hmmm....Dickens Ball

Been contemplating on going to the Dickens Ball this year. The only thing is, it's another project (I kinda need a vacation after all this!) and it's been taking more time for research than I thought.

I really want a simple yet elegant 1862 cranberry/wine/dark red taffeta ballgown with black trim, black gloves, and fan (two of which I already own). The only thing is, it seems like light colors and white gloves and fans were much more popular, and the only dark red gowns I've found were from modern "reproduction" seamstresses on eBay and such. I really am a big fan of red, and would really like to use it. But I guess it'll have to go if I can't prove otherwise.

I also need a good corset before going, since the other cheap modern eBay one had to be worn with a bra for any amount of decent support. I found an awesome kit using a Laughing Moon Mercantile pattern (very good I hear for the well-endowed lady!) and the kit is only about $85 with s & h from www.corsetmaking.com . And, the best part about the Silverado design is that is is period appropriate and comes in a variety of large sizes. Sure beats $200 and up for someone else to make it, but then if it takes as much effort as I think it does, that might be a fair price.

Also found out what ladies wore for dancing shoes: leather ballet flats, with leather (not rubber) soles for twirling and such. No high heels. This is looking better and better, since I'm a wide width, and it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to find comfortable high heels. Also these are easy to find (I know Payless sells them) and fairly cheap (about $20-$30).

The main thing is talking my fiance into it.

Tickets are $90 a couple. And jeez, it doesn't even include dinner, just light refreshments.

He has a black Ralph Lauren suit to wear, but I'm not sure if everyone wears tuxes or whether people dress in regular suits. It says of course virtually nothing online, and no one evidently talks about it, since it's not very Googleable. I made a chart on Excel listing all the things he needs (e.g. cane, top hat, vest, gloves) and I'm not sure if we can swing so much in so little time, as Ren Faire season ends the day of the ball (Nov 30). Kinda wish Dickens could be pushed forward a week or so. These deadlines are so hard to make with everything going on in the fall.

So far, I've found out that The Gentleman's Emporium (www.gentlemansemporium.com ) has the best prices overall and the best variety for civilian men's costume, compared to Thickity Creek Sutlery (www.thickitycreek.com ) , River Junction Trade Company (www.riverjunction.com ) , and Fall Creek Sutlery (www.fcsutler.com).

Hope this all works out, because if this is the only thing I got for Christmas, I would be a very happy lady indeed...