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.

Maid Fancy Dress - 5 Alternatives to the Classic French Maids Outfit

The classic French maids outfit is an extremely popular costume worn at Halloween and other themed parties. In fact it is probably up there with nurse outfits and schoolgirl costumes as the most popular type of adult female costume.

Perhaps because of its enormous popularity in the past, many of you might be looking for slightly more original outfits to wear to the upcoming party. However, there are actually a number of great looking and original maid fancy dress costumes available at specialist online websites, if you are looking to be a little bit different.

Below are five alternative costumes to the classic French maids outfit, which are bound to get you noticed at any party you have been invited to:

Victorian parlour-maid costume

While slightly more reserved looking than the French maids outfit, the Victorian parlour-maid costume can nevertheless be an authentic looking period piece that is actually quite striking. These parlour-maid costumes can also make great looking ladies pilgrim outfits, perfect for any Thanksgiving celebrations.

Milkmaid outfit

The Milk maid fancy dress costume is another period piece, but one that is a little bit more risqué than the Victorian parlour-maid one. It is also a great outfit to wear for ladies with a fuller figure.

Oktoberfest barmaid

This is one of my personal favourite types of costume, which is starting to become more and more popular. Based on the Central European style of dress, the Oktoberfest barmaid outfit is an extremely sexy costume, which shall certainly get a few second glances at the party. As with the Milkmaid costume, these Bavarian barmaid outfits are just perfect for the beautiful buxom ladies amongst you.

Medieval maiden

Although perhaps a slightly different meaning of the word, the Maid Marion type of costume is another wonderful period piece, which is altogether striking and extremely feminine. The Medieval maiden outfit is a little more formal than the other costumes mentioned here and makes a great costume for middle-aged ladies or those of you that are a little bit too shy to wear some of the other types of maid outfit.

Naughty French maids outfit

The last category are those French maids outfits that are extremely revealing and are only really suitable for the very confident amongst you that do not mind leaving a little less to the imagination at the party. Of course, these sexy outfits can be worn by ladies of all shapes and sizes on naughty Hen nights or in the confines of the bedroom.

So where can you find all of these types of maid fancy dress outfits? Remember that it is very important to ensure your fancy dress supplier has the costume you are looking for in stock, so that they are delivered in time for the party! At French Maid Fancy Dress, if it says your order is in stock then you can rest assured that it is. Go there now and choose from the range of authentic looking maid fancy dress outfits and accessories. A Word Or Two About The Author: Dan Fresh is a lifelong fancy dress aficionado who regularly writes for the popular Fancy Dress UK website.

Easy to Make Halloween Costumes - Give Yourself a New Scary Look This Halloween

It's easy to make Halloween costumes, even if you want to give yourself a new, scary look this year. Sometimes we feel like we are stuck with your same old and often repeated Halloween costumes! Then these two easy to make Halloween costumes can totally change your scary look this Halloween!

Leatherface Psycho Mask

You probably know Leatherface from the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. You can easily replicate his really scary face without using commercial grade mask. All you have to do is to get a brown paper bag, crumple it and then cut the bag in half. Staple the paper bag back together, making sure that the staple wires will look like stitches.

Next, make holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. You also need to create an opening at the top of the paper bag just enough to allow your hair to stick out. Make a few enhancements like shading the forehead area and splashing red water color in some parts of the mask.

Voila! You now have a very scary Leatherface Texas Chain Saw Massacre psycho mask. This mask will not cost you anything. Just wear an appropriate tattered T-shirt and worn-out jeans.

The Black Shadow Costume

This is a very popular Halloween costume because making it is a no-brainer. All you have to do is to buy a black taffeta cloth that is enough to cover half of your body. Make holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. You need to use a black leather belt or a black strap that will hold the cloth against your body. Make sure to wear a black pair of jeans or a black skirt to complement your costume.

You can prepare these easy to make Halloween costumes in just a few minutes. Of course, there are also other easy to make costumes you can try wearing at the next Halloween party. The important thing about a Halloween costume is not whether you make it yourself or you buy it, it's that you are going to have fun in it. Halloween and costumes are all about fun... so make sure you have a blast this year whatever costume you wear.

Ms. Party Ideas is Jillian Gallo and she writes about fun party stuff! Right now fun party stuff is kids birthday parties and Halloween! Find Halloween costume ideas athttp://www.partyideasparade.com/halloween-costumes.html. Take a look at our baby, kids, teens and adult costume ideas. Learn how to find bargain Halloween party supplies athttp://www.partyideasparade.com/halloween-party-supplies-2.html so you are prepared to host the best Halloween party ever! It will soon be time to dress up and go trick or treating... make sure you are ready.

Boo Babies Halloween Costumes For Toddlers

Every year children of all ages dress up fun costumes and walk around their neighborhoods collecting all kinds of candy. This time of year is almost upon us again and for many children it will be their first year to trick or treat. If you have a young one preparing for their first trek around town you are probably starting to think about Halloween costumes for toddlers. Below are a few things you should consider.

Safety

The number one thing to remember about Halloween costumes for toddlers is safety. Most manufacturers today also keep this in mind, however you should do due diligence before dressing your little one up this year.

A Halloween costume for toddlers should have no small beads or dangling items that they can tear loose and put in their mouth. Toddlers are prone to exploring the world first with their hands but just about, everything they touch goes in the mouth. Costumes for toddlers should not be too long, tight around the neck or have anything that ties around the neck, as this is a strangling hazard.

Choices

Once you have determined that the costumes you are looking at meet all of the safety guidelines above it is time to choose the perfect toddlers Halloween costume. Costumes will fall into two general categories, timeless and current characters.

Timeless Costumes

Some examples of timeless toddler's costumes are Cinderella, Strawberry Shortcake, Spiderman and Superman. These costumes have been around for many years and show no signs of disappearing anytime soon. Besides, everyone loves a classic toddlers costume like Cowardly Lion, Darth Vader or The Cat in the Hat.

It is wonderful to see your toddler all dressed up in a similar costume to one you may have worn when you were little, such as the blue and white gingham dress and ruby slippers from that timeless classic The Wizard of Oz. This cute toddlers Halloween costume has accessories that can be purchases separately, instead of a trick or treat bag children can carry a replica of Dorothy's basket complete with a plush Toto dog!

New for 2009

The latest cartoons and blockbuster movies often play a huge role in the new Halloween costumes for toddlers every year. For 2009, you can expect to see additions like Transformers, Harry Potter's Hedwig the Owl, and X-Men Wolverine costumes.

Other New toddlers Halloween costumes include:

• Snow White Baby
• Hannah Montana
• Baby Hulk
• Spiderman 3 Black

If you and yours are Star Wars fans, everyone can get in on the action. New this year are Princess Lei, Darth Vader and Yoda costumes for the toddler all the way up to adult. There is nothing cuter than a toddler running around looking like a mini Chewbacca or R2D2! All of these costumes are created with snaps and Velcro for safety and look absolutely darling.

Conclusion

Halloween is a fun time of year that the whole family can enjoy and when it comes to choosing your Halloween costumes for toddlers you will have plenty to choose from. However do not wait too long because the great costumes often sell out rather quickly, especially if you are thinking of going with a new and trendy look.

Keep safety foremost in your mind while picking through Halloween costumes for toddlers and you will have a great time this year. Online and local retailers are already gearing up for a fun an spooky holiday.

I hope what I have mentioned above is helpful to you. If you want to know more about Halloween costumes for toddlers, I strongly recommend you to take a look of Halloween costumes for toddlers.