Corsets and Canes

Selling some of my antique corsets

2008-09-22T02:00:56Z

Mmmmm...so sad to see them go but it is time for another collector to have some of my pretty old corsets.

Here are the four corsets for sale on e-bay this week, all are Edwardians.

http://stores.ebay.com/LARA-CORSETS

As always, you are all welcome to copy and use my photos for personal use, research, inspiration and education but they NOT for any form of commercial use or within any publications without my permission please.

Corset Construction FYI:
All of these corsets are made in the most common construction method of the period. A single layer of strong fabric sewn with flat felled seams. Onto which the bone casings are applied on the inside, over the waist tape. The center front and center back panels are the only ones which have two layers. They wanted these corsets to be strong and thin.

Victorian Era Dancing in the Boston Area!

2008-09-19T22:58:06Z

Attention anyone in the Boston area!
There is going to be a new weekly event starting this fall in Salem, MA to introduce anyone interested to vintage dance. Vintage dance is basically ballroom dancing from the 19th century, including contra/country dances and partner dances. It's a lot of fun, and a great way to get some victorian attitude into everyday life.

Here's the official info:

Salem’s Old Town Hall will once again witness the lively music and sprightly dances of its past. Come and experience 19th century social dances, including quadrilles, contra dances, waltzes and polkas. Salem Vintage Dances will take place from 8:00 to 11:00 pm on 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. Live music will be provided and all dances will be taught. Beginners will find that no prior experience is needed. Historical costumes are admired but not required. Please wear comfortable indoor shoes, but no sneakers or rubber soled shoes. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students.

Our opening dance will be on Friday, September 26, 2008.
8:00 – 11:00 pm
Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA

Hope some of you come! It will be really friendly and low-key, so stop by even if you've never danced before ^.^ (cross-posted several places)

A question for the experts

2008-09-03T20:39:35Z

I will be attending a masquerade ball on All Hallows Eve and am considering dressing as the notorious highwaywoman, Lady Katherine Ferrers, aka "The Wicked Lady". Any suggestions as to how I could do this well, yet not spend loads of money on a fancy dress rental? Also, I'd like to still maintain a bit of femininity and sex appeal even though I'll technically be in men's clothing.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Milady

corsetsandcanes @ 2008-09-03T14:16:00

2008-09-03T18:16:35Z

SalonCon Presale Tickets End on Friday

salonconvention & salonannounce

Books?

2008-09-02T16:33:25Z

I hope this subject hasn't already been broached, but I pray you will forgive me if it has.

Has anyone here read Eleanor Herman's books, "Sex with Kings" and "Sex with the Queen"?

Any thoughts on them?

Also, I'm currently reading "Princesses: The six daughters of George III" by Flora Fraser, and finding it quite difficult to get in to. Has anyone here read it?

Hoping your day is both naughty and merrie,

Milady

Allow me to introduce myself

2008-08-31T21:11:41Z

I am new to livejournal and to this community. I would prefer to remain a bit of a mystery and so I'll keep my mundane details to a minimum.

You may address me as "Milady" and leave it at that. We'll just say that I am young. (As in over 18 but under 25} that I come from a lovely and pastoral part of England and that I am half English, half French. My family is descended from French aristos who fled to England during the revolution.

I am obsessed with the 16th-18th centuries. The Tudor court, the court of Versailles and the court of Charles II are my main interests. Of course, I admit to being a bit shallow as I'm only interested in the fashions, music, dances and furnishings of these times and not so much the grittier aspects.

I'm addicted to flirting, dancing, books and chocolate. Mozart 's music can literally cause me to orgasm, and I love to ride horseback. I lust after pale, pretty boys with long hair that I can dress up like male dolls in silks and velvets before ravishing them. (any applicants?)

I have a bit of a dark, romantic, goth side and am fascinated by vampires, royal mistresses, dark faeries, doomed queens, (Marie Antoinette, Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard) tragic love stories, Highwaymen, ghosts and Shakespeare's Ophelia.

My favourite styles of clothing, art, interior designs and music are Rococo and Baroque. I also adore Pre-Raphaelite art.

My favourite telly programme is "The Tudors", My favourite film is Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette" and a few of my favourite books are "A Scented Palace" by Elisabeth de Feydeau, "Royal Affairs" by Leslie Carroll and "The Art of Seduction" by Robert Greene.

I love champagne, perfume, candles, moonlight, bubblebaths, skinnydipping, playing in the rain and wearing ribbons and flowers in my hair.

I believe every girl should own a lapdog (mine is a cavalier spaniel) and I'm a notorious coquette and a bit of a tease. I love to just kiss passionately for hours. I take pleasure in being a saucy baggage and I try to live my life as if I belonged to the eras of my fantasy.

I also have an un-holy fetish for corsets and playing in cemeteries after dark.

And in case you were wondering, I'm tiny, slender and pale with greeny-gold eyes and long, reddish-gold , curly hair. (and to my absolute horror, I do tend to freckle}

I'm sure I've bored you all long enough now. So my introduction is finis.

I'm hoping to make connections with some likeminded lords and ladies, so if any of what I've said rings your bell, please feel free to comment and to friend me.

corsetsandcanes @ 2008-08-14T21:13:00

2008-08-15T01:13:57Z

salonconvention & salonannounce
Get involved in SalonCon's Charitable Works!

Please Help!

2008-06-23T00:02:22Z

I am working on a robe a la francaise currently, and I have seen quiet a few references to "hand pinked trim". Can anyone direct me to good instructions on how to do this, or an explanation of what it means?

Thanks,
Raven

corsetsandcanes @ 2008-06-20T14:34:00

2008-06-20T18:34:36Z

salonconvention & salonannounce

corset joy!!

2008-06-12T01:36:05Z

I bought a corset from Timeless Trends (the really inexpensive $99 amazing corset!) and I just wanted to show off the results! I am 6' tall and a size 18-20 and it fits great and is solid as can be! Now I just need to get the rest of my outfit steampunked up....off to the lab!

Long-time member, first time poster

2008-05-28T14:10:19Z

I find myself in a position where I can *finally* afford to purchase one (or maybe even two!) new corsets. It has been pointed out to me that if I can get bespoke I should, and I know that some of you do. Any recommendations?

corsetsandcanes @ 2008-04-08T17:28:00

2008-04-08T21:29:01Z

salonconvention & salonannounce

Quick Timeless-Trends Corsets question-- x-posted, sorry!

2008-04-03T20:59:16Z

For Timeless Trends corsets, (those of you who own them) which fabric did you buy and why?

I'm torn between their black vinyl, black imitation leather, and satin w/ brocade. Which would you recommend for frequent use?

I've recently lost enough weight (and leveled out to a comfortable sustainable weight) that all my old cinchers and corsets don't fit, and I'm also a fairly tight money-wise, but I'm looking for something that can be worn out as well as underneath a nice dress.

Please help! :)

versus (x-posted, sorry!)

2008-03-26T17:58:11Z

Hello,

While I'm in the process of saving for a trip to Dark Garden, I've come across two affordable(-ish) corset brands in the meantime for my impatient little self.

What is the general consensus on What Katie Did Corsets (spiral steel boning) and those made by Lovesick Corrective Apparel (steel bones)?

Would you wear either brand, and if not, why?

corsetsandcanes @ 2008-02-13T17:24:00

2008-02-13T22:24:47Z

salonconvention & salonannounce

Costume Sale!!!

2008-01-07T10:22:05Z

Hello,
I need more space and therefore I am selling some of my costumes, mostly 18th and 19th century dresses.
Please click the image to see all items for sale. I will ship worldwide, offers considered.

First corset

2008-01-04T20:39:42Z

Yesterday, I got an underbust corset from the 1920s for only $25 USD at an antique shop. It has steel boning and a nice brocade design on it and is, surprisingly in great condition and think it's a great starter corset for me. Not much of a fan of the straps though.
I'm still a bit nervous for making it tighter and was wondering what the requirements were in terms of waist reduction for when I get an overbust in the future. I think it was about 2 inches during the day and 4 inches at night? I'm not entirely sure though.

Your Wardrobe Unlock'd

2007-12-07T17:11:54Z

Just dropping in to let you know that there's a new learning resource available online for everyone who's into creating incredible historically-based clothing, costume and corsetry whether for yourself or for others.

A huge amount of work has gone into this over a period of four months to make it into the best resource of its kind, and it'll continue to be a lot of work for those of us writing and devising projects for it and a rich source of inspiration, education and entertainment in future for you. Do check it out by clicking below.

So often, we have big ideas for clothing but can't quite realise them. There's a lot out there for "home" sewers - the patterns, the websites, the communities - but once you know one end of the needle from the other, a lot of people complain (to me, anyway) that they seem to hit a ceiling where their stuff just doesn't seem to get any better. It still looks home made. But at the same time there are a few people out there or on LJ producing AMAZING stuff - how do you duplicate that kind of quality?

This is where you'll find out. Eight of the best and brightest costumers and corsetmakers working today have contributed to the core Masterclass at the center of the site, revealing the key concepts and techniques that make their work so professional. We do ask that you pay a small sum for this - $9.97 - and with that you get a month's free access to the rest of the website, which works like an online magazine. Every month it's updated with new projects, interviews, inspirational articles and so on. You get to ask the experts for help with your projects or ask them anything you like about their work. After your free month the magazine is also $9.97 per month; we have a 14-day money-back guarantee, and even after that you can cancel any time, of course.

Overall, this resource is an interactive cheerleader who'll spur you on to ever higher achievements in costuming!

If you don't want to pay for such a thing, then no problem; feel free to poke around the small quantity of free stuff there. If you'd like to join but can't yet afford it, friend me to stay updated. But if you're serious about learning the real guts of how to sew better right now from a one-stop website and a high-quality team of experts, you just found out how!

Lolita clothing - custom-made in all sizes!

2007-11-10T08:01:34Z

Harajuku Hot offers original Japanese Gothic Lolita designs that are custom-made for each customer. Plus-sizes are no problem!

caning

2007-11-10T04:21:05Z

I recently purchased some reed caning to use in stays. I've never worked with reed before so I was wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions regarding the best way to go about cutting it and general use. Which tools would be most appropriate? Also, I'm told it can sometimes splinter. Is there anything else I should know about using it? Many thanks in advance!

corsetsandcanes @ 2007-10-12T23:44:00

2007-10-12T21:44:58Z

Folks, I cleaned out some stuff from my closet so check it out and maybe get some interesting stuff for Halloween!
Includes this cute Pet-en-l´air, an 18th c. Caraco, a 1920s dress and my (never worn by me) "Interview with a Vampire"-dress. Click the picture to take a look.

Attn NYC: Roaring Twenties Dances of Vice Blue Moon Masquerade, October 20th!

2007-10-11T02:30:35Z

October 20th: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra in
- The BLUE MOON MASQUERADE - $20 in advance

The exclusive DANCES OF VICE Blue Moon Masquerade Ball will take place in less than 10 days, on October 20th! Prepare for scandal as you don your masks and join us in dancing to hot 1920-30s jazz performed by Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra starting at 11pm. Live DJs (His Masters Voice; Matthew) will follow with the best early jazz, blues, swing, big band, cabaret, and tango music of the 1920-30s for your dancing pleasure.

Just added to the Blue Moon Masquerade program is the enchanting Autumn Ward, who will be plucking the moon from the night sky in a dreamy and theatrical dance performance.

To celebrate the release of Issue 3 of Steampunk Magazine, a variety of gifts from Steampunk Magazine will be offered as prizes and giveaways throughout the evening, with an additional assortment of trinkets offered for the best masquerade costumes!

An elaborate vintage paper moon photo booth will also be featured at the event, so "get out and get under the moon" with your special sweetheart on October 20th! Your photo will be taken by distinguished burlesque and fine art photographers Don Spiro and Jen Zakrzewzski using vintage polaroid cameras for an authentic vintage look.

As always, requested attire for Dances of Vice events remains: 1920-30s Vintage, Victorian, Edwardian, Avant Garde, Decadent- or formal evening attire. Extravagance is surely encouraged for our exclusive masquerade ball, so plan on wearing something special! Finally, don't forget to bring a mask! It has been firmly established that unmasked attendees will be fair game for a good spanking.

Tickets for the Blue Moon Masquerade are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. This event is expected to sell out, and space is limited, so reserve your tickets now! Visit http://www.dancesofvice.com for ticketing information.

Here is a preview of some of the prizes and giveaways you can expect to win at next week's Blue Moon Masquerade, graciously provided by Jaborwhalky Productions, in association with Steampunk Magazine:

A brand new ACOUSTIC GUITAR!
Swing and jazz MUSIC CDs!
Gorgeous custom masks by Madame Khufu!
Issues of STEAMPUNK MAGAZINE 1 through 3!
Silent film DVDs!
Vintage style men's ties!
Vintage hats, and sunglasses!
Designer makeup kits!
..and much more!

Reserve your ticket early and you will be entered in the raffle for a chance to receive any one of these fine gifts. There will be wonderful gift baskets for costume winners and door prizes for all, so please come early and dress to impress!

is any one going to this?

2007-10-05T08:01:37Z

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corsetsandcanes @ 2007-09-13T09:34:00

2007-09-13T13:34:21Z

salonannounce & salonconvention

Something something.

2007-09-03T03:02:42Z

The Shadow of Crimson is a Live Action Role-Playing game set in White Wolf’s Victorian-era Vampire world. The game will emphasize role playing and character interaction but will also include political intrigue and problem-solving for individuals who wish to tackle the growing problem presented by Jack the Ripper.
The game will use a simplified version of White Wolf’s Minds Eye Theatre rules, but game mechanics will be largely secondary to acting and to socializing. Individuals who are unfamiliar with Live Action games, or even role playing games in general, are still invited to try their hand at what is essentially improve acting in a friendly, fantasy Victorian setting.

The setting of Shadows

How do I get to play?

What is Live Action role play?

A good over view of what the wold of Victorian Age Vampire in like and other helpful odds and ends.

If you like dress up as it's all part of the fun do know ,at the end of the game we will give out a small prize for best Role Play and for best costume.

Some helpful links for dress and History of the age

Victorian links

Shadow of Crimson is Live Action Roleplaying Game which is planned to take place at
Saloncon this year on September 22, 2007 . The following game is open to everyone and will take place at the convention.
This will all be take place in

at

Hope to see you there!

G.D.Falksen