Phase 1 - Red Diva Anglaise
So in between lots of drama such as my car dying (the battery dying really), getting a case of food poisoning, packing away the Christmas stuff and the diva being it's Diva self, I did manage to get my red silk robe à l'Anglaise into wearable condition for the Twelfth Night party in Williamsburg. Not finished mind you, I still have all the trimming on the skirt to do, but close enough to feel like a very pretty, pretty princess.
It helped that I was having a very good hair day of course. I think I've discovered the secret to a Pouf hairstyle - a shower scrubie! Seriously it worked like a dream. I put my hair in soft curlers, letting them dry overnight. I then teased my hair at the roots, made a little bun at the top of my head, secured the scrubie to that and started pinning my hair up and over to cover it, starting in the back, then the sides, then the front. Masses of hair spray later and I had a Pouf. Yay! The scrubie was great because I could put the bobby pins right in it and it was lightweight on my head.
The party was nice, all in candlelight and with period correct food, drink and diversions. I was still a little wary of rich foods but I did venture some rum punch (I think it was rum) and the rich Queen's cake. Yum! The beginning of a migraine that I left the party with and the 2-hour drive home (I couldn't stay the night) was a bit brutal but thanks to the alcohol in my system, and pulling off the road for a little 5 minute power nap about Ladysmith - I got home safe and sound. Ah, life - always an adventure!
All the pics are here, including close-ups of my frock and hair:
http://www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2010.0109/album/index.html