Dresses

[sioneva]

Considering that it's been seven YEARS since I last wore a dress, the fact that I bought TWO WHOLE DRESSES this weekend is a shocker. Unlike the fabulous fats over at Fatshionista, they are maxi dresses (I don't care if short people are only supposed to wear short skirts) and I need a new pair of sandals to wear with them to work, really, but I'm

Comments

[rhiannon76]

What manner of bloomers are you interested in? My friend crescentwench has an Etsy shop (Mythdemeanor!), and while I don't think she has any bloomers in her standard stock, she's a great seamstress and does a lot of custom orders, often for {neo-}Victorian, vintage, and costumey pieces. Plus she's a fabulous fat herself, so she knows how to tailor for a curvy body.

[sioneva]

I'm thinking something just below the knee and not too crazy ruffly and in a fairly light fabric, so that it's not too bad in the summer...

[sioneva]

Something like this but not so ruffly: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45501413/womens-taupe-steampunk-linen-bloomers

[rhiannon76]

Would you want them loose and baggy like that, or would you be open to something fitted in a stretchy fabric, like this (these are stretch velvet, but she does them in cotton-lycra too)? They're cute, easy to move in, and not quite so ruffly.

The steampunk ones you listed above would be super easy to make, especially if you're downsizing the ruffles.

[sioneva]

Those stretchy ones could be nice too - it's hard to know which I'd prefer without actually trying them on!

If the stretchy ones were light enough in weight, that would probably work well and ride up less.

[rhiannon76]

That kind of cotton-lycra is about the same weight as what you'd find in bike shorts, if that helps. Thick enough to be sturdy and stay in place, but breathable.

[sioneva]

That would probably work really well - is it easier if I contact your friend directly or would it be better for you to pass on my e-mail, etc.?

[rhiannon76]

If you're interested in the stretchy ones from Kathleen Crowley, just contact her directly as I don't know her personally-- my friend Molly (dreadful_red) apprenticed with her for several years while working on her MFA, so I've heard a lot about her and seen some of her pieces in person to know they're good quality, but we haven't ever actually met.

If you're thinking of doing a custom order for more Victorian-style ones with Sandy at Mythdemeanor, she's one of my neighbors and a real-life friend, so you can tell her I sent you, but you might as well contact her directly as well, either through LJ or Etsy.

Happy bloomering!

[noirem]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47330107/bayou-bloomers-rustic-ruffle-pantaloon?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=bloomer&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title... )

[noirem]

and this seller says she can make them in other fabrics and sizes: http://www.etsy.com/listing/25005651/knickers-fits-up-to-40-inch-hip-other?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=pantaloon&ga_search_type=&ga_page=3&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

[mslaynie]

I cannot recommend Monistat Chafing Gel enough for this sort of thing. It puts a very light silicone layer on your skin, feels like a fine powder, and keeps you from rubbing your thighs raw together. Amazing stuff, seriously.

Also, strangely enough, it's a kick-ass foundation primer as well, comparable to Smashbox's Photo Finish foundation primer. They actually are an almost identical formula, ingredients-wise. Who knew?

[sioneva]

I've heard about some products like that - didn't realize there was one more easily available than in a specialty sports store.

Will look into it for pre-bloomer wear!

[sioneva]

I don't sew (well, more than a straight seam) - it's one of my projects that I'll get around to eventually!

Thanks for the links!

[mslaynie]

Holy crap, you have just solved my skirts problem. Seriously... I think I love you.