Dickens on the Strand 2015

'Tis the season for Dickens on the Strand again. 

I found this Fashion plate last year and fell in love with it. This became my inspiration for my dress this year. It is a 1876 Paris Fashion Plate featuring the square overskirt. The square overskirt was very popular in 1875 and 1876.

Here is my dress. I chose to go with red instead of blue because I already have several blue dresses.

For easier comparison, here is a side by side. I tried to stay as close to the fashion plate as I could. The only thing I chose to change was the neckline. I did not make mine as high because my other dress has a high neckline and I wanted to do something different.

 My favorite part of the dress was the cuff. Just look how gorgeous they are. This took a lot of thought and time to replicate this style but I love the finished product.

A few shots of the front of the dress.

 And some from the back.

 Yes, there are 9 rows of 1/2 inch pleats on that train. You might be able to imagine how time consuming that was.

My friend Chandler and I. She is wearing my Regency gown that I made a few years ago.

This was a practice shot. Chandler was learning how to use my camera but it turned out well.

This is Lucinda (on the left) and Jane (on the right). They are the descendants of Charles Dickens.

The Thrift Entourage with all the gorgeous dresses.

Cheryl and I. You can blame her for introducing me to Dickens on the Strand.

Do you think this fan goes with my outfit?

I couldn't resist taking a picture of my shadow. Doesn't it look so Victorian? Yes, I may be a nerd but am proud of it.

Some strangers with awesome costumes.

This is the Costume Contest. We are waiting for the judges to make their decision. Number 12 and 13 are my new best friends. I think we had way too much fun in the contestant line than should be legal.

 Kitty Watts (number 13 above) decided we should become Sewing Best Friends, which rapidly became SBBBFs (Sewing Bustles and Buttons Best Friends). Kitty has quite the entourage. She made all of these dresses (except mine and the gentleman's).

Another stranger with an awesome costume. I love how much this blue pops!

 

 This was the winner of the Costume Contest. I heard that this was hand beaded. Amazing.

 One finale picture with the Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas All!

Ren Fair

After living in Houston for 5 years I decided it was time to check out the Renaissance Fair for myself.

I couldn't pass up the photo op with a Stormtrooper in a kilt. 'Cause how often do you run into a Stormtrooper in a kilt?

 I loved the "set" at the Ren Fair. It was so charming to look at the different buildings from the era. I love themes!

 With my bestest roommate, Stacy.

 Love his costume. I was disappointed at how few true Renaissance costumes were being worn at the Ren Fair. I went partially to see the costumes.

 At the Jousting Tournament. This is the Knight from England.

 The knight from Spain. We were "from" Spain. (aka we sat in the Spain section of the Stadium.)

 The Knight from Germany or was it France? One of those. I found his colors very striking.

I had to include this because I didn't know that the "cheer leader" for Spain was doing this until I looked at the picture. He he.

 I love the full armor.

 Jousting

 Germany or France, whichever he was, got a good hit on England. Notice the broken lance.

 Have I mentioned that I love this girl? (The one on the left of course not trying to be vain.)

 The salesman in this shop convinced me to try this on for a photo. His hope of convincing me to buy it as a result was futile.

 I did it only for the photo opportunity. I was going to spend $200 on this head piece, not my favorite look.

 I loved this Wedding Chapel. I believe it was called the Rose Garden Wedding Chapel.

 The ivy grown through it was beautiful.

 It was gorgeous!

 The moon over the Ren Fair.

 This is the musical instrument called a carillon used in the musical act Cast in Bronze. If you go to the Ren Fair do yourself a favor and catch one of his shows. It is one thing to hear a recording of his music but it is something else to see a life performance. I became a fan.

 The Ren Fair isn't complete unless you can throw tomatoes at someone.

 This is one of the best human statues I've seen in makeup and costume. I thought people were staring at a real statue until she moved. And even once I knew I was impressed with how convincing the makeup was done.

 This guy with the whips was pretty awesome.  Don't worry the woman did not get hit by the whips.

 I couldn't help but post this photo even though it is blurry. You'll have to use your imagination to see how cute it is without the blur. 

 To aid you in your imagining, here is one that isn't blurry.

 The sky was beautiful as we made our trek back to the car. 

We had a good time. I was disappointed by the lack of costumes but was impressed with the commitment to the theme in the structures and staff around the fair. Overall I enjoyed myself and will probably go back in the future. But my favorite festival is still Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Just under 2 weeks left. I am so excited!