Curiouser and Curiouser

I have come into possession of several associate 15% off coupons (courtesy of working at Millbury/Blackstone plaza) and need bathing suit type things, plus new summer clothes and stylish-yet-waterproof outerwear.

Anyone want to come shopping with me tomorrow? I can guarantee you a coupon, plus they're having a bunch of sales on top of that.

I wanted another sewing project, so here it is!

White Priestess Outfit
Inspired by my Strange Boston character, whose tarot card is the High Priestess.

Starting components:
-Branch of fake orchids
-1 striped white sheer curtain
-2 plain white sheer curtains
-Skanky top from Savers
-White bra I no longer wear
-Tacky gold filligree heart window ornament
Total cost so far: ~$20

I wanted to get even more creative this time around, so no buying fabric for me!

Although this priestess outfit is looking a little like a slave girl so far... xD

Okay, so after lots of feedback on LJ and twitter, I decided to try both colors of flowers to see which worked best.

Oh, man. The red looked really bad. That shade of pink is just too muted to work with red.

I think it's also the bright shade of red, too - it wasn't sultry, it was tacky.

But pairing the dress with white flowers and the hint of a red corset? Much nicer. And the pearls start to shimmer.

The only downsides to it right now are that there are a few spots where the red dye is slightly darker in a lace-type pattern (but only if you really look), the fabric is ridiculously wrinkly (but I'd been meaning to iron it anyway), and the whole thing still smells like cherries. Febreze, maybe? xD

Now to attach the bustle and I'm DONE. It'll be ready for my shoot in it on Friday.

Pictures will go up after TnD, when everyone has seen it. =)

That gown I'm tailoring for Tis no Deceit?

It has pockets hidden in the pleats.

Win!

So that's where it stands now. Yes, it's temporarily purple. This will change when the dye arrives. Also, the tulle underskirt is flattened for now in order to make sewing a little more manageable. But when this thing fluffs, it fluffs.

( More pictures under the cut. )

I'm in the process of removing the zipper from the back and adding in corset lacing (I got clearance leather grommet tape at wal-mart for $4 a roll!), hence the not-zipped-ness. The bustle is actually the scarf that came with it, just artfully bunched. Nothing sewn yet, just pinned. I'll also be ripping out the spaghetti straps.

The flowers on the shoulder are actually a hairclip made of pearls, roses, and freesia flowers, just like the bustle accent (which comes right off!). Both I made last night from scratch, which came out pretty well.

You would not believe how well this dress fits me. I am so excited. The beading on the bust has even grown on me a little.

What do you guys think so far?

So, I've always wanted the Red Gown, like the one Satine wears in Moulin Rouge, but never had the impetus or opportunity to do so.

It's pretty much thwacked me in the face.

Lately, I've been lusting after red satin gowns, but reminding myself that satin is a bitch to upkeep. And expensive. And staining. Also, very unflattering in places and hard to work with (remember my Snow White costume?). But I'm in love with the idea of that kind of dress.

I wanted something completely sleeveless. Those v-necks tend to shape my chest in an unflattering way, and I'm very fond of my shoulders. Also, corset-backed and shiny.
And red.
Very red.

A confluence occurred to make these all possible, and I'm now well on my way to having said dress.

1. I found a light-colored satin-finish prom gown at Goodwill on sale for $25.
2. Aubrey is putting in an order for red fabric dye for her lab coat.
3. Said dress is the perfect length, and comes with an enormous sash that can be sewn on in the shape of a bustle and still have room to drape into a train, like the back of Satine's dress.
4. Said dress is lavender, and can easily be dyed darker.
5. Said dress is too small around the chest. Exactly the right tightness perfect for converting the back zipper into a corset-lace.
6. Said dress is spaghetti-strap, and the straps can be easily removed. As can the beaded trim.
7. It has been hinted at that I may play a seductress in an upcoming larp.

This is so happening. I'll probably have the dress ready and wearable by the end of next week.

My plan of action:
1. Dye the dress and sash.
2. Shape the sash and attach to dress.
3. Remove the beads and straps.
4. Convert the back into corset-lace.
5. Create some attachable accessory pieces (probably involving silk roses and gold/pearl drops) to decorate the bustle.

I'm so excited. I might finally get my dream red gown.

Find #1: Two pairs of work khakis to replace the ones that I've worn for 10 months and are finally beyond repair.

Find #2: Slim jeans with a sailor fly.

Find #3: Adorable $200 Steve Madden purse for $3.99.

Win.

As it dries/cools:



I'm really proud of this one - it came out nice and crisp and dark.

Now, time to see who gets the reference. =)

-H