Live Out Your Fantasy With Tudor Costumes

Can't decide on what costume to wear at the party? Have you visited a myriad of shops but are still clueless as to what theme to pick? Why not consider Tudor costumes and experience the feeling of being part of the most renowned royal dynasty from the past?

Tudor costumes offer a variety of well detailed dresses, exuding the elegance and authority of the people in medieval times. The medieval costumes range from many famous medieval characters and can cater to both men and women of all ages.

Go Medieval With an Authentic Looking Renaissance Costume Right Out of the Middle Ages

Life in Renaissance times was more then drinking ale and chasing after maidens. Certainly you had the look the part if you were a knight or of you were a royal you had to wear that fluffy white Seinfeld shirt. Here's some tips for putting together a well thought out medieval costume.

For some reason, the medieval and renaissance times are ones people flock to for costumes. Maybe they stir up, the valor of the knights, the innocence of the maidens the romance, and the dreams of being swept away on a white horse and of course, the huge meals eaten with no utensils!

Choosing the Right Woman's Medieval Costume

Wondering what to be for this Halloween? Perhaps you should consider a medieval costume. These costumes are great because there's a style to fit everyone, whether you're petite or plus size. And, with the right accessories, your costume can stand out from the crowd.

Most woman's medieval costumes involve a dress or skirt, and the type usually defines the outfit. One piece dresses can be great for queens and princesses, and skirts paired with bodices and chemises can work for saucy tavern wenches and common peasant girls.

Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion The Burgeoning of the Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion Throughout the history of clothing

Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion

The Burgeoning of the Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion

Throughout the history of clothing, the headdress has been part and parcel of proper attire. It was an essential accessory on one's person ever since people began to develop a sense of clothing in medieval times going toward a more decorative trend in the duration of the Renaissance and even the next century after.

Perhaps wearing some sort of head covering emerged when mankind began declaring war on one another, primarily as a form of protection for the head. Eventually, when Christianity was introduced and spread throughout early medieval civilization, people, notably women, began to include some kind of head covering in their medieval clothing concerns.

Renaissance Clothing and the Evolution of Underwear

While times and clothes have changed so often and so radically, most of the concepts that birthed various articles of clothing have more or less remained the same. The concept behind underwear was to uphold a degree of modesty. Like now, back then there was no universal underwear rule and people wore what was comfortable, available-or nothing at all.

Ancient Bare Necessities

Not much documentation or clothing survives (woolen and linen garments rot after a few hundred years and no one ever thought writing about underwear was important). Getting a definite idea of what people wore beneath their clothes before medieval times can only come from what surviving mosaics or works of art there are, which aren't yet very realistic.

But in ancient times, Imperial Rome set the trend in everything, including what one wore beneath one's outer wear. Men and women alike were known to wear loin-cloths, probably made of linen. Women might have worn a lengthy band wrapped around their chests called a strophium or mamillare.

Top 10 Couples Halloween Costumes Ideas For 2009

This year you can choose a collection of couples costumes sure to be a hit at any adult Halloween party! There's something here for adults of all ages. If you're looking for ideas for couples costumes this year, here's our pick of the top 10 couples costumes for 2009.

1. THE FLINTSTONES

Fred and Wilma are back! Fred Flintstone is a fictional character who originated in the animated sitcom The Flintstones on ABC.Wilma is also a fictional character in The Flintstones. She was the red-headed wife of caveman Fred Flintstone.

2. PLUG & SOCKET

This is a favorite costume from previous years that continues to sell well. You'll get plenty of laughs with this couples costume selection.This couples costume includes black and grey socket costume and white plug costume with cord.

3. TOY STORY

The Toy Story couples costume remains a favorite for couples. After all, who wouldn't want a Woody?

4. BATMAN & SEXY ROBIN

The Batman and Sexy Robin couples costumes selection is sure to turn heads at your Halloween party this season.

5. VIKING AND PRINCESS

Nordic Viking and Princess - Turn back the hands of time to medieval days and the Viking Age, in particular, with a fabulous Viking Princess costume.

6. MOB SCENE

Gangsters are Back! You will surely feel good being a gangster with these gangster costumes. No matter if you're interested in a Playboy Gangster costume or a a gun and garter set,these kind of costumes will prove that sometimes it's good to be ba ba ba bad.

7. SCOOBY DOO

Fred and Daphne are Back! Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed is a 2004 film, and sequel to 2002's Scooby-Doo based on the Hanna-Barbera series classic, Scooby-Doo. Fred and Daphne are 2 dramatis personae in the Movie.

8. POPEYE & Olive OYL

Popeye and Olive Oyl are 2 fictional hero famous for appearing in comic strips and animated films as well as numerous television shows.

9. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

The fairytale continues!

10. BUSTED POLICE

DON'T joke Police,but in Halloween party, You're Busted!

If you choose to buy a costume rather than make one by yourself, you can find plenty of crazy top couples Halloween costumes in very good prices at online stores. For example, you may want Halloween costumes to turn you into polices, or you might want to look at some other sexy Halloween costumes ideas such as the "SHIPMATE CUTIE/ PINUP GIRL " costumes or NURSE KANDI SEXY COSTUME. There are ton of ideas out there, so have fun finding your choice!

Children's Medieval Costumes - Fun at the Renaissance Fair

Admit it or not, parents love to dress up their children whether it is an everyday staple or a big renaissance fair. Although most of children's medieval costumes should best stay on the runway, it is amazing to note that a great number of children could easily glide down to reality and wear renaissance costumes with flair and ease.

Contrary to what is believed that in order to crop up a good medieval costume painstaking handiwork is needed, what most people fail to realize is that they can make children's' medieval costumes and fancy dresses through the use of little creativity and resourcefulness. But, if you choose to purchase a tailored and custom-made one, local boutiques and online stores are the best pit stop.

Here are few children's medieval costumes for your little boys and girls:

Boys Medieval Costume
A renaissance king costume, a crusader, a knight, and a musketeer tunic are some of the great selections for your little boy. If your boy is going to play renaissance faire king for a day, then a bright maroon or red cape with black velvet doublet and pants will certainly lent character to a renaissance king role.

Other accessories that include a crown and a renaissance sword replica of either Egyptian bast or a Napoleon ceremonial sword will absolutely complete your renaissance king gear.

Girls Medieval Costume
For little girls, a renaissance queen or princess will certainly be a crowd's favorite.

You may have a difficult time narrowing your choices, but what is perfect for little girls is one that will show off either a regal as a queen character or a sweet as a princess attitude. The choices of color can be gold with bright yellow panels, which will shine through the rich and vibrant texture of the fancy dress.

About the author: David L writes for ShopCompareCostumes.com and shares his interest in dressing up with internet readers. He's been writing for costume and Halloween blogs since August 2007 and has been a blog author since September 2005.

He shares his ideas and recommendations about Children's Medieval Costumes and other holidays at Shop Compare Costumes. Sign up to receive our free costume newsletter for exclusive discounts, coupon codes, and how-to articles on halloween costumes!

Renaissance Costumes - Choose the Best Attire

The creative mind's re-invention of Renaissance Costumes is considered a delight to the senses and a gorgeous feast for the eyes. This is the reason why a lot of festivity hosts opt for a renaissance inspired gathering more than any other concept.

Creating a renaissance period atmosphere is a bit challenging especially if you don't have any idea how to provide a real Renaissance look. So, for those who want to know how to choose the best garb for a Renaissance feast, here are few tips to combine high fashion, elegance, and stunning design in one:

1. Search through various Renaissance Costumes found in books

This pertains to different periods and cultures that have a Renaissance touch. Many different books have pictures of various costumes that can be a great concept for your choice. The global zeitgeist reads something like this: take what's indigenous in a specific renaissance period/culture and put in individual and innovative elements to come up with your own vibrant, creative costume idea.

2. The service of a local couturier

You can only have the best garb if you likewise have the best designer to inject fun and flair and design innovation to traditional renaissance costumes. Having your own designer will allow you to choose preferred patterns and styles where you can also ask for a designer's fashion sense in terms of mix of colors, creative embellishments, and fancy details.

3. Consider online resources

With the latest technology thriving each day, it is indeed possible to come across renaissance costume patterns, elegant headwear, and period accessories with just a simple search. So, if you're having a difficult time choosing which renaissance costume will fit you best, the internet will never fail to give you accurate, artistic, and whimsical costume idea.

David L writes for ShopCompareCostumes.com and shares his interest in dressing up with internet readers. He's been writing for costume and Halloween blogs since August 2007 and has been a blog author since September 2005. He loves playing characters and his creative side is most active when he's sharing his ideas with others.

He shares his ideas and recommendations about Renaissance Costumes and other holidays at Shop Compare Costumes. Sign up to receive our free costume newsletter for exclusive discounts, coupon codes, and how-to articles!

Choose Your Medieval Clothing Style To Attend A Medieval Wedding

Do you have an invitation to attend a medieval wedding? Don't know what should you wear? Before you spend time searching for costumes and purchase anything, you should first find out if the wedding style. Is the wedding style going to be a peasant style medieval wedding or lords and kings style medieval wedding? Showing up in different style and costumes would certainly be awkward.

The bride and groom may have a simple wedding ceremony outside in nature like a peasant and move on to a medieval feast like in a castle. In this case, you could choose and wear a costume that meets somewhat between the two classes, like well-to-do merchants, lesser nobles, royal knights, a lady-in-waiting, or else.

The couple may have an elaborate church wedding and then have their reception at some outdoor venue. Dressing down would be more appropriate. You can choose more fitting to the lower classes such as a serving wench, a lesser knight, or a villager.

Medieval Clothing styles changed with each generation. But, there are still some common elements through most of the styles.

The materials used for medieval clothing was heavier than it is today. If you plan on sewing your own costumes, keep in mind that pastel colors were outdated. The colors should be vibrant, rich and deep. Choose materials that contain deep blues, forest green, burgundies or chocolate browns.

Choose a suitable materials for the main outer garment such as velvet, brocade or damask. Take care in choosing the material pattern. Medieval clothing did not contain stripes, polka dots or small patterns. You can add leather laces, ribbons and other such ties to secure clothing. If you elect to wear peasant garb, choose attire made from linen, cotton or other materials so you will remain comfortable.

If you don't have much time to search around, maybe rent a medieval costume isn't a bad idea. However, it depends on your costume rental shop or a professional theatre whether they have some sort of medieval clothing that you wants. Your medieval costume selection may be limited. You can try purchasing a medieval costume online to save your time.

St. Cloud Costume Shop Weathers Tough Economy

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The aisles of Invincible Costume and Theatrical are crammed with a thousand stories, just waiting to be told.

Fuzzy, white bunny heads wait patiently in a row. A Chinese dragon peers down from a wall of wigs. Tinkerbell's dress soars silently above costumes for musketeers, cheerleaders, leprechauns and beasts.

Each garment stands ready, waiting for an opportunity to transform the mundane into the magical. Then the shop door bell rings. An ordinary person walks into the changing room and emerges as a hero or a villain, a cartoon character or a mobster.

"When they come in skeptical and they leave with a grin on their face - when they go out the door saying 'That was a lot of fun' - then I know I've succeeded," owner Michael Anderson said.

For 26 years, Invincible Costume & Theatrical has dressed the dreams of Minnesota. It designs, builds and rents theatrical costumes and accessories.

When Anderson started working at the shop, he had never made a costume.

An Air Force veteran and a graduate of the University of Iowa, he moved to St. Cloud in 1993 to be closer to his family. Although he held a degree in theater, he worked at a variety of jobs in other industries. Then in 1994 while volunteering at County Stearns Theatrical Company, he heard about a job opening at Invincible Costume and Theatrical. He decided to give it a try.

It proved a good fit.

"I love making things. I don't care what they are," Anderson said. "I've worked in leather, worked in plastics, worked as a carpenter and with concrete. I like the act of creation."

When former owner Sandra Oullette decided to sell the business in 1998, Anderson bought the company and set his sights on making the best costumes in the country.

Invincible Costume has thrived under Anderson's ownership, developing a reputation for historical accuracy and attention to detail.

"We don't rely on 50 feet and bright lights like most theatrical companies," Anderson said. "Our costumes have to look good not only onstage but close up. We can't do gold-painted macaroni."

Today Anderson has more than 7,000 costumes in every shape and size. There are furs, kilts, hoop skirts, military uniforms and wedding gowns. There are more than 1,000 hats and an entire shelf dedicated to go-go boots.

"I'm sure I own more powder blue tux coats than anyone else in the state," Anderson said.

Costumes rent for an average of $35, with the most expensive items available for $70. Anything they don't have, they make. So far, they've never been stumped.

"We make everything and we're very good at it," Anderson said.

Anderson is assisted in his work by seamstress Misty Rinkenberger, who helps build, alter and maintain costumes. During the busy Halloween season, eight seasonal employees join the Invincible team.

The shop serves customers across Minnesota and surrounding states. Some need a costume for a holiday or special occasion.

There are businesses and organizations that use characters to enliven events and promotions. And there are opera and theatrical companies looking to dress an entire cast.

Individual sales are highest at Halloween when Invincible rents out 500 to 1,200 costumes each year.

"That's all going out within a three-day period," Anderson said. "Imagine the laundry. One year we were cleaning costumes until Thanksgiving."

Holidays are also busy times, prompting orders from churches, retailers and restaurants. A leprechaun costume made its debut at the Sauk Rapids' Coborn's store on St. Patrick's Day. Now it's the Easter Bunny's turn. The shop's 20 bunny costumes are scheduled to appear at more than 60 Easter events.

Then there are the specialty orders, like the gold lame outfit and blond wig for a Mr. Montana Karaoke contest or the llama costumes for the United Way's Llama Llama Read-A-Rama.

But Invincible's main focus remains costuming theatrical productions. Anderson estimates he costumes about 70 productions each year. A recent production of "A Christmas Carol" required 120 period costumes.

"When you're truly reaching (the audience), when there's the willing suspension of disbelief, that's when we've been successful," Anderson said. "As Shakespeare said, 'The play's the thing.'"

Anderson is constantly building new pieces. Some are created to fill customer requests. Others are costumes for characters or projects that scratch a creative itch.

A replica of Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow costume from "Pirates of the Caribbean" has been in the works for years.

"People will kill to get this outfit," Anderson said. "I've had people begging me to get this costume finished. I work on it when I can."

Though it's still under construction, one look at the worn French naval coat, waistcoat and breeches quickly conjures the image of Depp's charming but dissolute character. That authentic appearance didn't come easy.

"It's a big project. I've already added and removed dye 10 times on the coat," Anderson said. "I'm trying to make it appear worn by salt water, by the bottle, by the effects of time, by having wine poured on it - by anything that would happen to a pirate."

Another pet project is a replica of an Elizabethan costume Gwyneth Paltrow wore in "Shakespeare in Love." Anderson has been working on the exquisite gown on and off for five years. It is made of fine silk and features a hand-stitched Elizabethan corset and a cartridge pleated skirt that's painstakingly decorated with pearls.

"The lace collar alone has 300 stitches in it," Anderson said. "I'd be willing to bet that I'm the only guy in the world that has made one of these during the Super Bowl."

With each new project, Anderson learns new skills. He studies contemporary and period patterns and searches for new construction techniques. And he is constantly on the lookout for new materials and tools.

"There are a lot of new, well actually old, techniques from the 1500s in this gown," Anderson said. "I love history. It's all about learning new things for me."

The last decade has been hard on the costume rental industry. The last recession started a wave of costume shop closures that continues to this day.

"Ninety percent of U.S. costume shops went out of business in the last 10 years," Anderson said. "We deal with a completely expendable resource. There is nothing that we sell that people need to live, so these are the things that go first (in budgets)."

The current recession isn't helping. According to Anderson, his 2008 Halloween sales were the lowest in 20 years.

"We made less money than we did in 1988," Anderson said. "But in '88 there was nobody else doing adult costuming."

Competitors have sprung up as well. Internet vendors and "30-day shops" that spring up like mushrooms a month before Halloween have prices Anderson can't beat, but he hopes the quality of their materials and workmanship will make customers think twice before buying them.

"A cheap costume from China is going to look really good on the Internet," Anderson said. "But when you see them up close you realize the kind of shoddy materials they're made of. They're really basically plastic."

Invincible has responded to these challenges by continuing to do what it does best: Building authentic costumes with quality materials.

"We don't do it if it's not right. Any costumes that goes out of here is a reflection on us," Anderson said. "We do inexpensive, but we don't do cheap."

Anderson also keeps a sharp eye out for new trends and new audiences. When Renaissance-themed weddings became popular, Invincible Costume was there to outfit wedding parties. When '70s and '80s parties became hip, they were ready to outfit guests. This year, they are beginning to see requests for wigs and accessories for anime events.

"Like any business, we're always looking for new markets," Anderson said. "We do guerrilla theater. We do it anyway we can get it done. Like in guerrilla warfare, we make up the rules as we go along."

So far his strategy is working. Unlike many businesses that are tied to the arts, Invisible Costume has survived for 26 years.

"We're not getting richer. We're just hanging in there," Anderson said. "I think anybody in the arts would understand that survival right now is somewhat of an incredible thing."

Taken From FortMillTimes.com