October | 2014 | Fresh Frippery

Jareth the Goblin King and Toby Labyrinth Costumes

Posted on October 26, 2014 by freshfrippery

If you are a child of the 80s I’m sure you loved the Labyrinth movie and have been secretly wanting an excuse to wear a David Bowie wig. Well, when you are a parent you have the perfect opportunity to dress up in a Jareth the Goblin King costume, and have your baby “dance magic dance.” This is what happened today:

I think my son looks a little worried that I might be the real Goblin King.

Jareth has a pretty snazzy bedazzled blue coat he wears during the ballroom scene, but I didn’t have the time to make it (this year).

However, I thought, “Hey I have gray leggings! And black leather gloves! And countless frilly shirts!”

The best part about this costume is that it can be put together by something I call “closet diving,” except for the hair, which is a newly purchased “blonde rocker” wig from Amazon. (My son’s red and white striped romper is also from Amazon). The boots are Tavistocks from American Duchess. The blouse is vintage Gunne Sax. The vest is a cheapy Chinese corset with straps and a high back (links below).

Overall, I think the combination of lacy shirt, corset and heeled boots makes for a more femme Goblin King, but I don’t think Bowie would mind some genderbending. =)

You remind me of the Babe. What Babe? The Babe with the power.

I found this cool photo of me by Gaskell Ball. There are no special effects; I’m just standing in front of a purple light and the wig glowed!
Update 9/28/15:

Wow, it’s been nearly a year already, and people are still finding this post! I realized I didn’t link to the items I purchased so to make it easier for anyone who stumbles on to my blog, here are items I purchased on Amazon (affiliate links below) [links updated again on 11/5/18]:

This is the blonde “rocker” wig. I used it right out of the bag; it didn’t need styling: Long Rocker Wig – Mixed Blonde

I bought the red/white version of the Leveret velour striped romper which is sold out now but there’s a similar red/white set made by the same company as “Christmas PJs.“)

This is the corset-vest I used, but it runs small, so buy up 2 sizes: QinYing Women Black Classic Patterns Underbust Corset Top L The corset vest seems to be sold out as of 11/5/18 so here’s one exactly like it: Charmian Women’s Spiral Steel Brocade Waist Cincher

I bought my original leggings at a local store but bought these when I reword the costume in 2018: Satina High Waisted Leggings in Gray

My black leather gloves came from Ross but black leather gloves are easy to find on Amazon:
Women’s genuine leather gloves Black faux leather gloves

My boots are the gorgeous Victorian button boots called Tavistocks by American Duchess: Tavistock Victorian Button Boots

And finally, a crystal contact juggling ball! Clear Acrylic Contact Juggling Ball

Here’s a photo taken of me at a Halloween ball by Christopher Mobley. Happy Halloween!

Pretty Fabrics and Trims, CoCo Souvenirs and Costume College 2015!

Posted on October 14, 2014 by freshfrippery

I recently received this lovely sari trim in the mail. It will be part of a gown I am still accumulating materials for, but will become my Next Big Project. I love the golden threads and tiny pearls!

It reminds me that I’ve acquired a number of pretty things at Costume College, either in the vendor’s hall or the bargain basement, that I still haven’t posted about.

First up is some silk fabric! The cream fabric on the left is a very thick taffeta. There is not a lot of it, but it is rather sturdy, so I am thinking it could make a nice corset or stays. The fabric on the right is a striped yellow and light brown taffeta. I am not sure yet what it is going to become, but I am leaning towards a jacket or a fancy petticoat of some kind.

I also got a woven upholstery fabric. I like the color on both sides, and I will be cutting out some of the medallion motifs for the Next Big Project since the fabric is too heavy to use as is.

This is a netting trim, decorated with lace and polished cotton, that you might recognize as having found its way into my Gatsby Picnic Daisy Dress.

One of these vintage flowers, made in a country that no longer exists, was used for my Gatsby hat.

I also bought some yellow French ribbon from the same vendor, but didn’t end up using it on the hat. I did use it to tie up my hair for the gala.

From the same vendor I found this beautiful embroidered velvet ribbon. I have no idea what I am going to use it for, but I couldn’t pass it up! If anyone has some ideas, please let me know. Here is a picture of the front and back.

I also picked up some delicate green lace. I plan to cut apart the leaf motifs.

From the same vendor of vintage trims I bought this beaded lace. I have very little of it, so it may become a belt and cuffs on a dress.

At the Ladies Ascot Day tea party we were given yellow flowers to wear, commemorative notebooks and fake racing tickets.

This is the badge and the ribbons I accumulated. Since my friends and I were called the “Rowdy Table” at the tea, maybe we should pass out “Rowdy” ribbons next year.

I pre-ordered my 18th Century Hair and Wig Styling book, and had Kendra sign it at CoCo.

At CoCo we all received these purple tote bags to carry around our loot!

Here is the flyer for next year’s Costume College 2015! The gala theme is Handsome Heroes and Legendary Ladies. The ice cream social theme is Around the World in 80 Days. (Perhaps I could dress up my hot air balloon ensemble). The pool party theme is Atlantis (but I already have a secret group costume in mind). The tea party is Nancy Drew. I think that is a good excuse for a 1930s dress, but I don’t have one at the moment. Sunday morning is Breakfast with the Bennets, and I already have a regency gown I can wear, but will need a fichu. I’ve got a lot of sewing to do!