robinsnest | Longwood Gardens Edwardian Stroll

In the end I managed most of my sewing for our Longwood outing. I did not make a stock collar, but looking at Alice's super tall collar I don't think I have enough neck for it anyway. I also didn't make a belt, partially because I forgot, and partially because I did a quick sweep and didn't have any fabric that wanted to be a belt and sort of matched. I wore it with a brown ribbon, but it didn't matter because my shirtwaist is SO blousy it hung over it.

I got there super early because I'm always late and dammit. I wanted to be ontime. Dressed myself fully in the parking lot and was just figuring out how to fish my sunglasses out of the car with a bird wing on my hat when Adrienne and Mackenzie rolled in. I did film a very amusing (to me) clip of myself dressing in the parking lot as I was kidding myself that I would "vlog"

The weather was STUNNING. It was warm but with a steady cool breeze and low humidity it was super pleasant. The news claimed it was the nicest day of the summer and I'm tempted to agree with them.

Everyone else came mostly dressed so it was just a few min of gathering bits and picking up a Taylor in the parking lot before we headed inside to find more of our group. All in it was a group of about 20 breathing bodies, 3 of whom were Alice's ADORABLE 2 nieces and nephew who are visiting from the UK. Somehow Alice managed to perfectly costume five people in like a week..and they were perfection!

This is the picture of those who made it till 6:00 closing time, We had a lot of people arrive late and some who left early so I never managed one good group photo.

In terms of my outfit I'm hoping Amanda got some full length photos as I didn't really.

The sad but true reason is because I felt fat and uncomfortable and didn't WANT to ask someone to take my picture. :-/ all I see is that I'm a giant white blob. I have no waist. I wore Rob's 1860s cravat on a whim and regret it in every picture, it hides the insertion work I did on the shirtwaist. I had my hat tipped so far back you can't see the amazing wing and it looks like a cowboy hat instead.

I did however think everyone else looked stunning, and as someone who really enjoys photography I loved getting to take all their pictures. Alice and Amanda seem to be so perfectly lithe and elegant and made for this era. I had major lust for Amanda's super sharp jacket.

I think as a unit we were a stunning view at Longwood that's for sure. Looking forward to going back sometime.

For my next wearing of this outfit I want to finish a belt, lose 50lbs, and ponder some skirt embellishment. So many of the originals have it, but would it detract from the elegant line? unsure.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

hharris

You three look so cute in the matching fabrics! Nice insertion work on the blouse.

penwiper

Oh man, I understand that frustration when you get back at the end of the day, look and all the pictures, and realize that you had something at the wrong angle or too loose or whatever ALL DAY. Your hat is so pretty, though! And your blouse - I love what I can see of the insertion. :)

koshka_the_cat

I know you're not happy with it, but I love how it turned out! I think if you made the skirt waist (maybe with a belt) just a smidge higher, you'd get more of the line you want.

And I hate things noticed later--like my 1780s court dress that the zone front part was flapping around in alllll the good pictures...

mala_14

Wow! You all look great and that is such a lovely venue! I love the coordinating fabrics. You look fantastic in that pink and white! But also, I feel you on things not looking how you wanted them to. *hugs* It's frustrating.