Choosing gifts for the Historical Costumers in your life can be a little tricky if you're not familiar with the hobby. There are already lists out there with gift ideas for historical costumers or for people who sew but I thought that I'd throw my hat in the ring and write one too. A lot… Continue reading Christmas Gifts for Costumers
Category: Advice
Curiosity In Costuming
One of the 'buzz words' at my work is Curiosity. How can we make things easier/better for the customer and those employed by the organisation? What can we change or stop doing? It has occurred to me that curiosity is such an important aspect of historical costuming. Creativity and curiosity are linked and curiosity leads… Continue reading Curiosity In Costuming
Pursue Your Passion
Recently, I addressed a hall full of people. My friends have estimated anything from 200 to 300 people were in attendance for the historical fashion show that I organised and presented as part of the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations. This may not seem like a big deal to some of you but, for me, I… Continue reading Pursue Your Passion
My Victorian Beauty Secrets
Shhh, don't tell anyone, but Victorian ladies liked to care for their skin (even if they were unknowingly causing more harm than good by applying scary things like lead) and many did wear makeup - minimally of course - it was definitely a no-makeup makeup look for them (since they didn't want to be mistaken… Continue reading My Victorian Beauty Secrets
Finding Inspiration
There are so many different places and ways to find inspiration for your next historical costume. Sometimes you see a dress, whether it's a real dress that has survived or one that has been captured on film or canvas, or a depiction of one in a fashion plate, and you just know: it has to… Continue reading Finding Inspiration
Accessorise Your Way To A Completed Look
So often when we are creating a new outfit we spend most of our time thinking about planning the dress. The colours, the fabric, the patterns, the trims and embellishments... The dress is what we all focus on - it's the biggest part of our look - but it's not a solo act. There are… Continue reading Accessorise Your Way To A Completed Look
Goal Setting For You
If you follow almost any historical costuming blogs/Facebook pages/Instagram accounts, chances are that you'll see an overview of the previous year and a set of goals or projects planned for this one. I'm guilty of doing that as well. I personally found it quite interesting to look back and see what I did since I started… Continue reading Goal Setting For You
Post Event Blues
Apart from historical costuming I also sporadically compete in half marathons. I've crossed the finish line twenty-five times and each time, no matter how exhausted I might be, I get that euphoric high. The next day I'm still riding pretty high from the race but then the Post Race Blues kick in. I feel flat,… Continue reading Post Event Blues
Comparison, the Thief of Joy?
Unfortunately, with any creative hobby (or any hobby/sport/pursuit really), there is always an element of comparison. It could be that you’re comparing yourself to others, that you are being compared by someone else, or someone is comparing themselves to you. This can lead to either feelings of inferiority or superiority and sometimes these can lead… Continue reading Comparison, the Thief of Joy?
Further Packing Ideas
Earlier this week I listed what I like to take with me just in case an emergency wardrobe malfunction hits while at an event. This list is sort of similar but focuses more on what you could pack to help you get through the event, all emergencies aside. Snacks - Definitely try to pack… Continue reading Further Packing Ideas
Miss Temby 