An Evening Gown and Writing

My daughter made these gowns in the same style but painted them differently. I think the one on the right is more vibrant, but if I were to wear one, would choose the softer toned one.

I have so much going on in each chapter. I hope it is not overkill and will have my reader putting down the book. I once read a book with so many plots and so many people in it that I was shocked when two of the characters got together at the end. I thought she had been working with another man to uncover espionage in France. 

Although I finished the book I wondered what exactly had happened and how I had missed the main plot.

A picture and a scan of the same gown and Writing

  

So between scanning the gowns and taking pictures of them, I think I have found a way to show them in the best light. The two gowns shown are actually the same one. The one on the right is a picture and the one on the left is a scan. The one on the right does not seem as washed out. The color looks just like the original drawing and watercolor gown. Which one do you like better?

I am so close to finishing the first chapter. It has been hard. It has to be gripping and hold the audience but at the same time set up the story and future conflicts along with their resolutions 

But even as I write that I know that there are multiple re-writes ahead. It makes no difference. I keep writing. In the back of my mind looms the thought. What if I never finish? What if what I am writing is never good enough? But thoughts like that don't stop me. If writing is only a hobby of mine, then it is one I enjoy. If, at some point, people like my work, and I am able to publish this book and others, then that will be a bonus. 

Green striped day gown.

This gown would be considered a morning gown which basically means it is what was worn during the day until dinner. This one is a bit of a lower cut than what would have been worn unless it had a shawl to go with it. Homes in England in the early 1800’s were cold and drafty.

These morning gowns would also have long sleeves. They would be constructed of sprigged or plain muslin or wool (which would keep one nice and toasty). Sometimes they were even referred to as a “round gown” meaning that the bodice and skirt were made from an uncut piece of material.

Now if you were going to go out, you needed a “walking dress”. It could be short or long-sleeved depending on the weather. And it had a shorter hem so as not to gather dust, dirt or debris from walking on the cobblestone paths.

These gowns usually had coordinating pelisses or spencers. A pelisse was a longer coat and the spencer was a shorter jacket type article of clothing covering the bodice and arms.  

Epaulettes in 18th century fashion/Green gown

In England in the late 18^th century to the early 19^th century it was remarked that it was hard to discern the wealthy from the poor. Hard but to the trained eye one could easily see the economical state of a person by the clothes they wore. The rich had brighter colored attire and more decorative dress than the poor. The rich also had well-tailored clothes fitting them snuggly.

The poor wore the discarded clothing of the rich which was most likely ill-fitting and duller than a newly purchesed piece of material commissioned for a specific gown. 

This gown is in the style worn in the Regency Period showcasing a type of epaulettes that became fashionable during the War with France—the green color symbolizing prosperity (ultimate victory) with the black ribbon in memory of those who died in battle.

Another Version of the Pink Ball Gown and Writing

Writing is such hard work. It is also very lonely. When you write a great line, there is no one to whom you can go and say. "Hey isn't this one line great?"  No one wants to read one line and one line doesn't make sense unless you have read the above lines and can put it into context.  

That is why I love these dresses that my daughter designed. Here is another version of the same ball gown from my last post. I like this one better but just by a little bit. Both are amazing.         

Pink Ball Gown

Could you imagine having a closet full of ball gowns and all the accessories that went with each one?  Not only the undergarments, but you would need matching gloves, slippers and ribbons for your hair. 

Here is a ball gown that my daughter made for my main character, Lady Diana Pemberton for my book “A Series of Scandals”

I know, I know it is not debutante white. For sticklers, it is not what would have been worn. All in white would be pretty to wear like a wedding dress in today’s times. But who wants to see various gowns all in white.

Plus who doesn’t love pink and the only thing better than pink is pink with lace and if that pink is silk. I love the lace split down the side and the intricate underskirt contrasting with the lighter pink overdress of the skirt. What do you think of the lines?

Did you notice how I haven't mentioned writing, I am still working on the first three chapters. 

What is an empire waist?

My daughter made another gown for my heroine to wear. I love the high waist often referred to as an empire waist gown.

The style of this gown goes back to the 18^th century, but only received its name in the 20^th century by those in Britain. At that time they called it “Empire Silhouette”.  Napoleon’s first wife – Empress Josephine de Beauharnais whether she was dedicated to fashion or not made this style very fashionable, not only in France but also in England.  

She popularized the style of a fitted bodice ending just below the bust or a couple inches below the bust. A gathered skirt below that is long and loosely fitted, skimming the body without numerous petticoats below makes for a flattering figure that doesn’t hold to the contours of the body.

This style is still seen in the fashion industry on the red carpets and runways.

If given the opportunity I’d wear this dress in a minute and actually wore a beautiful gown with an empire waist to my prom.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32