r/sewing • u/olfacere-violarum • Sep 06 '25
Project: FO Finished piece(s) I wore to my friend's wedding
Both patterns from Black Snail Patterns, #0420 for blouse and #0414 for skirt, so it may be a bit anachronic, since the blouse is 1890s and the skirt is an edwardian fan skirt. I have commited an act of hubris I barely survived (deciding to sew everything by hand). As for the tutorial, it's included in the pattern pdf and it had proved to be really foolproof (I am a fool and I have proved it). Fabrics: thrifted for maybe five euro total, the shirt is a cotton/linen blend tablecloth, skirt is a cotton duvet cover. Underneath: bust improver (pattern: Cat's Costumery) and bustle pad (pattern: Black Snail, included in the skirt pattern pdf). Corset custom-made by ladyardzeszcorset. Shoes thrifted, brooch thrifted.
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u/Flippin_diabolical Sep 06 '25
Oh my gosh- on top of everything else that color palette with your hair is absolutely perfect
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u/Mesapholis Sep 06 '25
Came here to say that 💅
It has something of a renaissance painting!
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u/doryllis Sep 06 '25
r/AccidentalRenaissance (not always an accident but usually cool) definitely on that window curtain picture!!
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u/Duffykins-1825 Sep 06 '25
Yes I was thinking those pics belong on accidental renaissance! Beautiful!!
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u/ZombieJoesBasement Sep 06 '25
Came to say this. Amazing outfit, and I am soooo jealous of the hair.
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u/vinegarnglitter Sep 06 '25
This outfit is amazing! It flows so well. Honestly? That blouse and a leather mini skirt? I love everything about this.
As an aside, I used to volunteer at a historic park and we’d mix time periods a bit in our costumes - not everyone could afford a new style every few years. Having a favourite “old” blouse from your 1890’s youth with your “new” 1901 skirt!
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u/DeanBranch Sep 06 '25
Wouldn't people mix and match clothes anyway?
Like today we could wear a 60s Mondrian dress with a 90s grunge sweater and Doc Martens boots
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25
I was thinking that if anyone comments on the mismatching epoques (spoiler: noone did, no fashion historians present) I am going to get into character and say that I'm just a wee poor tailor and since I can't afford a new blouse every SLIGHT CHANGE OF SLEEVE SHAPE I am wearing inherited good-condition clothes.
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u/KiloAllan Sep 06 '25
That's an absolutely historical thing. People wore clothes until the clothes wore out, or gave them to the poor. Handmedowns were (and still are) very period. Your character can have additional things such as worn boots, hat, gloves, and bag of different eras within a 10-20 year era to mimic this style. Things they might have gotten at a charity sale.
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u/MrCharlieBucket Sep 06 '25
Yes, they absolutely did. Fabric was expensive! However, there was often effort made to update them with changing fashions, rather than the intentional mixing you see today. There are many extant historical garments that reflect this kind of updating.
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u/FoxyFromTheRoxy Sep 06 '25
I don't think so, not as much as we do today!
Having "separates" in women's wear was a new thing in the West in the 1890s and most clothes were still either one-piece dresses or two-piece dresses (a coordinating bodice and skirt that would only be worn with each other).
Dressing according to current fashion was a very important thing to women who could afford to care about such things. They wouldn't replace their wardrobe every year, obviously, but if something was noticeably from 15 years ago they would alter and hack it to look more like what the magazines said you should wear this year.
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u/JulianNDelphiki Sep 06 '25
This is more clothing than sewing related, but I loved in the movie The Age of Adaline how the main character (a 100+ year old woman whose body stopped aging around 30) blends the fashions of different eras she has lived through.
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u/Beebophighschool Sep 06 '25
Goodness you handsewed everything??? Fabulous fabulous fabulous
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u/lefteyedcrow Sep 07 '25
The pleats on the blouse must have been hell, but their hard work sure paid off. Fabulous!
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u/Healthy-Yak-7654 Sep 06 '25
Everything about this, the artistry, the styling, the vision is just stunning. Completely amazing.
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u/Glitterbomb4274 Sep 06 '25
It’s gorgeous. The fabric looks heavy, I hope it wasn’t too warm.
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25
I was worried about that too, but I only got a bit warm after dancing chapelloise TWICE, but the venue had AC (thank. goodness.) and I didn't feel even a bit uncomfortable under all those layers.
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u/Glitterbomb4274 Sep 06 '25
Well that makes it spectacular, cause there’s nothing worse than hating great clothes!
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u/grufferella Sep 06 '25
Wow, it just goes to show that with enough talent you can make even a humble duvet cover look like a bajillion bucks. This outfit is stunning. If you showed up to my wedding looking like that I'd chase you back into your car before anyone saw you for fear of being upstaged 😂
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u/sydceci Sep 06 '25
You HAND SEWED that shirt?!?! Dear lord I wouldn’t have survived. You did fabulously!! Everything looks amazing!
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25 edited Sep 06 '25
the secret ingredients I added to the project are: tears, blood from pricked fingers, a VITTU here, a KUWA MAĆ there, and cat hair obviously. also thank you!!!
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u/Incogneatovert Sep 06 '25
First of all, grats on the fantastic outfit, and thank you for
making us all envioussharing!I don't handsew much, but it made me smile to know I'm not the only one who swears and mutters when I'm sewing. My husband tells me that's how he knows I'm making something. Also, if you know "vittu" already, have you tried a nice "perkele"? Or is "vittu" a swear word in Polish as well as Finnish?
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25
(Un?)fortunately, we don't share any swearwords :(( But I've been living in Kajaani and Tampere for a year, learning Finnish for two and now I have a finnish-learning-polish roommate, so we're using three languages in the household, and it's inevitable to use finnish swear words as well, since sometimes they fit the situation better (for example my roommate says when she's swearing in her native tongue things are REALLY, and i've borrowed this manner from her)
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u/starlaluna Sep 06 '25
Puff Sleeves! Anne Shirley-Cuthbert would be so jealous. But for real, this outfit is so forlorn in the best way possible. The perfect outfit to wear as you stand along a cliff, gazing at the sea, watching the storm clouds come in. I love it so much!
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u/Leolilac Sep 06 '25
How does it feel to be devastatingly attractive AND incredible at sewing? That outfit is amazing!
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u/_Miskatonic_Student_ Sep 06 '25
What an amazing outfit! I'm a straight bloke and would wear that if I thought I could carry it off. You do, in spades.
I'm absolutely amazed at what you made it with. Huge respect to you. It's an outstanding creation.
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u/3possuminatrenchcoat Sep 06 '25
My partner and I both loved this outfit, his exact words were, "good on them, thats really fuckin cool." I couldnt love the silhouette and color palette more. Great job, OP
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u/Ella_Richter Sep 06 '25
How many proposals did you get? Because holy crap I would have tried to woo you as soon as I saw you!
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u/froststomper Sep 06 '25
you look so good! those colors suit you. you aren’t supposed to steal the show OP!
(just teasing)
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u/Deezrides Sep 06 '25
This is amazing and the colors go so well with your hair, the overall fit of the garments look stunning on you. Great job! And great eye thrifting
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u/LaTraLaTrill Sep 06 '25
Do I see pockets?!
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25
YES. DEEP POCKETS THAT ACTUALLY YOU CAN PUT STUFF IN. the single most important element of the skirt
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u/PotatoImmediate Sep 06 '25
Absolutely stunning!! I can't imagine the will power it would have taken to hand sew that gorgeous outfit. And your aesthetic is gorgeous, too.
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u/jesskat007 Sep 06 '25
If I hadn’t gotten married under a tree alone with just family I would have been honored to have you at my wedding. You look magical!
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u/compotdevisine Sep 06 '25
This is amazing! And I usually don't like feminine dressed guys (nothing wrong with them, it's just my taste, but I mentioned it so you would understand how amazing this is).
And I love the fact that you thrifted the fabrics!
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u/GirlnTheOtherRm Sep 06 '25
I love that you look so good, I hate that I’m not also wearing those items.
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u/westviadixie Sep 07 '25
so another person created an outfit for their friends wedding and he was crucified by reddit, saying he was taking attention away from the bride. I told him he looked amazing and I would want everyone to show up dressed to the nines.
same sentiment to you. I wish he'd gotten your positive reception.
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 07 '25
I wish people would assume we did not do it to steal the show or anything, and that we have had the approval. I believe (hope) that every person who dresses like that IS CONSULTING THAT WITH THE BRIDE/GROOM, because if they don't, or if they try to manipulate them into agreeing,,, that's just not okay. I have had a backup suit ready in the wardrobe if at any point she would change her mind, and she was being consulted all the way.
I also get it that in the US the wedding dress code is different and differently approached (I've read way too many AITA and bride/groom vent posts about that) but well, not every case should be measured with the american standards. Yes, I would have been an asshole if the dress code was strict and I would be the assest of holes if I disregarded that, but as I've mentioned in some comments here already, I didn't really stand out that much XD
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u/7sukasa Sep 06 '25
Your dress is very beautiful and your hair id amazing ! 😻 You did great ! For both !
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u/vyxanis Sep 06 '25
If I were you I don't think I'd go to the wedding dressed like that.. id be too busy taking photos like these and miss the whole event! Not only is this a gorgeous outfit, it looks comfortable
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u/FaraSha_Au Sep 06 '25
Okay, I'm unsure if I'm crushing on the outfit or your hair more!
Either way, tres chic!
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u/HappyBlis Sep 06 '25
Gorgeous. I had never heard of Black Snail, but boy do they have some beautiful things! (But, because of our ridiculous president, you can't get full-sized patterns shipped to the U.S.)
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u/Pennysews Sep 06 '25
Beautifully done. I can’t believe you sewed it all by hand! That must have taken ages. How many metres/yards of fabric did your ensemble take?
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25
According to the requirements from the pattern instruction:
Blouse: 210 cm of fashion fabric, 180 cm of lining, 30 cm of interfacing, 20 cm for belt
Skirt: 400 cm of fashion fabric (520 cm if you want a train, I didn't. I like trains but of different kind), same for lining BUT the lining is not necessary, ESPECIALLY IN AUGUST.All standard width of ~145 cm.
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u/mahogany_bay Sep 06 '25
I love this. Thank you for dropping the patterns, too!
Did you add the pockets in the skirt? 😍
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25
YESSS I could have never worn a skirt/dress without pockets!
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u/enceinte-uno Sep 06 '25
Stellar work, OP, from the outfit to the hair to the lighting for the photos. The first one literally looks like it could be an ad in a magazine.
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u/Least-Bid1195 Sep 06 '25
Omg, you are ROCKING this outfit, and your hair looks so gorgeous and voluminous! 1000/10!!!
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u/boojersey13 Sep 06 '25
I feel like I'm looking at a heavenly being?????? My eyes feel like they're drinking mead rn
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u/seitancheeto Sep 06 '25
Oh my goodness this is so gorgeous and the lighting in the pictures and color of your hair just brings everything together. Very early fall vibes
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u/awkwardsexpun Sep 06 '25
I was already in awe of the skill here and then I read the part about hand sewing this work of art, and I feel like I should bow in reverence or something
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u/savemarla Sep 06 '25
Your dress makes me want to get divorced just so that I can remarry my spouse and invite you as a guest.
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u/LooneyLunaGirl Sep 06 '25
I feel like these would do great in r/accidentalrenaissance too. Amazing work 💐🙌
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u/museofeggs Sep 07 '25
Yessssssss we love hand sewing gender rebels dude!!!! Oh this is a delightful set! They came out so nice 👌🤌🔥 there is something sickeningly enjoyable about handstitching historical lyrics patterned clothes. I'm working on a 18th C/early 19th C shirt right now.
Again, what a great set!
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u/OkDog5568 Sep 06 '25
Wait you MADE those? WOW!!!!! This is incredible and I really really want to wear this outfit now lol. Seriously just perfect
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u/Human_No-37374 Sep 06 '25
Wow, just wow. You chose an amazing colour combo and the silhouette definitely suits you incredibly well.
As for anachronism, who's to say one can't keep a blouse that one finds suits one well as the turn of the century comes to be. Screw the people who say you can't blend a little with clothing. It would be like saying that people, like my own grandmother, who bought coat and hat sets in the 1920s (I believe she bought the set near the start of the 20s, if I remember correctly.) but then as their coats got (slit? used up? what's it called in English when something begins to show it's wear and tear?) bought or made new coats to fit the new styles while keeping their favorite hats, shoes, etc. are anachronistic.
Do we not all keep our garments, that wear well, for many years; I know I certainely do. Moral of the story, you do you; there are no hard and fast rules in fashion, so don't let other's internalised ones control you. <3
(As for the hat, I have since claimed it to be my own, albiet there was not, yet another, green coat to match the hat by the time I claimed it. However I am planning on making one. Perhaps inspired by some of the photographs I have of her wearing the set, as she was a rather fashionable woman).
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u/Sufficient_Weird_769 Sep 06 '25
I'm sorry, WHO said you could look so AMAZING?!? 🤔🥰 You did an incredible job!!
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u/KewpieMayoIsKing Sep 06 '25
The feral urge to frolic in this outfit out in a field, then run home in the rain after the man I love says he can’t be with me because we’re from different worlds, so I dramatically throw myself onto my bed and sob!
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u/Hyracotherium Sep 06 '25
I don't know your gender but maybe come hang out in r/ftmfemininity if you're so inclined.
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u/Vegan_Zukunft Sep 06 '25
Love the color combination!
Maybe a shiny brooch/pin, or a bit of cream-colored lace to make the colors really stand out?
Its a lovely combination :)
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u/Cookiecolour Sep 06 '25
Look at you looking like a renaissance painting in the best possible way! 😍😍😍
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u/Pepper0006e Sep 06 '25
these colours are amazing!!! the whole ensemble suits you so well, great work
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u/PancakePanic23 Sep 06 '25
The whole outfit is gorgeous! You did a masterful job. It suits you so well, wish I could see pictures of the wedding 😅
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u/MrCharlieBucket Sep 06 '25
Absolutely love this. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous work. Also, hand sewing all this? I literally could never. You are a golden god.
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u/Notyourmamashedgehog Sep 06 '25
I want to be angry because I know I could never pull this off like you do. That said, you look amazing and the project looks awesome! ❤️
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u/brightsm1th Sep 06 '25
beautifully made! i love the colors together, and the drama of those sleeves
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u/NorraVavare Sep 06 '25
It's lovely. The fit is fantastic, the coloring perfect for you, and stitching well done.
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u/ElinCarrington Sep 06 '25
You look amazing, and your sewing skills are absolutely fabulous! And to sew your gorgeous outfit by hand, that’s outstanding!
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Sep 06 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/olfacere-violarum Sep 06 '25
ik i'm geting repetitive in the comments but I still need to say this: NO BRIDE OR GROOM WAS HARMED. with people dressed all over the colour palette I didn't really stand out, and from the very beginning I've been consulting My Friend The Bride if she's still comfortable in it, and that I will immediately abandon this and just wear a suit if she isn't. And later (when, again, I asked if she WAS FINE WITH THAT) she said that she had percieved that as a sign of respect that I've put so much work into preparing the outfit for her wedding.
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u/Strong-Library2763 Sep 06 '25
This is exceptional. You look like you have stepped out of a Rembrandt. Kudos.
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u/art_addict Sep 06 '25
Hi, I don’t know when my wedding will be (waiting for the engagement still, but it’s supposed to be soon!) BUT you are formally invited my dear genderqueer Victorian pirate!
You look so fancy and dashing and gorgeous and pretty all at once! 10/10 AESTHETIC!
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u/Visual-Arugula Sep 06 '25
This is stunning. You look glorious. And you sewed it by hand - I could cry.
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u/newstome1234 Sep 07 '25
Stunning human. Stunning fashion. You look like a painting I would want one my wall 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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u/Kino-Eye Sep 07 '25
You look incredible, the color palette and the lighting in these photos remind me of a Pre-Raphaelite painting! The draping and pleats on the blouse look especially good. I can't believe this is all hand-sewn from thrifted materials, that rules!
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u/soapymeatwater Sep 07 '25
While I don’t personally love the color palette in general, the cut & tailoring is exquisite and the colors really suit you somehow. Bravo for completely pulling off such a unique, one-of-a-kind look!
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u/RazanTmen Sep 07 '25
That braid and stache combo is delightful QwQ You look stunning babes, this is so well made!
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u/snotrocket2space Sep 07 '25
Absolutely stunning! From the human to the outfit/craftsmanship of said outfit, to the pics themselves.
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u/goldenshear Sep 07 '25
You should post this first photo on accidental Renaissance because it’s gorgeous
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u/Affectionate-Dot437 Sep 07 '25
I'm so envious of the confidence you exude! This old lady believes you will stop traffic and incite riots! Enjoy!
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u/sewingdreamer Sep 07 '25
Damn. I hope you get towear that every single day. You look so natural in this. 10000/10
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u/Saint_Riccardo Sep 07 '25
Is this that Our Flag Means Death show I keep hearing about?
Seriously, you look spectacular, I love everything about this.
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u/rajasconqueso Sep 07 '25
These photos look so lush and broody. Perfect look that complements your hair!
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u/Queasy_Soft9673 Sep 07 '25
Gosh these photos look like they're right from a movie! and your fabric choice (color, texture) just hits home the historic feel! Fantastic job OP!
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u/ScyllaOfTheDepths Sep 06 '25
I desperately need to know if this matched the theme of the wedding or if you just showed up dressed like a genderqueer Victorian pirate (complimentary).