Winner!

Sorry for the delay everyone! I got a little sidetracked by a phone call from the police talking about firemen being at my place. Don't worry, no injuries or anything, but still waiting on the damage report.

But, on to the winner. Click the Read More! link to find out who won.





I'll send the winner an e-mail later today and thanks everyone for entering! I loved all your entries.

May the muse be with you,

Ivy Frozen

Victoriana

I find it interesting that many of the issues around now, that seem so new and current, were issues in the previous century and even the one before that. Take for example, fast fashion. We take it as a sign of the times, but fast fashion was shaking up the fashion world long before designers rushed to complete seasonal collections. Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to the Victorian at the moment. Click the Read More! link to find out more about Victorian Fashion.

The Victorian era was named after Queen Victoria of England who reigned from 1837 to 1901. In the early part of the Victorian era, fashions lasted about a decade, but as communication and production were sped up, fashions soon lasted only a year or two. Before 1851, all clothes were entirely made by hand, making clothes expensive. Only the rich could afford to have a large wardrobe. But in 1851, the sewing machine was invented. Clothing was able to be made quicker and cheaper. Department stores spread. Ready made clothing was available in stores by the end of the century at prices the masses could afford. Of course, the wealthy still had their clothes custom made.

Since dresses were expensive, many of the excessive layers we associate with the time were designed to protect the dress. Undersleaves, camisoles, and attached shields protected dresses from sweat stains. Ruffles were attached to hems to pick up the worst of the dirt and mud from the streets. The ruffles could then be replaced. A plain petticoat was worn to protect skirts from a hoop skirt, with a fancier petticoat worn over for when the skirt bunched up.

Because dresses were so expensive, a woman did what she could to protect them. Decorative undersleeves could be slipped under the dress sleeve to just above the elbow to protect hems. Fancier gowns which didn't allow for a camisole, had shields sewn into the bodice to protect the material from perspiration stains. Ruffles were sewn into the hems of outdoor dresses. Even with the hem of the dress in front, they fell about 1/8th of an inch below the hem in back. The ruffle picked up the worst of the mud and dirt from the street, and could be replaced much easier than the whole skirt.

The wealthy, on the other hand, didn't have as many qualms about replacing their frocks. In 1858 Charles Worth made a collection of designs that weren't commissioned by an particular patron. He presented his collection on live models, and then people bought is designs. Until that time, fashion details and changes were suggested by the customers. He was a big hit.

Disposable fashion was also popular with the wealthy. Lovly dresses made from fragile materials were made, intended to be used only once or twice and then tossed. Excessive trims and decorations were used on dresses, which was also quite wasteful. Then as today, conspicous consumption and waste were seen as marks of great wealth and status. Yes, those wealthy Victorians were pimpin'.

It seems fitting the Victorian period is the start of the modern world, at least in my mind. Perhaps that's also why the steam punk style seems to be becoming increasingly popular.

This dress was inspired by the Victorian Period and lolita dress. It's actually two pieces: an overdress and an underskirt.

The underskirt has three rows of ruffles down the back, but only one ruffle in the front along the hem. I do have enough fabric left to make another of these for my shop, but it seems I won't add anything to the shop until the end of the semester. If you'd really like this dress though custom made to your size, just send me an e-mail, comment, or message.

References and Further Reading (& looking):

Dressing the Victorian Woman

Fashion Era.com: Early Victorian Costume History

Victorian Fashion

Long live Queen Victoria,

Ivy Frozen

En Trees--Closed

The entries for my LBD contest are after the jump. This post will be updated as entries come in, so you can all see the competition, er, entries and know what your number is for the random number generater-draw-thing. If you decide you want to change your entry, you may up until the deadline. And you may want to check on your entry to be sure you sent me the right file etc.

*NOTE* Allow a day or two for your entry to appear here.

So basically if i were 2 win I would wear both pieces at the same time with a pair of purple faux suede ankle boots, a purple belt and if its cold enough a purple beret! Considering i'm only a student and becoz i've pretty much used alot of purple, i would accompany the ensemble with a black leather backpack/purse, some pearl stud earrings to keep with the classic style the dress radiates, a pearl necklace as well as pink lips and purple eye makeup!

#1 Cypriotchick




On the left is the skirt. I would pair it with a green tank and a turquoise cardigan. (to pick up the green hues in the cardigan) Under the skirt I would wear green tights under a pair of fishnet tights. The necklace depicted is an old locket that was my grandmother's to throw in a little vintage flair.

On the right is the top. I love the sophistication of a tailored sleeveless top. I would wear it tucked into a pencil skirt with a fun, floral print (although my drawing skills leave something to be desired). To add more color, I would wear a coordinating bracelet of some sort.

#2 Nicki

So why I chose the looks (provided in the attatchments) are because they
are very close to my personal style, and The dress just fits right in to
what I would normally wear so easy.

The day look, which has the waistcoat and shirt is perfect for work or
college and still has a little puch with the hat/lace-up waist coat, and
I love oxford style shoes.

The night look is my own way of using a splash of colour with the bright
red shoes and Bow. I don't think too many accessories would work well with
that look and I think it'd be a perfect look for a christmas party, and I
love heels with a big platform (and my glasses).

#3 Megan

#4 BeesKnees

Ok so the pieces I've added to your wonderful creations are items I already own. I decided to draw them instead of pasting a bunch of photos together. Forgive me the colors didn't turn out well because I used markers, couldn't find color pencils.

For the outfit on the left I paired your skirt with a royal purple top with sleeves that are shirred down the middle from the shoulder to the arm. For jewelry I added a silver necklace that is just a bunch of circles linked together with chains. Shoes are faux suede wedge heels that have a bow on the front.

For the outfit on the right I paired your top with a powder blue pleated skirt that has beaded designs and horizontal pleats near the bottom. Added is a black fitted jacket with black and blue pinstripes, black heels with little bows and blue stitching, and some silvery white flower chained hoop earrings and matching bracelet.

#5 Kim



May Lady Luck be with you; winner will be announced on Halloween,

Ivy Frozen

LBD Contest--Ended; Winner Announced 10/31

Yay! It's here! Win a little black dress made by me. But since it is made by me, you know there has to be some twist to it, not just an ordinary LBD. Click the Read More Link! to find out more about it and how to win it.

As I mentioned before, black is a tough color for me since it's a very pedestrian color. When I design my clothes, I want stuff that you can't find in stores. Pretty much any woman's clothing store has a LBD. Plus, I'm terribly girly and romantic. Black is the color of mourning. And, it's a safe color. And I associate it with Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, figures I associate with the boring "chic look", that makes fashion work instead of fun.

But, I decided all that isn't necessarily bad stuff. Black is a safe color, which is what makes it so versatyle. When I design clothes, I also consider that. I want my clothes to be able to have lots of wear. Plus, I can't say that I wouldn't like to channel an Audrey look or two, and Uncle Karl put out those awesome thigh high boots a few seasons ago.

So, without further ado, I present my vision of little black dress.

But, it's not actually a dress...

It's a skirt.

With inseam pockets.

Good size pockets.

A skirt holds its shape well even with something relatively heavy in its pockets.

And, it's a top.

A fairly plain top.

But, it takes decoration well.

And the zipper opens all the way, like a jacket.

It's made out of cotton, so it's a great base for diy, if you'd like to add your own permanent decorations. I left the neckline plain so blouses could be layered beneath or you could use a vintage collar. And you can always mix and match the top and bottom to your delight.

So, how do you win it?

I'm a curious little thing so, Show me how you'd wear it. An image is required. You could use polyvore or any image editing program. Send me the image (or a link) and I'll post them up on the blog in the order they're received. I've included some quickly photoshopped images for you to use. You can use the top, skirt, or both. You may use any of my images of them and photoshop them to illustrate who you'd wear it. You can also use none of my images and draw something to illustrate it. Whatever. Just show me how you would wear it. A short text elaboration on your entry is encouraged, but keep it short and to the point.

In two weeks, October 28th, I'll use google to find an online random number picker to select a winner. The folks who entered the FAILED contest will be entered in this draw as well if they comment again, since I can't find an e-mail for most of you. Just let me know you entered before for a bonus entry. Everyone else only gets one entry, so make it good.

But wait! There's more!

If there are a lot of entries, I will give away a second LBD to the set I like the best. Or even if there aren't a lot of entries, I may award a set I find outstanding. In other words, I reserve the right to add more prizes if I feel like it. So it's a good idea to spread the word about this little contest. It's also a good idea to do a good job on your entry.

When I receive the first entry, I'll start a post that will be updated with each entry as I receive it, so you'll know I got your entry and what your number is. I'll also try to reply to your e-mails.

More Details...

The set will be custom made to fit your measurements. I will ship internationally, though you're responsible for any customs fees etc. I'm not adverse to certain customization options. If you win and would like something in the set changed, ask. It may cost extra or it may not.

Post questions or comments about the contest on this blog entry, and check it for replies. Similarly, if you have a question, check the comments to see if it was answered. That way, I won't have to answer the same question many times.

At the end of the contest, I'll post the set up in my shop so you can buy it if you love it.

So what you waiting for? Enter Now!

Handmade by me with love, care, and possibly a swear,

Ivy Frozen

ivyfrozen@att.net

FAIL

About that giveaway... I lost contact with Chick Downtown, the folks giving it away. As such, I feel horrible. Hence, the huge vacation. Well, that and I tend to get caught up in my sewing. But I miss blogging.

Fear not! I do intend to make good on the giveaway. I will giveaway a custom made dress by me. Since the contest was about a little black dress, I'm going to giveaway my take on it. As I avoid black in ready to wear dresses, I also am uninspired by it for the dresses I make. It took me a while, but I think I have created something that will appeal to a great many of you as it appeals to me. It's everything a LBD should be. It's cut out, and ready to be assembled after I finish some orders. Since it is a change in plans, I am going to open the contest again for a week or so. I will ship internationally, so non-US readers will be able to enter. Everyone who entered before will automatically be entered. I'll do my best to contact you all and make sure you care for the new dress before entering you.

So be on the lookout for that in the next week or so. Give you guys early warning so you won't miss it, having given me up for dead. And hopefully I'll make my return to blogging.

I hope you all will forgive me,
Ivy Frozen

Is it Wrong?

Is it wrong that I like to look at the shoes on costume sites? Is it wrong that I desire many of the shoes to wear everyday, not in costume? Is it wrong that I feel that way about some of the actual costumes too? Although with costumes it's usually a piece or two from it, since costumes are usually made poorly with terrible materials and fit.

And here is the rest of it. x

Buycostumes.com































Bordello is an offshoot line from Pleaser, designed to appeal to Burlesque performers and pin up girls. I pretty much love the whole line, but here's a few of my favorites.



Violette



Teeze



Siren



Whimsey



Cabaret



Saloon


I couldn't resist and bought the Bordello- Whimsey boots in red. They are the most perfect boots ever. Apparenty, the style is similar to the pair Violet wore in the A Series of Unfortunate Events movie. Violet has good taste. Unfortunately, it is etirely too hot to wear them out. So hot, everything's falling apart and melting around here. So hot, even I don't want to put on a dress and would rather walk everywhere in a bikini. It is hot. Look for them this fall.

Ivy has good taste too, or so she thinks,

Ivy Frozen

Giveaway: BB Dakota

A while a ago, I realized I had no LBD's, despite constantly buying dresses in blue or other colors because I had so much black in my wardrobe. Realizing this great oversight, I set out to correct it. And here's your chance to correct this oversight in your own closet or just to add to your steadily multiplying LBD collection. Chick Downtown is anxious to give one of you this dress. Click the Read More! link to find out how to get a free dress.

This LBD is made by BB Dakota, the people who made Bella's jacket from Twilight. We can't hold that against them though since they do make some cute stuff, including this dress. It's perfect to dress up or down or anywhere in between; a perfect piece to carry you through your day.

To win the dress, just live in the US* and leave a relevant comment on this post by July 25th. You've got 2 weeks. Comment on the post, my blog in general, Chick Downtown, tell me you want the dress. Anything that's relevant by 6 degrees of seperation or less.

Chick Downtown has a lot of cute stuff too, like their stuff from Loeffler Randall and Current/Elliot, so be nice and check it out. Loeffler Randall has some ethereal, floaty looking pieces that look like they hang well. Current/Elliot is all about the denim. They even stock vintage. Join their mailing list for a free $50 giftcard. Hellz yes. I mean, ergh... Well that is what I mean.

Be sure to check out their Twitter and facebook pages and follow them if you like them.

Is it YOUR day in the sun?

Ivy Frozen

* Sorry international readers; your day will come.

Loli-con

So it seems the lolitas are winning me over a bit. I mentioned the lolita's before, and how I felt their style was akin to mine while not being mine. But after making a more tuned down lolita dress for a friend of mine, I find myself wanting to add lolita details to my own dresses. While I'm inspired by the full on Japanese Lolita looks, I find myself wanting to try a sweet American Lolita look. American lolita, true to American sportswear, is simpler. More minimalistic, but still really cute. Many of the staples of lolita are things I already wear: bell shaped skirt, bloomers, sweet headwear. Why not try a whole lolita look? I haven't made the jump yet, but Lolita and the Victorian Era have definately been on my mind. Click the Read More! link to take a look at how that inspiration has translated and to see me slowly creeping closer. And check back tomorrow for a give away and diy tips for when you screw up.



The Loli's are COMING!

In the night,



the loli's stalk...



N i g h t m a r e C r e a t u r e s



With black holes



for Hearts.



Cutesy bows,



Glowing red eyes



Feasting on BUMS who sleep in the park



The Loli's are coming



so be Aware



The loli's are coming



touch one



if you dare



The Loli's are coming



you can't turn the tide



The Loli's are coming!



There's nowhere to hide.



I made all the dresses I'm wearing as well as the above dress my blond friend is wearing. The pictures of her in that dress are hers from Fanime.

Lolita Lovin',

Ivy Frozen