The Great Basin Costume Society

Ladies' Guide to Steampunk Fashion, 2011

2011-09-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Ladies, what will you wear to the Steampunk Ball, September 17? If you've not put together a costume yet, no worries! There's plenty of time to compile a fantabulous ensemble from thrifted pieces, odds and ends, and a little Victorian inspiration.

What Is Steampunk?
Steampunk is the term for a fictional world of Victorian Science Fiction. Imagine if technology had never advanced beyond steam power? Now mix this with the Victorian aesthetic and fashions of the 19th century.

Are There Steampunk Costuming "Rules?"
No, but there are a few guidelines. In general, think like a Victorian - what materials and fabrics were available in the 19th century? Leather, brass, khaki, cotton, velvet, silk, and linen are good materials to stick to when putting together your costume.

There are no rules for what women can and can't wear - pants, corsets, no corsets, short skirts, striped stockings, no stockings, hats, no hats, you name it, there's nothing proper or improper.

Steampunk sub-genres include: Adventurer/Safari Steampunk, Cowboy/Western Steampunk, Neo-Victorian Steampunk, Goth and Supernatural Steampunk, Steamship/Sea-Faring Steampunk, Air Pirates, Mad Scientists, Military Steampunk, and I'm sure there are many more, so don't feel limited!

Check out these images below for some steamy ideas:

Via Tumblr - Steampunktower

Via Tumblr - Alienskin

via Tumblr - BionicUnicorn

Goggles always seem to say "Steampunk"

Via ResidentsoftheRabbitHole - tumblr

Simplicity offers this pattern at your local fabric store

anstellos.com

Via Tumblr - Steampunksketched

theouroboros.deviantart.com

Via Tumblr - Claudiablonde

insectsandangels.com

Via Tumblr - BionicUnicorn, Etsy.com

Via Tumblr - French6

Also try adding "steampunky" elements to your Victorian historical gowns. Check out these gowns that would be very welcome at any Steampunk event:

Elements of a Steampunk Costume
(mix and match - not all or any of these things are "required" but are cool to add on):

A cool corset - Etsy.com

Tophats of any size, with any decoration, including goggles, brass bits, gears, and feathers. This one is from Etsy.com

Alternative headgear such as a headband with feathers and gears. Make one yourself, or fin them to buy on Etsy.com

Lace cuffs, or leather cuffs, or cuffs with bows. Make them yourself, or find some cool ones on Etsy.com

Pocket watches, clocks, and gears - shop Etsy for all of these, or try SteampunkEmporium.com

Steampunk jewelry - made from gears, or jet beads, or with pendants. Etsy.com

Online Vendors:

SteampunkEmporium.com - men's and women's costume pieces and complete ensembles.
Etsy.com - hundreds upon thousands of Steampunk pieces handmade
PlasticLand.com - women's clothing and accessories with a decidedly steamy twist
ClockWork Couture - men's and women's clothing and accessories
Got-Steam Steampunk Emporium - accessories, corsets, jewelry, bits

Local Vendors (Reno area):

Melting Pot World Emporium - 1049 S. Virginia Street, Reno
Savers (Thrift Store) - 3800 Kietzke Lane, Reno ~or~ 2350 Oddie Blvd, Sparks.
The Old Red Garter - 80 South C Street, Virginia City
Junkee's - 960 S. Virginia Street, Reno

Victorian Steampunk Ball to be held at Pipers Opera House in Virginia City

2011-08-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Contact: William Puchert
775-378-0931

Come join The Great Basin Costume Society, High Desert Steam, the Reno Steampunk Club and the Sacramento Steampunk Society at the inaugural "Victorian Steampunk Ball" to be held from 7 to 11 pm, Saturday, September 17 for an evening of dancing and entertainment at the historic Piper's Opera House, located on B and Union Streets in Virginia City.

The ball will feature Victorian ballroom music, to include waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, and the Congress of Vienna.

All manner of fantastical costume is admired (but not required) - Steampunks, Victorian ladies and gentlemen, soldiers and cavalrymen, Neo-Victorians, explorers, miners, and "doves." This is a family-friendly event, so please dress accordingly.

Don't miss the other Steam events throughout the weekend: Ride the fully restored steam train from Carson City to Virginia City (or from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back), tour mines and haunted saloons, go ghost hunting in the Virginia City Graveyard, have a Sarsaparilla at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, even stay overnight in one of the many haunted (or not haunted) historic hotels and B&Bs. A Steampunk-Victorian Parade will tentively be held at noon that same day.

Tickets are $20 pre-paid and $25 at the door. Tickets are limited: BUY THEM HERE and NOW,or purchase them through the Steampunk Ball Facebook Event Page:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207343612627589

All proceeds from this event go to benefit the restoration of Piper's Opera House and to support the Great Basin Costume Society and High Desert Steam Club.

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Carson City Rendezvous - June 11-12, 2011

2011-05-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Mills Park
Carson City, NV
10 am - 5 pm

Free!

RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=153898711343067

A fun, educational, and entertaining journey into Nevada’s rich and storied history. Where mountain men, cowboys, soldiers, Native Americans, and folks from all walks of life in the Old West descend onto one location for a 3 day celebration of true Western heritage!

The Rendezvous runs both days, but join members of the GBCS on Saturday, June 11th. Wear your favorite western attire, anything from Victorian ladies of the 1860s, to cowboys and cowgirls of the modern day.

This is a wonderful event for Civil War enthusiasts. Witness a live battle, shop for wares in the sutler's camp, watch pony express demonstrations and a gun fight.

Suggested costume: Victorian 1860 through 1890, Edwardian, Western cowboy and cowgirl of all decades.

As always, costume is admired but not required.

This is a free event. For more information visit: http://www.nvshows.com/carson-city-rendezvous/

A Revolutionary Ice Cream Social and Fundraiser, July 17, 2011

2011-05-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Where:
Canyon Creek Park

Robb Drive

Reno, NV

When:

July 17, 2011

12 noon to 5 pm

Admission: $10
Purchase tickets in advance with Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CXSXEVF88XJ3A

RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129810983761979

Celebrate both American and French independence with a patriotic-themed ice cream social. Enjoy the beautiful weather, relaxing park setting, and delicious ice cream while also learning about the clothing and costume that was worn in between 1776 and 1789.

The Revolutionary Ice Cream Social is also a fundraiser to help raise money for the Steampunk Ball at Piper's Opera House, coming up in September. More information and tickets for the ball will be available at the social. Your admission ticket goes to help the restoration of Piper's Opera House.

Admission is $10, which includes all the ice cream you can eat, as well as the 18th century clothing lecture. The whole family is welcome, with admission for children under 12 free.

Wear your 18th century and Regency costumes! From calico gowns to floaty muslin Jane Austen frocks, this is a great opportunity to show off your early period dresses. As always, costume is greatly admired, but not required.

Canyon Creek Park is located on Robb Drive, between Mae Anne and Sharlands. It offers covered picnic pavilions, grassy areas, and playground equipment. Parking is plentiful around the area.

Valhalla Renaissance Festival 2011 - GBCS weekend

2011-05-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

June 4-5, 2011
10 am to 6 pm Saturday
10 am to 5 pm Sunday
Camp Richardson, South Lake Tahoe

Join fellow Great Basin Costume Society members at Valhalla, the area's finest and largest Renaissance Faire. RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192080127504529

Admission:
$17 adults
$12 for seniors, military, and ages 13-17
$7 for children 6-12
Under 6 Free

Suggested Costume:
Elizabethan c. 1560 - 1590, pirates, knights, peasantry, wenches, nobility, middling class, merchants, exotic foreigners

http://www.valhallafaire.com/

Get away from it all and lose yourself in the magic and merriment the Renaissance times.

Rub elbows with noblity, pirates, barbarian and beautiful ladies, This year's Valhalla Renaissance Faire will feature four stages of continuous entertainment, Action packed shows, Music, Dancing, jesters, 900 costumed actors, Shakespearian vignettes, expertly staged battles, storytelling for children and adults, archery tournaments and much more.

Shop over 100 merchants selling a wide array of arts and crafts, one of a kind jewelry items, woodcrafts, artwork, ceramics, clothing, historic weapons and leather goods. And to top it all off, a hard hitting joust. - This is a place to be!

The Victorian Steampunk Ball - September 17th, Piper's Opera House, Virginia City

2011-04-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Come join The Great Basin Costume Society, High Desert Steam, the Reno Steampunk Club, and the Sacramento Steampunk Society at our first annual "Victorian Steampunk Ball," an evening of dancing and entertainments at the historic Piper's Opera House in Virginia City, Nevada.

The ball will feature Victorian ballroom music, to include waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, and the Congress of Vienna. All manner of fantastical costume is admired (but not required) - Steampunks, Victorian ladies and gentlemen, soldiers and cavalrymen, Neo-Victorians, explorers, miners, and "doves."

Don't miss the other Steam events throughout the weekend! Ride the fully restored steam train from Carson City to Virginia City (or from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back), tour mines and haunted saloons, go ghost hunting in the Virginia City Graveyard, have a sarsparilla at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, even stay overnight in one of the many haunted (or not haunted) historic hotels and B&Bs.

The Steam Ball starts at 7:00 pm at Piper's Opera House
Tickets are $20 when you pre-pay (using Paypal), or $25 at the door

All proceeds from this event go to benefit the restoration of Piper's, and to support the Great Basin Costume Society.

Please help us raise money by telling your friends, and attending any of the fundraising tea parties, costume shows, and other events put on by the Great Basin Costume Society between April and September.

RSVP to the event on Facebook

Buy Tickets by clicking this link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9DY72M6M5R28E

Donate by clicking this link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=EGAXDECCBN7RS

Undressing the Edwardian Lady - Sunday March 20th

2011-03-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Click this image for a larger view

In support of Women's History Month, come learn about the 16 layers of clothing that went into dressing the lady of the early 1900s, with Carolyn Runnells' famous "edutaining" presentation.

Tickets are only $5!

Pre-purchase your tickets through Paypal (link below).
Tickets will also be available at the door, but we encourage pre-purchasing to ensure your seat.

Cookies and snacks will be available at the cafe, and all proceeds from cafe sales will benefit the non-profit Rainshadow Charter High School. Other proceeds from the event help support the Great Basin Costume Society. Donations are welcome and appreciated!

Feel free to come in Edwardian costume and enjoy a spot of tea and the show!

Buy Tickets Now! $5, as many as you want

Dressing Up Regency, for Ladies

2010-11-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Ladies, this post is for you. With the GBCS Holiday party coming up December 18th, it's time to start putting together your costumes.

Regency describes the period of English history from about 1800-1820. In France it was known as "Empire" or the Napoleanic Era, and in the fresh new USA it's referred to as the Federalist period. No matter your country of origin, this period of dress has common trends and themes. Let's take a look, and come up with some ideas for Winter-time Regency clothing appropriate for an evening party.

At the turn of the 19th century, the fabric of choice was very thin cotton muslin, and this nearly sheer fabric was generally white, and often featured delicate embroidery, sprig printing (block printing, a new technology), or subtle striping. Light colors were favored over dark, and in the infant years of the Regency, these thing white muslins were worn in both Summer and Winter.

"Sari" gowns were very popular, inspired by the intense
colors and beautiful designs of India

Later in the Regency we begin to see heavier silk fabrics coming back into style, along with bold colors. These gowns featured Indian and Asian inspired embroidery, beading, and decoration, and could be very complex in the cuts of the bodice, but still featured the straight-front skirts, and gathered backs.

For Winter
Cool-weather wear included the pelisse, the spencer, and the open robe.

A green pelisse with much detail

A slate grey/blue pelisse

The pelisse is a long coat, often made of wool or velvet, that completely covers the dress, and was long-sleeved.

A spencer with military detailing and textured fabric

A quilted silk spencer

The spencer is a short jacket worn just over the bodice, fastening under the bust, and allowing the skirts of the gown underneath to show.

The Lady of Portland House's open robe, from Janet Arnold's
pattern (Patterns of Fashion 1)

An extant open robe from the the late 1790s, early 1800s.

The open robe is an over dress, with short, 3/4 or long sleeves, the drapes the full length of the gown, but is open in front, closing with a belt under the bust.

The pelisse and spencer are for outside, travelling, and riding, whereas the open robe is more of an evening or indoor garment.

Ballgowns and Evening Wear
A ballgown would be the appropriate garment for evening. These were often silk, taffeta, shiny, luxurious fabrics, with glitzy details, lace overlays, or in stunning bold colors. Here are some beautiful examples of ballgowns from the later Regency:

Hair, Hats, and Head Things
Regency hair styling was relatively simple in comparison to other periods. Think Greek and Roman - the hair was curled and pulled up into a high, short ponytail or a bun. The front of the hair was allowed to stay loose and fall in short ringlets over the ears and forehead. JaneAustenWorld has an excellent article on hairstyles and accessories.

Popular evening hair accoutrement included ostrich plumes, ribbons, wraps (again, think Greek), decorative combs and clips, and turbans.

A lady wearing beautiful evening dress, with a turban and feathers

Other accessories for ladies included a reticule, a folding fan, long white gloves, and delicate slippers.

The shape of these slippers is simple and modern.

an embroidered reticule, to keep your things in.

Resources for Regency:

Websites
Jane Austen World
We Make History - and Introduction to Ladies' Fashions of the Regency Era
Jessamyn's Regency Costume Companion
Fashion Era - Regency Fashion History

Movies
Emma (2009)
Emma (Gwenyth Paltrow)
Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
Pride & Prejudice (Keira Knightly)
Pride and Prejudice (Restored Edition) (Colin Firth)
Vanity Fair (Widescreen) (Reeser Witherspoon)
Regency House Party

Reference Books
Fashion: The Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute
Federalist & Regency Costume: 1790-1819
Regency Era Fashion Plates: 1800-1819
Design Your Own Regency Dress

Patterns:
Simplicity 9221 - Regency Tea Gown and Jacket Costume Pattern - Size DD (4, 6, 8, 10)
1804 - 1812 Regency Gown Pattern
1790 -1810 Regency Evening Dress Pattern
Empire Dress Pattern
Regency Underthings Pattern
Butterick Sewing Pattern 6630 Misses' Regency Gown & Coat, Sizes 12-14-16
Simplicity Sewing Pattern 4055 Historical Costume / Regency Gown for Misses
Butterick Sewing Pattern B4890 Misses Historical Costume / Medieval Dress, Sizes 6-12, or 14-20
Early 1800s Regency Era Stays Pattern
1800 -1820 Regency Corset Pattern

Where to Buy Online (pre-made costume pieces):
Regency Reproductions
Garland of Grace on Etsy
Reproductions on Etsy
Little Bits Clothing Co. on Etsy

GBCS Regency Holiday Party

2010-11-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Debbie and I have been planning a little Holiday diversion for you all, a Regency-themed Holiday party, complete with a historically accurate dinner and parlour games. The party will be in the evening, from 5 pm - 8 pm (or those whereabouts), and we need your vote on which day in December will work best for you:

Please select your preferred date for the GBCS Regency Holiday Party:survey software

Many more details to follow!

Sacramento Gold Rush Days - September 4, 2010

2010-08-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

When: September 4-5, 2010
Where: Old Downtown Sacramento, CA

From the Gold Rush Days website (http://www.sacramentogoldrushdays.com/about/)

More than 200 tons of dirt will be dumped on the streets of Old Sacramento as the annual festival "turns back the clock," transforming Sacramento's historic district into a scene straight out of the 1850s. Costumed re-enactors, Wild West gun fights, musicians playing period instruments, and many aspects of life during the Gold Rush will be highlighted during the four-day event.

The Great Basin Costume Society would like to invite anybody and everybody interested in this period of history in the West. Come down for the day or the weekend - admission is FREE! - and enjoy a true "back in time" experience, with so much to see and do, many lovely shops to browse through (including Sac City Dry Goods, a boutique for costumers and re-enactors), and a great opportunity to wear your mid-Victorian Civil War and earlier costumes, and meet others from throughout our area interested in costuming and history.

This is a kid-friendly event, so bring the whole family. If you are in costume, prepare to have your photo taken a lot. The roads are dirt and the walkways made of wood, so wear sensible shoes. Tour the train museum while there, and participate in the costume contest!

Suggested costume - 1840s-1870s. California's Gold Rush, as we know, started in 1849, and California became a state in 1850. Civil War and Indian War attire is welcome, along with pioneer and settler costumes, miners, railroadmen, mountain men and women, gunslingers, ladies of the night, cowboys and cowgirls, pony express riders, you name it!

Nevada Territorial Wild West Fair - August 28, 2010

2010-08-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

When: August 28th, 12 noon to midnight. Costume Contest at 2 pm
Where: Reno Livestock Event Center, Reno

From the Wild West Fair website (http://wildwestfair.com/about-us/info-on-the-2010-fair/):

Every year the Nevada State Fair has attracted thousands of fair goers and tourists alike. And now with this new statewide heritage theme taking shape in our State Fair, we’re expecting bigger crowds and more regional, national, and international attention to our event in the months and years to come. Where else can you enjoy a day with your family involving something exciting for all ages?

This year the Nevada State Fair is evolving into a statewide heritage event with new faces, new events, new entertainment, more hands-on experiences, exhibits for kids, a living history of Nevada’s rich heritage and cultures from its territorial days, and of course, Paul Maurer Shows Carnival will return with many new and exciting rides!

Great Basin Costume Society Members - our club is working with the Wild West Fair to put on a Costume Exhibition and Contest, with outstanding prizes for the winners. Unfortunately, GBCS Members (those who have paid their membership dues) may participate in the exhibition (show off your costume), but may not participate in the contest. More information for the Costume Contest can be found on the flier attached to this event (see photos).

Come enjoy the fair in costume and represent the club! The fair runs August 25-29, and features much to do and see, historical reenactors, performers, rides and games, exhibits and attractions.

Admission (at the gate):
Adults - $10
Kids 10 & under - FREE
Seniors 65+ - FREE

Unlimited Ride Wrist Bands - $28
FREE admission opening night, August 25th

GBCS members helping out with the Fashion Exhibition will have FREE admission Saturday, August 28th.

Steampunk Steam Train Extravaganza - September 11, 2010

2010-08-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

When: September 11, 2010 - memorialize 9/11 by celebrating our unique Western American Heritage.
Where: Carson City Train Depot - take the train to Virginia City and back again.
OR meet the group in Virginia City (drive up for the day).

Come join The Great Basin Costume Society AND the Sacramento Steampunk Society as we take the Wild West by storm as Steampunk time travelers!

GBCS members - ride the train from Carson if you like, or drive up to Virginia City to meet the Sac Steampunkers as they come in on the train. The 51st Annual International Camel Races are going on this weekend as well, so there will be lots to see and do, and plenty of people to admire us in our costumes!

Purchase Train Tickets: http://carsoncity.activitytickets.com/relax/trainrides/1084/?event_date=2010-09-11#buynow
(not affiliated with GBCS)

From the Sacramento Steampunk Society: This is a major weekend outing. We will meet in Carson City, Nevada at 9:30 AM Saturday (earlier if you want to tour the train museum first) to take a steam excursion train to Virginia City.

We will have about three and a half hours to tour the old west silver mining town of Virgina City (with an introduction by a local guide) before reboarding the train for the return trip.

Saturday evening we will have a banquet in Carson City (details to be arranged). We will be riding the historic Virginia City and Truckee railroad in recently restored 1914 Pullman cars (inside with padded seats) behind a recently restored real steam locomotive.

How to Dress Steampunk:
Think of Jules Vern, "The Golden Compass," movies like "Stardust" and "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen." Steampunk is a combination of Victorian attire - fine ladies and gentlemen, explorers, goths and vampires, smugglers and pirates - Science, and Victorian aesthetic. Spruce up your Victorian outfits with watch gears, add some driving or flying goggles, combine costume pieces you wouldn't normally. It's not about being historically accurate, but is instead about creativity, "time travel," and having fun!

Wild West Fair - Costume Contest - Organizational Meeting!

2010-08-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

When: August 22, 2010 1 pm- 3 pm
Where: Dana's House, 15300 Redmond Loop, Reno

For anyone interested in volunteering for the Wild West Fair's Costume Contest, GBCS's first sponsored and hosted event, please join us for this informational and organizational meeting. We will need a good group of ladies and gentlemen to act as icecream-servers, people-movers, entry-collectors, prize-givers, or to stand out as en example of awesome costuming! Judges, please also attend this meeting.

There will be drinks and snacks. This is a casual meeting, so costume is admired but not required. Please RSVP via Facebook or by e-mail: GreatBasinCostume@gmail.com

1920s Fashion in Color

2010-07-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

This is a fantastic piece of COLOR film from the 1920s, showing evening dress as well as day dress. What a rare piece of footage, and a glimpse into the past! There were real people, real clothes. Very inspirational!

Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair - October 9, 2010

2010-07-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

For anyone heading down to the Bay Area, there will be a vintage fashion expo on Alameda, October 9th. Click the flyer image above for more information. This is not a GBCS sponsored event, just a little info for those of you hunting vintage clothing!

The Great Gatsby Festival & Tea - Lake Tahoe

2010-07-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

When: August 15, 2010 11 am - 4 pm
Where: Tallac Historic Site, South Lake Tahoe

Enjoy a lovely picnic in 1920s attire, at the beautiful Tallac Historic Mansion and grounds, South Lake Tahoe.

Bring a picnic, games, your friends, and experience the Gatsby Tea & Fashion Show (2pm), as well as music, dancing, antiques, historic house tours, vintage auto rides, and treats.

Suggested costume is 1920s-1930s, day wear for warm weather.

While the general festivities are FREE, the Gatsby Tea and Fashion Show is $35/ticket, includes tea, refreshments, and seating. Contact Joyce via e-mail for tickets: tahoe-heritage@sbcglobal.net or by phone (530) 544-7383.

The Great Gatsby Festival at Tahoe, and the Gatsby Tea and Fashion Show are not GBCS sponsored events.

RSVP via e-mail: greatbasincostume@gmail.com
RSVP on Facebook: (click here)

What to Wear:

This is a summer, daytime event, so wear lightweight, light colored fabrics, floaty cottons and voiles, linen, and lace. Bring a hat and sensible shoes. Flapper attire is not quite right for this daytime event. Here are some suggestions and inspirations for women and men:

GBCS Tea - aka Meeting

2010-07-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, there will be a meeting and goodies to munch on! We will be discussing our role as hosts at the Parade and judges for the Costume Contest at the State Fair. Also the Fallon Fair is coming up.

Costumes are always admired, but never required! Looking forward to seeing everyone. If you need directions feel free to call.

When: July 18

Where: Carolyn's House
13830 Cochise Dr.
Reno, NV 89521

775-852-3420 H
775-843-3000 C

South on 395, exit 57 B (toward Carson City), turn left on St. Rt 341 toward Virginia City, go to past 7-11 to Chamy, turn left, go to Rim Rock, turn left, to Cochise turn right.

If you have facebook you can RSVP here

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141319775878602

Mark Your Calendars! Aug 28, 2010

2010-07-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

It is official! The new Nevada State Fair, the Wild West Fair has asked us to be the hosts for the Parade of Historical Fashion and the Costume Contest. We will be providing the organization and judges for this event. All are welcome to be in the Parade, but unfortunately if you are a member of GBCS you won't be able to compete in the Contest. Ya know, it's that thing about conflict of interest. We're the judges and we pick our own.

However if you are reading this and not a member by all means enter in.

The prizes are awesome! Real money! Fairly big money, enough to buy fabric and "stuff". They (State Fair) are talking in the range of $25.00 for various categories up to 1st prize of 150.00 or 300.00. Here is the link to the State Fair. We will have links on their site within the next week or so to the "rules",the categories, prizes and entrance forms.

Mark your calendars, save the date, plan on participating. If you are a GBCS member plan on helping out the day of by being in the Parade, helping with the Judging and helping with the Victorian Ice Cream Social. Yes you read right. One of the State Fair's sponsors is giving away Ice Cream. They will give it away just before we start so people can enjoy their ice cream and the show. We provide the ambiance and line people up for ice cream. Oh yes, we get to eat Ice Cream too!

Event: Piper's Summer Masquerade

2010-06-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Date:	Saturday, 10 July 2010
Time:	19:00 - 22:00
Location:	Piper's Opera House
Street:	12 No. B Street
Town/City:	Virginia City, NV Come enjoy a night of music, dancing, and dressing up at historic Piper's Opera House in Virginia City! Live Music - Mt. Rose Trio Band, and Dance Master Gus Appetizers and Bar Admission: $18 We are encouraging Historical Costumes at this event. Elizabethan , Renaissance , Civil War , Victorian , Edwardian etc. This will be a Mardi Gras style Masquerade Ball. Please let all your friends know, the more the merrier . Be sure to check out the Tahoe House Hotel, a newly restored Victorian Boarding House. (775) 847-5264 This is event is open and listed on Facebook, RSVP!

How to Use the Costume Closet

2010-05-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Happy Members,
We here at the GBCS have a costume closet, a "virtual closet" full of costumes that members are willing to lend out to you for various events. If you do not have a costume to wear to, say, a renaissance faire, or a civil war event, or a 1920s, picnic, look here!

To check out the costume closet, click the label on the right that says "CLOSET." (You may need to scroll down a bit to find it; it's right under the beautiful lady in the red and white bustle dress). Scroll down and use the "previous" links to browse through the closet.

If you would like to contribute to the Closet, please e-mail the following information to GreatBasinCostume@gmail.com:

*Measurements - bust, waist, hips (if applicable)
*Pieces of the costume - what's included, such as chemises, corsets, jackets, skirts, etc.
*A short description of the costume
*How to contact you, such as your e-mail address
*At least one photo of your costume

16th c. Renaissance/Elizabethan Noble Gown

2010-05-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

I am willing to lend out this gown to anyone needing a costume for Renaissance events.

The full costume includes:
- bodice
- skirt
- velvet flat cap
- silver belt (optional)
- sleeves (optional)
- fur (optional)

This gown also has a matching turquoise late 16th c. jacket, if that is more your style.

Measurements:

bust: 33" or smaller
waist: 27" or smaller
height: 5'6" or a bit taller

This gown is very tight-fitting. The jacket is a little looser.

The dress is made of jacquard, with large sleeves that tie on at the shoulders. The bodice closes with lacings on the side back seams. I recommend wearing a corset with this bodice, but it's not absolutely necessary - the jacket is a little looser, and can be worn without a corset. Many petticoats, or a modest farthingale is also recommended, as well as a shirt, although if you are without a shirt or chemise, I am willing to lend it as well (but it's on so-so condition).

E-mail me: renreeser@gmail.com

16th c. Elizabethan Noble "Travel" Costume

2010-05-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

This costume is a later Elizabethan ladies' doublet ensemble, with separate silk sleeves, a matching tall hat, and black silk skirt. The bodice is made of gold jacquard, with black velvet ribbon trim.

This costume includes:
- doublet bodice
- black silk skirt
- black tie-on sleeves
- ridiculously tall hat

Measurements:
bust: 34" (or a bit larger)
waist: 28"
height: 5'6" +/-

The bodice closes with hooks and eyes up the front, and is worn closed to the neck. A shirt with a high collar is recommended, or a separate ruff. The bodice has a little flaw in the bust, so if you are bustier than 34" that will help fill it out. The photo on the left shows the additional velvet trim added to the bodice.

The sleeves are split, with velvet ribbons connecting the upper and lower parts in a germanic fashion. They are silk sleeves, with slashings, and trapunto (cording) styling, and tie on at the shoulder. The skirt is a slim-line "hunting" skirt, made of black silk dupioni. It is not designed to be worn over a farthingale, so only a couple petticoats will be necessary. The hat is a very high "tall hat" that sits on the top of the head at an angle, rather than down over your forehead. It's a bit ridiculous (and fun!), so don't feel obligated to wear it, but it adds a lot to the outfit!

Please e-mail me if you wish to wear this costume! renreeser@gmail.com

Movie List: Recommended Costume Movies

2010-05-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

16th c. Tudor & Elizabethan Movies:

- Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series)
- Elizabeth (Spotlight Series)
- Elizabeth - The Golden Age (Widescreen Edition)
- Elizabeth I
- Elizabeth R

17th and 18th c. Baroque & Rococo Movies:

- Dangerous Liaisons
- Marie Antoinette
- The Duchess
-Jefferson in Paris

Early 19th c. Regency Movies:

- Emma (2009)
- Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
- Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
- Pride & Prejudice
- Becoming Jane
- Lost in Austen
- Persuasion
- Mansfield Park (1999)
- Jane Austen Collection (Sense & Sensibility / Emma / Persuasion / Mansfield Park / Pride & Prejudice / Northanger Abbey)

19th c. Victorian & Edwardian Movies:

- Great Expectations (1998)
- The Elizabeth Gaskell Collection (Wives and Daughters / Cranford / North and South)
- Cranford: The Collection (Cranford / Return to Cranford)
-Where Angels Fear to Tread
-A Room With a View (Two-Disc Special Edition)

20th c. Movies:
-Gosford Park
-Brideshead Revisited (25th Anniversary Collector's Edition)
-Brideshead Revisited
-Atonement (Widescreen Edition)
-Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (Widescreen & Full Screen Edition)
-Swing Kids
-The Great Gatsby
-Pearl Harbor (Two-Disc 60th Anniversary Commemorative Edition)

Booklist: Recommended Books on Costume

2010-05-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

16th c. Tudor and Elizabethan Costuming Books:
- Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'D
- Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women C1560-1620
- Historic English Costumes and How to Make Them (Dover Books on Fashion)
- The Tudor Tailor: Reconstructing 16th-Century Dress

18th c. Rococo Fashion Books:
- Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution
- Historical Fashion in Detail: The 17th and 18th Centuries
Patterns of Fashion 1: 1660-1860
- 18th Century Clothing (Historic Communities)
- The Dress of the People: Everyday Fashion in Eighteenth-Century England

19th c. Victorian and Edwardian Costuming Books:
- Dress for all occasions: Women's costumes from the 1880s and 1890s
Patterns of Fashion 1: 1660-1860

- 19th Century Clothing (Historic Communities)

- The Handbook Of Dressmaking - 1845 Reprint

- Opulent Era: Fashions of Worth, Doucet and Pingat

- Fashions of the Gilded Age, Volume 1: Undergarments, Bodices, Skirts, Overskirts, Polonaises, and Day Dresses 1877-1882

- Reconstruction Era Fashions: 350 Sewing, Needlework, & Millinery Patterns 1867-1868

General Surveys of Costume:
- The Mode in Costume: A Historical Survey with 202 Plates (Dover Pictorial Archives)
- Historical Costumes of England 1066-1968

- The Cut of Men's Clothes: 1600-1900

- Fashion: The Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute

- Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century, Volume 1: 18th and 19th Century (Taschen 25) (Midi S.)

- Survey of Historic Costume

- Pictorial Encyclopedia of Historic Costume: 1200 Full-Color Figures

- The Cut of Women's Clothes: 1600-1930

- Children's Costume: The Complete Historical Sourcebook
- The Mode in Hats and Headdress: A Historical Survey with 198 Plates (Dover Pictorial Archives)
- The Mode in Footwear: A Historical Survey with 53 Plates (Dover Pictorial Archives)

Books on Dress of the American West:

- Cowgirls: Women of the Wild West

- How the West was Worn: A Complete History of Western Wear

- 100 Years of Western Wear

Janet Arnold Pattern Books:
- Patterns of Fashion 1: 1660-1860
- Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women C1560-1620
- Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C.1860-1940

- Patterns of Fashion 4: The Cut and Construction of Linen Shirts, Smocks, Neckwear, Headwear and Accessories for Men and Women C. 1540-1660 (Patterns of Fashion)

Nora Waugh Pattern Books:
- The Cut of Men's Clothes: 1600-1900
- The Cut of Women's Clothes: 1600-1930

Sears Catalogs and Books on 20th c. Vintage Fashion:
- Everyday Fashions of the Twenties as Pictured in Sears and Other Catalogs (Sears Catalogs)
- Everyday Fashions of the Thirties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Books on Costume & Textiles)
- Everyday Fashions of the Forties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs
- Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs (Dover Books on Fashion)
- Everyday Fashions, 1909-1920, As Pictured in Sears Catalogs

- After a Fashion: How to Reproduce, Restore, and Wear Vintage Styles

Books on Corsetry:
- The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners
- The Corset: A Cultural History
- Waisted Efforts: An Illustrated Guide to Corset Making
- Corsets: Historical Patterns & Techniques
- The Little Corset Book: A Workbook on Period Underwear (Little Costume Workbooks)
- Corsets and Crinolines

EVENT: Mark Twain's Wild West Weekend - June 12th & 13th

2010-05-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Come join the Great Basin Costume Society on June 12th, to invade the *new* Mark Twain Days event at Zephyr Cove!

Mark Twain Western Days at Zephyr Cove Resort
Zephyr Cove Resort
760 Hwy 50
Zephyr Cove, NV 89449
Phone: (530) 543-6191

From the official website:
"Come join us as we honor the life and legacy of Mark Twain with a Wild West Weekend. Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Cruises will host the weekend to honor the life and influence of Mark Twain and to kick off the summer season at Lake Tahoe.

Inspired by Mark Twain’s life and work, the western-themed festivities are scheduled June 12-13, 2010 and begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with a line-up of family-friendly activities at the Zephyr Cove special events site."

Activities include pie and chili eating contests (er, not in a corset!), wild west shoot outs, live skits, cowboy poetry, a "bold faced liars" contest. Sounds like fun.

Suggested costume: 1850s-1870s. Ladies are welcome to wear hoops, yay! Gentlemen, pull out of your long coats, miner's gear, or Civil War uniforms. Weather may be chilly, so dress accordingly.

For more information, visit the official website: http://www.zephyrcove.com/landing-pages/mark-twain-festival-2010.aspx

Valhalla Renaissance Faire: Advance Group Tickets

2010-05-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents,

Valhalla has offered the GBCS a group rate ($12 per) for tickets to the Faire, June 5th (Society Day). We need 10+ for our group, so please purchase your tickets in advance as soon as you get a chance, before May 25th! I believe tickets may also be used other days, in case you are unable to make it June 5th. Click the PayPal button below:

Cheers!

Invasion: Valhalla Renaissance Fair

2010-05-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents,

Please join us Saturday, June 5th, at 10:30 am, at the front gate of the famous Valhalla Renaissance Faire, for the Great Basin Costume Society's first "invasion" event of the year!

"Venture into an Elizabethan town filled with a myriad of characters and vignettes from Shakespeare’s plays. The faire will feature three stages of continuous entertainment, Queen Elizabeth’s court, Shakespearian plays and vignettes, expertly staged battle scenes and theatrical performances, lively crafts marketplace, storytelling for children and adults, dancing, archery tournaments and much more. There will be merchants selling a wide array of arts and craft including one of a kind jewelry items, woodcrafts, artwork, ceramics, clothing, hats, accessories and historic weapons. And to top it all off, a hard hitting joust. " (http://www.valhallafaire.com/)

That information again:

Saturday, June 5th
10:30 AM, Front Gate
Camp Richardson, South Lake Tahoe

We will be attending the faire as a group, but feel free to wander off and explore, say hi to old friends, and play as you will once inside the faire. We will have GBCS cards for you to hand out, if you please, and charter members who have paid their memberships will receive their pins and ribbon favors to wear on their costumes. Let's represent our new society! If you need to pay your membership, please follow the PayPal button below:
If you would like to attend but do not have a costume, never fear! Many of our members are willing to lend out their costumes and help you pull together a look for the day. Costumes are also available to rent or buy inside the faire. If you have costumes you are willing to lend out, please make it known on the GBCS Forum - http://gbcsforum.vintagedancer.com/index.php - under "Costume Closet," or leave a comment to this post, with a description of the costume. We don't want anyone sitting this one out!

Group-rate tickets will be available, with more information to follow. Otherwise, admission is as follows:

$17 for adults,
$12 for seniors, military, and ages 13-17
$7 for children 3-12

$2 off with a can of food to support the food drive.

Events: Gold Hill Hotel Jazz Nights - May

2010-04-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Debbie, who sent along this flyer for Gold Hill Hotel's "Dinner Theater" Jazz nights, Friday nights in May. If you like period dancing, jazz hot music, and a chance to dress in "speakeasy" style costume from the 1920s, this is the place for you. Check out the official flyer below.

Visit www.goldhillhotel.net for more information.

The Gold Hill Hotel
1540 North Main Street
Virginia City, NV 89440

An Afternoon of Fashions: Tour & Tea

2010-04-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

I found this little event on Facebook of all places! It's TEA+COSUMES, put on by the National Automobile Museum, in Reno, and how can we possibly resist that!? Suggested costume - Edwardian - 1960s, though costume is never required. Here is the information:

FACEBOOK INVITE (click) RSVP!

An Afternoon of Fashions: Tour & Tea

Date:	Saturday, 08 May 2010
Time:	12:00 - 17:00
Location:	National Automobile Museum

Description

An Afternoon of Fashions: Tour & Tea

Saturday, May 8, 2010
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
$35 per person, includes
transportation, tour and tea

Enjoy a rare opportunity to tour the private Memories Antique Clothing Museum with the proprietress. This is a stunning collection of fashions and accessories dating from early 1800s. The tour allows for an up-close look at some stunning reminders of past clothing styles, shoes and beaded purses. Guests will be allowed to interact with the collection
as our hostess describes the history of the garments. We’ll
complete the afternoon with light refreshments and tea served
at the Memories Antique Clothing Museum. This unique
opportunity is just in time for Mother’s Day.

Tour will leave the National Automobile Museum’s parking
lot at 1:30 pm and return at approximately 4:30 pm. The $35
per person fee includes transportation, tour and refreshments.
Seating is limited. Call (775) 333-9300 to purchase your tickets.

Become a Great Basin Costume Society MEMBER

2010-04-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Become an official MEMBER of the GBCS!

-Membership is $20 per year. Your $20 goes towards fliers, cards, meeting refreshments, club goodies, and more.
-Become a charter member by signing up before August 1, 2010 - charter members are those exceptional costumers who have helped build the Society.
- Members will receive... group ticket rate discounts, a nifty GBCS ribbon favor, access to future reference book and DVD libraries, participation in the dress swap, and other perks!

If you're not ready to become a member, never fear! New costumers and those wishing to "check us out" are always welcome to come to our events and participate with us at various happenings throughout the season.

Ways to become a member:
- Click the Paypal button below and instantly pay your membership! (paypal account is not necessary)
- Pay with check or cash at the next GBCS event
- Send your check to the Great Basin Costume Society, 350 Harbour Cove Dr. #105, Sparks, NV, 89434

TeaParty/Meeting - How Well It Did Go!

2010-04-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

I am most pleased to report that the tea party/meeting last Sunday, April 11th, went VERY well. With about 13 ladies and 1 dapper gentleman in attendance, we all enjoyed tea and coffee, cakes and snacks, and most importantly, ironed out how exactly we're going to about the business of this Society.

Funny stories were told, bits of costumes shown off (Lady Carolyn is simply MAD about Steampunk!), and ideas for the future of our group were suggested and discussed. Upcoming events for May were talked of and planned for, as well as what to do with ourselves all Summer and Fall long. It's going to be quite an exciting season with a group of fabulous costumers, some experienced and some novice, all ready to dress up and look pretty.

Upcoming Events:
-Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival - April 29th - May 2nd
-Virginia City Preservation Ball -Tahoe House, Virginia City - May 15th
-Nevada of the West Festival & Dance - Bartley Ranch, Reno - May 21st - 22nd
-Valhalla Renaissance Faire - Camp Richardson, South Lake Tahoe - June 5-6, 12-13

GBCS Tea Party - AKA Meeting

2010-03-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 11, 2010
11 am - 2 pm

Reeser House
15300 Redmond Loop
Reno, NV

Come by for tea, cakes, and more information on the Great Basin Costume Society in a quieter setting where we can really discuss the group, upcoming events, and costuming. Get to know other members, and the coordinators, give input and ideas on the new Society, and talk about the upcoming Preservation Ball in May.

No costume is required but you're always welcome to dress to the nines and be admired!

Please RSVP by e-mail - greatbasincostume@gmail.com - or to the Facebook invitation, if you are part of the Facebook group.

Event Photos: The Chit-Chat Tea, February 28, 2010

2010-03-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

We here at the Great Basin Costume Society are happy to report that the Chit-Chat Tea, held last Sunday, February 28th, was an enormous success! Bunches of beautifully dressed ladies, and even a handful of dapper gentlemen, attended, and there is a lot of excitement and anticipation for the new Society, and our upcoming season. Here are a few pics from the tea...

More photos can be seen at Lady Carolyn's blog (clicky), and if you were in attendance and have some photos from the day, please feel free to e-mail us: greatbasincostume@gmail.com.

Special Event: Pattern Design Class @ Hancock Fabrics

2010-03-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

For our seamstresses and seamsters:

Pattern Design Class
Hancock Fabrics - 534 Greenbrae Dr. Sparks
Wednesday, March 10, 5:30-8:00 pm

This is not a GBCS hosted event.

Victorian Era Bustles: A Primer

2010-03-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

by Brenda Hineman

Bustles are a staple in vintage costume design and, to be sure, bustles present in different ways for different eras. In this primer, we are going to be discussing Victorian-era bustles, from the 1870s to the 1890s.

In the Victorian era, they naturally didn't refer to themselves as Victorians. As such, there was no such term as "Victorian bustle". Indeed, what we now refer to as the Victorian bustle was first known as the "Grecian bend" and it first came into vogue in the early 1870s. Following the era of crinoline cages that dominated fashion from the 1830s forward, bustles evolved from the realization that crinoline designs couldn't be worn any bigger and that trying to go smaller might provide some distinct new design possibilities.

A smaller crinoline, then, often with an additional steel support off the small of the back was used. This new approach necessitated the drawing of excess garment fabric to be pulled and piled to back of the skirt. These piles and layers were held in place with the strategic placement of buttons and tapes sewn into the skirt itself.

The ways in which bustles were pulled together soon became an art form in itself and in the late 1870s and early 1880s, bustles had replaced crinoline dresses as the fashion of the day. The taping and buttoning arrangements used to draw the fabric back created new design opportunities that were openly embraced by dressmakers of the day. This design movement, naturally, drew attention to the way skirts and dresses came together at the hips. To accentuate the design, a more slender fitting top - such as the cuirasse and princess body - was favored as it pulled the attention of the gown to the unique folds in the back.

With this more slender fashion, particularly in Parisian society, came the brief absence of bustles all together in favor of a trained petticoat that would provide fullness, while still catering to the emerging slender style. The bustle, however, was not done yet.

In 1883, the bustle emerged in British society in a completely new way. Favoring the large span of late-era crinoline dresses combined with the early-era bustles that pulled fabric to the back, the bustles that emerged in 1883 were very large in the back, creating an appearance akin to a horse's hindquarters.

The extended horizontal nature of this appearance presented difficulties in terms of the options available for layering fabric. Very soon, the approach of layering the fabric - a staple of early Victorian bustles - was abandoned in favor of flowing fabric that simple draped over the back of the larger bustles. Fabric that had been piled in the back was being pulled to the sides or, in some cases, to the front of dresses.

By the early 1890s, the bustle had all but disappeared. Early Edwardian fashion favored mere padding in favor of bustles. Still the s-curve from that had been created by tight-fit, tapered bodices and pronounced bustles continued on into the designs that dominated the next several decades.

Brenda Hineman is a costume aficionado and writes regularly about Halloween Costumes at StarCostumes.com.

Event: Preservation Ball

2010-02-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gents, this was forward to me by a couple of our esteemed members, to pass on to you! It seems we have all been invited to a fancy dress ball!

Get your tickets NOW, as the Tahoe House is a small venue and will sell out quickly. For tickets, call Carolyne at (775) 847-5264

Look for future articles and workshops on what to wear to the Preservation Ball. For a taste, here a couple inspirational images!

gown from 1855

a Worth gown from 1867

some things to wear from the 1870s

tails, frock coats, vests, and top hats for the men

a gorgeous Worth ball gown from the 1880s

An 1890s ball gown or wedding gown by Worth

A later Edwardian ball gown from 1912

Dressing Up 1930s

2010-02-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

These days, dressing up in fashions of the past is easier than ever. We have merely to look to the last century to be inspired, and with fashion today being so diverse, it's perfectly acceptable to wear vintage outfits, old-fashioned hats, or add a retro skirt or jacket into your wardrobe.

Achieving the look of the 1930s involves putting the right shaped pieces together. Many of these pieces may already be in your closet! Here's a brief look at how to put together a 1930s ensemble...

The Dress (or the Skirt + Top)
For the greater part of the '30s, the shape was slim and long. Look for slim skirts that hit at mid-calf or a couple inches below the knee. Skirts with inset pleats, button details, and belts are great. You can also add buttons, bows, and trims to modern skirts to give them that vintage feel.

On top, the look was "full" and blousy. Look for loose-fitting blouses, shirts, and sweaters that are tailored at the waist. Full sleeves, ties at the neck, and interesting details such as pin-tucks and pleats are all the mode in the 1930s. Tuck blouses into skirts and add a belt, or pair a tweed skirt with a sweater that's thin through the waist and full in the top.

Fabric choice ran the gamut - for Winter, we suggest anything tweed, twill, or with a pattern like houndstooth, and go for warm tones like browns, rusts, and taupes. For warmer weather, thin voiles and batistes, printed rayons, or lightweight linens and silks work great.

The Shoes
Shoes play an important part in the look and feel of your 1930s ensemble. The shape should be slim and refined, with a slightly rounded toe, a not-too-high french heel. Look for fun details like bows, straps (especially t-straps), cut-outs and pinking, and two-tone colors. A sensible pair of black and white (or brown and white) wingtips will pair with almost any day outfit.

Vintage shoes can be hard to find and harder to wear. Lucky for us, a huge selection of inexpensive, retro-inspired shoes are available at places like Target (take a look at these or these), Payless Shoes (these, these), Steve Madden (check these out), almost anywhere in fact!

The Hat
Hats in the '30s could be anything from cloches to little perch hats with net veils. Earlier in the decade, the cloche and brimmed cloche were still popular. These are great hats because they cover the hair almost completely, can be kept on inside, and have great decorations such as felt flowers, ribbons, bows, feathers, beads, you name it. Later on, sporty shapes, altered cloches, large-brimmed picture hats, and sailor-styled caps came in.

Vintage hats can be easy to find at antique shops and thrift stores, but you can also spot them making a come back at stores like Target (cute cloche) and online boutiques (like this one).

Hair
In the 1930s, curled and waved hair was all the rage. If you're not one to lob off your locks for a waved bob, try rolling your hair into large curls and pinning against your head. A chignon bun at the back and some waves at the front will also achieve the look. Later in the decade, longer hair came back into style, with shoulder-length bobs curled and fluffed. Try tight curls by pin-curling your wet hair, drying, and fluffing (here's a tutorial), scultped finger waves (how-to), or go for a looser style by using a curling iron, pinning curls until they cool, and tousling with your fingers. If you're like me, though, you'll just keep your cloche hat on all day!

Makeup
In the 1930s, it was all about the "matte look," the bold lip, and big lashes. Apply all-over foundation with a sponge applicator, then brush on powder over the top using a large powder/blush brush. A little blush goes a long way, so use it sparingly and on the apples of your cheeks only, not all over.

For eyes, stick to neutral tones like browns, and keep it soft. If you like eyeliner, use it on the top lid only, and blend it with shadow for a warm, soft look. An eyelash curler and lash-enhancing mascara will make your eyes pop. Be sure also to fill in your eyebrows and extend them, as thin, long eyebrows were en vogue.

The last step is the lip color. Darker shades of red, to neutral shades of mauve and rose are great, but stay away from pinks, pearly shades, orangey hues, and glossy lip colors. A little shine is good, but glassy is too modern.

Sewing
If you'd like to make a 1930s outfit from scratch, here are some pattern companies to try:
Selection from The Vintage Pattern Lending Library
Selection from Decades of Style Company
Selection from Past Patterns Company

Books
Want to read up on Depression-Era clothing, check out these books:
-Art Deco Fashion
-Everyday Fashions of the Thirties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs
-Fashions of the Thirties: 476 Authentic Copyright-Free Illustrations
-Dress Cutting: Instructions and Illustrations for Sewing 26 Vintage 1930s Fashions
-Make-Up -- 1930s Beauty Instruction and Technique
-Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s
-Pattern Making -- Drafting 1930s Lingerie, Blouses, Skirts and Sportswear Fashions
-Women's Wear of the 1930's: With Complete Patterns
-Millinery -- 1930s Hat Making Techniques

As always, leave your tips, tricks, and suggestions in the comments section below!

Chit-Chat Tea...and Cakes! First Informal Meeting

2010-02-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

What: GBCS Chit-Chat Tea and Cakes
When: Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 11am to 2pm (or later)
Where: Josef's Vienna Bakery & Cafe - 933 W Moana Lane - Reno, NV

Interested in joining or learning more about the Great Basin Costume Society? Come have a chat with us, and learn more about the upcoming events this Summer and Fall. Plus there's CAKE!

Costume is admired but never required. If you would like to dress up, casual attire from the 1930s to the 1960s is suggested.

This event is not catered, so if you'd like tea and CAKE, come prepared. We will supply you with exciting news and information on costuming and silliness!

Not sure about any of this nonesense? Just come and see! The GBCS is *NEW* to Reno and always open to suggestions, input, and ideas. Invite your friends, your sisters, your mothers, and come see what it is all about.

If you are on Facebook, join the group by clicking HERE, and RSVP to this event by clicking HERE.

RSVP by e-mailing greatbasincostume@gmail.com

GBCS Welcome Lady Carolyn

2010-02-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

The ladies of the Great Basin Costume Society are SO excited and pleased to welcome Lady Carolyn Runnells as a new member. Lady Carolyn is an amazing Reno-based costumer, who has given countless presentations throughout the country on historical dress and costuming. Take a look at her website:

Lady Carolyn

Already we've been chatting and coming up with some *really* exciting events and additions to our 2010 calendar. Look for updates, invites, and more information as we get this locomotive rollin'!

Reno/Tahoe For Costumers, 2010 Calendar of Events

2010-01-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

The Great Basin Costume Society plans to hold picnics, workshops, dances, and other fun events throughout the coming year, but we can't forget that Reno/Tahoe already has many wonderful events to "invade!" Here's a non-comprehensive list of what to do - in costume! - in 2010:

Valhalla Renaissance Fair - June 5 - 6; 12 -13, 2010,Tahoe. 1550s-1600, Elizabethan England.

The Carson City Rendezvous - June 11-13, 2010 -19th century. Pioneers, Mountain Men, Explorers, Miners.

Mark Twain Western Days - June 12 - 13, 2010 ,Tahoe. 19th century.

The Reno Rodeo - June 17-26, 2010 - 1849 - 1950s. This is the perfect place to celebrate the history of the West with classic cowboy and cowgirl gear. Think split skirts, cowboy boots, wild rags, spurs, and ten-gallon hats.

Concours d'Elegance Wooden Boat Festival - June 18-20, 2010, Tahoe - 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Let's visit the festival in our "Gatsby" gear, and have a picnic on the Lake.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival - July 9 - August 22, 2010 - 1550-1600 Elizabethan. Wine, cheese, amazing performances in the natural amphitheatre at San Harbour...and Elizabethan costume!

Hot August Nights - July 30-August 8, 2010 - 1920s - 60s. There are so many events around town, from show n' shines, to dances, to cruising. This is a good time to pull out your leather jacket, poodle skirt, or be daring in a cute 1920s bathing suit!

Great Gatsby Festival and Tea - August 14-15, 2010 - Lake Tahoe. 1920s

Nevada State Fair - August 25-29, 2010 - 1950s, or whichever era the State Fair brings to mind

Burning Man - August 30 - September 6, 2010 - this one speaks for itself!

The Rib Cook-Off - September 1 - 6, 2010

Virginia City Camel Races - September 10-12, 2010

Sacramento Gold Rush Days - September (date unknown as of yet) -1849-1860s. Hoop Skirts, miners, prospectors, Civil War reenactment. This is one not to be missed.

The Great Reno Balloon Races - September 11-12, 2010 - 1890s. Balloons were a big thing to the Victorians and Edwardians. Let's do brunch on the sweeping greens of Rancho San Rafael, and watch the balloons launch!

Reno Air Races - September 15-19, 2010 - 1920s, 30s, 40s.

Street Vibrations - September 22-26, 2010

If you know of other events in the Reno/Tahoe area, please leave comments in the comment section below to inform us, and we'll add them to the "Invasion Calendar." Look for an official 2010 GBCS Calendar of Events, Workshops, Teas, and Socials, coming soon.

Costume Fever

2009-10-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

by Dana Reeser
It’s all very well to describe what costumers do, but perhaps we should also explain a little about how costumers come up with the costumes to wear to all those fun events. Mostly, they make them or commission someone else to make them. Some buy them online, often from other costumers, and some rent.

The Great Basin Costume Society has been in existence for less than a week and the members – all two of us – haven’t had time to scour Reno and surrounding towns for shops that carry quality costumes. Often, you can find something appropriate in the antique stores, secondhand stores and thrift shops, especially if you’re looking for early 20^th century. These are great places to pick up bits of your costume from any era: jewelry, gloves, collars, hats, shoes and the like.

The Mexican wedding shops on Wells are excellent places to find hoops and petticoats. My high school Spanish/English Dictionary gives at least eight words for “petticoat”. “Crinolina” worked for me. I think “hoop-skirt” is “tontillo”, but you might want to check that. The shop girls were very helpful and with lots of gesturing, giggles and Spanglish, I got what I needed.

But, mainly, costumers sew. Personally, I think the events are just excuses to make new costumes. It’s addictive. Most of us start with a pattern from Simplicity or Butterick and grow from there. The Society plans to provide workshops and other support. The internet offers an amazing number of blogs by both experienced and novice costumers who are always ready with suggestions, encouragement, and links to other helpful sites. Soon, you’ll find yourself researching the difference between Elizabethan and Victorian corsets and the proper shape for a Regency sleeve or your gentleman’s frock coat. I am continually amazed by the number of men who get wholeheartedly involved in costuming, right down to researching and sewing their own attire. Thank goodness, for without the gentlemen, with whom would we dance?

How To Commission A Historical Costume

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There are two kinds of costumers, ones who sew their own costumes, and ones who have them made.

True, many pieces of your costume can easily be found at second hand shops, or even retails stores like Target. You can buy bits and pieces, such as gloves, parasols, hats, shoes, in online boutiques, but when it comes down to your main ensemble, where exactly do you get that?

It has become more and more difficult to find ready-to-wear costumes to rent or buy. Most "costumes" nowadays are made from shiny, cheap polyester, don't fit quite right, and are either for children or promiscuous Halloween "ladies of the night." Locating a decent quality historical costume is near impossible. Even with online shops offering ready-to-wear skirts, bodices, and jackets, you end up paying the same if not more than you would to commission a local costume seamstress to make it exactly to your specs and liking.

What to expect when you commission a costume...

The seamstress will first have a consultation to determine your needs. What event is the costume for? What sort of material would you like? What is your budget? Once these and other questions are answered, you can expect to see a couple design sketches and fabric/trim swatches. A design sketch for a Victorian ballgown, taking in to
account patterning, details, and fabric

Cost is based on the price of the fabrics/trims chosen, plus the labor. You can expect a modest costume dress (bodice and skirt) to be around $100, whereas an elaborate, historically accurate, made-to-last gown could be upwards of $200.

An example of a muslin, made to check for proper fit and patterning,
before the final, expensive fabric is used. Dog not included.

The seamstress will then set to work on what is known as a "muslin" or a "toile." This is a test run made from cheap cotton, to determine proper fit. Expect at least one fitting during this step, though depending on the complexity of the gown and its purpose, there may be multiple fittings.

Once the fit is perfect, the gown will be completed and delivered, and you'll be ready to wear it to your party, dance, or outing!

An example of a fashion plate from Godey's Ladies' Book, 1874

Your commission can be a simple or complex as you like, as creative or conservative. Simple dresses sometimes make a greater statement than fanciful ones. If you are at a loss for ideas, think of movies set in the time period you wish to portray, and your favorite costumes in the film. Try looking up images on Google, using search terms like "victorian fashion plate," or "renaissance portrait," depending on your focus. Your costume specialist is also a wealth of information when it comes to designing historical garments, and can help you make decissions about your look.

If you are in need of a costume for upcoming events, feel free to contact Lauren at renreeser@gmail.com. She is currently accepting commissions, and specializes in Renaissance, 18th century, and Victorian costuming.

What Costumers and Costume Societies DO...

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You may be wondering just what is in store for members of the Great Basin Costume Society. Well here are a few ideas to get you excited about the possibilities...

Costumers Have Picnics...

...and look good doing it...

"The Gatsby" 1920s themed picnic at Dunsmuir House, Oakland,
put on by The Art Deco Society of California

Costumers Like To Dance...

Gaskells grand Victorian Ball, Oakland

...sometimes in fountains...

Le Societe de Pique-Nique's "Egyptianesque" picnic at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, San Jose

And get a little silly...

Ladies flashing their bloomers at the Gaskells Victorian Ball, Oakland

Costumers Go to Renaissance Fairs...

Noble ladies visit the Valhalla Renaissance Faire, Lake Tahoe

...and Christmas Fairs.

Two London ladies at the Great Dickesn Christmas Fair, San Francisco

Costumers Sometimes Ride Horses...

A cavalry unit performing at Gold Rush Days, Old Sacramento

..and sometimes ride in cars.

Costumers Like to Time Travel...

A time traveler in a unique Japanese Steampunk ensemble

Costumers Make New Friends...

New and old friends at Le Societe de Pique-Nique's "Italiana" picnic

As for Costume Societies, well, we make it all possible!

The Joy of Bonnets - A Primer

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It can be reasonably assumed that many of the events members of the Great Basin Costume Society may attend in the Reno area will be set in the past, between 1850 and 1900. Many of these events will be outside, affording our ladies (and gentlemen too) to display various forms of headgear associated with the decades of the 19th century.

Pervasive among these is The Bonnet. The Bonnet came into vogue around the turn of the 19th c., and enjoyed various incarnations before dropping out of style in the 1870s. Women wore both summer bonnets of straw, and winter bonnets of felt, wool, velvet, any number of materials.

Summer bonnets were often decorated with lace, faux flowers, ribbons, even small fake birds. Winter bonnets could simply be straw forms that were covered in decorative fabric, but were more often built on a buckram base. They could be lined in fur, satin or silk, velvet, and decorated with ribbons, feathers, bows, more faux flowers, a myriad of possibilities.

Bonnets were worn out of doors, to protect the lady's face and hair from sun, snow, rain, fog, or lurid gentlemen. Bonnets were never worn as fashion accessories indoors, when hair ornaments, ribbons, feathers, and wraps were favored. This was as much a safety and social precaution as anything, as bonnets limited the peripheral vision of ladies, and could easily assault the faces of the poor gentlemen they were dancing with. Therefore, bonnets and other outdoor accessories, such as capelets, pellerines, and parasols, were left in the coatroom.

So now that you know when and when not to wear The Bonnet, where do you get one?

A) Order Online - Top-Hats.com has both basic felt forms (for winter) and straw forms (for summer), just waiting to be decorated to the tee. Prices are quite reasonable.

B) Take a Jaunt to Old Sacramento - where you will find Sacramento City Dry Goods, a lovely shop that carries all manner of Victorian dress, from shoes, to full ensembles, to bonnets. They have an online shop as well, and here you can see their bonnet and hat options.

C) Get Crafty - make your own bonnet using tutorials found online, and craft store goodies. Here is a tutorial on making a form from a cheap straw hat. Some commercial pattern companies offer bonnet patterns, such as this one from Butterick, and this one from McCalls

D) Commission A Custom Creation - have your bonnet made exactly to spec and to match your costume by commissioning from local costume specialists. Lauren Reeser is accepting costume commissions for all manner of dress, including accessories and hats - contact her at renreeser@gmail.com.

Examples of custom made bonnets

Costumers and Historians: Welcome to the Silver State

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Reno, Nevada, is an interesting place. In the minds of the non-Nevadan public, it has always been a place of, how shall I say, ill-repute. Gambling and prostitution are legal here, as well as quick-hitches and even quicker divorces. Reno is a place that could be and once was a little dirty, a little dangerous, and we don't mean just the dusty desert and the rattlesnakes.

A Stage and Four-in-Hand at the Carson City Rendezvous

It is a unique place, where rodeos, rib cook-offs, and rendezvous all happen within weeks of each other. Classic cars share downtown Virginia Street with 300 head of Herefords (though not on the same weekend!). It's what people don't know about Reno that keeps this little town the best kept secret: a thriving arts community, huge farmers markets with live music and craft vendors, motorcycle and big-rig hot rod festivals, kayak competitions, hot air balloon invasions, and vintage airplane races. That's just the tip of the iceberg.

The Great Reno Balloon Races

Northern Nevada is also rich in history, with its own, less-known silver rush, known better as The Comstock Lode. Nevada had its own hand in the Civil War, and quite a large role in the settling of the West. Native American cultures intersect with classic Old West histories, which intersect with Asian-American pasts, and somewhere in there is the transcontinental railroad!

Virginia City, center of the Comstock Lode, near Reno

So why, oh WHY, is there no outlet for Reno's love of its own history here in the Great Basin? Why are we still driving to the Bay Area to attend their dances, their fairs, and their picnics? I say we have our OWN!

The Great Basin Costume Society will be a club organization dedicated to holding events that celebrate this forgotten place. We will organize picnics, fairs, dances, socials, museum visits, workshops, and so many more FUN things to do, as a way of indulging our obsessive costuming habits, and also enjoying the historical attractions and festivals in the Reno area.

Elizabeth Rowell, 1936, working the Reno Rodeo

We may be small to start, but we hope to one day draw a hearty membership, and provide community-based activities that everyone can enjoy! Look for future articles and posts on all sorts of things!

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