C is for Costuming! Particularly 18th Century costumes. I've been a Civil War Re-enactor (which could also have been my 'C' post) for just over a dozen years and while I still love it, I'm interested in trying out other eras of American history to sew dresses and get dressed up for.
In my internet travels last year, I found Lauren Reeser of American Duchess. This woman is incredible! She puts all of my sewing efforts to shame, and I'm not exactly a novice anymore, either! I've made some undeniably beautiful pieces. But her work is just... wow. A "complete inspiration" is such an understatement!
Well, Lauren has worked with a shoe manufacturing company and designed PERFECT and GORGEOUS 18th Century shoes for re-enactors, costumers, thespians and lovers of historical fashion in general. These are amazing. Want, WANT, WANT!
Sadly, I can't get any just now. I've already set the budget for things that Jake and I are involved in and committed to, so there just isn't any extra for a pair of shoes that I don't have a costume made for (YET.) or a scheduled event to wear them to. (YET.)
However, as a re-enactor who must buy the things which I cannot make myself (mid 19th C work boots, for example), I am familiar with the general cost of such goodies and I can tell you that her asking price for these beautiful 18th C shoes is more than reasonable! They are only $85 if you pre-order them before April 22. I may not be able to get any at the moment, but I will shamelessly plug her designs with loving support and much gusto! :)
Here is the website where you can order your pair, guaranteed to fit and guaranteed accurate dye color. A.Freaking.Mazing!
This is fascinating! I'd love to see some of your own creations! The nearest I got to doing anything on this sort if scale was creating a Tudor dress for an Elizabethan banquet (fundraiser) Also had to make something for hubby to wear - picture, if you will, a 6'2" court jester, complete with cap and bells! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSueH I Refuse To Go Quietly!
Oh, I so hope you can get the shoes! I will say special prayers. I know what you do has costs no one ever thinks about, but it's a wonderful service that you do.
ReplyDeleteHello, fellow A-Z Challenger! Isn't this fun? Come visit, either of my blogs when you can and leave some comment love:
http://rockinchairreflections.blogspot.com (A-Z)
http://www.mainstreamsolarcooking.com
Sue- I'm working on getting my website up. I'm nothing like AD yet, but I'm working on it. You can see my sewing album on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=603247081&aid=133275
ReplyDeleteThe Regency era dresses are towards the end. Bravo for braving Tudor era!!! And my DH is 6'2", so I understand and I bet that jester outfit was fantastic!
Sharlene- I'm following along with you now! :) I'm in the middle of redecorating/renovating an attic floor for my bedroom and sewing space, so I actually don't have room for the shoes even if I could order them! :) I hope I can get an outfit together someday though.
Oh my gosh how neat that you're a Re-enactor! That's so neat! I've never gone to anything like that but we do always love going to the Ren Fest here in Houston every eyar. It's always quite the festivities!
ReplyDeletePer your comment on my blog: Your idea for Creative Camp rocked my socks of! I can tell you've done this vacation a time or two!
Jen- I'm actually just arrived at the beach for a Spring Break mini vaca, so beach is sort of on the mind! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd we have a GA RenFest that runs mid-April to first weekend of June. I wanted to go this year in costume, but I have *3* 19th century/Civil War gowns to make for a reenactment in Selma, AL. Deadline is 3 weeks! Yikes! I actually took this trip to refocus because there are literally piles of fabric all over the house right now! LOL I do plan on going to the Ren Fest sometime though, if I can. :)
Have a great week in Florida! Your costumes sound amazing, do share some pictures sometime!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'm not necessarily into historical dress, but those shoes rock! What I really like, though, are the little white boots with the buttons up the side. I have no idea what to call them.
ReplyDeleteI looooove costumes! You both put all my efforts to shame though (I'm mostly skilled in the hot-glueing department). Now if I can just convince my husband I need some shoes like this...
ReplyDelete