Renn faire and costume basics (and not so basics)

[anotheranon]

Yesterday was just about the perfect weather to be at Faire: sunny and warm enough to be comfortable but not so hot/bright that I couldn't dress up. Also, morning rain discouraged crowds :)

I went with fencing buddy A., our mutual friend K. and A's son B. We had a pleasant, slow paced day that involved sitting in on 2 of The Rogues performances, window shopping, people watching, and eating things that are bad for us (suicide chocolate cake!)

K. shopped for and found a beautiful basic dress with sleeveless overdress, and while admiring it and other wares, it occurred to me that regular fairegoers ("playtrons"?) seem to work up a collection of separates that can combine for wear in almost any history-esque costuming situation:

• White (or other) big shirt - works as chemise for women, shirt for men
  
• Big drapey pants with gathered ankles - worn long for middle eastern looks or scrunched into boots for almost any men's attire ~1400s-1800
  
• lace up bodice/corset (women) or vest (men) - also can do lots of time periods depending on style
  
• Skirt (women) kilt (men) - the latter is a recent invention but nothing says "I'm Scottish and/or I have good legs" like a kilt
  
• A cape, for cooler weather
  
• A selection of hats/headdresses - tricorn for pirate, flat cap for rennaisance, cavalier hat for 3 musketeers, etc.
  

A. and B. wore capes and tricorns for Pirate Day and I took the doublet out on it's maiden voyage with matching breeches, flat cap and knee-high boots. I've not had time to do the buttons yet but it pinned shut very well. No photos as I've not figured out how to get them off my camera/A.'s aren't ready yet.

It was a good day, a good weekend overall, but MAN, I'm tired. Early mornings and lots of running around wore me out, even if stays did most of the standing for me on Sunday :P

Comments

[ladyaelfwynn.livejournal.com]

I really wish I had time to go to the faire again this year. The weekend with the kidlet and her friend was fun, but I didn't get quite enough music.

What are you doing Nov. 7th? The local steam punk group is doing it's cemetery potluck in Rock Creek Cemetery. Last year was a blast! You should definitely come with.

Are you going to the Rally to Restore Sanity? I'm planning on taking the kidlet down and taking lots of photos. I may have a friend from NYC down and it would be fun to introduce her to some of my DC friends.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

I saw your pix! It looked like you had fun, but I know what you mean about not enough music - all I was able to take in was Wine and Ale and the Rogues (both were quite good!)

Not sure about Nov 7, but if I'm free, it sounds fun! And yes, I'll be at the Rally for Sanity - my sister is even coming to town for it, so perhaps she can meet y'all!

[dreamtigress.livejournal.com]

You looked Faboo !

Can you point me to A's pictures whenever they get online ?

[sealwhiskers.livejournal.com]

Very true about the allround ren faire costumes, I've gathered a small collection over the years, which have been used on other ren faire occasions, Tolkien-gatherings and general masquerade parties.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

Talked to him last night and he tends not to post his photos to Flickr or the like (?) I pointed him towards your site so if you get any emails in the near future with large image attachments, that would be why...

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Gathering/planning a selection of separates seems to be the way to go if you know you're going to a lot of Renn/fantasy themed events. I'd love to see pix!