Afternoon tea
Had a lovely time doing overwrought-dress-up tea at the Georgian this afternoon. I specifically wanted to wear something more or less 18th-century-ish in this setting, and doing that with other people who are dressed to the nines is way more fun.
My outfit: jacket by Funhouse via Pyramid Collection; "chemise" (actually a voile tunic top) from April Cornell; skirt from J. Peterman; stockings from Sock Dreams; shoes from Value Village; vintage gloves from Lucky Vintage; base of hat from Lucky Vintage, with trim added by me; earrings from Fred Meyer; pearls from my husband as a Valentine's Day gift, a rope twisted into a choker and tied in back with satin ribbon; baroque pendant from BellaLilli on Etsy.
The outfit was intended to have the general feeling of something 18th century, but I didn't go full-out with foundations or hair--that felt like a bit much for afternoon tea, and in any case maneuvering myself in and out of the car and driving in pocket hoops and corset wasn't appealing. I think it worked overall.
A closer look at the hat, jewelry, and makeup. The hat is a 1950s black velvet "saucer" hat, but I realized the shape would work for an 18thC. "shepherdess"-style hat with some trim. So I curled a few ostrich feathers, made a bow with some wallpaper-medallion-pattern ribbon, grabbed a silk rose from my stash, and put it all on the hat. I was also really pleased with the makeup: matte eyeshadows in pale yellow, medium pink, and soft reddish-brown, with medium matte gray as liner; bright matte claret rouge with a pink tone; and sheer berry-wine lipcolor over deep pink pencil. (Plus soft buttery yellow nail polish, though you can't really see that.)
Here is a glimpse of the restaurant decor and why I wanted to do 18th century there:
(I meant to take more shots than this--and thought I had--but I was so busy enjoying myself that apparently I never got around to it.)
Tea was very good (the best I've had there, actually--they've improved the scones and the sandwiches--though it still falls short of the Queen Mary's food), and the company was gorgeous and excellent.
Predictably, we inspired all sorts of comment and furtive gawking, though to their credit not from any of the staff. Best moment when was a gaggle of little girls having a birthday party approached us with their mothers, one of whom said, "They really love your outfits--could we take a photo of them with you?" Of course we said yes.
I had SUCH a good time, and I do not want this to be my last effort at playing dress-up here. I am attempting to plot something for a final going-away event, which if I can make it happen will be intended for as many people as possible. I just really want one more chance to wear something outlandish with friends and community. We'll see.
My outfit: jacket by Funhouse via Pyramid Collection; "chemise" (actually a voile tunic top) from April Cornell; skirt from J. Peterman; stockings from Sock Dreams; shoes from Value Village; vintage gloves from Lucky Vintage; base of hat from Lucky Vintage, with trim added by me; earrings from Fred Meyer; pearls from my husband as a Valentine's Day gift, a rope twisted into a choker and tied in back with satin ribbon; baroque pendant from BellaLilli on Etsy.
The outfit was intended to have the general feeling of something 18th century, but I didn't go full-out with foundations or hair--that felt like a bit much for afternoon tea, and in any case maneuvering myself in and out of the car and driving in pocket hoops and corset wasn't appealing. I think it worked overall.
A closer look at the hat, jewelry, and makeup. The hat is a 1950s black velvet "saucer" hat, but I realized the shape would work for an 18thC. "shepherdess"-style hat with some trim. So I curled a few ostrich feathers, made a bow with some wallpaper-medallion-pattern ribbon, grabbed a silk rose from my stash, and put it all on the hat. I was also really pleased with the makeup: matte eyeshadows in pale yellow, medium pink, and soft reddish-brown, with medium matte gray as liner; bright matte claret rouge with a pink tone; and sheer berry-wine lipcolor over deep pink pencil. (Plus soft buttery yellow nail polish, though you can't really see that.)
Here is a glimpse of the restaurant decor and why I wanted to do 18th century there:
(I meant to take more shots than this--and thought I had--but I was so busy enjoying myself that apparently I never got around to it.)
Tea was very good (the best I've had there, actually--they've improved the scones and the sandwiches--though it still falls short of the Queen Mary's food), and the company was gorgeous and excellent.
Predictably, we inspired all sorts of comment and furtive gawking, though to their credit not from any of the staff. Best moment when was a gaggle of little girls having a birthday party approached us with their mothers, one of whom said, "They really love your outfits--could we take a photo of them with you?" Of course we said yes.
I had SUCH a good time, and I do not want this to be my last effort at playing dress-up here. I am attempting to plot something for a final going-away event, which if I can make it happen will be intended for as many people as possible. I just really want one more chance to wear something outlandish with friends and community. We'll see.