While many of us simply adore immersing ourselves in past times, the history, the fashions, the literature, and all the ephemera, one thing we take for granted is our modern corrective eyewear. If you’re lucky to have 20/20 vision, or still young enough that the natural degeneration of eyesight due to aging hasn’t caught up
I was hosting a small daytime party at Carnevale 2024 — it was a gaming salon with a “fancy loungewear” costume theme. Since I’d be running around as hostess, I needed a simple, practical outfit (but still fabulous ;). Luckily, I already had a custom-made “Carlotta” Spiderweb Robe from Nicoletta Carlone in purple that I’d ordered
This was a quickie costume I threw together for Costume College because I’d heard the Friday Night Social had some kind of literature cosplay theme. Also, it was the hottest summer on record, I was only going to be at the event for a short time, thus I needed an easy, comfortable outfit. What’s better
I’d already worn my velvet teagown for two different Mucha-themed events when a group of friends suggested a Mucha meetup at Costume College 2023. As much as I love that teagown, I really did not want to wear it again this year and especially not in L.A. in late July! So I went about assembling
Somewhat at the last minute, I decided to attend the annual Art Deco Preservation Ball, mostly because in 2023 it was held at the Paramount Theater in Oakland. I’d long wanted to go to something in this gorgeous local landmark, and since I seem to know a bunch of folks in the Art Deco Society,
The first event of Carnevale 2023 was a brunch, which called for fancy pajamas. I went for deshabille because I had these fun things to wear that hadn’t seen the light of day yet! Starting with a custom Victorian corset by Redthreaded, using a cotton stripe fabric I provided, then a ruffly black cotton robe and
Lockdown was a drag, and I didn’t feel like sewing anything but I had the idea to commission stuff. At some point in 2021, I requested a custom version of this Spanish 16th-century gown from Fiorentina Costuming on Etsy. The fit and workmanship is great, and the style is exactly what I wanted. Highly recommended and
This costume idea had been brewing in my head, but it wasn’t until a combo of pandemic lockdown and an excellent cosplayer opening up for commissions that it came to fruition. I’d been dreaming of David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane image (which I have a huge poster of) and his Ziggy Stardust persona, but done as
The best party of Carnevale 2022 was Tricia’s Pirates and Mermaids Party on a historical ship that sailed around the lagoon all night! It was a super fun theme in a kick-ass location with awesome people. I didn’t know it would turn out so great, of course, when I was planning my costume, I was
I missed a few Carnevale parties in 2022 because my luggage was delayed by four days. But I wore most everything around at some time, like this mishmasy-y fantastical outfit that’s kind of 1920s with an exotic flair. I just wanted an excuse to wear this gorgeous purple velvet cocoon coat with a fur collar
My favorite outfit of Carnevale 2022 turned out to be this dark confection made mostly of purchased items with loads of alterations and embellishments. And that rather sums up my ideal approach to costuming! Actual sewing irritates me, but taking various things and hacking them into my vision and loading them with trim is what
Despite my oft-stated distaste for Regency / Empire / 1790s-1820s costume, that’s what I’ve made and worn for all of 2021. I guess that’s what global pandemic does to you? Weird. Really freakin’ weird. Well, as easy as it was to sew that pelisse and evening gown, that was all I wanted to have to
I randomly bought this gown from Armstreet — they call it the “Found Princess” Chemise — during a brief window when it was available in black. I’m so glad I did! It’s made of a soft, floaty cotton-blend fabric that feels delicious and, though sheer, has enough substance to not be obscene. While made as
I bought this 1920s dress from LaVieDelight on Etsy several years ago, and I’m so pleased because it’s an actually flattering and also appropriate period shape. Many ’20s styles don’t work well on curvy bodies, but somehow this does. Plus, being a ‘little black dress,’ it’s perfect for accessorizing for different events. Which I’ve done!
One of the events my friends and I planned to attend at Venetian Carnevale 2020 was the Napoli Ball, and 1860s evening attire was requested. But Victorian ballgowns bore me, so I decided that Leonard should branch out from the 18th century. I bought a black wool tailcoat tuxedo, a waistcoat, and a shirt. I