Social Observation from a Costumer

The three muses of Costume Design (according to me) are Observation, Research, and Bullshit. Observation and Research require more insight than a lot of people realize, a lot of creating a character is also looking into social behavior and history. It is in this context that I have pondered pantyhose deeper than I'd ever thought possible.

The Old Settler up at Writer's Theatre is set in 1940s Harlem. Stockings in the 1940s came in colors like "nude" but of course, it's my nude color, not the nude color of the ladies living in Harlem. So women with any skin color that didn't match Barbie walked around with funny-looking nylons. Nan Cibula-Jenkins, the costume designer, made the choice to have the girls' pantyhose match their skin tones to appeal to a modern eye. I supported the decision and went off in search of pantyhose with back seams in a variety of "nudes". No such luck. After hours on websites, in stores, on the phone, discontinued products and backordered colors, the best resolution was to buy back seam pantyhose in Barbie doll nude and dye them. I guess we haven't come so far after all.

Sad News for the Fashion World.

Alexander McQueen was so freakin' talented.

Tech Moksha.

Not only am I in tech, I am in two techs at the same time. Yes, it's crazy and I haven't been sleeping much or responsibly investigating the strange smell in the fridge. In fact, a friend's recent email captures my current state perfectly; "...dirty, delirious and living in your car, yelling things out in your sleep, "Lace!", "Size 11!", "Corset!" as you nervously tic like a heroin-addled combat vet. Awesome."

However, I've reached a level beyond exhaustion and stress because this week has proved how much I love my job. Despite all the insanity, there's nothing else I'd rather be doing and things are working out great. For every time I show up at a vintage store after closing, gods open a parking space. It's karma, damn it, and it's treating me nice.

Notes From Up North

I'm currently assisting on a production of The Old Settler at Writer's Theatre in Glencoe. Tonight was a designer run, and the lighting designer commented that you always know when a show's good from the minute you see it in the rehearsal room. And this one, friends, is good.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's true what they say about Chicago winter, it's bone-chilling cold. But it's also a big city, and this city girl has places to be and people to impress. I've finally found the secret. I got myself a pair of Timberland boots, ultra-cute black suede ones with a rugged sole that are waterproof and super toasty. I've been grabbing all kinds of big men's wool sweaters at thrift stores (I just found a fantastic Brooks Brothers argyle cashmere for $3) and wearing them over skinny jeans. Big wool sweaters. It's like being wrapped in a blanket all day. Warning: accessorize well so it doesn't look like you're wearing your boyfriend's clothes. Otherwise, cute boys will refrain from hitting on you and everyone else will roll their eyes with that "so that's where you were last night" look. Unless, of course, that is where you were last night.

A Vision in Plaid

I'm currently doing two projects in the 1940s, and it's such a beautiful period. This is just a bit of research to share. Enjoy.

Fab-o Chapeau

Have you ever seen such a sassy hat? I found this 40s hat at Shangri-La on Roscoe. And I'm in love.