Going Victorian is getting my mojo back...

[margotvankapelle]

OK.

So there's a possibility of a steampunk-themed masquerade ball in the upcoming months.  I'm attending if it takes place, mostly cuz Boe's in charge of putting the whole shebang together.  Well, I don't have anything in my costume closet (yes, I have a costume closet) that dates after 1600 with the exception of a quickie chemise a la reine.  Not gonna cut it for something steampunk-y. 

I did a bit of research and can't quite wrap my head around the general aethetics of steampunk.  I mean, all I'd wind up doing is slavishly copying someone else's brilliant idea and doing it rather poorly.  (Lookin' at you, jenthompson ...your steampunk outfit is just about the coolest I've seen Out There in the ether.)  So yeah, I don't think I can pull off steampunk.  However, I CAN pull off Victorian.  Screw it, if'n I'm gonna be working at this projected ball (because believe me, Boe's a great "big picture" guy, but I'm the "nitpicky details" half), I'm going to dress as I wish.  Straight up natural-form Victorian it is. 

For those on my flist who have done late Victorian costuming, what's your take on Truly Victorian patterns?  I'd like to use the Dinner Bodice (TV 422) with the Fantail Skirt (TV 225) in electric blue silk taffeta, with pleated navy blue velveteen sleeve cuffs and skirt hem trim.  A small amount of metallic gold trim stitched in the ditch of the pleating.  Navy blue velveteen covered buttons on the bodice.  Late Victorian Corset (TV 110) and Combination Underwear (TV 105) to go underneath it all.

Tell me what you think, flist!  This is my first foray into something that ISN't medieval or Renaissance, and I am TERRIFIED, OMG. 





If the steampunk masquerade ball thing doesn't happen, then I'll still have a perfectly good outfit to wear to, say, Costume Con or Costume College.