/AAAAAAAABgs/0-TVprS97dA/s1600/article-0-11EDC8FE000005DC-56_470x734.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X47Y7Nz_4eY/T0vBi0GDc3I/AAAAAAAABgs/0-TVprS97dA/s320/article-0-11EDC8FE000005DC-56_470x734.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873356093354866" border="0" /></a>Even royalty got the message to show up in white: Here's Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfg6YnXXF2Q/T0vBPLZBIyI/AAAAAAAABfw/iDY5l2Un3-8/s1600/0226octavia-spencer-tadashi-shoji-oscars_fa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfg6YnXXF2Q/T0vBPLZBIyI/AAAAAAAABfw/iDY5l2Un3-8/s320/0226octavia-spencer-tadashi-shoji-oscars_fa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873018749526818" border="0" /></a>I was thrilled that Ocatavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress. I have mixed feelings about the Tadashi Shoji gown. She has apparently been very loyal to this designer all awards season, but I'm not in love with it. However, I can find no fault with the fit, and I think it flatters her figure. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyHn8iuJh-g/T0u8McPDsFI/AAAAAAAABfE/g5XGrsrxdUs/s1600/Guiliana%2BRAncic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyHn8iuJh-g/T0u8McPDsFI/AAAAAAAABfE/g5XGrsrxdUs/s320/Guiliana%2BRAncic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713867474173407314" border="0" /></a>Guiliana Rancic's Tom Ward gown was flattering, although I thought there was too much going on.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUhqVnKV9e4/T0u6mEPt9RI/AAAAAAAABeM/GXvHRG8clVY/s1600/BingbingLi-Oscars2012-jpg_231335.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUhqVnKV9e4/T0u6mEPt9RI/AAAAAAAABeM/GXvHRG8clVY/s320/BingbingLi-Oscars2012-jpg_231335.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713865715387069714" border="0" /></a>BingBing Li's George Chakra gown was very pretty. I'm not sure this image picks up on the textured gown covered in flowers. The part I didn't like? The transparent stripes running up each thigh.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiZhY-GAwiU/T0u5zi_inuI/AAAAAAAABck/3NDvZpdN4yc/s1600/-19fe93ff61ace885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiZhY-GAwiU/T0u5zi_inuI/AAAAAAAABck/3NDvZpdN4yc/s320/-19fe93ff61ace885.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713864847467388642" border="0" /></a>Cameron Diaz in Gucci. I really liked this gown and the dramatic train. There were some fitting issues with her basque top right at the waist, but overall one of my favorites out of the white category.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AW1RCu2EN4g/T0u5yjM2I9I/AAAAAAAABcA/ts3Ld6DKPA8/s1600/140008774-jpg_001132.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AW1RCu2EN4g/T0u5yjM2I9I/AAAAAAAABcA/ts3Ld6DKPA8/s320/140008774-jpg_001132.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713864830343324626" border="0" /></a>Kelly Ripa also looked great in this gown. I can't figure out who designed her gown, and now that I'm researching it I'm finding out that the gown is actually pale yellow. Huh. I'm leaving it here in the white category.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPpwsB2eNI/T0vCP50f_OI/AAAAAAAABjk/PjbGdIzZf9o/s1600/Oldman-Edenborough-Oscars2012-jpg_003329.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPpwsB2eNI/T0vCP50f_OI/AAAAAAAABjk/PjbGdIzZf9o/s320/Oldman-Edenborough-Oscars2012-jpg_003329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874130724453602" border="0" /></a>So now we get to the black evening gowns. Gary Oldman's wife Alexandra Edenborough looked gorgeous in a Roberto Cavalli gown.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uv9N4R9l7Ac/T0vB-1haYVI/AAAAAAAABic/fMleuZvYhfY/s1600/Kelly%2Bosbourne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uv9N4R9l7Ac/T0vB-1haYVI/AAAAAAAABic/fMleuZvYhfY/s320/Kelly%2Bosbourne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873837512876370" border="0" /></a>Kelly Osmond sported this Badgley Mischka gown. I didn't think this was a stand out gown, but it's very flattering and fits into the black category.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3z4InqjdCQ/T0u6l7u_RYI/AAAAAAAABd4/3o7NpQ_9hmk/s1600/AnneSophieBion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3z4InqjdCQ/T0u6l7u_RYI/AAAAAAAABd4/3o7NpQ_9hmk/s320/AnneSophieBion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713865713102308738" border="0" /></a><br />I could barely restrain myself from placing Anne Sophie Bion on the worst dressed list for this wrinkled-garbagebag-wannabe-gown. In the end I decided there were worse offenders, so I've left her here.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ua1DHeFlNOA/T0vCi7EpsgI/AAAAAAAABkk/B5dOhfz0Rus/s1600/slide_211169_726817_free.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ua1DHeFlNOA/T0vCi7EpsgI/AAAAAAAABkk/B5dOhfz0Rus/s320/slide_211169_726817_free.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874457478148610" border="0" /></a>Tina Fey...I LOVE Tina Fey, but I did not love this gown. I'm using it to illustrate the 'black' trend even though I'm perfectly aware that she's wearing navy. Oh well, close enough. I didn't like the waist apron thing, but I guess if you overlook this detail that will make your hips look bigger than they are it's an ok dress. Gown by Carolina Herrera.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5DrC9wEffo/T0u5yzAf9DI/AAAAAAAABcI/nJRvKpJWZkE/s1600/1330301516_melissa-mccarthy_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5DrC9wEffo/T0u5yzAf9DI/AAAAAAAABcI/nJRvKpJWZkE/s320/1330301516_melissa-mccarthy_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713864834586506290" border="0" /></a>Now we move away from the "White and Black" category into the gowns I really didn't love. Given the fact that I'm a plus size, I'll be the last to pick on Melissa McCarthy. However, I think there were nicer gowns out there...she needed to pick something with structure. Billowy gowns tend to make us big girls look even bigger.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ALgqRwcX_4/T0vBjs9yFZI/AAAAAAAABhQ/QMUS4kT6LzQ/s1600/article-2106903-11ED651F000005DC-704_470x765.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ALgqRwcX_4/T0vBjs9yFZI/AAAAAAAABhQ/QMUS4kT6LzQ/s320/article-2106903-11ED651F000005DC-704_470x765.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873371359483282" border="0" /></a>Michele Williams in Louis Vuitton. While I can't say that this is a 'bad' dress, I just didn't like it and certainly will not be joining the crowd that named her 'best dressed.' First off, if you're going to be on TV, I think you should pick a color that will register well onscreen. I'm told that the coral gown was stunning in person, but all I can see is a red gown. Plus, this gown has the same problem that Tina Fey's does...it adds to the hips. The detailing looks very interesting, though.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHQBKji8yg4/T0vBjEig2EI/AAAAAAAABhA/XSFhuZqmWCs/s1600/article-2106903-11ED6B87000005DC-198_310x612.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHQBKji8yg4/T0vBjEig2EI/AAAAAAAABhA/XSFhuZqmWCs/s320/article-2106903-11ED6B87000005DC-198_310x612.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873360507689026" border="0" /></a>Rooney Mara in Givenchy. Apparently it's big news that they actress skipped her signature black look and went for a white gown. While I applaud that, and love the contract between the white gown and the black hair, the gown is very poorly fitted in the chest. She revealed on the red carpet that she only selected it the morning of the show, so maybe that was the problem. Can I add...the fashion police kept cooing over this dress' 'structure.' Folks, that gauzy dress has very little structure to it. The woman wearing it is the only thing providing any structure up top.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z82wL73YoF0/T0u6m_ja7aI/AAAAAAAABek/GXKXZwIrT9Q/s1600/-d6081685d846864c.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z82wL73YoF0/T0u6m_ja7aI/AAAAAAAABek/GXKXZwIrT9Q/s320/-d6081685d846864c.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713865731307400610" border="0" /></a>Penelope Cruz in Armani. Okay, before you get mad at me for saying I don't like this, let me open by saying I can't quite pin down why I don't love it. Maybe it's because it didn't fit in with this year's red carpet looks. It was out of place. Maybe it's something with the color...I just kept wrinkling my nose when I saw it. I love Penelope's hair, the cut of the gown is very flattering on her, and I love the way it trails behind her. If I saw her at a White House dinner in this gown I probably would have loved it. She seriously could be Jackie Kennedy...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-RsjFfLrI4/T0vCiAKAGeI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ee5gwkdKyio/s1600/slide_211169_726415_free.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-RsjFfLrI4/T0vCiAKAGeI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ee5gwkdKyio/s320/slide_211169_726415_free.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874441662896610" border="0" /></a>Bernice Bejo. Ouch. I really didn't like this one. It's mint, it's sparkly all over, it has sleeve, it has nude insets in the sleeves. This is far too matronly for a woman as young and beautiful as Bernice. This is seriously something I'd expect to see Hillary Clinton wearing as the mother of the bride. I wish she'd made a more bold selection.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySPAPxLwlTs/T0vBjCUXqdI/AAAAAAAABg0/0JxVukjosoc/s1600/article-2106903-11ED5E0D000005DC-522_470x765.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySPAPxLwlTs/T0vBjCUXqdI/AAAAAAAABg0/0JxVukjosoc/s320/article-2106903-11ED5E0D000005DC-522_470x765.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873359911496146" border="0" /></a>Viola Davis in Vera Wang. It was funny...watching the red carpet, everyone was gushing about this gown and how it fit her just right and showed off her assets. Then, when she didn't win the award, the next morning all anyone could say is that the hem was a mess (like someone had gone crazy with the scissors). I respectfully disagree with everyone. The color was great. The top was all wrong...it didn't show off her assets...it left us wondering when they would pour out. And as for the 'messy' hem...I loved it. I do also love that she wore her natural hair. She's gorgeous (apparently she frequently wears wigs for her roles).<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wpc9bMJGYs/T0vCACbettI/AAAAAAAABi8/dhlEi9jE7oM/s1600/maya-rudolph-022612-%2B%25284%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wpc9bMJGYs/T0vCACbettI/AAAAAAAABi8/dhlEi9jE7oM/s320/maya-rudolph-022612-%2B%25284%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873858157524690" border="0" /></a>Maya Rudolph. I'm going for the obvious jab here...it looks like the actress from "The Bridesmaids" is wearing a bridesmaid gown. I like the purple, but I really don't like the silver shoulder pad sleeves.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2l-VykQH3U/T0vCp670DpI/AAAAAAAABlM/AQv-rySCLKA/s1600/slide_211169_727054_free.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2l-VykQH3U/T0vCp670DpI/AAAAAAAABlM/AQv-rySCLKA/s320/slide_211169_727054_free.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874577700163218" border="0" /></a>Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel. BAD nude color. Nude is one of things you can or can't pull off, and I don't think this was a hit for Kristen.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v43tvOtumU/T0vCjHgRG_I/AAAAAAAABkw/HgFtr7OOLIE/s1600/slide_211169_726829_free.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v43tvOtumU/T0vCjHgRG_I/AAAAAAAABkw/HgFtr7OOLIE/s320/slide_211169_726829_free.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874460815203314" border="0" /></a>I guess I'm going to go ahead and pick on the Oscar Winner Meryl Streep (in return, I'm sure God will make sure I don't look half as good at her age). I love the color, I love the neckline, and I'm very happy she won the Oscar. But I don't like the rest of the gown. It looks like she threw on a robe, belted it, and accessorized. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1j6PQKxr7b4/T0u6BeCtGDI/AAAAAAAABdM/AYM8eA_Bv2k/s1600/-4353e1b78fd11957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1j6PQKxr7b4/T0u6BeCtGDI/AAAAAAAABdM/AYM8eA_Bv2k/s320/-4353e1b78fd11957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713865086656649266" border="0" /></a>Moving into my "Worst Dressed." What was Sandra Bullock thinking???? It's shiny satin on top, dull velvet on bottom (fitted like Morticia Adams' skirt) with this weird spidery belt attacking her midriff. Plus, with few exceptions, I don't think a pony tail is dressy enough for the red carpet. Overall, kind of matronly.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QQKgFDKh5o/T0vBQIh9ZHI/AAAAAAAABgg/BFgtsWP5OWo/s1600/article-0-11ED8774000005DC-106_310x665.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QQKgFDKh5o/T0vBQIh9ZHI/AAAAAAAABgg/BFgtsWP5OWo/s320/article-0-11ED8774000005DC-106_310x665.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873035161592946" border="0" /></a>Anna Farris. Also matronly. Also a hot sequin mess with sleeves. Add shoulder pads and it's something right out of my 1980's nightmares. Where Mara Rooney's severe black hair cut looked gorgeous with a white gown, Anna's blond do is not complemented by the black gown.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqYZPt_dpJo/T0vBQDkbf8I/AAAAAAAABgM/SI8Rk7hnQ2k/s1600/article-0-11ED5142000005DC-736_310x653.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqYZPt_dpJo/T0vBQDkbf8I/AAAAAAAABgM/SI8Rk7hnQ2k/s320/article-0-11ED5142000005DC-736_310x653.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873033829777346" border="0" /></a>Shailene Woodley is almost eleven years younger than I am. I can only pray that several decades will pass before I admit defeat and wear a style like this. It's a 1970's Princess Leia interlock mess. All she was missing were the buns.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkwLqPa6WAw/T0u6BQmk6uI/AAAAAAAABdY/K76CdnN4yAU/s1600/-6880b3f1ea8a66d1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkwLqPa6WAw/T0u6BQmk6uI/AAAAAAAABdY/K76CdnN4yAU/s320/-6880b3f1ea8a66d1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713865083049011938" border="0" /></a>Yes, that's right, folks. Angelina Jolie is on my worst dressed list. Most everyone is loving this gown on the internet, but I refuse. She's wearing black velvet, and I feel it weighs down this gown. There's too much fabric, her arms are skeletal, that skinny white leg just does not look attractive sticking out of the slit. I normally really like her looks, but this year she's just too skinny, and the dress highlights all the wrong parts. (I looked up the fashion police review of this dress after I wrote this...I can't believe that Joan Rivers and I agree on something) <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLBSx9Fm15o/T0vCPtQ9PtI/AAAAAAAABjQ/dem_M2oRJ7c/s1600/Melissa%2BLeo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLBSx9Fm15o/T0vCPtQ9PtI/AAAAAAAABjQ/dem_M2oRJ7c/s320/Melissa%2BLeo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874127354150610" border="0" /></a><br />Melissa Leo's Reem Acra dress was a disaster. It didn't fit, and I hate the button-down shirt top. Very unflattering.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIpevYZDM-Y/T0vCP99lUBI/AAAAAAAABjY/CuuYcZBk-B0/s1600/NancyO%2527Dell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIpevYZDM-Y/T0vCP99lUBI/AAAAAAAABjY/CuuYcZBk-B0/s320/NancyO%2527Dell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874131836293138" border="0" /></a>Nancy O'Dell in neon-make-your-eyes-bleed-yellow. This gown would have been gorgeous in almost any other color. The fake tan and blond hair clash terribly with this color. Nancy, you win this year's crown for worst dressed.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcj1VDvM0Hk/T0u8MOff47I/AAAAAAAABe8/cgq6TQv1tfA/s1600/GlennClose-Oscars2012-jpg_000839.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcj1VDvM0Hk/T0u8MOff47I/AAAAAAAABe8/cgq6TQv1tfA/s320/GlennClose-Oscars2012-jpg_000839.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713867470484267954" border="0" /></a>Now we're moving out of the 'worst' and into the gowns I enjoyed. A lot of people picked on Glenn Close's gown, but I though the bust of the gown fit her beautifully. I might have made the jacket shorter and taken a bit of fabric out of the train, but this was a flattering gown and a flattering color on her.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFDelkL1HQg/T0u8M5RlQrI/AAAAAAAABfg/wdq4Cq4Jcek/s1600/Katemara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFDelkL1HQg/T0u8M5RlQrI/AAAAAAAABfg/wdq4Cq4Jcek/s320/Katemara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713867481968624306" border="0" /></a>Kate Mara in a blush Jack Guisso gown. I really like the little floral applique embellishments on this gown and the one sleeve. Her awkward pose was unfortunate and didn't help show off the gown.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-4-LXK7wmY/T0u6mlgA5_I/AAAAAAAABeY/JTsq0uBKzL0/s1600/Colin%2BFirth%2Bwife%2BLivia%2BGiuggiol.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-4-LXK7wmY/T0u6mlgA5_I/AAAAAAAABeY/JTsq0uBKzL0/s320/Colin%2BFirth%2Bwife%2BLivia%2BGiuggiol.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713865724313790450" border="0" /></a>Colin Firth and his wife Livia Giuggioli looked great together. She looks very vintage in this custom Vallentino gown...it makes me think of the elegant sixties.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn8cAw4w828/T0vBsQu1nZI/AAAAAAAABhw/ZmFFaiKO-KQ/s1600/article-2106976-11EDA066000005DC-851_634x906.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn8cAw4w828/T0vBsQu1nZI/AAAAAAAABhw/ZmFFaiKO-KQ/s320/article-2106976-11EDA066000005DC-851_634x906.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873518399430034" border="0" /></a><br />Natalie Portman in Vintage Dior. This gown fit her perfectly (unlike so many other gowns that we saw on the red carpet this year). I LOVED the polka dots, and the little gather/ruching at the knee in the back.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YM6KbIbhbw4/T0vB_KIXAAI/AAAAAAAABi0/ukg77TNET24/s1600/Leslie%2BMann.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YM6KbIbhbw4/T0vB_KIXAAI/AAAAAAAABi0/ukg77TNET24/s320/Leslie%2BMann.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873843044941826" border="0" /></a>Leslie Mann in a Roberto Cavalli gown. I love the fabric drape at the hip. It's so flattering. The top looks like it was made for her (maybe it was...), and I feel like that's the way an Oscar gown should fit.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ows8-NfpcIw/T0vB-fjY2dI/AAAAAAAABiM/sER_pmcaKeE/s1600/Kate%2BMenouis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ows8-NfpcIw/T0vB-fjY2dI/AAAAAAAABiM/sER_pmcaKeE/s320/Kate%2BMenouis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873831615584722" border="0" /></a><br />Maria Menounos. After making fun of another minty green gown earlier in this review, I have to laugh a bit that this one is on my best dressed. The vibe is completely differing. It's green chiffon layered over a shimmering gold fabric, and it the cut of the gown makes her look like a greek goddess. LOVED this gown.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7cf1j1yKmk/T0u6A_2o50I/AAAAAAAABc8/NipY-CetB2M/s1600/-91fdb9f61828f183.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7cf1j1yKmk/T0u6A_2o50I/AAAAAAAABc8/NipY-CetB2M/s320/-91fdb9f61828f183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713865078552979266" border="0" /></a>Ellie Kemper in Armani Prive. I LOVED this gown. I have to admit I wanted to smack Ellie for referring to it as a 'rust' color. Rust is ugly. Copper is pretty. I'm surprised that the color goes so well with her red hair, but this was a definite hit for me. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFfhc2A8sCs/T0vBPXWAjBI/AAAAAAAABf8/cY8ZIFjGd1c/s1600/239501-singer-jennifer-lopez.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFfhc2A8sCs/T0vBPXWAjBI/AAAAAAAABf8/cY8ZIFjGd1c/s320/239501-singer-jennifer-lopez.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873021958130706" border="0" /></a>And moving on to our first nominee for Best Dressed. Jennifer Lopez' daring and revealing Zuhair Murad gown was gorgeous and hugged her curves in all the right places. As to the alleged wardrobe malfunction...I don't believe for a second that it happened. With a plunging neckline that, she was probably glued into that dress to make sure that everything stayed where it was supposed it.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWBWcYDHDtQ/T0u8MbqzIRI/AAAAAAAABfQ/5YdHSL0zuPM/s1600/image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWBWcYDHDtQ/T0u8MbqzIRI/AAAAAAAABfQ/5YdHSL0zuPM/s320/image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713867474021327122" border="0" /></a>George Clooney must have known he wasn't taking home the statue, but it was okay because his girlfriend Stacy Keibler's was Oscar personified in her Marchesa dress. I usually hate the gold dress-like-oscar gowns, but this one is just so flattering and hugs her in all the right places. I was highly amused by the E! commentary, when one of the stylists gasped and realized where the 'missing' gold Marchesa gown she'd wanted for one of her clients was. It's good to be Clooney's girlfriend.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg-is1fqyro/T0vBsII19jI/AAAAAAAABho/99MnmGG7dnA/s1600/article-2106903-11ED8676000005DC-17_310x710.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg-is1fqyro/T0vBsII19jI/AAAAAAAABho/99MnmGG7dnA/s320/article-2106903-11ED8676000005DC-17_310x710.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873516092585522" border="0" /></a>Emma Stone in <span id="intelliTXT">Giambattista Valli. I LOVE this gown. She looked so statuesque. I loved the bow, I loved the slip from neck to navel that was only visible once she began presenting, the belted waist, and and I love how the raspberry fabric flowed around her. There's been a lot of <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2107182/Oscars-2012-Emma-Stones-Giambattista-Valli-gown-just-like-Nicole-Kidmans-2007.html">criticism</a> regarding her selection, saying she wore the same dress as Nicole Kidman wore in 2007. Folks, they each were a shade of red and had a bow. The comparison stops there. She looks gorgeous, and she's high on my best dressed list. </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DpZ43clXhE/T0vCQcz1EEI/AAAAAAAABj4/guuJvg655o8/s1600/Rose%2BByrne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DpZ43clXhE/T0vCQcz1EEI/AAAAAAAABj4/guuJvg655o8/s320/Rose%2BByrne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874140116881474" border="0" /></a>Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood. Va Va VA Voom!!! Westwood is admittedly one of my favorite designers, but wow. The gown (which is apparently midnight blue...not black), shimmers, fits her like a slim column, and has an amazing one shoulder strap. The platform peep toe shoes, the long silver earrings, and the severe bob cut just makes this outfit sophisticated perfection. I want to be her.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gouEYLhAm8M/T0vCjbw3SOI/AAAAAAAABk8/ZFIRx2I1sZg/s1600/slide_211169_727002_free.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gouEYLhAm8M/T0vCjbw3SOI/AAAAAAAABk8/ZFIRx2I1sZg/s320/slide_211169_727002_free.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713874466253523170" border="0" /></a>Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford. She looks like a million dollars and is officially my hero if she succeeds in helping the cape to make a comeback. The elegant and simple lines of the gown and cape are just perfect, and I was amazed at how well the one shoulder look works with the cape. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ-NPEPnfZg/T0vBkPlSKKI/AAAAAAAABhc/kO9yNPhTdMI/s1600/article-2106903-11ED5069000005DC-584_470x670.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ-NPEPnfZg/T0vBkPlSKKI/AAAAAAAABhc/kO9yNPhTdMI/s320/article-2106903-11ED5069000005DC-584_470x670.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713873380651968674" border="0" /></a>The award for Best Dressed goes to Jessica Chastain in her larger-than-life McQueen gown. The gold embroidery and beading on black is just stunning, and it had a gorgeous train. The colors worked very well with her red hair. Before I knew it was a McQueen gown, I was immediately reminded of his iconic <a href="http://blog.fidmmuseum.org/museum/2011/12/alexander-mcqueen-peacock-dress.html">Peacock dress</a>. Just like every girl dreams of her wedding dress, I think if you grow up dreaming of going to the Oscars, this is the kind of dress you dream of and it's the kind of dress you wear when money is no object.<br /><br />So what did you think? Did I leave anyone out? I'd love to hear from you. Fashion is subjective, so I'd love to hear from you if you're loving/hating something I didn't.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-69774797597203571162011-06-15T22:14:00.002-04:002011-06-15T22:25:00.620-04:00Whatever shall I wear?While I have been slowly chugging away on my sewing projects, I have admitted defeat on my Under The Redcoat project. I just don't have time to get it finished. I might get my stays done in time, but there's no way I can get a dress patterned, sewn, and trimmed (with matching hat) in 1.5 weeks. I need to win the lottery so I can devote myself full time to my costumes! :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQzlfftO9cE/TflnUnKhsQI/AAAAAAAABbU/x0xbWrF3zOw/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQzlfftO9cE/TflnUnKhsQI/AAAAAAAABbU/x0xbWrF3zOw/s320/IMG_1961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635613929582850" border="0" /></a>My half-boned stays are coming along quite nicely. I have sewn in the lining (I'm loving the blue gingham!!) and gotten the edges partially bound.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eOysf6mECQ/TflnU6F0F4I/AAAAAAAABbc/6apKEAV339o/s1600/IMG_1962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eOysf6mECQ/TflnU6F0F4I/AAAAAAAABbc/6apKEAV339o/s320/IMG_1962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635619010090882" border="0" /></a>The top edge is complete, but as these pins prove, I'm still working on finishing up the bottom half. It is, of course, the more difficult half thanks to all the tabs.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1JMeNB7R64/TflnVYezdAI/AAAAAAAABbk/0FR4aZUZGyg/s1600/IMG_1964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1JMeNB7R64/TflnVYezdAI/AAAAAAAABbk/0FR4aZUZGyg/s320/IMG_1964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635627167970306" border="0" /></a>I did get the eyelets all nicely hand-bound. I found some beautiful silk embroidery floss when I was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Charlottesville</span> a few weeks ago and used it. I still prefer silk buttonhole twist, but since that's not always available the embroidery thread was a nice substitute.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIECk9YultE/TflnVmzj1zI/AAAAAAAABbs/RrjTtQhpl8Y/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIECk9YultE/TflnVmzj1zI/AAAAAAAABbs/RrjTtQhpl8Y/s320/IMG_1965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635631013123890" border="0" /></a>Another reason progress has slowed down a bit on my projects is because I'm working on a commission. It's a fully boned pair of 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> century stays. I'll post pictures once I'm finished, but here's a sneak peak. Isn't the color fabulous? I love the gold silk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhbo0RHFlm0/TflnV3CiA2I/AAAAAAAABb0/XKdSxhSVEIM/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhbo0RHFlm0/TflnV3CiA2I/AAAAAAAABb0/XKdSxhSVEIM/s320/IMG_1966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618635635370885986" border="0" /></a>I ordered 50 yards of plastic boning for the commission stays. I was really worried that I hadn't ordered enough...but here's what was left in the end. Talk about ordering just the right amount!Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-67972961965652873432011-06-02T19:04:00.004-04:002011-06-03T14:07:51.688-04:00Bound EyeletsI hate doing posts without any photos, but I thought I'd mention that I've finished hand-binding the eyelets on my stays. I managed to find some silk embroidery thread in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Charlottesville</span> and used it to bind the eyelets. They turned out very nicely, but since it's white on white I had a really hard time taking a photo of the eyelets.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lining</span> is pinned down, and tonight I'll start binding the edges. We're in the homestretch.<br /><br />In other news...I don't think I have a prayer of getting any of the outfits that I'd wanted to complete for Under the Redcoat and Gettysburg. I'll have this weekend to work on them, but since I don't want to rush and mess up, I'd rather take my time and wear them later.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-58655436936799061392011-05-30T21:08:00.001-04:002011-05-30T21:08:00.684-04:0018 Century Stays ProgressI'm working on a commission (also an 18th century pair of stays...I'll post photos when I'm done), so progress on my own half-boned stays has been slightly slower than normal. However, I got all the boning channels sewn in...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ5ANXMz59c/Td2o_OZ_JDI/AAAAAAAABZw/2M750XXGJKA/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ5ANXMz59c/Td2o_OZ_JDI/AAAAAAAABZw/2M750XXGJKA/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610826514925823026" border="0" /></a> ...added the boning (I'm using German Plastic boning), tacked down the inner seams... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHmJXZB_UBQ/Td2o_TdvCFI/AAAAAAAABZ4/b883y2g_81s/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHmJXZB_UBQ/Td2o_TdvCFI/AAAAAAAABZ4/b883y2g_81s/s320/IMG_1929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610826516283721810" border="0" /></a>...and assembled the lining. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XrtKsx4Zoc/Td2o_l0rp5I/AAAAAAAABaA/_5IL_k1wpSU/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XrtKsx4Zoc/Td2o_l0rp5I/AAAAAAAABaA/_5IL_k1wpSU/s320/IMG_1931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610826521211807634" border="0" /></a>All that remains is to hand bind the eyelets raw edges (this is most time and labor intense part of 18th century stays for me).<br /><br />Don't you love the lining I picked out?! Burnley & Trowbridge had a lovely gingham/checked blue linen. I couldn't stick with plain white both inside and out (boring!), and since plaid linings are period, I decided to go for it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYKqMNjFNOQ/Td2o_zeX6HI/AAAAAAAABaI/lAe9JqaXXlQ/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYKqMNjFNOQ/Td2o_zeX6HI/AAAAAAAABaI/lAe9JqaXXlQ/s320/IMG_1932.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610826524876335218" border="0" /></a>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-90347496157118938402011-05-25T19:04:00.000-04:002011-05-25T19:04:00.274-04:00Late 18th Century Stays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjcFPTPWFN8/TdHADaQY-3I/AAAAAAAABZg/tqEnaBxQcz0/s1600/hbstays.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjcFPTPWFN8/TdHADaQY-3I/AAAAAAAABZg/tqEnaBxQcz0/s320/hbstays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607474175873186674" border="0" /></a>So, like much of my costume wardrobe, my 18th century stays aren't fitting so well these days, so I decided to make a new pair. I've never tried making a later 18th century pair of stays, so I thought I'd try out JP Ryan's new <a href="http://www.jpryan.com/details/hbstays.html">half-boned stays' pattern</a> (pictured above).<br /><br />Unlike her fully boned stays, I've experienced some fitting issues with this pattern. I usually really like JP Ryan's patterns, but I've had some frustrations with this pattern. It might have actually been the same amount of work to scale up a pattern from one of my costume books. I had to redraft the pattern, shortening it by 2.5 inches, adding 4 inches in the bust, and shrinking the waist by 2 inches. I had to make two mock-ups - my edits made the pattern the correct proportions, but it was too large. Here's my first mock-up (clearly too big)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01kn6mgQdQY/TdG_NI4uR2I/AAAAAAAABZA/_nwpB_R5t24/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01kn6mgQdQY/TdG_NI4uR2I/AAAAAAAABZA/_nwpB_R5t24/s320/IMG_1912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607473243497580386" border="0" /></a> I forget sometimes that I'm very squishy. Here's the second mock-up...apparently still too big, even if my dress dummy fooled me:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bZ4nnKTRdk/TdG_NekzecI/AAAAAAAABZI/16JjNRLXaK0/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bZ4nnKTRdk/TdG_NekzecI/AAAAAAAABZI/16JjNRLXaK0/s320/IMG_1914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607473249319614914" border="0" /></a>Luckily, I didn't want to make these stays meet in the back as the pattern is designed to do, so I just took the excess out of the final back pattern piece and was back in business.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-EfBaM4ImU/TdG_NsXW9ZI/AAAAAAAABZQ/p-F5v6ohm_s/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-EfBaM4ImU/TdG_NsXW9ZI/AAAAAAAABZQ/p-F5v6ohm_s/s320/IMG_1926.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607473253021316498" border="0" /></a>Now I have to redraw all of the boning lines. This was painstaking work that took over an hour to get right, so I'm slightly frustrated. I'm also thinking the straps might be too short, but that's an easy fix and I have enough left-over fabric. You can barely make out the penciled in boning lines in the photo below:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyi23p9ruLs/TdG_NnK2wEI/AAAAAAAABZY/YRBC_MJZptU/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyi23p9ruLs/TdG_NnK2wEI/AAAAAAAABZY/YRBC_MJZptU/s320/IMG_1928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607473251626696770" border="0" /></a>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-48134515093756774152011-05-21T19:03:00.003-04:002011-05-21T19:03:00.374-04:00Civil War Cage CrinolineWhile <a href="http://costumediva.blogspot.com/2004/09/after-finishing-chemise-bloomers-and.html">I already own a hoopskirt</a>, it's made as a petticoat with sewn-in channels. It's very similar to this <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/the_costume_institute/crinoline_cage/objectview.aspx?page=1&sort=6&sortdir=asc&keyword=crinoline&fp=1&dd1=8&dd2=0&vw=1&collID=8&OID=80036836&vT=1&hi=0&ov=0">cage crinoline at the MET</a>. All the fabric (in addition to the steel) is surprisingly heavy. It's from the popular Simplicity pattern, but it's too long and is constantly scraping the ground. I could fix that, but it's also very large and not really designed for day-wear. I decided I'd like a new set of hoops, and wanted to try making a cage crinoline, like this one at the Victoria & Albert museum:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HApoPdZCqxc/TdG-kIuO4SI/AAAAAAAABYo/IRoN7cRBl4w/s1600/2006BB1093_jpg_ds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HApoPdZCqxc/TdG-kIuO4SI/AAAAAAAABYo/IRoN7cRBl4w/s320/2006BB1093_jpg_ds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607472539078943010" border="0" /></a>I purchased a fairly straight forward<a href="http://shop.originals-by-kay.com/product.sc?productId=1328&categoryId=34"> kit</a> from <a href="http://www.originals-by-kay.com/">Originals By Kay</a>, and was able to put it together in an afternoon with my husband's help (I really don't like having to use the bolt cutters to cut the hoop wire). My dress dummy was a lot of help. It seems like period crinolines had many more hoops than modern reproductions, but our hoop steel is very different than what they had available during the civil war.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLOWbnvgmBM/TdG-kXID2tI/AAAAAAAABYw/mTA633Y4S70/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLOWbnvgmBM/TdG-kXID2tI/AAAAAAAABYw/mTA633Y4S70/s320/IMG_1909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607472542945368786" border="0" /></a>The hoops are 108 inches in circumference, and are not an exact bell shape since they are ever-so-slightly larger in the back. That way my skirts will be more voluminous in the back.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytmmXlW41j8/TdG-kT7jluI/AAAAAAAABY4/bjJR6EujgsM/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytmmXlW41j8/TdG-kT7jluI/AAAAAAAABY4/bjJR6EujgsM/s320/IMG_1911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607472542087616226" border="0" /></a> I would definitely recommend Kay's kit for convenience and ease of construction. There wasn't enough tape in the kit for me to make my waistband, but I have enough ribbon/tape lying around that it wasn't a problem. I admit I'm curious about the <a href="http://www.trulyvictorian.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19&cat=1&page=1">Truly Victorian hoop pattern</a> since it includes a bag hem (you're less likely to put a foot through a hoop). Has anyone tried out the two different hoop styles?<br /><br />I have a petticoat that will work with these hoops, though I know I should really make a new pair that:<br /><br />A) Fits better<br />B) Has a flounce<br />C) Is neither too short nor too longCostume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-67172000205344403582011-05-19T19:03:00.002-04:002011-05-19T19:03:00.520-04:00Completed Civil War Corset<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AoRaUPm21k/TdGzmi3ODwI/AAAAAAAABYg/NNbA2iaRNJE/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AoRaUPm21k/TdGzmi3ODwI/AAAAAAAABYg/NNbA2iaRNJE/s320/IMG_1917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607460485827792642" border="0" /></a>Here's a finished shot of me in my new Civil War corset. It'll do the job so I can move forward with my Gettysburg dress, but it's a bit too small...I can't even post the back shot because I'm a bit embarrassed by the fit. In hindsight, I definitely should size up Simplicity 7215. It was my favorite corset, and I hope to fit back into it someday.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-53796392171403946142011-04-20T19:00:00.000-04:002011-04-21T16:30:56.765-04:0018th Century WigsWigs (or 18th century hair, if you're blessed with hair long enough) has always fascinated me. I remember reading about La Belle Poule (the ship-in-the-hair style) when I was a kid and marveling at how silly it was. Now, of course, I'm obsessed enough with the 18th century that I'd actually give it a try. :) I can't remember where I came across this 18th century illustration of hair styles, but I love that each one has its own name:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4foj6UV44E/TZx1Px08DuI/AAAAAAAABS4/Djl8S3NT4Os/s1600/18%2Bcentury%2Bhair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592473751221178082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4foj6UV44E/TZx1Px08DuI/AAAAAAAABS4/Djl8S3NT4Os/s320/18%2Bcentury%2Bhair.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I was thrilled to make it <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Wigmaker-and-Barber-Shop-of-Colonial-Williamsburg/150978794921255">to the Wig Maker during my latest trip to Williamsburg. Check out their new </a>Facebook page. They're not always open on the weekend when I tend to visit, so it was a treat. The wig maker was restyling the governor's wife's wig. It still blows my mind to think that ladies would shave their heads if they wanted to wear a wig. I wonder how common ladies wigs were vs. getting your own hair styled. Does anyone know?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9FnvEi4Xvg/TZ0NTPE_3oI/AAAAAAAABWw/X3sm1r4R3fo/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592640936380194434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9FnvEi4Xvg/TZ0NTPE_3oI/AAAAAAAABWw/X3sm1r4R3fo/s320/IMG_1825.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There were all sorts of new wigs on display. In the past, it seems like the store generally had men's wigs on display, but this time there were tons of ladies' wigs. This one is actually a man's wig (can you imagine what a dandy a guy would have to be to wear one of these?). It makes me think of the hairstylist Leonard in Sophia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette."<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_Oa5W_GLuo/TZ0NSykeAKI/AAAAAAAABWg/0odz9gdGwyg/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592640928727564450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_Oa5W_GLuo/TZ0NSykeAKI/AAAAAAAABWg/0odz9gdGwyg/s320/IMG_1823.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I LOVE this wig, because it's my hair color and has peacock feathers. I have no idea what's up with the scissors. I think maybe they were on the shelf in the background (not IN the wig), but I didn't notice it when I took the photo.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA310YyKxDM/TZ0NTHekKBI/AAAAAAAABWo/KrykvxFa4Wc/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592640934339946514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA310YyKxDM/TZ0NTHekKBI/AAAAAAAABWo/KrykvxFa4Wc/s320/IMG_1824.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I love the one on the left. The pretty pin curls toward the top are my favorite.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIpc9vv0Tdw/TZ0NTXnUcBI/AAAAAAAABW4/W6E8ncoaf7w/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592640938671632402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIpc9vv0Tdw/TZ0NTXnUcBI/AAAAAAAABW4/W6E8ncoaf7w/s320/IMG_1830.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And here's my favorite. What's not to love? It's the powdery ideal of the 1770's and doesn't look anything like the horrid white wigs costume shops sell (I do realize comparing the quality between costume wigs and the Williamsburg Wig Maker is like comparing a Fiat to a Ferrari, but that's what came to mind).<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34kfihG3Trs/TZ0NXbcGf2I/AAAAAAAABXA/LmOw4h4YmVY/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592641008417800034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34kfihG3Trs/TZ0NXbcGf2I/AAAAAAAABXA/LmOw4h4YmVY/s320/IMG_1831.JPG" border="0" /></a> Check out all the little side curls piled one on top of the other! That, combined with the twisted chignon and feathers, it's just to die for!! I want one. I'm not very talented when it comes to hairstyling, or I'd have already bought a wig and tried my own hand at creating an 18th century poof. Kendra has a great tutorial on how to<a href="http://demodecouture.com/pouf/"> style a 1770's wig</a>, and Abby of "Stay-ing Alive" has a <a href="http://stay-ingalive.blogspot.com/2009/10/ladys-hedgehog-hairstyle-tutorial.html">great 1780's hedgehog tutorial </a>if you are more talented at hairstyling.<br /><br />I'm hoping that there will be a wig workshop in my future or that I cajole my way onto the wigmaker's wait list.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-61469336319468459042011-04-18T19:00:00.001-04:002011-05-21T09:05:03.433-04:0018th Century Calash BonnetToday I'm going to review my Calash bonnet project from the Burnley & Trowbridge workshop. These somewhat goofy looking bonnets served a fairly practical purpose - to protect a lady's hairstyle from the elements. I found a few period illustrations of a Calash showing enormous examples, most likely from the 1770's:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHUWV0A1B64/TZx4JzKJWHI/AAAAAAAABTg/slwAXoMX93E/s1600/tumblr_lgzvcmoUZh1qga5wno1_400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592476947034232946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHUWV0A1B64/TZx4JzKJWHI/AAAAAAAABTg/slwAXoMX93E/s320/tumblr_lgzvcmoUZh1qga5wno1_400.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here a smaller portrayal of a Calash bonnet, also from the 1770's (the portrait is titled "Miss Crewe"):<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pETgriY-Zjg/TZx4JnVYdGI/AAAAAAAABTY/vLiKk6J7oIU/s1600/size1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592476943860135010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pETgriY-Zjg/TZx4JnVYdGI/AAAAAAAABTY/vLiKk6J7oIU/s320/size1.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is most likely a satire portrayal of a calash, but I like that it's a more rounded shape consistent with the hairstyles of the 1780s. It also shows off the lead string or ribbon that's sewn onto the calash. The bonnets are very lightweight, and a lady could hold onto the ribbon to keep the calash from blowing off. Janea told us that contemporary lady magazines frowned upon young ladies who snapped their calash ribbons in order to be noticed by passing gentlemen. Shocking! <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmR0joH_tl4/TZx4JX9jMXI/AAAAAAAABTQ/a4CMSNvepX4/s1600/lwlpr04591.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592476939733643634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmR0joH_tl4/TZx4JX9jMXI/AAAAAAAABTQ/a4CMSNvepX4/s320/lwlpr04591.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's Emma modeling the milliner shop's calash that's based off the <a href="http://lwlimages.library.yale.edu/walpoleweb/oneitem.asp?imageId=lwlpr04484">Spruce Sportsman</a>. The reeds in that sucker are 40 inches long!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvfhzPavPCk/TZx4JElfSKI/AAAAAAAABTA/t3m9fcdErlk/s1600/198193_10150150022861713_286101116712_7015149_4300992_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592476934532450466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvfhzPavPCk/TZx4JElfSKI/AAAAAAAABTA/t3m9fcdErlk/s320/198193_10150150022861713_286101116712_7015149_4300992_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's my calash in progress. I chose a green silk with pink lining, <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/collection_database/the_costume_institute/objectview.aspx?OID=80049422">similar to this calash</a> at the MET. I worked all the channels by hand with silk thread. This is one of the few projects I've made that is 100% hand-sewn.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOsozuMUXy4/TZ0M_SjQXWI/AAAAAAAABWQ/yfXVi3sAj3k/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOsozuMUXy4/TZ0M_SjQXWI/AAAAAAAABWQ/yfXVi3sAj3k/s320/IMG_1870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592640593715027298" border="0" /></a>Here's the finished product from the side:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OATFnhuanwE/Tay_16sii0I/AAAAAAAABXo/BOO2mi-ppCo/s1600/IMG_1899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OATFnhuanwE/Tay_16sii0I/AAAAAAAABXo/BOO2mi-ppCo/s320/IMG_1899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597059369924725570" border="0" /></a>Here's a nice shot of the contrasting lining. I can't find the reference, but apparently this color combination was compared to a blushing rose. Although they appear slightly cumbersome to the modern eye, apparently calashes could be very romantic (or coquetish...if you go around snapping your ribbons) accessories.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPJpdE1qG_o/Tay_1jCJvAI/AAAAAAAABXg/PzyKJJasf-Y/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPJpdE1qG_o/Tay_1jCJvAI/AAAAAAAABXg/PzyKJJasf-Y/s320/IMG_1898.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597059363572923394" border="0" /></a>And here's the back, finished off with a small ruffle and bow.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UUAPHS9A9Y/TazAEWLMNZI/AAAAAAAABYA/r8ZbYDPVXMY/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UUAPHS9A9Y/TazAEWLMNZI/AAAAAAAABYA/r8ZbYDPVXMY/s320/IMG_1900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597059617819211154" border="0" /></a>And here I am with the obligatory mirror shot. Don't I look period correct with my shorn hair, glasses, and red t-shirt? I just didn't have the energy to dig out my wig. But, you can see that I have plenty of room for a towering coiffure.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT4QTp09NmM/Tay_2dINAzI/AAAAAAAABX4/SV1FZUhWWpU/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT4QTp09NmM/Tay_2dINAzI/AAAAAAAABX4/SV1FZUhWWpU/s320/IMG_1902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597059379167560498" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-47297973322363511322011-04-13T19:33:00.001-04:002011-05-21T09:05:24.363-04:0018th Century MittsNext up from my weekend in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Williamsburg</span>: mitts!! I've always wanted a very pretty pair of mitts, but I could only find wool/linen mitts that were cut too big or too small. This way, I got to make a fancy set of mitts fit to me.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnWdizp3Vb8/TZx4ixgNcHI/AAAAAAAABTo/C8DMtMDqJJg/s1600/499px-Alexander_Roslin_001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477376086634610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnWdizp3Vb8/TZx4ixgNcHI/AAAAAAAABTo/C8DMtMDqJJg/s320/499px-Alexander_Roslin_001.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's an example of 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> century mitts (the painting is called the Lady with the Veil). I love the raspberry changeable silk with the blue lining. Isn't that a fantastic color combination?! It wouldn't work with any of my dresses, so I decided to go with something else. There's something very coquettish, though, about having the tip of the mitt flipped back to reveal the lining.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umPFyNYHWEY/TZx4jIfnTYI/AAAAAAAABT4/qp5zBq117gM/s1600/getimage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477382258150786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umPFyNYHWEY/TZx4jIfnTYI/AAAAAAAABT4/qp5zBq117gM/s320/getimage.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here was the inspiration for my project - a <a href="http://emuseum.history.org/code/emuseum.asp?action=newpage&style=single&singlepage=1&searchxml=%3CeMuseum_search+site%3D%22Colonial+Williamsburg%22+date%3D%222010-08-08%22%3E%3Ccriteria%3E%3Cparams+searchcode%3D%22-1%22+pagesize%3D%226%22+currentpage%3D%221%22+orderfield%3D%22%22+orderdir%3D%22%22+profile%3D%22objects%22%2F%3E%3Cbasic+criteria%3D%221985-216%2C1%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fcriteria%3E%3C%2FeMuseum_search%3E%0D%0A&style=browse&pagesize=6&currentpage=1&page=search&browsepagesize=6&searchtype=basic&profile=objects&wandering=no&term=1985-216,1&basicterm=1985-216,1&pagetotal=1&pagestart=1&pageend=1">pair of silk mitts</a> from Colonial <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Williamsburg's</span> collection. It helped that there was a reproduction of these available to look at during the workshop. I made a simpler version of this pair: I ditched the inner arm cut-out, green accents instead of blue, no leather lining, and less embroidery because I just don't have the patience.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0B7mgxkg3wA/TZx4jPjgioI/AAAAAAAABTw/WTixLGe7Vf8/s1600/207993_10150150020061713_286101116712_7015086_2242554_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477384153533058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0B7mgxkg3wA/TZx4jPjgioI/AAAAAAAABTw/WTixLGe7Vf8/s320/207993_10150150020061713_286101116712_7015086_2242554_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here I am getting the muslin for my mitt pattern fitted. There definitely seemed to be an art in getting things to fit properly. Sarah, from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mantua</span> Maker shop, was a pro and tugging, tucking, and otherwise getting the uncooperative fabric to conform to my hand. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pqh38-cE1Y/TaYuShMH8iI/AAAAAAAABXI/hF8ARNg7kU4/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pqh38-cE1Y/TaYuShMH8iI/AAAAAAAABXI/hF8ARNg7kU4/s320/IMG_1877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595210482736165410" border="0" /></a>Here's a shot of the finished product (ignore the non-period fingernails). The fabric is a duchess silk satin. I saw it and immediately fell in love (I was actually holding another bolt of fabric for my mitts when I spotted this fabric underneath a pile on the fabric table). Little did a know that there's a story behind the fabric: the satin was a remnant from Vera Wang! Yes folks, I made a pair of mitts out of the fabric Vera Wang uses in her $5,000-and-up wedding dresses. Pretty neat, huh?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJekfacvhqU/TaYuSx9fygI/AAAAAAAABXQ/oU5Ma1HNRH8/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG"> <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJekfacvhqU/TaYuSx9fygI/AAAAAAAABXQ/oU5Ma1HNRH8/s320/IMG_1878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595210487238216194" border="0" /></a>Here's a shot with the tips flipped back to show off the sea-green silk taffeta lining.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vANm69gCE_0/TZ0Me13MiYI/AAAAAAAABWI/YFXFjn_pfpY/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vANm69gCE_0/TZ0Me13MiYI/AAAAAAAABWI/YFXFjn_pfpY/s320/IMG_1875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592640036258220418" border="0" /></a>I decided to finish the edge of my mitts the same in the same manner as my inspiration gloves: a herringbone embroidery stitch up the side in silk embroidery thread. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x03UpDKwkPQ/TaYuSwrVXPI/AAAAAAAABXY/0E7Do5mvlzY/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x03UpDKwkPQ/TaYuSwrVXPI/AAAAAAAABXY/0E7Do5mvlzY/s320/IMG_1879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595210486893599986" border="0" /></a><div><div>This is what it looks like when I'm wearing it. The camera didn't do a great job of capturing the stitches, but you get the gist.<br /></div></div></div>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-21361630200272311652011-04-08T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-21T09:05:43.094-04:0018th Century MuffsAh...muffs. What an elegant accessory! I can't imagine why they fell out of style. Especially the very clever 19th century muffs that had hidden pockets inside. Apparently 18th century muffs did not commonly have pockets. Fur and feathers seem to be most commonly depicted in 18th century fashion plates. The period examples I have found, however, are not dominated by fur/feathers (<a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/collection_database/the_costume_institute/objectview.aspx?OID=80005647">though the MET has one in its collection)</a>. Maybe they were just considered more fashionable/desirable but were more expensive? Anyone know? Here's a 1770's French fashion plate from <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Galleries des Modes et Costumes Francais </span>showing what appears to be a fur muff<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">:</span><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayWRy835QDI/TZx488ZQV7I/AAAAAAAABUY/baRQeaOz5YA/s1600/sc113916_fpx%2526obj%253Diip%252C1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477825686853554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayWRy835QDI/TZx488ZQV7I/AAAAAAAABUY/baRQeaOz5YA/s320/sc113916_fpx%2526obj%253Diip%252C1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has several muffs in its collection, including some very pretty silk muffs. The one below features gorgeous silk satin and a portrait medallion. Portrait medallions seem to have been pretty popular decorations for muffs, but since I don't want to mess around with printing out an image with my printer on silk, I decided to forgo this option.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez0ASOpD0J8/TZx48nfscII/AAAAAAAABUI/pvdw31fJhUw/s1600/sc10481_fpx%2526obj%253Diip%252C1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477820076716162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez0ASOpD0J8/TZx48nfscII/AAAAAAAABUI/pvdw31fJhUw/s320/sc10481_fpx%2526obj%253Diip%252C1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I really liked this example as well. It features some gorgeous detail work, including fly fringe. Having learned how to make fly fringe during the last class I took with Burnley & Trowbridge, I can tell you that's a big time investment! I think I managed about 6 inches of fringe after four hours of labor.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H38v5ZV5-gY/TZx48tabtZI/AAAAAAAABUA/uFVJAyis_14/s1600/sc10480_fpx%2526obj%253Diip%252C1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477821665260946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H38v5ZV5-gY/TZx48tabtZI/AAAAAAAABUA/uFVJAyis_14/s320/sc10480_fpx%2526obj%253Diip%252C1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have Emma from the Mantua Maker's shop to thank for helping choose this amazing color combination. I had already decided to go with green silk for my muff because I thought it would go nicely with my pink Robe Francaise. When I couldn't decide on how to trim the muff, Emma steered me towards the gorgeous peach silk ribbon. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09PluR8P3I0/TZx49bsbBZI/AAAAAAAABUg/30BF5wyfzJA/s1600/206965_10150150022006713_286101116712_7015128_6995679_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477834088744338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09PluR8P3I0/TZx49bsbBZI/AAAAAAAABUg/30BF5wyfzJA/s320/206965_10150150022006713_286101116712_7015128_6995679_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>One of the great things about the muff is that it's essentially a pillow cover. I made a linen tube and filled it with wool batting for the inside. The silk cover slides on and off the pillow, so I can make as many silk covers as I want! That's nice since it seems like I'm always new gown in completely different colors.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWTD8okZm4A/TZ0HmxBHFAI/AAAAAAAABVw/z5zF9rn48oU/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592634674838443010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWTD8okZm4A/TZ0HmxBHFAI/AAAAAAAABVw/z5zF9rn48oU/s320/IMG_1856.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here's the finished product! Doesn't it make you think of candy? A salt water taffy, or maybe French Macaroons? I definitely fell victim to the color palate from Sophia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette," but who cares?!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXN0aMTidts/TZx5FIG5HKI/AAAAAAAABUo/6WrkVl3vseY/s1600/198116_10150150022571713_286101116712_7015143_6955592_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477966270012578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXN0aMTidts/TZx5FIG5HKI/AAAAAAAABUo/6WrkVl3vseY/s320/198116_10150150022571713_286101116712_7015143_6955592_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here are all the lovely muffs that were made during the <a href="http://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/">Burnley & Trowbridge </a>workshop.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-76597245184878575082011-04-06T10:31:00.010-04:002011-04-08T10:47:33.854-04:0018th Century Fashion AccessoriesIt's spring, which must mean it's time for another fabulous <a href="http://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/">Burn</a><a href="http://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ley</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Trowbridge</span> </a>workshop! I really missed attending these workshops: while I was in Colorado last year I missed out on the polonaise workshop I'd been begging and pleading for. <br /><div><br /><div>This workshop focused on "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Calashes</span>, Bonnets, Mitts & Lovely Little Bags," or the accessories of the late 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> & Early 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> Century. The accessories can really make the outfit and contribute to the authenticity of a look. Feast your eyes on all the eye candy accessories they brought with them to display at the workshop:<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfgPwcJLOJA/TZ0DLJrUG2I/AAAAAAAABVI/p5vpOKgZ534/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592629802375060322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfgPwcJLOJA/TZ0DLJrUG2I/AAAAAAAABVI/p5vpOKgZ534/s320/IMG_1837.JPG" border="0" /></a>Over the course of three days the ladies from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/The-Margaret-Hunter-Shop-Milliners-and-Mantuamakers/121002921252887"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Marg</span></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/The-Margaret-Hunter-Shop-Milliners-and-Mantuamakers/121002921252887"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">aret</span> Hun</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/The-Margaret-Hunter-Shop-Milliners-and-Mantuamakers/121002921252887"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ter</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mantua</span> </a>shop in Colonial <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Williamsburg</span> and Angela of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Burnley</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Trowbridge</span> taught us how to make little inked bags, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">calash</span> bonnets, muffs, and mitts. No visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Williamsburg</span> is complete without a visit to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Mantua</span> shop, and this time I was thrilled to see a little miniature doll-sized store on display. Look at the wee little stays, hoops, and pocket!! <br /><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMznoZrjwG4/TZz85WHZNzI/AAAAAAAABVA/cUEsXI8odGY/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592622899406649138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMznoZrjwG4/TZz85WHZNzI/AAAAAAAABVA/cUEsXI8odGY/s320/IMG_1835.JPG" border="0" /></a>I'm going to post separately about each project, starting here with the inked bags. Apparently these friendship bags were common in the early 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> century. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">PowerPoint</span> that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Burnley</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Trowbridge</span> showed us had lots of period examples of these bags, but unfortunately I can't find any images online. You gave these bags to friends and loved ones as little tokens. There were even some really neat examples of these bags made in pink with abolitionist messages printed on them. </div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yvTNLQmBAQ/TZx7QvA--oI/AAAAAAAABU4/dn5rrgVWJkY/s1600/206583_10150148221596713_286101116712_6996523_3516314_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592480364716030594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yvTNLQmBAQ/TZx7QvA--oI/AAAAAAAABU4/dn5rrgVWJkY/s320/206583_10150148221596713_286101116712_6996523_3516314_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>Black ink was applied directly to the cotton in order to mimic embroidery. We used a light box to trace out the images we liked. Here's the front of my bag: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LODyBgzxKls/TZ0DLOsOB5I/AAAAAAAABVQ/n5dWKKFeJHc/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592629803721033618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LODyBgzxKls/TZ0DLOsOB5I/AAAAAAAABVQ/n5dWKKFeJHc/s320/IMG_1868.JPG" border="0" /></a>And the back of my bag which is a Jane Austin quote about a friendship bag: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEabEINdux0/TZ0FCGImtUI/AAAAAAAABVo/q5fXeDwxgYw/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592631845828605250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEabEINdux0/TZ0FCGImtUI/AAAAAAAABVo/q5fXeDwxgYw/s320/IMG_1869.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately my back started hurting pretty quickly bending over the light box, or I might have made a more elaborate bag. Still, I was very pleased with how it turned out. I especially like the fringed edge, the hand braided decorative cording that I made, and the handmade tassels...which I just realized are not in my photograph. Oh well. </div></div></div>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-45734956945905150442011-02-28T14:45:00.015-05:002011-02-28T22:02:08.436-05:002011 Oscar Fashion Roundup<div>Oscar 2011 will be remembered as the red, white, and nude year. Here are the reds:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yEf9aApmqc/TWv7hKzNaAI/AAAAAAAABO4/hfkB_LctnfU/s1600/022711-anne-h-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829110681888770" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yEf9aApmqc/TWv7hKzNaAI/AAAAAAAABO4/hfkB_LctnfU/s320/022711-anne-h-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>Let's start with my pick for this year's Best Dressed: Anne Hathaway! I LOVED the Valentino gown, and the fact that Valentino walked her down the red carpet. I was amused that Valentino kept stressing that the gown was "Valentino Archive," but when Tim Gunn asked him what an "Archive" gown is, Valentino couldn't really answer the question (I looked it up...it's apparently a <a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/hilary-alexander/TMG7878648/Valentino-launches-his-archives-with-a-star-studded-party-at-his-chateau-during-Paris-Haute-Couture.html#">project</a> his foundation is working on).<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1rtpy0iUVo/TWv7-XeFfbI/AAAAAAAABQQ/aW8n2FU4nCM/s1600/022711-jennifer-hudson-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829612299156914" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1rtpy0iUVo/TWv7-XeFfbI/AAAAAAAABQQ/aW8n2FU4nCM/s320/022711-jennifer-hudson-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>I actually saw Jennifer Hudson on one of the network's 'worst dressed' lists, and couldn't believe it. This was also one of my top picks. I felt she positively glowed in the beautiful color, and loved the draping. I do realized she's wearing more of an orange/tangerine, but I'm lumping it into the red category.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1L-HTKIkYk/TWv9yzxuH3I/AAAAAAAABRo/VDqTFfn7Czg/s1600/022711-sandra-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831612762529650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1L-HTKIkYk/TWv9yzxuH3I/AAAAAAAABRo/VDqTFfn7Czg/s320/022711-sandra-300.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sandra Bullock also joined the ranks of the power-red gowns in Vera Wang. I kinda like the gown from the front, but it has a big bow right on the butt. I just don't think butt-bows are a good idea. This picture doesn't show it, but her hair was a mess (it was in some sort of a ratty/lumpy updo that I didn't like).<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp2Fv5xfNYA/TWv-DEIMpKI/AAAAAAAABRw/NZAZThSIXKU/s1600/022711-scarjo-400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831892029678754" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp2Fv5xfNYA/TWv-DEIMpKI/AAAAAAAABRw/NZAZThSIXKU/s320/022711-scarjo-400.jpg" border="0" /></a> Scarlett was wearing more of a burgandy than red, but I'm including her in this category. I really didn't care of the gown, but I know many will disagree. I read somewhere that the gown was lingerie inspired. Again...hated the hair. All messy.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xmJGrCgmFQ/TWv7902EUgI/AAAAAAAABQI/zdDsfOlQHNU/s1600/022711-jennifer-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829603004502530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xmJGrCgmFQ/TWv7902EUgI/AAAAAAAABQI/zdDsfOlQHNU/s320/022711-jennifer-300.jpg" border="0" /></a> I just don't like the gown Jennifer is wearing, but I understand that she's young so she might have wanted an understated or simple gown. Definitely fits with the red trend.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkkeKpgsnMg/TWv9yL3v6cI/AAAAAAAABRY/Cl1vmQWwX-w/s1600/022711-penelope-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831602050394562" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkkeKpgsnMg/TWv9yL3v6cI/AAAAAAAABRY/Cl1vmQWwX-w/s320/022711-penelope-300.jpg" border="0" /></a> Penelope Cruz also showed up wearing red. I read some rave reviews of this gown. Personally, I don't think it's that flattering (though power to her for picking this gown one month after giving birth). And Penelope...<a href="http://costumediva.blogspot.com/2010/03/oscar-fashion-roundup.html">you ALWAYS pick this shade of red</a> (seriously...check out her gown last year). I know it's pretty on you, but could you surprise me once in a while?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2yF2m7D5DiI/TWv9l9SldJI/AAAAAAAABRA/LoXYZ0hOaXs/s1600/022711-natalie-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831391977993362" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2yF2m7D5DiI/TWv9l9SldJI/AAAAAAAABRA/LoXYZ0hOaXs/s320/022711-natalie-300.jpg" border="0" /></a> This may or may not belong in the 'red' category. When I watched the red carpet show, the gown was definitely purple (and the commentators referred to it as purple). But then in the theater it definitely became burgundy, and the commentators referred to it as a raspberry color. Either way, it was very pretty and Natalie is glowing with her pregnancy.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9ToeRLP_Tk/TWv_hbUpWxI/AAAAAAAABSw/8SNoa-bmW3g/s1600/022711-nicole-kidman-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578833513163610898" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9ToeRLP_Tk/TWv_hbUpWxI/AAAAAAAABSw/8SNoa-bmW3g/s320/022711-nicole-kidman-300.jpg" border="0" /></a>And now we move to the white/nudes. Nicole Kidman is usually such a fashion icon on the red carpet, but this one was a miss for me. I love the fabric and the beading...I just don't like the draped detailing at the hip. I know Nicole doesn't have to worry about extra pounds, but I can't support any fashion trend that sets out to make hip hips/butt look bigger than they already are.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9ToeRLP_Tk/TWv_hbUpWxI/AAAAAAAABSw/8SNoa-bmW3g/s1600/022711-nicole-kidman-300.jpg"><br /></a><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3H1ZtHZEiQ/TWv7icoKaZI/AAAAAAAABPI/c2G-MxHDTMc/s1600/022711-cate-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829132647262610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3H1ZtHZEiQ/TWv7icoKaZI/AAAAAAAABPI/c2G-MxHDTMc/s320/022711-cate-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>Cate Blanchett's gown was also a miss for me. I like the fabric and the tone-on-tone beading...I even like the interesting cut-away circle on her torso that reveals a layer of soft pleated silk. But then there are those weird draped shoulders and the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/27/cate-blanchett-oscars-2011_n_828890.html">canary yellow beading </a>at the neckline.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBcIUFje9WY/TWv9xpPrHHI/AAAAAAAABRQ/CAeriPw5R9E/s1600/022711-paltrow-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831592755502194" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBcIUFje9WY/TWv9xpPrHHI/AAAAAAAABRQ/CAeriPw5R9E/s320/022711-paltrow-300.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ok, Gwyneth was totally HOT in Calvin Klein! I already know my mom disagrees with me on this one. Seriously, though, how HIP does she look? The sequined gold gown with the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/27/gwyneth-paltrow-oscars-2011_n_828906.html">rocking jewels</a> at her hip. That plunging neckline is amazing. We should all be so lucky in our 40s.<br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8A_Ktc0YZ3w/TWv-MSh-LuI/AAAAAAAABSo/rNF6qP5KstU/s1600/gwyneth-paltrow-oscars-performance-05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578832050514702050" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8A_Ktc0YZ3w/TWv-MSh-LuI/AAAAAAAABSo/rNF6qP5KstU/s320/gwyneth-paltrow-oscars-performance-05.jpg" border="0" /></a>And then she went and ruined it all by wearing this dowdy shapeless dress without a bra. Really didn't like this one.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HhSrfMgyN8/TWv9kwulDRI/AAAAAAAABQw/IISu6dQ7aPI/s1600/022711-michelle-w-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831371425877266" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HhSrfMgyN8/TWv9kwulDRI/AAAAAAAABQw/IISu6dQ7aPI/s320/022711-michelle-w-300.jpg" border="0" /></a>Michele Williams is also wearing a nude gown that critics have raved about, but I just don't care for. There's nothing interesting going on here. It's also a little matronly on her.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FcrApIZQ3w/TWv9kTWAWpI/AAAAAAAABQo/OlXLRyEWtgU/s1600/022711-melissa-leo-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831363538180754" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FcrApIZQ3w/TWv9kTWAWpI/AAAAAAAABQo/OlXLRyEWtgU/s320/022711-melissa-leo-300.jpg" border="0" /></a>I really didn't like Melissa Leo's mirror-crusted gown. The neckline has a little bit of appeal, but they you add those boxy shoulders and all those mirrors it's just a mess. Does she get seven years of bad luck for all those broken mirrors?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7c9GRNJEOQ/TWv7-heh4kI/AAAAAAAABQY/NilGxt0vneE/s1600/022711-mandy-moore-325.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829614985372226" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 179px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7c9GRNJEOQ/TWv7-heh4kI/AAAAAAAABQY/NilGxt0vneE/s320/022711-mandy-moore-325.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mandy Moore looked very pretty in this sheer tulle gown.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7CLIU8dZ34/TWv7zJ7zXcI/AAAAAAAABPo/fAT7JahYAQE/s1600/022711-halle-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829419687140802" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7CLIU8dZ34/TWv7zJ7zXcI/AAAAAAAABPo/fAT7JahYAQE/s320/022711-halle-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>And Halle Berry's gown was STUNNING! Another favorite of the evening. All that wispy tulle, and the tone makes her skin positively glow. LOVED this.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iFWvUoIGLA/TWv7y0gU-HI/AAAAAAAABPg/65BfyjJRhEc/s1600/022711-hailee-steinfeld-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829413934758002" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iFWvUoIGLA/TWv7y0gU-HI/AAAAAAAABPg/65BfyjJRhEc/s320/022711-hailee-steinfeld-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hailee Steinfeld looks great in her nude-colored gown as well. The dress is sweet and very age appropriate while still having some very nice glam (look at all that embroidery over the tulle)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIPms3RmGmg/TWv7ycVGKvI/AAAAAAAABPQ/x2nkP_NJnVA/s1600/022711-colin-firth-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829407445199602" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIPms3RmGmg/TWv7ycVGKvI/AAAAAAAABPQ/x2nkP_NJnVA/s320/022711-colin-firth-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>Colin Firth walked the red carpet with his wife Livia. Her gown initially only caught my eye because it was fitting in with the nude trend I was seeing. But I read up a bit more on it: turns out it's an eco-friendly gown. 11 gowns were cut up and recycled into this beautiful gown. I admit I was hoping that the gowns would be ugly 1980 frocks that no one would miss, but was a bit horrified to learn that they were apparently from the King's Speech era. I just hope the designer chose to recycle gowns that could not be salvaged.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGCqHsGG80U/TWv7ytOe-MI/AAAAAAAABPY/wfem7EforeY/s1600/022711-florence-welch-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829411980867778" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGCqHsGG80U/TWv7ytOe-MI/AAAAAAAABPY/wfem7EforeY/s320/022711-florence-welch-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>I really don't care for this gown at all, and I know it's more yellow than nude, but I'm including it as a final nod to the white/nude trend.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aFQcNgRsbs/TWv79GZhXPI/AAAAAAAABP4/vlEF_oLeAEY/s1600/022711-hilary-swank-325.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829590536740082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 179px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aFQcNgRsbs/TWv79GZhXPI/AAAAAAAABP4/vlEF_oLeAEY/s320/022711-hilary-swank-325.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hillary Swank has shown up on lots of the worst dressed lists, but she's one of my favorites this year. I loved the way her gown moved on the red carpet. The ombre design and the feathers were fun. What's not to like?<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el5m9VUOeEM/TWv7gbZpeSI/AAAAAAAABOo/9mp2voEKQv4/s1600/022711-alves-mcconaughey-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829097958209826" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el5m9VUOeEM/TWv7gbZpeSI/AAAAAAAABOo/9mp2voEKQv4/s320/022711-alves-mcconaughey-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>This gown doesn't fit into any of this year's trends, but isn't it gorgeous? It takes the right kind of body to pull off a gown like that, but Camila Alves did (Mathew McConaughey's date)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKGck8ayns/TWv9yRv7VpI/AAAAAAAABRg/vpfR0yCTUzA/s1600/022711-reese-400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831603628201618" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKGck8ayns/TWv9yRv7VpI/AAAAAAAABRg/vpfR0yCTUzA/s320/022711-reese-400.jpg" border="0" /></a>Reese Witherspoon's dress was a bit understated for my taste, but the simplicity seemed to work for her. It was also made to fit her like a glove. Her hair and makeup also looked so pretty during a red carpet interview. The lady has class.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BG8FhzW7FY/TWv9kK1vm7I/AAAAAAAABQg/KWE3GTn7DzM/s1600/022711-marisa-tomei-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831361255381938" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BG8FhzW7FY/TWv9kK1vm7I/AAAAAAAABQg/KWE3GTn7DzM/s320/022711-marisa-tomei-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>Marissa Tomei is wearing a vintage gown. I initially liked it when I saw it on the red carpet show, but the more I've looked at it, the more I've decided it was a miss. The neckline doesn't fit her very well. What do you guys think?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3uFw5Cvg18/TWv9lL3Dq1I/AAAAAAAABQ4/ia5KGVqVbrg/s1600/022711-mila-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831378709195602" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3uFw5Cvg18/TWv9lL3Dq1I/AAAAAAAABQ4/ia5KGVqVbrg/s320/022711-mila-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>I did not like Mila Kunis' gown at all. The lavender is a nice color on her, but I just don't care for the neckline. The lace cupping her breasts looks a little trashy. The rest of the gown looks like it has lots of little windows.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykfwcCYaGJg/TWv7gusaYqI/AAAAAAAABOw/prNl0nvaxCQ/s1600/022711-amy-adams-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829103137186466" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykfwcCYaGJg/TWv7gusaYqI/AAAAAAAABOw/prNl0nvaxCQ/s320/022711-amy-adams-300.jpg" border="0" /></a>Man I did not like Amy Adams' dress. And why is she wearing Emeralds with navy blue? Didn't work for me.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cfDQFo28jY/TWv7hhMRcBI/AAAAAAAABPA/RHThj_R0pUg/s1600/022711-Annette-300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829116692590610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cfDQFo28jY/TWv7hhMRcBI/AAAAAAAABPA/RHThj_R0pUg/s320/022711-Annette-300.jpg" border="0" /></a>I don't know what Annette Bening was thinking with this gown. Maybe if it didn't have all those horizontal diamond stripes...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zbPyWfSNes/TWv7zHRfYnI/AAAAAAAABPw/S0rr0thPcco/s1600/022711-helena-580.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829418972799602" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 166px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zbPyWfSNes/TWv7zHRfYnI/AAAAAAAABPw/S0rr0thPcco/s320/022711-helena-580.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ok...I can't pick on Helena Bonham Carter too much. She's too easy a mark, and I actually like that she's a free spirit and dresses the way she wants. Let's just say I liked the neckline, and that's about it. Apparently Coleen Atwood (the Alice in Wonderland Costume designer) helped to put together this ensemble. It was some sort of anti-red-carpet fashion statement<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5wPjNFBy4/TWv79RwgY5I/AAAAAAAABQA/2zTsKxKWf0g/s1600/022711-hugh-jackman-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578829593585935250" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5wPjNFBy4/TWv79RwgY5I/AAAAAAAABQA/2zTsKxKWf0g/s320/022711-hugh-jackman-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>I LOVE that Hugh Jackman is married to a normal-looking woman. His wife is pretty, but she's not a six-foot model bombshell. That being said...I do not know what's going on with her dress. I think she might be carrying a wrap or coat, and maybe that's where all the feathers are coming from. But this this camera-angle, she's my top-pick for worst-dressed this year.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woYb4veZO5w/TWv-MD0zmFI/AAAAAAAABSg/Xg0aj6DwgV4/s1600/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress6_152.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578832046567168082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 95px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woYb4veZO5w/TWv-MD0zmFI/AAAAAAAABSg/Xg0aj6DwgV4/s320/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress6_152.jpg" border="0" /></a>So as a finale to the Oscar Roundup, let's talk about Anne Hathaway's amazing ability to change gowns. I actually liked her last gown. It was edgy and made me feel reassured that Christopher Nolan had made the right selection for Catwoman in his upcoming Batman movie. The gown reminds me a bit of the <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wired.com/news/images/full/2301_d094_00026_f.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/news/2004/06/63802&usg=__K0gpXIb2v8jHUEDmLUQq9KqoLDQ=&h=500&w=375&sz=30&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=_2fOWyJEni2MVM:&tbnh=142&tbnw=113&ei=LV5sTenwGcP7lwfn_KHZBA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddame%2Bvaako%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1144%26bih%3D694%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=566&vpy=66&dur=15&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=112&ty=153&oei=LV5sTenwGcP7lwfn_KHZBA&page=1&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0">costumes</a> from Chronicles of Riddick.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBRivLkq4JI/TWv-MKww7zI/AAAAAAAABSY/0KGvGH2pE0E/s1600/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress5_241.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578832048429264690" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 151px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBRivLkq4JI/TWv-MKww7zI/AAAAAAAABSY/0KGvGH2pE0E/s320/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress5_241.jpg" border="0" /></a>Wow do I not like this Armani Prive gown. It just screams yucky synthetic fiber fabric.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpT4P1KXPRI/TWv-EKk6DkI/AAAAAAAABSQ/eLnoa_voJvo/s1600/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress4_183.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831910940577346" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 115px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpT4P1KXPRI/TWv-EKk6DkI/AAAAAAAABSQ/eLnoa_voJvo/s320/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress4_183.jpg" border="0" /></a>Aha! Even Anne Hathaway did a red gown this year! This Atelier Versace is gorgeous. What's not to like?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upQ-DFJe8FI/TWv-D_4Oj7I/AAAAAAAABSI/UYWP9mdzKwk/s1600/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress3_241.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831908068822962" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 151px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upQ-DFJe8FI/TWv-D_4Oj7I/AAAAAAAABSI/UYWP9mdzKwk/s320/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress3_241.jpg" border="0" /></a>I guess this dress was a lot of fun because of the tassels, but I'm not sure the Oscar de la Renta gown was my favorite. I think I might have liked it more without the tassels. The shape of the gown is stunning, and I love the one-shoulder look on Anne.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Egav1nRG0s/TWv-Daz96WI/AAAAAAAABSA/YJg3z1I9FqU/s1600/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress2_298.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831898118842722" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 187px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Egav1nRG0s/TWv-Daz96WI/AAAAAAAABSA/YJg3z1I9FqU/s320/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress2_298.jpg" border="0" /></a>How can I resist a Vivienne Westwood gown? Need I say more?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhyTyUDxHrE/TWv-DXPG6rI/AAAAAAAABR4/QO8GZlMvw08/s1600/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress1_241.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578831897158937266" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 151px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhyTyUDxHrE/TWv-DXPG6rI/AAAAAAAABR4/QO8GZlMvw08/s320/Anne-Hathaway-Oscar-dress1_241.jpg" border="0" /></a>Another one of my favorite gowns of the entire evening. Givenchy Haute Couture gown, stunning beading, and fits in with the white/nude trend. I love this gown. It's sophisticated. It sparkles. It has a bit of Greek Goddess going for it. The fitted bustier top is flattering on anyone. Definitely a hit with me!<br /><br />I'll sign off a final note. Apparently Anne Hathaway wore millions of Tiffany & Co. jewelry throughout the show. She had jewelry to go with every outfit, and one necklace alone cost 10 million...94 carats worth of diamonds (small beans when you consider Nicole Kidman was wearing 150 carats last night). Her rep denies it, but Anne was reportedly paid $750,000 by Tiffany's to wear the jewelry. Where has this job been all my life, and where do I sign up?<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-35283171321691862522010-10-24T20:46:00.004-04:002010-10-24T21:04:31.382-04:00Williamsburg's Milliner ShopI LOVE the Milliner shop in Williamsburg. I've been very lucky to have met most of the ladies from the Milliner shop at various workshops I've attended. If you're on the east coast, check out <a href="http://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/thehistoricfashionworkshopseries.aspx">Burnley and Trowbridge</a>'s website to see their fall and spring workshops. They work with both the Tailor and the Milliners of Williamsburg.<br /><br />Last weekend I spent some time in the Milliner shop. (Disclaimer: all photos below are from the Milliner shop's Facebook page...I apparently was enjoying myself too much to take any photos).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TMTV-AMI6kI/AAAAAAAABMg/0BONLVaBFYM/s1600/73505_163372673682578_121002921252887_476216_4203483_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TMTV-AMI6kI/AAAAAAAABMg/0BONLVaBFYM/s320/73505_163372673682578_121002921252887_476216_4203483_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531781503497333314" border="0" /></a>I found out that there is an <a href="http://www.history.org/history/institute/institute_about.cfm">AMAZING symposium coming up on colonial accessories</a>. I'm dying to go, but the cost has prevented me from rushing to the website to sign up. The conference alone is $300...without any of the fun tours and workshops that I would definitely want to add on. I would also have to take three days off from work...and I'm trying to save my vacation days to go see my nephew in Vegas. That being said, there are talks featuring Linda Baumgarten (curator of costumes at Colonial Williamsburg) and Susan North (the curator of fashion at the Victoria and Albert Museum). There are lots of other amazing talks! I may still talk myself into this event...<br /><br />There will be a new exhibit at the Williamsburg museum on 18th century accessories opening in January. The Milliner shop worked on recreating some amazing gowns and then produced a film featuring the gowns and accessories for the exhibit. When Dave and I went in to Williamsburg in September, we watched the ladies work on the yellow silk jacket and black Calesh hood from this image (they even had the image on display at their work table):<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TMTV-OjJsZI/AAAAAAAABMo/rfexqFuuQ1I/s1600/35331_137513006268545_121002921252887_328476_8267168_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TMTV-OjJsZI/AAAAAAAABMo/rfexqFuuQ1I/s320/35331_137513006268545_121002921252887_328476_8267168_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531781507351949714" border="0" /></a>The Milliner's facebook just posted pictures from the film production. Isn't this reproduction amazing?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TMTWMb0LJMI/AAAAAAAABM4/TA_hcqmeJSE/s1600/60561_157200617633117_121002921252887_439340_1154215_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TMTWMb0LJMI/AAAAAAAABM4/TA_hcqmeJSE/s320/60561_157200617633117_121002921252887_439340_1154215_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531781751431177410" border="0" /></a>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-5024442522063418852010-09-18T21:46:00.004-04:002010-12-16T14:47:50.753-05:00Finished Tudor HoodSo it's taken three weeks of gathering beads/pearls, but I've finally completed the French hood. I found pearl necklaces at Nordstrom Rack for 3 times less than a bead store. I ordered lots of beads from Firemountain.com. Only about 1/4 of those worked for the project...the rest are going back. Finally, I've visited about 4 specialty bead stores, and finally found the pretty red crystals this weekend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVteC3i7-I/AAAAAAAABK4/g0a-RE6Snks/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518437281345761250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVteC3i7-I/AAAAAAAABK4/g0a-RE6Snks/s320/IMG_1562.JPG" border="0" /></a>So above is my French hood, and below is Anne Boleyn in her French hood.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtcA4bd5I/AAAAAAAABKo/i4364yNcJAY/s1600/images.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518437246452856722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtcA4bd5I/AAAAAAAABKo/i4364yNcJAY/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" /></a>This shot shows that the hood isn't really sticking straight up...it slopes back gently.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtcjT5f8I/AAAAAAAABKw/oUkJAq-Dhp8/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518437255694876610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtcjT5f8I/AAAAAAAABKw/oUkJAq-Dhp8/s320/IMG_1553.JPG" border="0" /></a>And here's a side shot of the hood...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtfb_vpWI/AAAAAAAABLA/CbOZK0rCL5M/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518437305270904162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtfb_vpWI/AAAAAAAABLA/CbOZK0rCL5M/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" border="0" /></a>Compared with an early portrait of Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth I).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtbMqif8I/AAAAAAAABKg/8Dr-2TSwUhU/s1600/ElizabethPortrait.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518437232435953602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TJVtbMqif8I/AAAAAAAABKg/8Dr-2TSwUhU/s320/ElizabethPortrait.gif" border="0" /></a>I'm pretty pleased with the final version. Now I just have to get my hair to cooperate and tuck up into the hood. Copious amounts of gel will no doubt be required to tame my bangs into submission.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-65176610218579009862010-09-12T18:26:00.004-04:002010-09-12T18:43:08.274-04:00Tudor Hood ProgressMore progress! I would have finished the project this weekend, but I didn't have the beads I need for the billaments. Finding fake pearls, garnet colored beads, and gold colored beads has been impossible! I keep visiting bead stores, and all they carry is the real deal...where the gold beads are $2 a piece, pearls come on tiny $12 strands, and garnets come on $60 strands. I've tried the internet, but I have a hard time picturing the right size, and how they'll look next to each other.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TI1Typf3wLI/AAAAAAAABKI/Y09P9MKjxeA/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TI1Typf3wLI/AAAAAAAABKI/Y09P9MKjxeA/s320/IMG_1548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516157248196821170" border="0" /></a>My silk arrived from Thailand this week. I cut out the black silk pieces and basted it onto the buckram base. Then, I cut the same pieces out in white linen, and sewed the linen on the inside of the crescent and base. This secured the taffeta in place, and I could remove the large basting stitches. With the two pieces finally completed, I sewed the crescent to the base, and the photo above is the result.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TI1TzCNoMBI/AAAAAAAABKQ/etMo3rOWP7I/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TI1TzCNoMBI/AAAAAAAABKQ/etMo3rOWP7I/s320/IMG_1550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516157254831190034" border="0" /></a>Next, I took a long strip of gold organza silk, ran gathering stitches, and then steamed the gathered silk to set the pleats. Then I sewed the strip in place. This part of the hood was referred to as the 'crepine.'<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TI1Tzc4XLYI/AAAAAAAABKY/FrNmuB-Sve4/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TI1Tzc4XLYI/AAAAAAAABKY/FrNmuB-Sve4/s320/IMG_1551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516157261989752194" border="0" /></a>Finally I sewed the veil to the hood. The veil is essentially a tube of black silk that's attached along the top edge of the crescent.<br /><br />So what do you think so far?Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-49030974652785302932010-08-29T22:09:00.005-04:002010-09-12T18:43:27.945-04:00French HoodI'm still waiting on some fabric to arrive, but my buckram arrived this weekend so I decided to work on my French hood. I cut out the pattern pieces in buckram first:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS-OVClwI/AAAAAAAABJg/P7BSDEoxw1M/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS-OVClwI/AAAAAAAABJg/P7BSDEoxw1M/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511019429225469698" border="0" /></a>And then I sewed millinery wire around all the edges of the pattern pieces. Here's the crescent pattern piece:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS_VRzzhI/AAAAAAAABJw/bzQ0Q57lN98/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS_VRzzhI/AAAAAAAABJw/bzQ0Q57lN98/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511019448270835218" border="0" /></a>And here's the brim:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS-kGV6GI/AAAAAAAABJo/aEoRfOWwlmQ/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS-kGV6GI/AAAAAAAABJo/aEoRfOWwlmQ/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511019435069401186" border="0" /></a>Next, I sewed baby flannel to smooth the surface of the pattern pieces. The Tudor Tailor book called for using something called 'domette,' but I couldn't find any. It's apparently a British fine flannel. I had some leftover baby flannel from my Gainsborough hat project, and it was just enough to cover both the hood and the crescent.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS_yKJr6I/AAAAAAAABJ4/quCMp9WiDjc/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THsS_yKJr6I/AAAAAAAABJ4/quCMp9WiDjc/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511019456023343010" border="0" /></a>Next up will be covering the pieces with black taffeta, sewing the crescent to the brim, and then sewing on the veil and decorations.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-78736948229944618772010-08-22T19:19:00.003-04:002010-08-22T19:36:12.130-04:00Tudor Project: Progress!I am pleased to report actual sewing and progress on the Tudor project. This weekend, I cut out the mock-up for the kirtle and sewed it up. Once again, the mock-up has proved to be an invaluable tool...the first draft was two sizes too small. So...I retraced everything, cut it out again, and then sewed up the second mock-up. This one works nicely. I forgot to take a picture while I had it on my fitting dummy, but here's a rather unimpressive photo of it laid flat:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THGxIsS36uI/AAAAAAAABJQ/YJ1CHX-qD70/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THGxIsS36uI/AAAAAAAABJQ/YJ1CHX-qD70/s320/IMG_1540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508378582138219234" border="0" /></a>I've ordered all the fabrics I need for the kirtle, and have to wait a few days for things to arrive in the mail. I'm using black taffeta for the kirtle. Since the taffeta isn't actually going to show, I'm doing something I don't normally do - I'm using polyester taffeta instead of silk. I've also ordered canvas for the interlining and some metal boning for the side seams (otherwise I'm using reed and have plenty of it).<br /><br />Since I'm waiting on fabric to arrive, I thought I'd get a head start on the hood and start drafting the pattern. I used the Tudor Tailor, and transferred the pattern using one-inch grid paper. This is the first time I've ever transferred a pattern from a book instead of using a full size pattern. I think it went really well. Here's a copy of the pattern next to the book:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THGxI2j3CvI/AAAAAAAABJY/A6UP17i2I0I/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THGxI2j3CvI/AAAAAAAABJY/A6UP17i2I0I/s320/IMG_1541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508378584893819634" border="0" /></a>I've gone ahead and ordered the buckram/silk taffeta/silk organza that I'll need for this project as well. I already have the felt and millinery wire.<br /><br />In other very old and unrelated news, I went to the Gettysburg reenactment this year back in July. I'm not that interested in reenacting...I was really just there for the sutlers. To my delight, one of my favorite sutlers from Gettysburg was there: <a href="http://www.abrahamslady.com/">Abraham's Lady</a>. They had a reenactor on hand to display this wonderful confection of a dress:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THGxIZEqqOI/AAAAAAAABJI/VbNOX_ue8Ko/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/THGxIZEqqOI/AAAAAAAABJI/VbNOX_ue8Ko/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508378576978356450" border="0" /></a>I'm not sure how many yards of ribbon it took to trim this dress, but it's pleated by hand with a pearl hand stitched at each pleat. I believe they said it took something like 20 yards of silk to make the dress at a total cost of $2000. They described the silk as "oriental" and that it had red and blue threads woven together to give it a changing purplish hue. I thought it looked like changeable silk taffeta, but I was rather firmly informed that there was "no taffeta in the fabric." I always thought taffeta was a weave vs. fiber content. Anyone else care to speculate on the fabric?Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-57319852678302605202010-08-02T08:26:00.005-04:002010-08-02T08:48:24.584-04:00I'm Sewing: Tudor GownSeriously...I AM. I actually traced some pattern pieces this weekend. Next stop - muslin! I've just completed another move, and after being without my sewing stuff for a year, I decided NO MORE. I brought all of my sewing stuff up to my in-laws, and they graciously let me set up a sewing space in their basement. I spent Saturday arranging things, and then Sunday I actually decided to dive right in and start on a project.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TFa6IwNRQiI/AAAAAAAABI4/41HQHveHJA4/s1600/pattern.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500788654421918242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TFa6IwNRQiI/AAAAAAAABI4/41HQHveHJA4/s320/pattern.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm working from the <a href="http://www.tudortailor.com/">Tudor Tailor </a>Pattern that my in-laws gave me for Christmas a year ago. This is without a doubt the most expensive pattern I've ever owned...almost $80 to purchase. It does have the patterns for three garments: petticoat, kirtle, and gown - but still, that's pretty expensive. The pattern is MASSIVE. Kendra at <a href="http://demodecouture.com/2010/03/ham-pants/">Demode </a>had warned that the pattern pieces were very unwieldly, but it wasn't until I had the pattern spread out accross the entire living room floor that the sheer size of the pattern struck me.<br /><br />First impressions on the pattern: well, the fact that there are no seam allowances included is very frustrating for me. I normally trace the pattern pieces rather than cut them out so I can reuse the pattern which makes adding seam allowances a bit easier, but these pieces are so big I can't use my tracing paper (some are wider than 60 inches). I'm at a bit of a loss on how to proceed: I'd really like to make more than one gown style from this pattern, but I have no way to transfer the markings. Any ideas?<br /><br />Another first impression is that the instructions kinda suck. I had to read the kirtle instructions six times before I felt I had a vague notion of how to proceed. The instructions aren't illustrated at each step which makes it challenging for me - I'm a visual learner. I've decided to be on the safe side I'm going to completely make up a garment using scrap fabric. I normally just fit the bodice using muslin and then move on. This time I'm going to bone the muslin, work the eyelets, and finish all seams. I just really need to understand how this garment is made before cutting out the fashion fabric.<br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TFa6JKN91KI/AAAAAAAABJA/nQ5RbVBYEqU/s1600/Princess+Elizabeht.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500788661404161186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/TFa6JKN91KI/AAAAAAAABJA/nQ5RbVBYEqU/s320/Princess+Elizabeht.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm doing a mid-Tudor style, like the portrait of Princess Elizabeth above. I really wanted to have the massive sleeves and bell shape that comes from wearing a farthingale. Someday I'll probably make an earlier Tudor gown with a train, but for now this is what I want. I already own a farthingale, so I'm moving strait to the kirtle. I'm ordering black taffeta to go with a golden upholstery fabric I snagged from a bargain table in Dutch country Pennsylvania. For the gown, I have a cotton velvet I'd like to use. The velvet is a peachy color that's all wrong for the Tudor period. I'm going to take my first jaunt into dying fabric for this project, and try to acheive a nice deep red.</p><p>I'd like to get to wear this outfit at the Maryland Renaissance festival this year, but that might be a bit ambitious. Each garment is very involved, and I don't have all the fabric I need yet. We'll see how this goes. Wish me luck!<br /></p>Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-76820834900338975002010-03-08T10:08:00.008-05:002010-03-08T11:18:56.866-05:00Oscar Fashion RoundupIt's that time of year again! Time for Melissa's not-so-famous Oscar fashion round up. I'll tell you up front that this year I did not choose a single best dressed lady - no one really stood out. I do, however, have a great compilation of some of the better looks this year. First of all, let's start with this year's fashion trend. Gold was the name of the game. Let's see who fell in step with the trend:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZMxAyYqI/AAAAAAAABFo/yfEAkrQ9zjc/s1600-h/683-s55-Oscars_-_Arrivals.sff.embedded.prod_affiliate.56.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZMxAyYqI/AAAAAAAABFo/yfEAkrQ9zjc/s320/683-s55-Oscars_-_Arrivals.sff.embedded.prod_affiliate.56.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287031480246946" border="0" /></a>Sandra Bullock disappointed me this year. It was her big year, and she played it very safe by dressing a la Oscar statuette. I would have much preferred to see something dazzling, and this just didn't do it for me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZpxJmDdI/AAAAAAAABHI/YVn7CE0yjI8/s1600-h/slide_5302_72789_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZpxJmDdI/AAAAAAAABHI/YVn7CE0yjI8/s320/slide_5302_72789_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287529733393874" border="0" /></a>Cameron Diaz looks very pretty in her gold beaded dress.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZpWE4WRI/AAAAAAAABG4/HoUzstgzAiw/s1600-h/slide_5302_72786_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZpWE4WRI/AAAAAAAABG4/HoUzstgzAiw/s320/slide_5302_72786_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287522465863954" border="0" /></a>More gold on Kate Winslet. The cut of this dress was very flattering, if a little boring.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZbn0fROI/AAAAAAAABGY/gwaS7pz5h8Y/s1600-h/slide_5302_72768_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZbn0fROI/AAAAAAAABGY/gwaS7pz5h8Y/s320/slide_5302_72768_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287286710781154" border="0" /></a>Miley Cyrus also joined the Gold club. I really didn't like the bodice of her dress. Anything that fits so poorly that it makes you hunch over to make sure you stay covered is a bad fashion choice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZMps8ZLI/AAAAAAAABFg/B7iVuLvJYts/s1600-h/82nd%2BAnnual%2BAcademy%2BAwards%2BArrivals%2BB5BOkHgR9FYl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZMps8ZLI/AAAAAAAABFg/B7iVuLvJYts/s320/82nd%2BAnnual%2BAcademy%2BAwards%2BArrivals%2BB5BOkHgR9FYl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287029517968562" border="0" /></a>Amanda Seyfried is one of my best dressed this year. Her Armani Prive gown shimmered, and I liked the bodice of her gown.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZNNT-ItI/AAAAAAAABF4/NgUSn0Nd8Ws/s1600-h/Jennifer-Lopez-2-193x376.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZNNT-ItI/AAAAAAAABF4/NgUSn0Nd8Ws/s320/Jennifer-Lopez-2-193x376.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287039076901586" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Lopez, also in Armani Prive, looks very similar to Amanda Seyfried. Same iridescent looking fabric. However, I still like the gown, and the train draping off the side of her hip is very flattering. One of the best dressed.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UcEKeOYpI/AAAAAAAABHg/3kpT5dxic2U/s1600-h/article-1256195-089D6E60000005DC-945_196x649.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 97px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UcEKeOYpI/AAAAAAAABHg/3kpT5dxic2U/s320/article-1256195-089D6E60000005DC-945_196x649.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446290182230663826" border="0" /></a>Jessica Parker took a risk with this gown, and I think it paid off. The drape of the Chanel gown is very flattering, and I love the neckline. Wasn't a fan of the gargantuan bun though.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UcD9XLxgI/AAAAAAAABHY/P0pvPn54b6c/s1600-h/article-1256195-089E6BEA000005DC-677_196x649.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 97px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UcD9XLxgI/AAAAAAAABHY/P0pvPn54b6c/s320/article-1256195-089E6BEA000005DC-677_196x649.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446290178711471618" border="0" /></a>Carey Mulligan's dress is just adorable. The cut of the Prada gown is very flattering.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZbOpxs9I/AAAAAAAABGI/IjMER1xgxso/s1600-h/slide_5302_72763_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZbOpxs9I/AAAAAAAABGI/IjMER1xgxso/s320/slide_5302_72763_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287279954965458" border="0" /></a>Diane Kruger in Chanel. I'm normally not a fan of the nude shades, but this one has such nice detailing, and the black really makes the gown pop. Another of my favorite gowns.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZozB0dOI/AAAAAAAABGo/e6UBgn_z4yI/s1600-h/slide_5302_72774_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZozB0dOI/AAAAAAAABGo/e6UBgn_z4yI/s320/slide_5302_72774_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287513057785058" border="0" /></a>Penelope Cruz played it safe this year, and wore a flattering Donna Karen couture gown.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZb4RaKbI/AAAAAAAABGg/Nw3cPSsruN8/s1600-h/slide_5302_72771_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZb4RaKbI/AAAAAAAABGg/Nw3cPSsruN8/s320/slide_5302_72771_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287291127048626" border="0" /></a>I know some people are going to disagree with me on this one, but I liked Vera Famiga's Marchesa gown. It moved very gracefully with her and was a piece of art. I just don't feel it belongs on the worst dressed list. It was too pretty. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZNNXujKI/AAAAAAAABFw/n673_EY-QDQ/s1600-h/esq-james-cameron-030710-lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZNNXujKI/AAAAAAAABFw/n673_EY-QDQ/s320/esq-james-cameron-030710-lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287039092657314" border="0" /></a>Okay, let me start by saying I don't think the gown is terribly flattering on Mrs. Cameron. She's too skinny through the shoulders for this to look truly stunning on her. However, I thought I'd give them a shout out for cleverly wearing blue to support Avatar.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZ4UbCFyI/AAAAAAAABHQ/Yf76AVGoCnY/s1600-h/rachel-mcadams-2010-oscars-red-carpet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZ4UbCFyI/AAAAAAAABHQ/Yf76AVGoCnY/s320/rachel-mcadams-2010-oscars-red-carpet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287779719943970" border="0" /></a><br />Now we come to the worst dressed category. Yes, I'm puttying Rachel McAdams on the worst dressed list. A tie dyed gown is just not pretty, no matter how flattering the shape and cut of the gown is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5Uh77vJ_mI/AAAAAAAABHo/SpSVGFADODk/s1600-h/slide_5302_72784_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5Uh77vJ_mI/AAAAAAAABHo/SpSVGFADODk/s320/slide_5302_72784_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446296637905960546" border="0" /></a><br />Ah, Demi Moore. This could have been such a pretty dress in any other color. I just don't like dresses that are the same color as skin tone. It makes people look washed out.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZbQESsaI/AAAAAAAABGQ/q3q67M0LEPg/s1600-h/slide_5302_72764_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZbQESsaI/AAAAAAAABGQ/q3q67M0LEPg/s320/slide_5302_72764_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287280334614946" border="0" /></a>Maggie Gyllenhaal's dress just didn't do it for me. I've looked at the pattern on the dress up close, and I guess it sort of has a kimono pattern to it, but to me it just looks like splotches of color from far away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZprcwz0I/AAAAAAAABHA/Pf2fmR2gIGE/s1600-h/slide_5302_72787_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZprcwz0I/AAAAAAAABHA/Pf2fmR2gIGE/s320/slide_5302_72787_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287528203177794" border="0" /></a><br />Chalize Theron nearly made worst dressed this year. Putting roses right over her chest was a guarantee that no one would be looking at her face, or the rest of the gown. Very poor choice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZMN6wsFI/AAAAAAAABFY/CHnEfBlCBmg/s1600-h/8c89f62a7bac450aa752729473f99e6ajpg-bc68027ab8b48307_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/S5UZMN6wsFI/AAAAAAAABFY/CHnEfBlCBmg/s320/8c89f62a7bac450aa752729473f99e6ajpg-bc68027ab8b48307_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287022059728978" border="0" /></a>Ah, Zoe Saldana. This year's worst dressed. I have to say I adore the actress, but this dress is just a mess. Way too much going on, and not flattering. It looks like a barbie dress gone terribly wrong.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-27032495287216451742010-02-03T12:14:00.003-05:002010-02-03T12:19:10.168-05:00Aaah!! I have such a sewing bug......and yet I'm not sewing. Why, you ask? Well, half of my sewing stuff is put away in storage, and the other half is very badly arranged in my parents' basement. I had everything I needed to start my new civil war gown...and then I went to take my measurements in my corset and the darned thing didn't fit. Pardon the pun...but I was a bit squeezed into the corset. I don't have what's necessary to make a new corset, so that era is out for now.<br /><br />Now I'm sitting here thinking about the Renaissance festival and an upcoming Jane Austen tea. I have everything I need to make my fabulous Tudor gown, and everything I need to make a Jane Austen Spencer to really spice up my Regency outfit. But all of that stuff is in the back of a storage unit. I am one very frustrated costume diva.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-9976864633546958362009-10-10T12:11:00.004-04:002009-10-10T12:20:06.634-04:00Civil War Day Dress 2: Viewers Please Weigh InHi all,<br /><br />I'm getting ready to start my next project, and find that I'm slightly stuck on choosing which pattern will go with what fabric. I'm going to make a day dress out of the following fabric:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzOyHXCFI/AAAAAAAABEg/BvxXOdGtc0E/s1600-h/IMG_0431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzOyHXCFI/AAAAAAAABEg/BvxXOdGtc0E/s320/IMG_0431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391005820514666578" border="0" /></a>The question is should I make a simple very period accurate dress from pattern 4551 (I like the lower right hand dress...the sleeves are pretty):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzOTpy9jI/AAAAAAAABEY/tIlX4kPF93M/s1600-h/4551.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzOTpy9jI/AAAAAAAABEY/tIlX4kPF93M/s320/4551.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391005812337604146" border="0" /></a>Or make a prettier day dress out of pattern 3727:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzN9vyphI/AAAAAAAABEQ/5qpaeXCYB-M/s1600-h/3727.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 204px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzN9vyphI/AAAAAAAABEQ/5qpaeXCYB-M/s320/3727.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391005806457169426" border="0" /></a>The hang up is that I was considering using the 3727 pattern for my purple silk from India.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzPMQajUI/AAAAAAAABEo/Pk9iXW1TMtI/s1600-h/Regency%2B012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzPMQajUI/AAAAAAAABEo/Pk9iXW1TMtI/s320/Regency%2B012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391005827531967810" border="0" /></a>Of course, I could always make up pattern 2887 out of the silk, and that would be pretty too. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzNtt97OI/AAAAAAAABEI/DdIDylOKDlk/s1600-h/2887.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 204px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/StCzNtt97OI/AAAAAAAABEI/DdIDylOKDlk/s320/2887.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391005802154552546" border="0" /></a>What do you think? Which pattern is destined to be make up from my pretty homespun purple plaid? Feel free to weigh in on the silk too, but that's a future project.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343802.post-91870589805653168932009-10-04T20:05:00.004-04:002009-10-04T20:15:43.342-04:00Girl's Revolutionary DressThis project is finished. Here's the final photo:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/Ssk3HJtug7I/AAAAAAAABD4/fLuBo3uY5CU/s1600-h/Picture+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cjyo6qC3k4Q/Ssk3HJtug7I/AAAAAAAABD4/fLuBo3uY5CU/s320/Picture+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388899025131832242" border="0" /></a><br />The front panel is a pink satin. I used net trim that I found in the .97 cent bin (wohoo!), roccoco trim on top of that, and net lace for the sleeves. With the exception of a little trouble with the zipper, no problems, and the dress went together like a dream.<br /><br />I'm also announcing that I'm assembling a gallery of my completed projects so they'll be all together in one place.Costume Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432553619686993159noreply@blogger.com3