I've mentioned before in my Regency posts about my love for my chemisette, so I thought it would be fun to have some pictures highlighting the difference it really makes in the overall appearance of the ensemble. :-)
I went several years before making a chemisette; my dresses were perfectly modest and pretty on their own, so I didn't think they served a practical purpose. Little did I understand that they could serve a purely decorative one!
After wearing it for 3 years straight (and getting about 10-15 wearings in that time), I was getting tired of my blue dress. I knew I'd like it more once I added some accessories, so I researched styles a bit and decided on a simple ruffled V-neck chemisette.
Back when I turned 20, I decided to delay the onset of the (apparently) inevitable and concerning Boring Old Adult Syndrome by making a list of 20 historical sewing projects to complete within the year. Well, I'm happy to report that in that year and the successive ones, I don't *think* I've yet succumbed to BOAS!
However, I never did complete the list- so does that mean I've become boring without even knowing it?! ;-)
The list, although rather silly in origin and of dubious necessity, did serve some purpose as one day I finally decided to cross something off the list and make a chemisette! It was end of Daylight Savings Time, so I had an extra hour on Sunday morning before church to whip it up. ;-) The fabric came from a curtain obtained at a free garage sale which has provided fine, semi-sheer fabric for many a project. :-)
This chemisette has proved to be a rather versatile style! Seeing how much I love it- I think another style should make it on the priority list! ;-)
Before.....
.... and After! It works well with the cross-over neckline as well. :-)
My blue dress is a simple, pretty style.....
....but the accessories really bring it to life!
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I always liked my white dress....
.....but now I love it. :-) On this dress I like to wear it pulled out wide to the front neckline, to give more of a "ruff" look.
The one thing I would change about the chemisette is how the ruffle droops a bit in the back. I think it might be too full? Or else needs to be made of a stiffer fabric- starching hasn't helped at all. :-/ Ah well, that's life- always room for improvement. :-)
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Wow, that really does make a big difference! So lovely! :D I especially love the addition on the green sash on your blue dress - it really makes that ensemble pop. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle! :-) This was actually the first time I paired the green sash with this dress; I agree with you- it's a combination that needs to be repeated. ;-)
DeleteI love how wearing a chemisette changes the look of the outfit drastically! I need to make one soon. I never realized how much I love the blue border print dress! It is gorgeous!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Esther!
DeleteSuch a lovely addition to your Regency wardrobe! Now I need one... :P
ReplyDeleteSarah G
http://pintucksandpinafores.blogspot.com/
Heehee! Thanks, Sarah! :-)
DeleteLove the addition of the chemisette! <3 While the dresses are all beautiful in themselves, the chemisette definitely does add a little something special each of these dresses!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun to see the change?! :-) Thanks!
DeleteThat's a lovely way to show the difference! I adore both looks, though chemisettes seem to add a Regency accent to the outfit.
ReplyDeleteThanks! :-)
DeleteOh I love how much of a difference the chemisette makes! So pretty. And of course the dresses, as you said, look lovely on their own, but the chemisette adds that touch of "pizzazz" that they need to really look complete. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Brigid
the Middle Sister and Singer
P.S. It was lovely meeting you, Gretel, and Kathryn at the Remembering WWII event! I hope we didn't talk your ears off. ;D
Thanks Brigid!
DeleteAnd no- you positively did NOT talk our ears off!! :-D It was an utter delight to finally meet all of you!! I hope we'll have a chance to meet again in the near future! :-)
Super cute! Makes me want to make one... :)
ReplyDeleteBest,
Quinn
It makes SUCH a difference! And I maybe I'm weird, but I like that the ruffle droops in the back. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the post, Lily! It does make a hugely intriguing difference!
ReplyDeleteAnd btw, I've been redoing my "Lovely Blogs to Read, etc." arrangement on my blog, and I was wondering if you have any sort of picture I could use as a button linking over here? Or do you have a preference as to a particular one already up that I could use? No rush... I've just been meaning to ask for a while. :)
Thanks, Heidi! :-) Feel free to use any of the pictures up on the blog- I don't really have a preference!- and thanks so much for featuring me, I'm honored! :-)
DeleteThanks, Lily! How is this? And I think I got the link-y thing to work right.... (Hopefully, it's the first time I've tried it. :))
DeleteHi I just found your blog, and everything looks amazing, but these regency dresses are seriously the best! I mean I don't really like regency dresses I'm more of a bustle girl but these are really inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Tiffany! :-)
Delete