Style Inspiration

Hello again,

It is that time of year again when the Ohio Renaissance Festival is around the corner (weekends September 1st- October 31st 10:30 am - 6 pm).  When you are frequently informed that " I saw/ heard a commercial for the Ohio Renaissance Festival and thought of you."  You have to make it an annual event with your best friend.  Naturally me being me I have to get dressed up.

Last year, when I went in October it was hot!  The ensembles that I make are on the fantasy princess side, which tends to be on the warmer side.  This year I decide to come up with something low key for warmer days, and Josefina is ecstatic.This year I will be going as my Dungeon and Dragons wizarding moon elf character I created, Lailanna.  That's not why Josefina is ecstatic though.  Her fashion style is my inspiration for this year's costume.

The reason is because of the Rebozo,  a long flat garment used mostly by women in Mexico. It can be worn in various ways, usually folded or wrapped around the head and/or upper body to shade from the sun, provide warmth and as an accessory to an outfit. It is also used to carry babies and large bundles, especially among indigenous women.

I am a problem solver, and the main concern for this year is...

"Between being at the outdoor Renaissance Fair all day, my hyper sensitivity to the sun this year and my elf ears, how do I contend with the sun while keeping with my character."

I will be packing sunblock of course. But I cannot wear a hat and my walking stick not my parasols is more appropriate for a traveling elf.  Around this time I was reading through one of my History of Fashion books.  I was on the Hispanic-Latin American section, that mentioned rebozos.  Upon reading this I remember pictures and descriptions from the Josefina books about the various ways of it being worn, one of which was as a hood.  Afterwards the rest of the costume design fell into place.  Like my pirate costume from about 2 years back, I will be piecing it together from what I already have.  The only exceptions are the rebozo I ordered and is on its way, and Charm Patterns Rita Top that I plan on making.  Again very low key. 

With going the warmer days route the weekend theme selected for this year is the "Fantasy Weekend" of September 22nd.

More details in the coming weeks.  Until then here are some rebozo modelling pictures.