An Emma Inspired Outfit

Hello sweet friends! Welcome to another edition of Fashion Friday. Today I am sharing An Emma Inspired Outfit.

An Emma Inspired Outfit

Tomorrow the D/FW Costumers are headed out to see the new Jane Austen’s Emma film.

I made this raw silk dress right before my Josephine Bonaparte gown as a wearable mockup. This served two purposes. To make sure the pattern worked well before I cut into my expensive silk and that I would have a dress to wear to tomorrow’s outing.

The dress is made from the same Simplicity 4055 pattern. I opted for long sleeves since I will be outside in the cold for a bit.

For additional warmth, in the photo I am wearing a gorgeous shawl gifted to me by my dear friend Louise and have tucked a fichu (triangular kerchief) around my neck and shoulders.

This would have been a very suitable and sensible daytime look, worn at home, for a woman of my years and marital status.

Note: while the dress does look a bit long in the photos it is just because we have had so much rain that the ground is incredibly soft.

A Feather In My Cap

So let’s talk about the cap.

Women of all ages during this time period would have covered their heads.

Head of a Woman, by Louis-Léopold Boilly

Portrait of a Lady, bust-length, Louis-Léopold Boilly

I channeled my inner frilled dragon.

The cap was created by Workshop Karina Fienn. It is a lovely cotton lawn accented with cotton lace.

For those seeking complete historical accuracy, it should be noted that the cap is machine sewn.

Because my hair is shoulder length it doesn’t quite fill in the back of the bonnet. Some ladies might add a bit of faux tresses to fill the area out. I wasn’t that worried.

All the frills!

For a daytime look to be worn in public a spencer (jacket) and bonnet would be added.

Other accessories would be gloves and perhaps a reticule.

She Wore Blue Velvet

I will not apologize for this Somewhat Sad and Sorry Spencer.

It is my very first attempt at making a spencer. I used McCalls pattern M7493.

The pattern was absolutely fine. Even a somewhat experienced beginner could get great results.

I simply chose the wrong fabric. 

I had a poly blend velvet in my stash that I decided to use since it was my first attempt. It was WAY too thick!

I struggled, it puckered. Words were said.

I’m sharing this experience because I want to encourage others that sometimes sewing projects fail. It’s ok.

I will sew the pattern again in a more suitable fabric.

Until that time I will wear it because it’s cold.

Everythings Better With Blue Bonnet On It

I would love to learn the art of millinery (hat making). Until such time I must purchase headwear.

This bonnet also came from Workshop Karina Fienn.

I  added the cotton grosgrain, antique ostrich and peacock plumes. There’s a nod to Jane Austen in the portrait cameo.

For purists, it should be noted that the bonnet fabric is not historically accurate.

But she sure is purdy!

Is that my cap peeking out???

Women of all ages and status would layer their caps and bonnets.

Oyster Girl, by Edward Bird

It was absolutely acceptable for younger, unmarried ladies to wear a bonnet without a cap.

But I am of a certain age.

Like these Dames from one of my favorite series’ Cranford.

It is set in the 1830’s when bonnets and caps were REALLY big!

Again, we never take ourselves too seriously in these fashion posts.

So I will leave you with this Lizzard Lusciousness.

So who else is going to see Emma?

Laura