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.

Party like its 1599!!!

With Northern California Renaissance Faire http://www.norcalrenfaire.org/ and other faires coming fast behind it, I thought I would start to work on some costumes for faire. I am going to focus on three catagories Wenches, Ladies and costumes for the Gents. I hope you like them!

The first point about faires is, you don't have to dress up, but you will always have more fun if you do! The Renaissance period started in Italy in the 1400's, with the height of the period landing in the late 1500's for the English. Though often confused the Medieval period is not the same as the Renaissance. The medieval period starts much earlier in the 400's and continued until the start of the Renaissance Era. Most faires focus on the reign of Queen Elizabeth I http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/elizabeth_i_queen.shtml

Many people worry about the "period" correctness of their costumes, if this is your first time don't worry, wear what you like and have fun! Most faires do not stick to strict costume rules and the faires that do, do not hold guests to the same rules. If you plan on going back year after year or working then think about more correct or higher quality costume, because it will be worth it in the end.

These costumes are so much fun and you can wear them over and over for all sorts of costumed events. The best thing is almost everyone I know pulls out their "garb" at least twice a year!