Costuming help?

[penk]

Okay - so chillguru reminded me that I'd really like to get a decent 'outfit' - something steampunky, and elegant. Looking for more the distinguished gentleman look, rather than the crunchy steampunky gypsy look.

The problem is, I'd rather not sink $700 into a single outfit (okay okay, my one elegant garb outfit... er... cost a lot more, but that was during the Golden Years of 1998-2000).

Stylewise, I'd like something very close to this: http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/vict_mens_16.php (though with a different color vest). I like the entire arrangement (I have a wool tophat 'somewhere', but tophats are... problematic for me. I barely fit in a door already :)

As soemoen NOT in the costuming / garb world - are their prices 'reasonable' for the quality / type I'm looking for? The coat is very difficult to make - so I understand that being expensive, but if I could do better on the shirt and pants (I already have a silver pocketwatch :) - that would be great.

Suggestions? Help? :)

Comments

[cutieperson]

get thee to Keezer's in Central. they have fabulous stuff.

[tamidon.livejournal.com]

that's what I was gonna say.

[penk.livejournal.com]

I've.. never heard of these folks. I shall go look. Thanks!

[chanaleh.livejournal.com]

Ooooh. Shiny things. :-)

The prices on the women's outfits certainly seem reasonable to me...

[penk.livejournal.com]

The women's outfits are much simpler - particularly those :) It's the 8-10 pieces I need to be Proper that are stacking up.

And who ever came up with the cravat-over-tabs design? How icky! :)

[fenicedautun.livejournal.com]

For the vest, I'd actually get something decent that you can also wear by itself or with a standard tux. Vest design hasn't changed terribly drastically, they can be very versatile (that way you can pick up another in a different color some later date) and very pretty. So, I'd probably get the vest at a slightly more upscale modern store (look at Nordstrom's, L&T, NM, Jos Banks, etc).

Shirt is your call. You can probably get away with modern formal pants. As you stated, the coat is the difficult/expensive piece. I also wonder if a swallowtail morning coat is the best line on you. Take a trusted friend when you go shopping and try on many different cuts (single vs double breasted, morning cost vs tails, etc)

[penk.livejournal.com]

Good idea on the vest and pants - I'll find some nice striped pants and vest (though finding a shiny red paisley vest may be tricky :) Could be a fun search at keezers though.

Thanks!

[candle-light.livejournal.com]

sorry, totally off-topic... but is there a number at the co-lo I might be able to reach marc at? or if you speak to him could you ask him to please phone home? thanks!

[penk.livejournal.com]

I'm home today, sorry :( :(

[candle-light.livejournal.com]

thanks, i finally reached him (death in the family).

[fenicedautun.livejournal.com]

I could actually see you in a black vest with some sort of color and silver brocade (maybe bright blue? red? purple?), which are generally available. I mostly don't tie myself to any one picture when aiming at a look...

[eclecticavatar.livejournal.com]

I also suggest retroscope fashions! I use them more often than any other specialty site for this kind of clothing.

[penk.livejournal.com]

Hmm. They seem to lean toward the goth side of things - not quite the styling I'm looking for. But thanks!