Costumes bought

[Kimberly Dow]

Michele asked me to share some of the recent costumes I bought on ebay for paintings. These photos are from ebay since my new *(^&*(^^&^% camera hasn't arrived yet!!!!

The first three are for one painting - I am using 3 teenage girls. It is important to the theme that they look innocent and I liked these gunne sax dresses. Unfortunately these dresses run so tiny - there is one that may not fit any of my three models.

I believe I paid about $11 each for these.

[Kimberly Dow]

This one I bought for my daughter - going to do one of her in one of the fields here...looking rather like a prairie girl. The flowers are in bloom here so it is very colorful right now. The ranch owner has cows that are all over the place. We bought these "cow cakes" and have been feeding them so they will get used to us. You can ride up to them on 4-wheelers, but on foot they run. If I can get them used to us I'd like them in the background of this prairie-girl painting as well.

[Kimberly Dow]

Here is one I liked, with some old aprons I thought would look nice with it. There is a local hotel here that is very old and has a Victorian-looking dining-room. I have an idea brewing to use that place.

[Kimberly Dow]

Here is an example that I did not win - the price went up to $56. I was not willing to pay that - but boy did I like it. We are getting close to Halloween and people are buying these things. I bet a good time to buy costumes would be after Halloween.

There is a mansion here that is a cross between a castle and a Victorian - it is incredible. I had this one planned out - oh well.

[Kimberly Dow]

I have so many websites saved now for vintage clothing or other props - from maid uniforms to Indian sarees - from vintage nightgowns to capes and shawls. I think I have found all the best prices...if anyone is interested I'll post some links. I have not found an affordable kimono yet however.

It is not exactly a costume or prop, but they will be. We have 25 baby chicks on order as well. I hope to have a couple of colorful roosters in there also. I do not know how I got talked into this. I am NOT a country girl. I kill all plants that I come in contact with - I really hope these fuzzy little things will be ok.

[Michele Rushworth]

Thanks for posting these. I especially like the one in all white in the first series of images.

I wouldn't worry too much about the one that went too high in the bidding. I suspect the outfit might have overpowered the figure too much in a painting anyway.

I like your idea of using some of these in the Victorian dining room setting that's nearby.

I look forward to seeing more of the resulting paintings!

I'd be interested to know how you found these. I'd like to get some Chinese costumes (some elaborate and some plain) for possible future paintings.

[Kimberly Dow]

I was searching for soft romantic-type dresses of no particular style or timeline. Somehow I came across the Gunne Sax's on ebay and I really liked them. I guess to find what you want the important thing is to know the right search words. The best word to use to search I've found is 'Vintage'.

I have a few links to chinese clothing sites - I will find them and email them to you. If I have the site saved then they are not expensive - I do not save any that I know are out of my reach for costuming.

[Sharon Knettell]

Kimberly,

Have fun with these. Have a seamstress add an insert on the back. Take your models measurements so they fit properly.

If you find a good seamstress, be very, very good to her!

I found an exquisite lace camisole on Ebay. It had yards and yards of lace that made beautiful ruching when you strung a ribbon through it. Unfortunately, as it was so rare the bidding went through the roof as many collectors were bidding for it. However after having had so many costumes made, I doubt it could have been duplicated at any price.

I find it useful to have a slew of costumes about, they can trigger your imagination. You can have them ready also if you see just the right model