I am the same way. I will shop with my mom because up until a year ago I was a minor and my mother wanted any excuse to spend time with her teenage daughter. As a brake during studying for fall finals I would look at Pinterest and fabric websites trying to pick and asked my high school friend for her opinion on things. She was very little help. I have come to one conclusion the waistcoat or vest is going to be made of night jade silk tissue taffeta. I have spent about a month trying to pick the walking suit fabric and color. The one problem I have is that my sensitive skin breaks out in rashes every time I touch wool. I really want to use a wool suiting but and too scared to make an beautiful outfit for a pretty penny and breakout in a rash.

thank you I’ll look it up 🙂

Hi Amanda,
They are simple “cabochon” roses made from ribbons. Basically gathered on one long side of ribbon length then rolled around and tacked to a square of crinoline to hold. You can find instructions on YouTube I’m sure, or in Candice Kling’s wonderful book. 🙂

I say: Follow your heart! And nature truly is the best inspiration for colors. 🙂

My art teacher once told me to learn the rules and then learn how to break them. I didn’t understand what he meant at the time. One of my favorite purses started with an orange that was almost that bright hunter orange. I finally used a deep red and a light green binding with it, which I was drawn to despite thinking they clashed. I mean, the red looked good with the orange, and the green looked good with the orange, but that green with that red made me cringe a little. A couple days later, out on a walk, I looked down and saw a fallen maple seed that was orange, red, and green. I took it home and it matched my purse colors EXACTLY.

Since then I have chosen many combinations that do not match the recommendations of a color wheel, and they still work. Often I choose the dominant color, then two colors that match the base, but not necessarily each other, like with the maple seed purse. My favorites are always combinations that also occur outdoors. Next time you see a beautiful sunset, really identify the colors. There are some truly ugly colors in beautiful things! When trying colors together, put things next to each other that you think do. not. match. Pastel blue with saturated pink? Two kinds of stripes? I know someone who tried on a skirt and top and said delightedly, “Doesn’t it clash beautifully?”

Given a chance to make my own historical costume, I will probably find a half dozen color combos I like, then be forced to choose one based on fabric availability!

The Victorians certainly did have some unusual color combinations!