Beginning of a Steampunk look

Ok here is a little break to show you what I have been up to costume wise! I went to a wedding reception recently with a Steampunk theme and knew I needed to come up with something quick!

I started with my most favorite of corsets my nude with black lace overlay from http://www.corsetmaker.com I love this corset!!! I have had it for many years and because of the quality it has held up to the beating I have given it. This designer makes amazing pieces, she did my wedding dress corset as well.

The shirt is a blouse I have had for years, that is off the shoulder and has a flat front, I picked it up from Torrid I think. The black skirt is a Hot Topic piece I have also had for a while.

I decided recently I needed a bustle so I found someone to make this one for me through Tribe. It turns out she also is on Etsy http://CreationsByangelia.etsy.com The bustle was created based on a authentic pattern for a Traveling Bustle. These were made of thick material instead of the hair and padding of other bustles since these were worn for traveling :)

I added a pair of my hemp/lace dreads and wool dreads to my hair and added a fantastic little hat (which will be appearing in my shop very soon!), some makeup and a few pieces of jewelry I had already and here is what I had!




This outfit only cost me the price of the new bustle (which I have already wore again!) I had all the other pieces in my closet. And while you might not have all these pieces in your own closet, this costume like the others, is about showing you how to create great looks with what you have! I also have to add, this outfit was a huge hit. I had lots of photos taken and everyone was very impressed. It was fun going to dinner in Beverly Hills first in this too haha!

Your Royal Majesty

Sorry for the delay but I have been so busy being a pirate at the Ojai Pirate Faire it has been hard to take time out to get in touch with my queenly side!

This post is going to be a bit different since I will be focusing on complete costumes this time. I find that with all the pieces it can be tough to do a court costume the first time, without being able to sew or going to some one for the completed look. If you are going to look into working faire or want a more period look I suggest looking into some of the patterns from Alter Years http://www.alteryears.com/ which also includes patterns for undergarments.

The first look is from http://paranoire.etsy.com/ for $650



This dress is not completely period, but it is stunning and would certainly get you noticed at any event you wore it too. It is so beautiful !

It would look unbelieveable with this necklace from http://angelsofolde.etsy.com/ for $39



It's perfect with just the right look of age.

The next dress is from http://outlandishthreads.etsy.com/ for $425 based on a Anne Bolyen dress



This stunning dress has a very early period look that is perfect for events where King Henry VIII is in reign. And has such a great neckline.

This dress would look stunning with this piece from http://miladyjewels.etsy.com/ for $19.50



This is a stunning piece with the classic pearl look of the period with a cabachon style jem which would have been available at the time. This piece is great for the look and its beauty.

The last look is from http://hermajestysboudoir.etsy.com/ for $475



This dress has a very pretty look based on a Queen Elizabeth I dress so would be a great dress when this great Queen holds reign. They might mistake you for the queen in this gown! It would also make a stunning wedding gown.

This necklace and earrings have the look of pearls that were very popular in the period and would look great with this dress. It is from http://dragonpipes.etsy.com/ for $30



With these beautiful looks you are on your way to a day of being reverenced (that's bowing again from the peasants as they see you walk by) and courtly fun. The next piece will be how to dress the man in your life no matter what class you choose.