I've had several of you email me asking me to post when I find things. So here is my first post about what I've gathered so far.
Cameos were very big back then. I had this one in my stash of jewelery I had. I found this at a thrift store years and years ago. I never knew what to do with it but now I do.
I also found this sterling silver heart locket. Lockets were often worn in Victorian times. This one opens up at the top and has a little pocket you can slip a note, a small photo or locket of hair from your loved one in there.
I also found this cute sterling heart with a black stone. I can slip this on the chain from the locket when I want a change.
This darling little gold with green stones bracelet came from my aunt. She passed away and I was lucky enough to get it from her. Perfect Victorian look as they wore dainty pieces like this.
The ear rings they wore were mostly like these. Small stones set in either sterling silver or gold. They had the hooks like these. Posts were not around back then.
I also had picked these two broaches at thrift stores years ago. They too are perfect for the Victorian look I'm going for.
This is one of the skirts I picked up from eBay. Now I need to find hoops to go under this.
I also won this skirt. Cute for spring or summer looks. This is so fun hunting for items to use. I can't wait until I have a whole outfit and can finally put it all together.
My sister, Maureen, is also a member of the Victorian Tea Society with me so we can always swap items. That will be great because then it's like having access to double the items to use.
We have volunteered to help out at the Christmas Tea they are putting on. I can't wait. It's going to be a blast.
Who would have ever thought that even as an adult you can play dress up and have fun.
Hugs,
Joanne
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
CIVIL WAR COSTUMES
But I decided to go with the dresses from the Civil War time. 
I think they are so pretty and feminine looking.
I also like that you can buy a few pieces and then change them around to make different looks. Like adding a shawl. That would give your outfit a whole new look.
You can change your blouse from the one that matches the skirt to a solid color. Again, giving it a completely different feel.
I also love how they are big and most of the skirts are one size fits all. No need to worry if you should gain or lose weight. Just tighten or loosen up the skirt and you are set to go.
I also love how you can get a dressy look or a causal one. I love the one above all in white with a black trim. I bought the pattern for this dress. Now, I just have to search for someone who can sew the dress for me as sadly I don't know how to sew. Anyone out there want to lend me a hand :-).
This green dress reminds me of the dress in Gone With The Wind. You know the one where Scarlett used the curtains to make her dress.
I also love the hats from the Civil War time. No real need to worry about bad hair days when you wear them.
They even had their own version of the Little Black Dress. They were not worn only when in mourning.
So I've been searching around thrift stores for items that can be turned into a costume. It's been fun searching even though I'm not having a whole lot of luck yet.
I need things like short lace gloves, flowers for hats, a white dust ruffle that I can turn into bloomers, white vintage hankies. I can't believe with all my vintage hankies I have there is not one white one.
I feel like I'm on a scavenger hunt. It's fun. Who doesn't like the thrill of the hunt. The excitement when you find an item you can use. That special little piece that will add the final touches to the costume.
I'm going to do my best to put together a wonderful costume on my little tiny budget. It may be hard since I don't sew but it won't be impossible. Will it?
If you have any tips or ideas I would love for you to share them with me. I'm open to try anything to get this to work.
I'll be sure to post when I find some treasures. I want to take you all along on my journey back in time. I hope you will enjoy it.
Hugs,
Joanne
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