This week’s
Off The Beaten Track contributor is Erin Grace, who likes to escape the ‘real
world’ of sales and marketing to immerses herself in unfolding tales of dire
circumstance, brave heroines, unscrupulous villains and, of course, passionate
hot-blooded men. When not writing, Erin indulges in her love of home-style food
by teaching her children to cook. Erin lives with her husband and three sons in
the beautiful Blue Mountains of Australia. You can find Erin on her blog here.
My love of
everything historical hadn’t started with writing romance. For many years, I
have been entranced by the world of lace and lace-making, secretly wishing that
fashions would change and I would have the opportunity to wear those fabulous
clothes of the mid 1800’s and beyond.
But,
unless we can convince every fashion designer on Earth to embrace bustles and
sprig muslin, it isn’t going to happen. But, I’m not the type to let a little
thing like that stop me.
You see, I’m
the geek at romance conventions, fantasy expo’s, and historical re-enactment
days who runs around all day dressed in anything from an 1850’s crinoline to a
13th century Celtic wench, a medieval maiden, and an 1880’s polonaise--just to
name a few!
As an
author, I love to create characters and places in my books, but adore indulging
my passion for dressing up in the different periods every chance I get.
Not only
do I look different, I feel different. Sounds strange perhaps, but it’s true.
Just ask anyone at those Sci-fi and comic book conventions. Why do we do it?
Why do we spend an inordinate amount of time, patience, and money designing and
perfecting costumes?
Simple. It’s
very satisfying, especially from a writer’s point of view. Personally, it
allows me to experience what it might have been like for one of my heroines.
Ever spent
eight hours in a crinoline, complete with a full complement of underskirts,
corset, stockings, period-style shoes and all the little accessories? I have.
And, as an historical romance author I learned a great many things.
Stairs don’t
come easy – going down a staircase is frightening enough, but going up one is
downright treacherous. I have little doubt that a common cause of death and
serious injury in those days of fashion were attributed to stairs.
Running
isn’t an option – unless you added tripping and falling to your list of
potential injuries. I believe that ladies walked or sashayed with a modest pace
not only to look demure but to literally save their necks. Neither would
jumping on horseback, swimming fully clothed, or many other situations be
feasible whilst wearing the average daily garb.
Going to
the ‘ladies convenience’ is also an adventure in itself. I’ll spare you the
details, however, let me just say that modern cubicles simply don’t cut the
mustard. Though, in truth, attempting to relieve yourself behind a folding
screen, whilst trying to balance over a chamber-pot (with the help of a maid),
wouldn’t have been a delight either.
Apart from
the interesting ‘first hand’ experience, I love how wearing my crinolines or
polonaise (1880’s bustle-style dress) engages people’s interest and sparks
conversation, not only in the clothes but in reading, writing, and the
historical periods they like. For me, dressing up is just another way of
feeding my imagination and inspiring my muse.
Thank you for sharing your fun photos along with the story! I've always wondered how the early immigrant women of Australia handled the heat and the sea voyage in that constricting clothing. They must have been made of hardy stuff!
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a fun post, Erin! What a great way to really get into the head of your characters (and a fun way to take a break from "real life!)
ReplyDeleteHi ladies..yes, it does give you some respect for how women managed a household and children...especially those without the help of a maid.
ReplyDeleteErin xo
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteYour costumes are always a highlight for me. At last year's RWAust conference you went from a 1920's flapper to a crinoline clad belle in the space of 24 hours. Fantastic! Can't wait to see what you come up with this year. Congratulations on your contract with Knox. You know I'm one of your biggest fans :-)
Thanks, Lou...I can't wait for the conference either! lol
DeleteAnd, thank you for the congrats..I've always treasured your support...xoxo
Erin...
Hi Erin
ReplyDeleteI think the first picture suits your look the best. Now I'm convinced you are a reincarnation from the period. I'd also love to see a pic of you in 1300s clothing. I'm writing in that period at the moment.
Thanks for the fascinating blog. You should think about doing a workshop at one of the conferences with all those outfits.
Best
Cathleen
Thanks, Cathleen...I'm slowing working my way through different era's...lol
DeleteI wouldn't mind doing one in conjunction with a dear friend of mine who is an expert on costumes, and who is also a curator of vintage clothes exhibitions. She recently did one on Ladies Edwardian Undergarments!
Erin xo
Hi Erin, what a fun way to research your characters :D and a great excuse to dress up. Enjoyed this post and I now have a healthy new respect for chamber maids and chamber pots! Modern technology and dress is great but there was a definite romantic flow to dress styles back then - no matter how uncomfortable they were...
ReplyDeleteHi Juanita...I definately have to agree with you about how different the clothes make you feel - and how others react to them. I had noticed when dressed in my crinoline, gentlemen would be more attentive, obliging and helpful...hmm..maybe I should wear one around the house...lol
DeleteErin xo
Gosh, I'm so behind on reading my own blog, and now I know what I've been missing! Erin, what a fun, fabulous post and what a fun hobby---dressing up in all that fancy garb and not only reliving and researching the old days but also providing plenty of entertainment and education for those around you. I agree, you need to do a workshop (read: near me in D.C.)! And wow, the high point of your piece---the 5-book contract!! Wheeee----big congrats!! I feel like you're taking us along for the ride! Thanks so much.
ReplyDelete