A few years ago I had the pleasure of portraying Evangeline Lindbergh (Charles Lindbergh's mother) during Living History Days at the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site where I worked. During Living History Days we interpreted the year 1917, which is the year my next novel, Enchanting Lydia Walker, will be set.
With a few emails, I was able to locate the costume I wore for that event and I'm hopeful I can wear it for the ACFW dinner. Part of the costume will be sent to me from Kansas City (thank you, Mary!).
Below are a few pictures I pulled together to show you a typical outfit an Edwardian woman would have worn for everyday wear.
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| This blouse is similar to the one I wore for the Living History Day. I'm amazed at how light and airy the blouses are. |
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| This skirt is similar to the one I wore. |
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| I didn't wear a corset (I couldn't find one!), but if I did, this is what it would look like. The Edwardian woman was praised for her "S" shaped silhouette. |
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| I love this hairstyle! Miss Lily Elsie was one of the most photographed Edwardian women. I've discovered many pictures of her hairstyles. I hope I can do this with my hair! It will take lots of practice. |
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| This is the only picture I have of the Living History Day. This is the outfit I hope to wear (minus the shawl). I was three months pregnant in this picture. :) |
Your Turn! If you're going to the ACFW Conference, will you dress up on Friday night? If so, what will you wear? If you're not going, what era would you like to portray?
My novel is set in 1954 West Virginia. Let's just say my costume options are less exciting than if it was Victorian or Edwardian! I have been on the lookout for a 1950s-style dress, but the vintage ones have waists that are 24 inches (which would have fit me 15 years ago!) and the new ones tend to be a bit daring. So I may wear the perfectly lovely dress in my closet. Although dressing up would be FUN!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I've been doing a lot of online research looking for a dress for the awards gala and I've found some lovely 1950's style dresses! One online shop in particular was super cute and inexpensive. It's called Lindy Bop and the dresses are made in England. You'll have to check it out! I'm thinking about buying one of their "Jackie Kennedy" dresses from the 1960's line they have. I would be super fun to dress up in 1950's!! I hope you do. :)
DeleteI had completely forgotten they were introducing the "costume" thing on Friday night. Um, I write contemporary so I don't think I will dress up too much. My main character is known for hanging out in jeans and a t-shirt with the occasional flannel shirt over top. Haha! Sooo...if anything, I'll probably be dressing down. Haha!!
ReplyDeleteWhat about the tool belt idea, Melissa?!?! Or, at the very least, you should try to find an outfit like the one Miranda is wearing on the front cover of Made to Last!!
DeleteMelissa - will you sit with me? Because that's about what I'm looking to wear ;).
DeleteI'm excited for this dinner! It's going to be fun to see all the various writers/characters/eras/genres come to life! A Victorian queen might sit next to a contemporary cowboy! :) I love it!
DeleteUm, my character is a really, really bad girl when the book opens. I don't think anyone wants me dressing like her. Plus she's lots skinnier than me...
DeleteWhat to wear, what to wear?
I think that's the fun of it, Sally, to find something that represents our writing and gets the conversation started! Keep digging, you'll find something to pull out of your books/writing.
DeleteOOH I love the idea of trying to find an outfit like what Miranda's wearing on the cover! And I'd forgotten about the tool belt thing. Hmm...ooh ooh, maybe I could carry a chainsaw in...although that could, quite possibly, get me kicked out... :)
DeleteOh how fun for you, Gabe!
ReplyDeleteI write contemporary romance ... so dressing up for me means going shopping! Hhhhmmm ...
You could also choose one particular character to dress like, Beth. Too bad you couldn't drive a red Jeep into the banquet hall. ;)
DeleteLove this!! And I love that I'm not the only one who likes to play dress up. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteI've contemplated trying to find Stacy's first actual on-stage outfit (no, not the dorky one). It'd be something like a sequined tank dress over black leggings with peep toe heels. And I found a fake head mic I could throw on my head so people knew I was actually in costume. LOL! we'll see. Still need to go shopping for other ACFW clothes!
I love that dressing up will be a great way to start conversations! People will definitely ask you about your outfit, especially if you're wearing a head mic! I love it, Lindsay!!
DeleteUnfortunately, I will miss the conference this year and your beautiful outfit. I can't wait to see all the pictures and cheer with the winners!
ReplyDeleteDonna, I'm bummed you'll miss the conference this year! But I'm so happy we had a chance to meet in person last year. I'm sure I'll be sharing lots of pictures. :)
DeleteI'm going to tell everyone I write books set in Greece in 125AD and just rip the sheet of my hotel bed.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, my options are: dressing like I'd been in a prison dungeon for 2 years, dressing like a Navajo man, sitting on a black horse all evening, or dressing in hoity-toity Victorian gown. I am rather curvy, and I'm sure we don't need to see my girls fall out of a corset.
Any of those outfits would be great conversation starters for sure, Jennifer! :) There is a great website called Victorianchoice.com and they have some lovely gowns for super reasonable prices (if you want to own one). Other than that, you could always look at renting one. And you don't have to dress like one of your characters, you could find a nice dress for the era your book is set in. If not, the sheet option isn't a bad one... ;)
DeleteI'm working on putting together a "Harvey" Girl costume. It won't be exactly authentic, but it will be very close. Hope I can get it to work out :)
ReplyDeleteOoooo! I love Harvey Girl uniforms! I can't wait to see you in it. There are some great online stores that offer authentic costumes. Good luck putting it together!
DeleteI'm cheating just a bit. I write contemporary mysteries, just as Agatha Christie did back in the 20's, 30's etc. So I'm dressing up as one of her detectives, Miss Jane Marple. I've had a ball making/borrowing/repurposing things for my "get-up." Can't wait for the dinner.
ReplyDeleteLove your Edwardian outfit! So romantic and absolutely gorgeous! I know you'll be a hit. :)
Great idea, Angie! Even contemporary writers can find unique ways to get into the spirit of things. :) I can't wait to see your costume.
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your costume, Gabrielle! With my contemporary story, no costume ideas are coming to mind. You've inspired me to think a little harder about it, though. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome Gaby. Love it. :)
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