HSF Challenge #8: By the Sea, or another favorite gets a revamp

As is evident from the title, the latest challenge is Seaside fashion and I admit I was momentarily at a loss as to what I should make. As I have no intention of going into the water unless it's absolutely necessary, a bathing costume was right out. Fortunately, the new corset and an upcoming impressionist picnic saved my metaphorical bacon. I have never been more thankful for my new corset making some of my costumes nigh on unwearable, because it gave me the excuse to redo my seersucker bustle dress. And boy howdy was it ever in need of a makeover.

This is the dress before the redo (note my cheerful demeanor)

 

And here it is after: 

If I look a little rumpled, it's because I had to get dressed very quickly so my mother could take the pictures before the light faded. I'm also laced a little looser than usual so there are a few wrinkles that wouldn't usually be there.

The bodice and overskirt are made of cranberry, cream, and periwinkle striped seersucker with baby blue trim. Because my new corset is a vastly different shape than my old one, I had to construct a completely new bodice. The pattern is Truly Victorian 4100 (their 1871 day bodice) and I had a few fitting issues with the neckline, which was a low square. So low, in fact, that when I tried on my first mockup, you could see my corset and chemise! Thankfully though it was easily rectified and the rest of it went together fairly easily. It's accented with twelve vintage glass buttons and a lavender bow.

The overskirt is Truly Victorian 305 (their bustled apron overskirt) and I had no issues with it whatsoever. It was going to have a ruffle of cotton lace, but I didn't feel up to pleating fourteen yards of the stuff.

The underskirt is Truly Victorian 261 (their-four gore underskirt) and is made of vintage peach faille that I snagged last year at Costume College for practically nothing. It's trimmed with a ruffle of cotton lace and more of the pleated baby blue ribbon. I'm not sure it goes completely with the rest of the ensemble, but it was the only  fabric I had at the time.

Now, on to the specs!

The Challenge: By the Sea

Fabric: Cotton Seersucker

Pattern: Truly Victorian everything

Year: 1875

Notions: Thread, buttons ribbon and trim

How historically accurate is it? Not terribly, only the trim and the buttons are sewn by hand

Hours to complete: Wasn't keeping track

First worn: Will be worn on the 28th of April where, hopefully, I will get better, non rumpled pictures of it.

Total cost: $20 for the trim and buttons, the fabric was already in my stash.

Next Post: Killing two birds with one stone or Challenge #9: Flora and Fauna