Safari at the Zoo

On Saturday I went to a DFWCG event, Safari at the Zoo.  I drive past the Fort Worth Zoo all the time, but haven't ever been to my knowledge.  So this was my first excursion! And I made it in style. (All pictures courtesy of Jennifer Thompson. She takes the best pictures!)





Everyone else in our small group went the perceived traditional safari route, with pith helmets and shades of brown or khaki. (Although one lady did a multi-colored corset and peacock bustle!)



I love pith helmets, and actually have two of them, which I've used for costumes in the past. And for working around the yard, too. They work!

Trying to remove a stump, with my cousin's help. After several hours we resorted to the towing power of my neighbor's pickup truck. ;)

I got a major haircut (over 8") a few weeks ago, and for the first time my hair is short enough to do real 1940s curls. I love how they look with the hat.  The day of the safari was the third day after my first all-pincurl set. Although it had fallen out a lot, I still like how it looks.



This blue felt Western hat, probably from the 1940s, is one of my very favorite vintage hats, and I was dying to style it in a vintage-style adventurer outfit with my new hair.  Besides, any wide-brimmed vintage hat looks like Indiana Jones, and I'm an Indy fangirl from waaaaay back. ;)





I did a safari outfit for Halloween a few years ago, using some jodhpurs in won on ebay, one of my pitch helmets, ebay boots, and a me-made 40s blouse.  Saturday was shaping up to be a fairly chilly day, though, and I don't have adventure-y outerwear yet. I checked for some inspiration and found that breeches/jodhpurs were often worn with shirt and tie and pullover sweater, tucked in.

Source: photodetective.co.uk via Ginger - Scene in the Past on Pinterest

Source: thesartorialist.com via Ginger - Scene in the Past on Pinterest

Even Amelia Earhart, whose relaxed style didn't usually include a knotted tie, tucked in her pullover.

Source: collegefashion.net via Ginger - Scene in the Past on Pinterest

The final outfit:

Green jodhpurs: ebay, vintage (1940s?), cavalry twill (possibly cotton), possibly homemade
White long sleeve shirt: Kohl's, I think Apt. 9, a few years ago
Brown pullover: Old Navy, lambswool, a few years ago
Navy tie: a hand-me-down from my youngest brother
Brown belt: appropriated from my father
Brown boots: ebay, Nine West, probably 1990s




The difference between jodhpurs and breeches is that jodhpurs are ankle length, worn over short boots, and held down with a stirrup strap.  Breeches fit to below the knee, and tall boots are worn over them.  Mine are jodhpurs, but I am significantly taller than most 1940s women and they are ridiculously short. So I wear them as breeches!  I plan to take a pattern from them and make some that fit better, though.  They're perfect in the waist and hips, but need 6-8" more length in thighs and calves.  The knees on these have to pull up too far, so the fullness is out of proportion and my knees are very tight.  Anyone have a source for cavalry twill??



My brother gave me the tie, and a couple others, when he was cleaning out his clothes a few years ago. They're little boy ties, one step up from the clip-on kind, but too small for a large teenager. They're perfect on me for tucking into a pullover or waistcoat. It was surprisingly easy to learn how to tie a four-in-hand knot. I really liked how the outfit came out, and I think that the tie in particular is one element that makes it look more real.



I don't remember how long ago I got the belt from my father. It's reversible, black on the other side with a lot of paint splatters. I really like it because it's very flexible and long enough to loop the end.  My jodhpurs don't actually have belt loops, but the waist is high enough that the belt looked good and didn't go anywhere.



The only thing I would have added was gloves. The sun was bright and we weren't uncomfortable, but my hands were cold! Ah, well, I can't think of everything.  It was a lovely day at the zoo. The company was great, both the ladies and Jen's little boy. I grew up with three younger brothers, so it's fun to play with him. A great idea for an outing!

Maid Marian 1: The Plan

The 2012 Costume College theme was the Golden Age of Hollywood.  Before I knew it, it was May, and I had no idea of what I wanted to do for the Gala.

From what I can tell, most costumers love designing costumes. They're constantly besieged by inspiration and CADD, just overflowing with ideas!  Finishing them, whether it's tedious construction or losing interest, is the harder part.

That is so not me.

I happen to enjoy construction. Sure, I get discouraged, especially with fiddly stuff or something that just doesn't work; but in general, I love putting things together.  As my mother puts it: Sewing starts with one big piece of fabric. You cut it all up into little pieces, and the goal is to get it back together into one piece.  I like that process. I hate testing muslins, but I'm good at layout and cutting.

Inspiration is the hard part. I can't make it happen!  The best way to prime the pump is to look at as many pictures as possible. I'm very visual, so the more pictures, the more likely I'll see something I can go with.  Pinterest has been invaluable for this alone.


Pictures only work when I have some kind of idea, though.  In mid-May I finally realized that this theme was the best opportunity to make an Old Hollywood "historical" costume.  Like Gone with the Wind.  Very 1860s inspired, but also definitely a product of the late 1930s.

Source: historicalsewing.com via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

I wanted the finished costume to be:

1. Pretty!
2. Have a big impact! (This is the Gala, after all - As Big As Possible is an unofficial theme.)
3. Recognizably inspired by Old Hollywood, whether a direct copy of a famous gown, or a semi-historical design clearly worn over vintage foundations with vintage hair.


I set up a Pinterest board, searched my memories for favorite old historical films, and finally went to some LiveJournal friends for advice.  I thought about The Inspector General or The Pirate for crazy 1830s styles, which I've always been tempted toward. There's also The Court Jester with its brightly-colored princess-seamed 1950s interpretation of "medieval" dress.

Source: moviereleses.com via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

And while I was actually typing, I got the best idea. Maid Marian, played by Olivia de Haviland, from the 1938 Robin Hood with Errol Flynn.

Source: drush76.files.wordpress.com via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

Source: vintageclothinglove.blogspot.com via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

Source: edelweisspatterns.com via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

There are many other beautiful gowns in this film. Olivia has quite the wardrobe! The first one, called the "Forest Gown" in some places, is possibly the most recognizable and/or iconic. It's the audience's first view of Maid Marian, as well as what she's wearing when she meets Robin in Sherwood for the first time.

There are also plenty of reference pictures for it! That's pretty important when copying a costume. ;)

This closeup was one of the best references for color, fabric, and design.

Source: edelweisspatterns.com via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

This is unfortunately black and white, but it's the only clear full-length view I could find. I printed it out and referred to it constantly.

Source: oliviadehavilland.net via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

Another close shot, especially good for jewelry detail.

Source: kaprayshapray.blogspot.com via Scene in the Past on Pinterest

Next time: Shopping!

Halloween, and the Dallas Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show

Tonight is Halloween. (If you didn't know, now you do! You can thank me anytime.)  Last year I was at my parents' house. We didn't expect many visitors, since it's a slightly older neighborhood now. My 20-year-old brother still dressed up to answer the door - as WWII period Captain America. Full G.I. gear, plus the blue-painted helmet with a white A. It was a hit, and he was kept surprisingly busy.

Since I'm in a neighborhood with an even higher child population, I'm expecting to be just as busy tonight. What will make the biggest impact to small children? Hmm...

Maid Marion! (photo courtesy Lauren/Wearing History)

It'll be an interesting evening.


On Saturday, I went to the Dallas Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show on Saturday, meeting up with Jen.  Because it was free admission for those in "head-to-toe vintage," I pulled out all the stops and made sure I did it right.


Since taking Lauren's class on the Vintage Wardrobe at Costume College, I've made some good purchases to fill some holes. One of them was this early 1940s rust-colored suit. It has a single-button closure, wide peaked lapels, and is pleated to fit the waist. Its skirt is short, with a single inverted box pleat in both front and back.

Navy is the "base color" I've settled on for my primary vintage wardrobe. Brown/rust is not the best color for me, but it goes well with navy. Early 1940s suits are hard to find, so when this one showed up in the perfect size, useable color, and excellent price, I snatched it.

 

My only non-vintage item (besides the Rago girdle!) is the blouse. I made it from a vintage pattern out of lightweight linen for a vintage Lady Adventurer outfit several years ago. My only jewelry is the green pin. It's only cheap plastic, with a fake pearl in it, but I think it's awesome.

I'm surprised I haven't taken a picture of this before.

 With it, I wore a navy hat I bought at the first Antique Elegance show I attended (2009?), heavier rayon/cotton seamed stockings, and vintage 1940s navy blue slingbacks.  I carried a Whiting & Davis cream/white aluminum mesh handbag, one of my earliest vintage purchases.

I went to the show determining to be very good, and I was! I came home with two things, both of which I really needed and wanted:

A navy blue drawstring purse, trimmed with silver and pearl beads. It has a hard, weighted bottom so it sits upright. Myrna Loy has one very like it in The Thin Man Goes Home, 1945.

The top trim is a piece that folds down, like a fringe. One silver aiglet is missing, but that and the wear on the strings are the only flaws.  A navy handbag was a really big hole in my vintage wardrobe, so finding this for $10 made me happy.

The second item was this navy straw tilt hat, trimmed with red and gray ribbon. It's adorable! Aside from some slight fading to the edge of the brim, it's in great shape. The navy hat I wore that day was really my only navy one, and it isn't very practical for summer or strong wind around here. So this hat is perfect. I never dreamed of finding anything like it.

There's even a back ribbon band, so you can be sure this is meant to be tilted. I love red, and I have fabric for integrating more red into my vintage wardrobe. Just one more reason why this hat is so good. Oh, and although it was tagged $45 - above my budget for the show - the lady said she could do $25 plus tax. And when all I had in cash was $24, she took it! Yay!

So it was a good show. I'm glad I went, and I'm looking forward to next year in March.

Costume College - Sunday

I was pretty worn out on Sunday. No wonder, with the late night! Once again I did not make it to the Sunday Undies breakfast, although I did not sleep in very late.  I took it easy, did lots of final shopping, and went to a class on 1860s jewelry that was really good.

I knew I would be tired and not feeling like making a lot of effort, so I wore my block printed Regency gown. I didn't get any pictures in it, so here are some old ones from last year's DFWCG Georgian picnic.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Thompson

Photo courtesy Jennifer Thompson

This time I accessorized with my new red stone brooch, a green ribbon sash, and a turban made from a dark red shawl.  American Duchess's tutorial was really helpful!  I wore it with lots of curls, similarly to the black and white Regency from the Friday social. I also pinned on the clear rhinestone brooch to the turban. It looked good! Too bad I don't have any photo proof.


On Sunday afternoon, I changed into very casual vintage wear, to be comfy by the pool. I ended up visiting with Teresa for a long time, which was great.

When we made it to the pool, several other people were at the inside pool.  Lauren was wearing an amazing c. 1940 Vogue outfit, so I took a few pictures for her on a great stairway by the pool.

Photo courtesy of Aubry

Photo courtesy of Aubry

I accidentally left my swimsuit at Lauren's house, so I wasn't able to actually join in the swimming. But I did wade in as far as I could and threw the ball around!

Photo courtesy of Aubry

It was such a comfortable, relaxing time, a great end to Costume College proper.

The next day we went back to the garment district. I already covered that in my shopping post, so that's it for Costume College 2012!

Costume College - Wednesday and Thursday

 Backing up a little bit...

Wednesday was spent entirely on last minute sewing and trimming. Unlike last year, Lauren M. and I had determined NOT to do last-minute stressful sewing. So much for good intentions!  But we actually held to the spirit of our commitment, since neither one of us were stressed (unlike last year) and neither one of us had to sew at Costume College itself (again unlike last year).

So we talked and watched movies and compared opinions and dodged cats and watched our last-to-be-completed outfits take shape.

Mr. Charles approves of the Maid Marian dress.

The best movie for marathon sewing days.

Cat trap!

So Thursday morning we picked up Stephanie, The Girl with the Star-Spangled Heart, at the airport and headed straight to the garment district.  After several crazy hours, we left in good time to make it out of downtown Los Angeles and get to the hotel for registration. Apparently we arrived in the "sweet spot" between the beginning rush and the remaining bulk of attendees, since we had no wait in line and one of our rooms had a refrigerator. GREAT!  After taking all our stuff up, and Lauren M. checking her laptop with the A/V gear for compatibility, we found a grocery store and loaded up on breakfast and lunch items. Best way to save on time and money during Costume College. ;) Then we go dinner and headed back to the hotel for the Carmen Miranda pool party.

By the time we arrived apparently some people had left, and it was rather dark and not really at the pool - but it was still fun to see people.  Lauren (of Wearing History)  and Beth of V for Vintage took the theme and ran with it. Beth was amazing in full be-ruffled and be-fruited Carmen Miranda splendor - complete with banana'd turban! - and Lauren was amazing in white, fringe, and gold butterflies.  By contrast, Stephanie and I were country cousins in sports 40s halter bathing and play suits, respectively.

Beth. Photo by Lady Carolyn.

Lauren. Photo by Claudia La Rue.

Stephanie (right) and me (left). Photo by Val of Time Traveling in Costume.

I wish I had a better picture of my outfit, but I wasn't fully with it yet. :) The outfit started with the original 1940s chenille bathing cape. Lauren sent me an Etsy link probably 9 months ago and I couldn't resist. She's such an enabler!  It's hard to see, but there are red sailboats with blue sails all around the hem of the cape. It's darling.

For the rest of the outfit, I bought a white canvas/duck halter off Ebay, then found royal blue denim at Joann. I used an out of print Wearing History underthings pattern as a base for a bathing suit skirt, and added bands of blue denim to the halter.  I accessorized with a plastic bead necklace and earrings, a red (and totally invisible) crocheted snood, 1940s telephone cord purse, and Diet Pepsi. ;)

When we got tired we went back to our rooms, where we slowly got ready for bed and chatted way too late into the evening.

Costume College: Shopping!

One of the best of many good parts of going to Costume College (say I, with my lofty two years' experience) is the shopping. Both in the Marketplace at Costume College itself, and in the Los Angeles garment district either before or after. This year I spent most of my money in the garment district, but I did pretty well in other places, too.

I made it to the garment district on Thursday, right before Costume College. This was my third visit, and for the first time I really felt like I knew what I was doing.  I think for most people, their first time they just kind of freeze - sensory overload! Uncountable colors! Millions of yards of fabric! So much stuff everywhere, and no labels or prices to be seen!! But now I knew what to expect. Plus I'd had the benefit of using the fabric district in Dallas.  It's much smaller than L.A. (the district, not the city), but the stores are very similar with their overall lack of careful organization and labeling. This is not Joann's!

Anyway, on my first trip this year, I came away with:

A length of a mystery cotton blend print, for a dress, modern or vintage-inspired.

Light-mediumweight linen for 18th c. and Regency underthings.

A red/white changeable silk/silk blend (haven't tested it) taffeta. It's more an orange-red than a pink-red.

Pale peach/pink silk (silk/cotton?) for vintage undies. I wish I'd gotten more! Lauren M. was right...

Rhinestone brooch to use for 18th c. and Regency, inspired by some of the paste originals on my Pinterest board.

Then, at the Costume College Marketplace itself, I got a few more things.

A really big plastic comb I'll probably use for Edwardian when I get around to making that period. ;)

A vintage brooch that I think imitates paste jewelry pretty well. The big stone is a beautiful clear red.

A length of brocade coutil for a corset, probably Edwardian.

A new book by the author of The Dress of the People, about the fabric swatches from the Foundling Hospital. I bought this from Angela Burnley of Burnley & Trowbridge during her class on 18th c. textiles. So awesome!

Pink glass buttons, for what I have no idea. "Something Edwardian." ;)

Red plastic buttons with compass markings. I love them! Bought with no specific purpose, but now I have a very specific one. ;)

Heavy cotton edging, bobbin lace look.

Lighter weight cotton insertion, also like bobbin lace. One of these will be for finishing my Regency pantalettes.

Whew!  I was intending to leave the hotel on Sunday, but ended up staying another night. And then, naturally, we tagged along with the tour (and other people) right back to the garment district on Monday! I was fired up with a lot more ideas, not to mention motivated by things I'd seen on Thursday.

Mediumweight hymo from B. Black & Sons

Good quality shoulder pads, also from B. Black & Sons

100% white rayon, plainweave, for a 1940s blouse

100% blue (darker than the picture) rayon crepe, for another 1940s blouse

White linen blend (I think linen/cotton) for a 1940s shirtwaist dress, with the red compass buttons.

Purple and white changeable silk taffeta, just for the stash. ;)

Plus some fabric for a Secret Project for next year!

Lauren M. also gave me a couple of lengths of cream-colored cotton lace, some for my Edwardian stash and some for trimming my new vintage undies.

Not as fine, for vintage use.

A lighter/finer weight for Edwardian.

And then we stopped at a random antique mall. I did very good, coming away with only two things I'm still excited about:

Small purse-sized vintage flashlight, just like the big ones you see in movies, but only 5" long. It works!

Vintage necklace - black plastic leaves, clear plastic dangles, and brass dangles on a black cord. I love this style of necklace.

So there, that's what I came away with! I'm VERY glad that I was able to pack a flat, empty duffle in my luggage on the way out. ;)