A closer look, Women's Gowns

First, click on this link for a colorful and informative description of what women's Civil War era ballgowns looked like, including what was proper for certain age groups.

Have you looked at it? Yes? Then we can move on.

The question, of course, is how can we recreate this? How, in a simple, economical, timely, fashion? This is, of course, for those of you who aren't professional seamstresses, and can create anything you would like with a pattern, in record time.

First thought... Ebay. Check it out. There are some decent deals on there. Yes, the best and most authentic gowns tend be very expensive, but you may find something that works perfectly for you. There is a great variety of authentic, and not authentic. It really depends on particular you want to be. For this ball, we are not picky. One bit of advice, though, for Ebay shopping. Be extra sure it will fit before you bid. If the gown was laid flat, and measured, the measurements given will larger than the actual size. Be sure and double check the size with the seller before bidding. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, as we are experienced Ebayers.

Second thought... Making your gown, or, if you know someone, having someone else make it. There are a multitude of patterns online for Civil War ballgowns. The skirts are not difficult to make, and often do not need a pattern. If you are looking for someone to sew your costumes for you, leave a comment and we'll get you a list of contacts.

Sewing is a whole other world. If you are familiar with it, go for it! Below are some pattern websites and historical sewing forums we reccomend.

Sense and Sensibilty

Past Patterns

Truly Victorian

The Sewing Academy

Simplicity

Costume

Accessories.

Hoops...

Here is a link to the hoop skirt we have found to work best for us. It is not truly athentic, material wise, but creates an authentic looking shape, and is very comfortable. You may choose a hoop with more, or less, hoops, depending on how large you want your skirts.

Shoes...

Slippers work best. The cheapest route? Buy some at Walmart and ornament them yourself to match your gown.

Jewelry and Hair.

The link given at first explains this well.

Wrist length white gloves, in cloth or kid leather, were considered a ballroom necessity, to be removed only when taking refreshments. Shoes should be fairly flat, with at most a low heel, such as ballet flats or "character ballets," in white or a color to compliment the gown. The shoe can be ornamented with a small ribbon bow in the color of the shoe.

Hair should be worn parted in the center and pulled away from the face, rolled on the sides and pulled into a bun fairly low in the neck. Evening head dresses can be circlets, wreaths, or decorative combs with ribbons, flowers and feathers. Earrings should be dangles, brooches are often worn and short bead necklaces are appropriate, as well as gold bracelets; a matched pair of bracelets is especially fashionable. A small fan or small bouquet also make good accessories. Here is a page with detailed information on hair from the 1860's. Also, a page with photos of hairstyles and hair pieces coming soon!

So, off you go! And have fun!

What is in a Costume

The basics for a woman's 1860's ball gown include the following.

A separate bodice and skirt. The skirt is full enough to cover a hoop, and the bodice is fitted. Remember, they wore corsets then!

A hoop skirt, or crinoline.

A petticoat or two, so that the line of your hoop won't show beneath your skirt.

Bloomers, for modesty's sake.

A Corset? Yes! If you can find or make one. They are very comfortable for dancing in, preferable to our 21st century undergarments. If you do find one, you will want a chemise, or, for simplicity's sake, a modern camisole will work.

Slippers. Not ballet flats, but fitted slippers, that won't fall off your feet. Long stockings are period correct with them, but are not necessary if you must do without.

Accessories, jewelry, handbags, fans, hair styles, etc. I will be doing a post on these soon.

For the men, there are two options, civilian clothes, or a uniform.

Civilian clothes include the following.

A shirt, or blouse, usually, with a high collar.

Trousers, preferably a higher waisted, rather then today's low cut pants.

A jacket, with or without tails.

A cravat, a necktie.

A uniform has similar pieces, cut differently... pants, shirt, jacket, no cravat. Confederate or Union. Our ball is Confederate, but you are welcome to do either.

Shoes. Black dress shoes will work with either one. Tall boots are nice for the look of a uniform, but not always comfortable for dancing.

Hats. A soldier's cap or broad brimmed hat.

Suspenders, or a belt.

"Where do I get all this?", you ask. I will be posting soon with more details.

Emma

A Closer Look, For the Men

Contriving a gentlemen's costume, historically, can nearly be called more difficult than putting together a ladies. On Ebay, and other internet sources, historically accurate menswear is rare. Thankfully, there are ways, if you know, or are, a seamstress, to recreate the look of long ago rather well.

Makeovers...

#1. Take a trip to Goodwill, or your local thrift store, and choose your items.

You will need...

A shirt, a lightweight white button up, the finer the fabric the better.

A suitcoat and pants, in dark colors, preferably natural fabrics. Wool usually works best.

A vest. It can be done without, but if you can find, or make one, do!

During all this shopping, keep sizing in mind. The better fit, the better the overall look. Especially with the trousers... If you can find extra length, it will enable you to raise the waistline, and still hit the shoes nicely.

For the shirt, "Vera's Quick and Easy Manly Shirt" . If you'd like to play with the collar a little, and re-create other historic styles, by all means, do!

For the trousers, "Manly Makeover for Modern Pants" .

For the vest, "Easy Vest Modification"...

For the coat, carefully remove all pockets, alter to fit, and go with it!

Accessories...

The cravat... The cravat is one of the simpler sewing projects, requiring only a little knowledge. It is basically a long piece of fabric, about 58' long, 6' wide. Tying instructions are here.

Gloves... They are not a necessity, but highly recommended.

Uniforms...If your gentleman wishes to come as an enlisted man, and not a civilian, then many of the same rules apply. If you buy, it will be pricey. If you sew, you need to know what you're doing. I haven't much experience personally in acquiring uniforms, having found civilian wear to be simpler. If you are interested in a uniform for your gentlemen, leave a comment, and I will get you the best websites for purchasing, the best patterns for sewing, and the best way to get advice.

Simpler, less accurate Costumes

A simple suit and bow tie will also work for this event. If you aren't able to put together the made over outfit, just wear your dress clothes. If you have money, and would like to simply purchase the needed items, check out the Gentlemen's Emporium.

Until next time!

Emma

Hair Inspiration for the night of the Ball!

Dear Attendees and other interested readers,

I am the sister of whom has been giving you all the wonderful information on the proper etiquette and dress for attending a dance in time, the Bonnie Blue Ball. She has requested that I help her out by sharing tips, advice, and photos on the lady's 1860's accessories. So, here I go! (do let me know how I do)

First, I will begin with hair, something which I find very fascinating and easy to spend a lot of time dreaming about.

I would like to share with you a few photos which have inspired my imaginative mind immensely. If you know the basics of what is historical, you can browse for inspiration and be able to tell what will work and what won't.

I will not bore you with all the ins and outs of historic hair, instead, I want to inspire you! However, if you are interested in learning the details, as I am, click here for a wonderful description of historic hair. (I just did this myself and found the page most interesting!)

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the collection of images I put together, in hopes that they will inspire you as they have me! Don't tell me, you didn't sigh at least once! I have put these photos together with the object of getting your mind rolling with ideas for how you want to arrange your own locks. If you have a question about a hairstyle's authenticity, do leave me a comment and feel free to ask and share any of your own knowledge. I would love to discuss it with you.

Over the two Balls I've attended, I've improved my hair and hope to do even better this year. I will share with you a few photos from my hairstyles...

The Ball of 2006...

(as you can see, the front part was not the least bit authentic, but I did well with the large curls about my neck, the small curls I twisted up, and the pink flowers to touch it off perfectly!)

Bonnie Blue Ball ...2008

(This year I did much better after Emma suggested swooping my hair over my ears with curls at the bottom and a large bow in the back. Simply lovely!)

Stay tuned for more on accessories!

Johanna

Accessory particulars for the Ladies

Accessorizing for the Ball is one of the loveliest parts of the Ball preparation! Finding those little items that make for the perfect finishing touch is simply thrilling. There is no other way to describe. It is ever so enjoyable.

Shall we talk about it?...

Let us begin with our footwear... what on earth would be historically accurate but still comfortable for dancing???

To a dance or social, the ladies wore pointed or boxy-toed pumps that had sturdy little heels. They also wore dainty little ballet slippers. The pumps and ballet slippers usually had an embellishment of some kind that matched their ballgown. A bow, a flower, a ruffle, embroidery, etc.

Below you see the pointed toe and the boxy toe. Also notice feminine, curved heel.

(photo from fannyandvera's web page)

Aren't these so unique and delightful?!!! If you are wishing to know more about the different styles and types as I was when I learned a little about them, click here! Wonderful information awaits you. Assuming you have read it, I will now title you an expert on these matters!

Now, of course you are asking yourself, "Where shall I find a shoe like that without costing me a fortune?" "Excellent question, " I would say to you.

As you can probably guess, to find a basic pump with the perfect heel and toe can be quite expensive. The only way of finding the perfect historic pump would be through a reproduction company. Which... yes, can be quite pricey.

So, what are the options? I say, go for the ballet slipper! You can find a simple, comfortable ballet slipper from a shoe store near you. Make sure the shoe fits well and will be comfortable for dancing. If you are afraid it might come off, find one with an elastic strap (or one with ballerina ribbons like this one) or sew one on yourself. Then, you have the thrill of decorating the shoe! Little flowers, a bow, ribbon- oh! there's just so much you can do! I am very much looking forward to decorating my slippers for this ball.

A few 1860's shoe embellishments...

You may be wondering, what about the classic, 1860's boot? Of course! The 1860's boot is very historic and a thrill to wear!

(photo from fannyandvera's web page)

However, the boots worn on the streets were different from boots worn to a Ball. Evening boots were usually white or the same color as your dress. They were kid, satin, or silk. If you can find white or cream boots at a shoe store, wonderful! But if not, black or brown work well too and are just as fun to dance in!

One more thing, it's best if the heel on the boot is not very high. Due to the active dance steps you do all night long, a high heel can be very painful. But then again, if you are used to dancing in a high heel, go for it!

[ Let me share a little secret to encourage you... for our very first Ball, we made a trip to Goodwill to see what we could find for shoes. We found some old fashioned looking, brown, boots for two of my sisters! I ended up wearing some ballet flats I had, and Mom found some boots on sale at a shoe store. To this day, we still wear those shoes to the Ball. Hey! They work! Hopefully by next year, we will have decorated slippers for all the girls, and retire the brown boots for 1860's day-wear. But, they have served their purpose wonderfully! But I wanted to encourage you to feel free to start small and find something that will work, and then work up to being historic. ]

So, there you have my long-winded section on historic shoes. Wait... was I supposed to be brief Emma? Dear me. I hope you have enjoyed reading, I hope you have learned much, and are now hopping away to your closet, very inspired to excited to see what you may find!

I was hoping to give you information on all the details of a southern belle's accessories this year. But, due to our own preparation, my time is very limited. So, I hope to join you again next year and share more!

Looking forward to continuing our lovely conversation....

Johanna