Tricia Riley, April 2013
Tho’ I have no idea why, since my pre-teens, I have had a fascination with female period dress, especially formal long gowns with crinoline skirts.
Today marks the fulfillment of owning such a garment. Unlike “days of yore” when communications were so primitive, today with the Internet and on-line shopping, Tricia Elizabeth Riley (AKA “Lady Patricia of the Highlands”) has completed her first “dress rehearsal” in a lovely 1700’s style ball gown. A crinoline underskirt would have been too hard to store, so the fact this wonderful creation has collapsible side panniers has more than made up for this.
The colours are a deep pink underskirt and ivory overskirt and top. The bodice is a paisley-covered combination of these colours and features a rose at the bust.
Thus, as soon as practicable this morning, Tricia got herself made up, attached her breast forms and dressed in her best corset and lingerie. Then came the challenge of the dress for the first time. The panniers were tricky for a start, but Tricia soon worked those out.
Then THE moment. On with the dark pink underskirt over the panniers, then the ivory overskirt and detachable “velcroed” bodice. The sleeves are only ¾, so the pink long sleeve gloves purchased to hide the arm hair were a good and necessary investment.
Thence, to the “crowning glory” ― curly blond “Marie Antoinette” wig, long dangly pink and rhinestone earrings,(to match the dress) and a glittering rhinestone necklace. In order to complete the “off to the 17th century ball” picture, a pink with white feather “masked ball mask” was put in place.
The entire dress creation was made for me by E.T. Costumes in Melbourne, Australia. The owner, Christine, did a fabulous job at a very reasonable price.
Will someone please pinch me. Surely I am dreaming all this and I will wake up soon!!. But no… it is for real…
Crossdressing nirvana has been achieved!
Hugs to all!!
Lady Patricia
2016 Update: Sadly Christine passed away after she made this lovely outfit for me. The photo was taken about a month after I wrote about wearing the dress for this first time. This was the first of three professional makeovers by a genius makeup artist, who again, sadly for Tricia has since moved interstate.
P.S. Being a “glutton for punishment,” about a year later I bought a gorgeous “Scarlett O'Hara” Civil War gown from Recollections Inc. in the USA.
If anyone is interested in “Chapter 2” of this “tale,” happy to provide same.
Calling all girls! My open invitation to post your favorite photo along with the story behind it and the reason it is your favorite photo still stands, so don't be shy, send me your fave foto. ― Stana
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