Jewelry and
Accessories
Jewelry
is probably the most fun. It's easy to string beads and pearls while
listening to music, watching movies, or just relaxing with your
family. These necklaces
are faux pearls and beads from Michaels, and the broach at my neck is
an oversized button from Hancock. The girdle (hanging around my
waist) is made from the same materials, but I left a nice little
connecter at the bottom so I could attach various items to the end of
it. In these pictures I've attached a small, filigree cross I picked up
at Michaels for $5. At
my side there's a gold pocket watch hanging on a chain. It's
incredibly convenient, since wristwatches are so glaringly modern, and
if anyone asks, it's "just a locket."
Another
way to find "pretties" is to haunt the cheap jewelry racks
at stores like Target, Walmart, and Shopco. A lot of it is worthless,
particularly the fake-gold items that will rub off, but sometimes you
can find some really neat stuff. The cross hanging from my bodice was
$5, and is lovely up close. It came on a nice, sturdy chain,
which I'll save for another project. Beads, charms, buttons, chains,
broaches and faux gems can be a lot of fun, if you find the right
ones. Earrings can have nice things on them, too, but they tend to be
very small. Just remember, a lot of these things can be taken apart
and reassembled into period looking accessories. You never know what
treasures you'll construct.
Something
I noticed, early on in my costuming experience, is that an
outfit can be absolutely gorgeous, but without headwear of some kind,
the whole effect can be ruined. In this modern world, we pride
ourselves with the freedom of going bareheaded. But throughout
history, hats and veils were an integral part of costume. It seems to
have been considered an outward sign of a woman's modesty, though it
was also a great way to flaunt one's fashion savvy. I suspect it was
also because people lived closer to the elements then, and keeping
one's head covered was vital to a person's health. Whatever the
reason, they just didn't go around with their heads uncovered.
So I started looking
around for options. And what a pleasant surprise to discover that the
French hood was what would have been worn with my dresses. So elegant!
It's
surprisingly easy. I used the pattern and instructions on the Elizabethan
Costuming Page (under French
Hoods) and I must admit, I was extremely impressed with the results,
especially for the amount of labor, or lack thereof, that went into
this project. It's easier than it looks, believe me. It uses plastic
canvas to stiffen the hood, and 18 gauge steel wire for the frame.
Word of caution: I didn't know much about wire when I set out on this
project, and instead of purchasing millinery wire, I ran down to my
local hardware store and purchased a roll of ordinary, galvanized
steel wire for less than $10. 
However,
after the hood was finished, I read the back of the package. It warned
that the galvanization could contain chemicals known to cause cancer
and birth defects, and to wash hands after handling. Of course I
panicked, and scrubbed the daylights out of my hands. The wire is
completely covered with material and beads, so I'm not too concerned
about wearing my hood, but it's something you'll want to take into
consideration, if you make one of your own. Make sure you have good
pliers, and if you use galvanized wire, wash your hands often or wear
gloves.
To
hold the French hood in place, I personally don't use combs or pins.
My hair is naturally curly, and it tends to have more "grip"
than straight hair. To anchor the hood, I braid my hair in two
pigtails and barrette them in place. It's quick, easy, and
comfortable. The original French hoods, from the paintings, had a gold
band of fabric peeping out from under the hood. Other costumers have
speculated that this may be a caul, possibly to hold the hair. I'm
inclined to agree, as you can't wear your hair down if it's long at
all (it hangs out the bottom). I need to do something about the gold
band. If nothing else, tack a strip of ribbon to the front for show.
You'd
be surprised at how comfortable the hood is. In the summer, it keeps
the sun off the back of your head, and the veil covers the back of
your neck. On cooler days, it keeps the warmth in, and the wind out. I took my hood off during an event once, on a chilly evening, and
was shocked at how unprotected I felt. The cold breeze rushed through my
hair and chilled my scalp in a matter of minutes.
The other accessories I
recommend are a drawstring bag that can be hung from your waist
and a nice, pretty goblet. Also, cotton tights are a good way to cover
your legs if you're indoors, but if you find yourself outside on a
cool day, it's really nice to have a warm pair of leggings. I found
several pairs at my favorite thrift store, and bring them to most
events. I'm talking about those knit pants that people wear for
exercising (with stirrups) and are sometimes used for maternity-wear.
I've also heard them referred to as "painted-on-her-legs
pants." Anyway, these make life much kinder in cold weather, and
nobody is going to see them, especially if they're black or white or
something inconspicuous.
Chinese
cotton shoes are an inexpensive option for footwear. You can get a
pair for under $10 online, and they aren't terribly uncomfortable. I
had a lot of trouble coming to the conclusion that they were the most
authentic choice, but after studying a myriad of paintings, I'm
content to say they're "close enough."
Here's one of the
paintings that convinced me. It's part of the Darmstadt Madonna
painting by Hans Holbein the Younger - 1526 (and after 1528). It's
earlier than the period I'm trying to portray, and it's a boy wearing
the shoe, but it really does resemble our modern Mary Jane Chinese
shoes.
To see the paintings that
inspired this 1543 gown, Click here
(It's interesting to see the accessories they wore)
See some earlier
pictures of the gown, and read how it faired in a Costume Competition
at 12th Night - Click here
Getting Started -
Research - Undergarments
- The Gown - Paintings
- 12th night
My Other Costumes
