In preparation for Fetes Galantes 2020 (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made a robe à la française, or sack-back gown, mock-up to wrap my brain around the confusing construction of this garment that had intimidated me at first sight. I hand stitched, machine stitched, and learned a lot along the way. I ended up finishing […]
paris
Sewing 18th Century Garters
Last year while working on my gown and accessories for Fetes Galantes (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made four sets of 18th century ribbon garters. I made two pair for myself, and two sets for friends who were also going to attend the event. They were quick, easy, and so pretty! Here’s how […]
An 18th Century Bergère Hat Upgrade
Several years ago I trimmed an 18th century bergère (a flat-brimmed straw hat with a shallow crown) rather modestly for a Claire inspired Outlander costume. I’ve since never worn it. So last year while working on my gown and accessories for Fetes Galantes (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I upgraded my hat using The American Duchess […]
Sewing 18th Century Chemise & Stays
Hard to believe a year ago this month I was busy making my 18th century chemise and stays in preparation for Fetes Galantes at Versailles. And then the pandemic happened and I got as far as the mock-up for my robe a la francaise. With no idea when things will normalize, globally, as least I’m […]
Giving Paris a Second Chance
I’ll be honest, my first impression of Paris was a bad one. It took two more trips to finally understand why people love the city. When I gave Paris a second chance, we flew into Charles de Gaulle, explored the city for a night and a day, and then took a high speed train to […]
Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 2 (& the Red Shoes)
As a huge fan of Outlander (books and show), I coveted Claire’s red dress from season 2. Having many other unfinished projects in bags just begging for attention, I purchased the red dress from Jessica’s Dress and spent almost a year making the undergarments (stays, pocket hoops, petticoat, etc.) and shoes before I could even wear it […]
Sewing 18th Century Pocket Hoops
As a huge fan of Outlander (books and show), I coveted Claire’s red dress from season 2. Having many other unfinished projects in bags just begging for attention, I purchased the red dress from Jessica’s Dress and spent almost a year making the undergarments (stays, pocket hoops, petticoat, etc.) and shoes before I could even wear it […]
Costuming at Comicpalooza 2018
Comicpalooza, Texas’ largest comic book, pop culture, and entertainment convention, happened this past Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27, 2018) in Downtown Houston. I attended all three days and treated it as a costume deadline and cosplay dress rehearsal for another convention that we attend, DragonCon, during Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a […]
Loire Valley Wines Event: Spring to Loire in Houston
There are a couple countries/regions that have been swaying me away from my usual Italian pour lately. While I’ve been learning about and enjoying South American wines, I received an invitation to attend the Spring to Loire tasting and seminar event hosted by Loire Valley Wines. Having never dabbled in this French region, I jumped […]
These Are a Few of My Favorite Las Vegas Things
I don’t gamble, eat at buffets, or party so hard I can’t remember the night before. But I love Las Vegas enough to visit about once a year for the past 20 years…for other reasons, like normal people reasons. I love the sights, the sounds, the glam, and the grit of this city. These are […]