5 years ago, my God daughter was a 'debutante' and all her aunties came to the event. The trick was that the event was part of a ball event that PEERS (Period Events and Entertainments Recreations Society) puts on every 1st Saturday of the month. The theme of this ball was one of Queen Victoria's granddaughters (my God daughter) was to make her debut into society. So, it was a high Victorian affair.
All of us made 1885 ball gowns. Mine was a pink and black affair using a Chinese brocade. That being said, this Christmas I needed a bustle gown to wear to the annual Christmas Tea at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco given by the Greater Bay Area Costume Guild. I actually had enough fabric left over to make the day time bodice for this event. I used the Truly Victorian French Vest bodice which I adore. A friend of mine blocked a black straw hat for me and the ensemble came together quite well. So, without further ado, here is the upcycle of my ball gown into a day ensemble.
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| Starting from the beginning - chemise, stockings, corset. |
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My bustle petticoat has crinoline ruched with embroidered cotton covers layering the back,
plus a bustle pad buttoned in at the waist. No hoop wire to deal with. |
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| At the Palace. All dressed. I love my new hat! |
The event was lovely and we had a good time. The Palace was built in 1875, was nearly destroyed by the 1906 earthquake but survives to day as a landmark hotel in San Francisco. Worth a trip to see the Maxfield Parish original in their bar and the beautiful room they use for dining that was once the carriage round about for guest arriving prior to the earthquake.
Here are some images of the other patrons who attended:
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| My sweet friend Irene who is a lead draper for the SF Opera. |
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Other patrons...The bronze pink dress in the center was fabulous - wish I had gotten
a front view of this gown, it was gorgeous. |
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| My dearest friends Rita, Sheila and Walter. |
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| Our Table. |
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Irene and Catherine. Catherine was our hostess for the event as Lady Astor. She also used
Truly Victorian as her base pattern. |
Just in case I don't get a chance to post before New Years day, Happy New Year and may 2014 bring the joy, love, hope and prosperity you need to move forward in your life's journey and enjoy it. Cheers!
