So, I read about this on another blog...

Anyway, so I came across this other blog today, with this lady who was considering dressing victorian for a year. Now I almost (literally) jumped for joy. I would totally join up, except for the fact that I have a few hinderances that would prevent me from doing so. I shall list them here:
1. I'm 16. I have s high school to attend, on an almost-daily basis. I find that, if I were to wear victorian clothes, I would attract (possibley unwanted) attention. Also, it makes for considerably difficult navigation of halls, stairs, etc. Which brings me to...
2. I'm a guy. I can't wear my pretty dresses, unless I want to get beat up. I mean really, why are people such jerks? Gosh.
3. The impracticality of the clothing is a drawback. Even menswear occasionally had to be assisted by the use of a corset, and my daily activities (band, marching band) require extensive use of the lungs.
4. I love SO MANY of the victorian eras, its not even funny. I enjoy the simple but elegant dresses of the (actually pre-victorian) regency era, I find the slightly more conical dresses of the 1820's quite quaint and cute, and the full flaring skirts of the 1830's thouroughly amuse me. The hoop-skirt dresses of the 1860's make me giggle with the way they swish back and forth. And the natural form era? That's also pretty awesome. Even the 1890's were pretty cool! And last but not least, I love Love LOVE the full-skirted bustle dresses of the earlier 1870's. So, yeah. I like a LOT of styles.
5. Going with the many styles, I would need a LOT of dresses to fully satisfy my victorian dress-up aspirations.
     First of all, I'd need at least two, of maybe even three, different types of corsets. Two or more different chemises. Many, many petticoats (Think like this. 1830's, 3+. 1860's, 1-2. 1870's, 2-3. 1890's, 2.) So a lot. Then, supporting undergarments. A corded underskirt for the romantic era. And a starched one too (also usable for 1820's). A hoopskirt for the 1860's. A sizable bustle, for the 1870's. A bustle pad, for the natural form era, and the 1890's. A larger, separate bustle for the 1830's. Maybe even slevve-hoops for the 1830's. 3+ pairs of drawers and/or pantalettes. Maybe corset covers. And insulation. I'd not only need the light cotton skirts for the other eras, but also woolen ones for winter. And also in winter, I'd need more layers than before. so, automatically, that's already twice the skirts. Also, I'd need at least two nightgowns. NOt to mention stockings, slippers, and other frilly things. And then ALL THAT concludes the unmentionables.
     Then, on to the dresses. Well, for starters, I'd need at least one day-dress from each time period so automatically, that's at least 7 dresses. Not to mention, if I get more ideas (which will happen, trust me,) then that's more dresses. Then, we move on to slightly more formal dresses. So, add 7 more dresses. And then, I haven't even started with ball gowns. I KNOW that I have at least two ideas for each period, so then that's a whopping 14 dresses. So, in conclusion, there are at least 28 dresses in store for my victorian wardrobe.
     Now for outerwear. The thin and skimpy dresses of the regency call for the necessity of a shawl, no matter the weather, because of... yeah. In addition, I'd need some sort of coat (quilted, to be period accurate) for the colder months. Thankfully, the 1820's didn't change too much outerwear-wise. Then, as we move on to the 1830's, there are pelisses and mantles, to cover up your shoulders and arms. The 1860's featured cloaks that reach mid-skirt, so that's another article to the list.  In the 1870's, wraps became the norm, and they often matched well with the bustle style. I don't even know about the natural form era. And the 1890's? Long, double-breasted coats.
     As we finish outerwear, let us move on to footwear. I'd need a pair each of black and white slippers, for Regency-1830's. In addition, a pair or two of simple lace-up boots wouldn't hurt. Then, from the 1860's on, pumps that match dresses become a necessity. And in the least, once again, a pair of white and black pumps each as well.
     That section was quick, but this one might very well be the longest. We're going to talk about accesories. For this seciton I think it to be best to discuss the era's and required accesories. To start, in the regency era, a reticule was a necessity. Due to the slim silhouette, pockets fell out of favor. In addition to the reticule, one would need a handkerchief, a fan, and without a doubt, a matching shawl. In the 1820's, The requirements were about the same, but styles move with the times! In the Romantic Era, Reticules wre option, due to the resurgence of the pocket. Then, in the 1860's, Purses came back into favor, seeing as pockets in the skirt were impractical to attempt reaching for. In the 1870's, hankies, and fans were all well and good, but ladies during daytime strolls would not be seen without parasols. This continues throughout the century. Then there's the addition of jewelry. In the least, a simple pearl necklace is necessary, but a variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even waist chains are ideal. Also, what would one be without gloves? A scandal in the least. And there's a neccesity for a great many kinds, as well. Long short, blakc, white, even pink could be needed. In addition to all these things, one of the modern times must keep additional items on their person, such as chapstick (a life-saver), eye-drops (another life-saver), cellular phone, emergency funds, hairpins, comb, and/or makeup. and always, a camera for your reenacting. Then, not to mention a tiny thread and needle, just in case a tear in your garment should appear. So, yeah. A LOT of accesories go into victorian dressing.
     Finally, hats. There's a necessity of linen caps for early years, in addition to a variety of bonnets, with many possibilities for ribbons, flowers, fake fruit and pretend birds. Then, as we move on to the 1860's, bonnets become less decorated outside, and more on the inner brim. Then, in the 1870's, smaller bonnets and feathery hats make an appearance. And in the 90's, large , wide brimmed straw hats take the scene, all while covered in flowers, ribbons, and feathers galore.
So there you have it. A treatise on my entire wardrobe for being victorian for a year. One would be surprised to know that this large chunk of text was bullet point five on my list of problems with dressing victorian. Yup.

So, apparently "ASAP" means in a month and a half...

Well, a lot has happened since my last post. (August 6, at least a month ago)
I've got five more drawings to share and ideas also.
Well, first, the moment of truth.
What will the infatuated artist look like?
Well, allow me to show you.
Drumroll please,

Tada!! Here he is, the obsessed artist, chasing after the beautiful lady who he loves:

He sees her at the ball, but before he gets a chance to meet her, the waltz begins and he is paired with one, then the other, of two unfortunate ladies:

Unfortunately, with his luck, he has had the joy of these two women's dancing, while his eye's apple recieves quite a pair of handsome young men:

So that's that. There are (a few of) the characters who I intend to include in my video! Yay!