Anyone who knows me knows I love a good dress-up. I enjoy the creativity it asks of you, different in ways from how I normally channel mine, but also, I just plain like leaving reality for a minute. And that's precisely what we did, for my cousin's birthday party last night, which she and my aunt decided should have a medieval theme. It was quite last-minute, with only three-four days to prepare, but isn't it often the case these are the outfits that turn out best. For sure, some of my favorite Halloween outfits were done on the spot or near enough. Left with too much time to think things through, we tend to muck it up.
It started out innocent enough...
Since the party was going to be held underground in November, I figured a thick underlayer was appropriate. Besides, it was the case for this outfit that the more I added to it, the better it looked. The sweater underneath, I think, looked right for what I was going for.
Next came the 'proper' clothes. I thought of this blouse right away when I heard the party theme. Sometimes it pays not to throw things out, especially as we agreed to try and fashion the outfits from what we had around the house. My cool-weather poncho came in extra handy to fashion a long demure skirt - something I don't exactly excel at, outside of dress-up parties.
But it still wasn't enough.
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Luckily, I had this corset lying around from a previous Halloween. I also tied a plain white shirt around my waist for extra housewifeishness. The satchel (a simple black sock gone to live its best life in the big city) was @godfish's idea. It actually contained veritable coinage, which, I'm happy to report, wasn't pilfered, and returned home intact.
Now for the make-up...
Wait! Apparently, for lower-class people from that time... there was no make-up?!
Well, I was certainly saddened by that, though I did have a blast digging into this video.
I love me a good historically-accurate fashion thingy.
I did add a dash of barely-noticeable lipstick, but figured I better respect the customs. Wouldn't want to be burned in the public square. I did add a nifty head-cover to show I am a proper, church-going peasant. And then one more...
Overall, I was quite pleased with how the outfit turned out, and I definitely looked the part in candid shots like this...
I also fit in well with the decorum..
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This is what happens when a family of zany, creative types get their hands on and old wine cellar, and I couldn't be happier. It was a night of mirth and merriment, of dancing and of course, feasting. It was a celebration of life. As should be.
This year brought so much unpleasantness with it. But at the end of the day, what else can you do, but live on and pet a fucking cat?
I think back on this time last year, things seemed much, much darker than they do now. Of course, that's partly because a lot of darkness has already come and gone, but then hasn't that always been the case with life? It certainly was for these guys...
Yet they managed to smile and feast, well, not for very long, admittedly. I'd probably be long dead, but still, fun times. I even managed, through mucking around online a bit, to get my proper oil painting...
Not bad, huh?
I'm honestly thinking of making this part of my everyday look. At the very least a banner of some kind. Until then,
Well, this time all the credit goes to Kingdom Come :)
Still, you shall frame that painting ;)
I say this with all the respect you are due, but you make a lovely peasant!
For Halloween, I took a white linen shirt, a ballpoint (red) pen, my palms, then a blue, and black ballpoint pen and gave myself the lord's stigmata. I grabbed a pair of canvas shorts, and my only pair of contemporary sandals, emblazoned with a popular boxing brand name across the toes.
Then I walked out and my wife laughed. So I went and gathered some chiffon, and made myself look more like the white linen shirt was a toga, with two of my wife's red scarves.
I then went and found my copy of Origin of Species, and proclaimed that I was the enlightened jesus. We gave away over 150 chocolates to the kids and their various guardians, and I opened up my garage with a make-shift photo studio. I got 5 paying customers all night, but we had a blast.
I moved my car out of the driveway at some point, and the trick or treaaters that saw me getting out of the car screamed "JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL" - so I knew the costume worked.
Had a lot of fun, and I totally get the dress up game now - that its probably the 2nd time I've ever done it. It is great fun.
Either you told me or I read on someone else's post. Either way, I don't think I got to reply that that is brilliant.
That's perfect. I would've done the same. And offering photo sessions on Halloween is actually a great idea! The hurried pictures in the hallway or whatever just won't do, especially when you actually spend time and effort (and money maybe) on an outfit.
Sounds like a terrific night.
It seems silly for sure when you look at it from the outside, you tend to go "isn't that a bit over the top, you're [insert age at which you're supposed to be past such 'childish' things]", but we all need a break from being who we are.
Why, gramercy, sirrah.
The sort of community bonding that happens when everyone's taking candy from each other is fantastic. Already the local community talk-group on book face is about the evils of people tooting their horns goodbye at 6:40AM in the morning has begun, and bickering about people's dogs barking.
FFS, I think - if only every night could be a joyous and filled with love as Halloween. It's my favourite holiday!
Where do these people come from? And how is it they seem to be everywhere? I always think, do you really have nothing to do but take offence at these random, harmless things? (Imagine not having anything better to do...how sad.) Halloween rules.
Seriously hawt peasant vibes.
apron fluttering bashfully while I surreptitiously cough into a handkerchief. it is the plague come upon our village, but no one knows it yet.
Once my favorite word. I mean, who invented such a delightful word?
Get out the vinegar and burn the bedding!
I know, right? It's so damn melodic. I'm also partial to 'conspicuously' myself.
Also in costume? Might be testing the limit of my neighbor's patience xD
Melodic is nice too! But for a different reason.
What about... Steel yourself... SUSSURATE?
Has some of the charm of surreptitious, though less cheeky. I don't think you hear these words nearly enough these days in everyday parlance.
I can't remember the last time I dressed up for a party. It was probably when one of my nephews had their birthday and it was a lumberjack theme! I grew my beard out and everything!
Sounds like you had a good time with it! High time to dress up again maybe? :)
Haha, probably not likely, but you never know!
I'm not that self-involved to have a framed picture of myself xD
I have a framed picture of myself in the hallway, outside my wife's office! Someone on HIVE made it! (I think I shared that post with you some time ago).
I know, I remember! Hmm. Then maybe it's a done thing, what do I know. I do love how the outfit turned out xD Although the only way I'm getting it framed is also in costume. Because why not mess with people if I can?
Speak an ancient dialect while requesting the frame.
Oh Christ (no pun intended xd), this is going to be fun.
I expect a post :) NOT a crucifix!
does it count if it does not need a frame? :D
i realized i have a photo hanging in the hall of the office for some time now. and i don't have almost 0 selfies.
and is it weird that most of those i took i don't see as a selfies? that is probably a talk for a trained professional :D
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Very nicely put together I must say. The candid photo with the cobwebs really did it.
I myself have never been to a themed party before, but now it looks like I won't wait around to be invited to one. I'll just suggest one the next time there's a party I have a say about. Thank you for sharing this, it looks fun.
Cheers.
That photo of you holding the candles looks like a fifteenth century oil painting! Great job on the costume!