Fall is in the air, and Halloween is coming! Already I'm seeing advertisements for
masquerades and costume contests.
Marissa has posted in the past about the types of costumes our
nineteenth century lads and lasses might have worn. They enjoyed playing dress up. Today’s author of nineteenth century romance
is not immune, and, I'm betting, neither is her readers. So, to get you thinking about how you might design your own outfit, here are some examples
from my sister romance authors.
You can, of course, pay a seamstress to design you
a costume. I am so envious of these
amazing gowns worn by the talented Collette Cameron and the wonderful Ella Quinn. Looking good, ladies!
Or, you might be handy with a sewing machine yourself. Several patterns are available these days. Immediately below is acclaimed Regency author April Kihlstrom in a
fetching red gown. And farther down is Golden Heart Award winner Kristi Ann Hunter in one she and her
mother made together.
Then again, you might find a costume awaiting you in your
favorite thrift store. Doesn’t the
delightful Georgie Lee look festive in her frugal find?
Finally, some fashions from earlier years can be readily
adapted to “faux Regency.” When I wear
this one with the flocked orange roses next to Marissa in her seamstress’s creation, I always say I must be
the poor relation. J
What do you think?
Any of these approaches appeal to you?
Many thanks to my models, most of whom are members of my beloved Beau Monde Chapter of Romance Writers of
America.TM
6 comments:
Ah, Sir Reginald! He broke my heart, but I love him still.
Love these pictures!
Cara
Thanks, Cara! I miss Sir Reginald. I'm not sure he's returned from the Continent yet after fleeing a duel with Sir Carolus. Perhaps he'll feel more the thing next summer in New York. :-)
I'm all about the thrifty faux Regency approach right now. Though I'd rather have a true seamstress made dress, that requires 1) money and 2)period undergarments which = money again. I found a beautiful white embroidered boho blouse and skirt set at an Indian store nearby. In a pinch, with some modification, it will do. I love drooling over the amazing costumes at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath last year. From the photos of this year's event, it looks like everyone outdid themselves!
Oh, my goodness, QNPoohBear, but you are right! The costumes at the Jane Austen Festival are downright swoon-worthy! But the Indian blouse and skirt sound like they would do very well. Author Delilah Marvelle came to the Beau Monde annual soiree a couple years ago in a gorgeous Regency gown that had been made from a sari. Very effective!
I love Sir Reginald!! I do hope he returns soon! Thank you so much for this post, Regina!! I shared all over!
Thanks, Ella! Gorgeous dress! I understand it's based on an 1814 French design. Nice!
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