Friday, May 4, 2012

Off The Beaten Track: Dressing To The Nines, Erin Grace

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.

In fact, my muse has been working overtime at the moment. I have just signed a five book deal with UK publisher, Knox Robinson! My first book will be a Christmas special edition, and I’ll have more details to follow soon.

If you would like to check out Erin's current book, click here.

10 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. Thanks 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!)

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  3. Hi ladies..yes, it does give you some respect for how women managed a household and children...especially those without the help of a maid.

    Erin xo

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  4. Hi Erin,
    Your 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 :-)

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    1. Thanks, Lou...I can't wait for the conference either! lol

      And, thank you for the congrats..I've always treasured your support...xoxo

      Erin...

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  5. Hi Erin
    I 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

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    1. Thanks, Cathleen...I'm slowing working my way through different era's...lol
      I 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

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  6. 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...

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    1. Hi 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

      Erin xo

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  7. 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.

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