Costuming for A Turn on the Radiance Rose

My dress for A Turn on the Radiance Rose arrived!

I used my usual trick of searching on eBay for a dress with the appropriate style for the period. I did a lot of research for the right look, both for this and because I'll be costuming a production of Chicago for this spring. I actually had a bit of a tough time finding this one. I wanted something very fancy, bright and beaded, but all the best options were way out of my price range. I also wasn't sure about the sizing for period-appropriate silhouette reasons. You'll notice that the fit is a touch baggy, certainly looser than I usually like. My personal aesthetics tend to a much more form-fitting silhouette. But in the 1920s the preferred shape was very lean and straight up and down. Representative design details are drop waists and a completely undefined bodice-- the breasts are as obscured as possible. So I picked a dress probably one size too big for me to make my shape seem very straight. It's a hard silhouette to wear, as it hides the definition in the waist and can make one look tubular. Even the very lean women who wear them on Downton Abbey look a little on the boxy side. It's also kind of an unusual color, this blend of sea blue and peach. Not to my usual tastes, but it's certainly eye-catching and interesting, which I tend to look for when I costume for larps. If I need a dress for a game, I always go for colorful and attention-grabbing if I have a choice. I am reasonably happy with this look, especially the drapey detail on the bodice. The color and the fit combine to mean it's probably not my most flattering look, but I think I look nice for the purpose.

I also have a rhinestone tiara I ordered still on its way. All that remains now is to figure out how to style my long hair in such a way as would be appropriate for the 1920s, when short styles like the bob were fashionable, and the right shoes. I think some nude heels of some kind would be right; too bad my character shoes are black instead of tan. Hoping I can find an appropriate thrift store option that won't be too difficult to wear.

Accomplishment chart, 2/7 - 2/13

For the week of 2/7 - 2/13:

Writing
- wrote 3 blog entries for Mrshawking.com
- wrote 6 Livejournal entries
- scribbled down idea for a new story for future use
- worked on new script idea
- wrote first draft of scene 1.2 of new musical
- had 1 writing meeting for the new musical
- started first draft of scene 1.5 of new musical
- started first draft of scene 1.4 of new musical
- started first draft of scene 2.2 of new musical
- wrote first draft of scene 1.6 of new musical
- worked on plotting for future Mrs. Hawking stories
- wrote 2 horde characters for Privy Council
- wrote player briefing for Privy Council
- wrote 7 daily Hipster Feminist tweets

Theater
- had 2 GHOSTSHOW rehearsals
- saw "A View From the Bridge" by Arthur Miller by the Brandeis Theater Company
- heard staged reading of "Beneath the Surface" play by Bill Pendergast

Larp/Gaming
- read character sheet for Eleanor Van Klief for "A Turn on the Radiance Rose"
- had a writer's meeting for Her Majesty's Privy Council

Costuming/Sewing
- got a dress and tiara for "A Turn on the Radiance Rose" costuming
- converted a trench coat into a cutaway coat for Frances's costume in GHOSTSHOW

Website
- posted 1 blog entry

Media
- watched episodes 4-10 of season 2 of Elementary
- read part 3 "Storybook Love" of Fables comic series

Music
- listened to Zoe Keating's "Escape Artist," "Lost," and "Sun Will Set"

Physical
- 2 hour-long circuit workout
- 1 ballet class

Cooking
- made pasta in tomato mascarpone sauce with onions and peas
- made baked chicken and steamed broccoli with noodles
- made baked crusted tilapia with roast Brussels sprouts
- made beef brisket fajitas in the slow cooker
- made apple and onion chicken with steamed broccoli
- made a mushroom pasty