Maid Marian's Wardrobe - Season Two - Part II

Costumes are listed in order of appearance, although some images may be from later episodes of the show. May contain slight spoilers. Click HERE for Part I.
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Red "Casino" Gown
Marian tries to her best to avoid the sheriff, and his new friend...




Although this is one of my least favorite ensembles in the series, it has some very interesting details, some of which are hard to find, due to a lack of really good shots. The main fabric for the bodice is some lightweight, stretchy red stuff, with a swirly pattern through it. The sleeves are not lined, and so are slightly transparent. They come down fitted till the wrists, where there is a small, slightly ruffled piece of red lace. The main red fabric is used again to make a draping collar around the neckline, a long piece that is folded lengthwise for volume. The center front and back of the collar are sort of "ruched" together with a smaller strip of fabric.

The main bodice of the dress uses the same red fabric, but appears to be lined. It's interesting how each piece of the bodice appears a different shade, depending on how many layers there are. There is also a (nearly invisible) seam that runs round the bodice just over the bust line, making me wonder if the "corset" part of the top is indeed a separate piece. Regardless, it comes to a slight point in the front and a more drastic one in the back, where it laces up with red ribbon through 20+ eyelets. The lacing on the front of the bodice is purely decorative, made by applying two seamed pieces of the red lace (as used on the sleeves) down the front, attaching 10 gold rings to the piece and lacing through with red cording. The bodice appears to be boned.

It is hard to see much of the skirt (there will be better shots of the fabric, used on another costume, later in the season), but it is a basic "straight" shape and has a velvety drape. The low "V" shape in the skirt is made using the same red lace as a fabric piece and gold eyelets (threaded with more red ribbon), run round the seams for decoration.

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Riding Jacket and Skirt
Marian must support Robin in his daring plans, while trying to avoid unwanted attention...

 

  

 

Here's another on of my favorite costumes - I think this would work so well for everyday! The jacket appears to be made out of red suede, with a sweetheart neckline. It is seamed at the waist (which is usually covered by her belt), comes to two small points at the front and is straight across the back, with two pleats that add some "flare". Both the front and back of the jacket have princess seams, which have large decorative "X"s sewn over them, giving the appearance of lacing. The pointed collar stands up and appears to be of the same or similar fabric as the jacket. It is accented with large sequins. The front of the jacket closes with three metal "horseshoe" clasps.

The sleeves are fitted and come to just above the wrists, finishing with two large, pointed cuffs (same fabric as collar) and are closed with identical clasps. The sleeves also have a seam on the outside of the arm, which has more decorative lacing applied over it.

The skirt is really a sort of loose pants, running down the ankle and very full at the hem. The fabric is a light, brown suede and two extra panels run down the front, accented with small, tiny leather buttons, all the way to the bottom. There are roomy pockets at the side seams.

Marian wears a thin red, leather belt with buckles and an elaborate clasp. Her red, leather gloves come to just above the wrist (where they split) and have tiny decorative cut-outs. Her hat (which I love!) is a small, round cap with a large "feather" attached. Her boots are brown and have a brass ring on the outside.

  

 

 

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Black "Gambling" Dress
Marian and the Count are aiding Robin Hood in a very dangerous game...

 

This ensemble is extremely similar to the Red "Casino" dress in design, although the fabrics and details are different. The front of the bodice is interesting. It seems to be made of leather(?) but there are some unusual narrow pieces or cutaways showing the the velvet over the bust and center. There appears to be a waistline seam. The collar is in the same style as the red one, made from a heavy velvet, and down the front are more brass rings and lacing. The front of the bodice ends in the same shape as the red one so, although we can't see the back, I think we can assume that it is also the same. The sleeves are made from a stretchy black fabric that is sort of ruched - it appears like a netting. The sleeves come down over the knuckles and have a heavy ruffled piece at the bottom (more lace?).

The skirt is fitted up top but appears to flare below the knee (sort of a "mermaid" style). It's hard to tell from the few pictures, but I'm going to bet that it has brass rings running up each side seam which are laced through with more black cording.

 

 

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We'll be having a great new post from Tai coming up over the weekend - be sure to check in again soon! :)

Screencaps from Robin Hood 2006

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Jean Style

Jean Arthur. She always gave the impression that she was just an ordinary, everyday girl who happened to have a bit of glamour. Her unusually high-pitched, "squeaky" voice. Her little, rosebud mouth that grinned so good naturedly. The dark eyes that had a bit of mist and sparkle to them. And, of course, that blond, fluffy hair.


Like many old stars of the silver screen, Jean Arthur was originally a brunette, dieing her hair soon after starting to make "talking pictures" (I think brunette's showed up better in the infant stage of the cinema). And although I am generally of the opinion that natural hair color is the best way to go and that there are way too many bleached blondes walking around, it works on Jean Arthur.

One of my favorite things about the films she did under Frank Capra (who called her his favorite actress) is that they're smack in the middle of a wonderful fashion era. And the clothes that Jean wears are never overdone - instead they seem like something that any woman could own, and wear well. Soft, unstructured blouses; practical "working" skirts; simplistic evening gowns; peep toe pumps.

Here she wears a dark and elegant affair, with fur running round the cuffs, collar and shoulders of this velvet gown. It closes neatly up the front with braided loops and tiny, satin buttons. When it comes to black and white photos and film, you can use your imagination, so I'm going to say that this gown is a dark, forest green. What do you think?

Be sure to check out this hysterical clip from "You Can't Take It With You", which also stars one of my favorite actors of all time, Jimmy Stewart.


Now... wasn't that cute? ;)

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Secrets of Layering

OK, so maybe they're not secrets...but it has to be admitted that layering, when done right, can be a very special fashion weapon. March is here and, so far, we've experienced a chilling mini-blizzard and (just yesterday) weather so sunny and warm that winter coats were unnecessary. In this very fickle month, it's important to be prepared for anything - and layers can help keep you comfortable at whatever temperature happens to reign.

Fave Layering Basics

• Tank Tops and Camisoles - An absolute must in temperamental weather - these fit smoothly under almost anything and the thin extra layer keeps you just a bit warmer. These are also great for modesty reasons - doubling as a slip, adding additional support and adding a few inches to a neckline that would be otherwise immodest. My sisters and I wear these almost every day.

• Sweaters - OK, so I happen to be a bit obsessed and own more than I can ever wear...but they are just so practical! Perfect for layering under a coat on a blustery day (when the weather warms up, you can toss the coat!), piling over your long-sleeved tees and turtlenecks (neither I or this blog would survive the chill without them!), or being worn as a shirt over a light tank when you want a cozy, stylish look without the bulk.

• Tights and Leggings - I don't know how some people survive in the winter, tromping around in jeans and ankle socks. As soon as the cold front hits I pull out the leggings. They fit perfectly under any pants and are even appropriate under skirts, so long as you've got boots that cover up the ankle. As for tights - a nice dark pair is necessary for wearing with those ballet flats and pumps. Don't go for flimsy fabrics unless the weather is warmer - and please, throw out any of those awful "nude" colored nylons. They are so out. If you want a barelegged look, you'll just have to go barelegged - so put on the black tights or wait until summer. :)

• High Boots - Fortunately, there has been much more variety of styles and sizes available over the past few years (I hope they stay in for a long time!) and it is now fairly easy to find a pair of high boots without a skinny, skyscraper heel. These are a top pick for winter wear - they can slip under boot cut jeans and over any that are more fitted (perfect for tromping through some of that leftover snow!). They go very nicely under almost any long skirt (this, BTW is the best way to stay warm when going out in the winter - the length of the skirt and boots keeps your legs completely protected from any freezing winds) and make sweet, shorter skirts "winter wearables" by covering up the leg that would otherwise be exposed (and cold!). Sometimes these "secret weapons" can keep you cozy enough that you can skip the tights or leggings altogether.

The Accessories Have It!

• It's amazing what a few well-chosen accents can do to warm you up. A favorite of mine are long, fingerless gloves (from Kohl's), which I wear while inside the house, typing away at this blog in my freezing basement :P). I have very poor circulation and these really do the trick without taking away my mobility. 

• Also, scarfs are a simple way to add a little warmth and, when the sun comes out, can be easily tucked into a coat pockets or tied about the waist and out of the way. Sometimes even a lightweight silk scarf is all it takes to do the trick.

• Don't forget your hat! Not only are they super cute and trendy, hats of all types can do wonders in keep your body temperature comfortable, allowing you to dump some of the other unwanted layers.
  

So...as we skip blithely through this ferocious month of March - don't forget to layer up! You'll be glad you did when the sun peeks through the clouds and you're able to dump a few items while still staying modest and oh, so stylish...

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Maid Marian's Wardrobe - Season Two - Part I

Season Two of the spectacular BBC television series, Robin Hood, is one enjoyable ride. It was pretty well executed, too...until the last two episodes (not a brilliant ending if you ask me, but what can you do?). Like the first season, the modern twist gives us hilarious lines, over-the-top action and terrific costumes. Also like the first season, there is still some violence and innuendos to deal with and the "darker storyline" doesn't make it quite family friendly.

But how can you help but love Lucy Griffiths as the totally feminine and yet pretty darn tough Maid Marian? And with a wardrobe like hers, who wouldn't be? It is my pleasure to be able to continue to review the costumes created for the series (click HERE for reviews of Season One), which are not only pretty, but often are easily adaptable for trendy, modern wear. Whether you regularly enjoy the show or just want to peruse Marian's lovely ensembles; stick around, cause this medieval maiden's fashion is here with a vengeance!

Costumes are listed in order of appearance, although some images may be from later episodes of the show. May contain slight spoilers.
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The Night Watchman
Marian is back and ready for action - but can she save Robin Hood?




This is one of the most creative costumes in the whole series. With just a few simple pieces, Marian can switch into her alternate identity - the Night Watchman. The shirt appears to be very similar to the orange ensemble she wore in Season One, in that it has long, fitted sleeves and a hood (which is longer and fuller than the orange hood). The fabric has lengthwise stripes which alternate shades of olive green. It appears that wrong side of the fabric is a bolder, sea-foam green shade, and this is what is showing on the outside of her vest. Marian also has a long green "scarf" of the same material, which she wears over her face when going "Night Watchman".




The vest has a V neckline and it crosses over and buttons down the left side with five silver/metal buttons. It is reversible and reveals an lining of some sort of suede/leather (probably fake, since this is a modern TV adaptation), which buttons over the right side with the same buttons.

Marian's skirts seems to be made from a heavy woven/canvas material and is a basic wrap skirt, crossing around to the left, just off the center front. It fastens with two leather straps and brass buckles. When in action, this skirt doubles as a cape - isn't that the coolest thing?

The Night Watchman's mask and riding pants from last season are still around, but her boots are different - they look like a darker leather (and you can see the zippers on the inside of each leg! :P ). What a versatile ensemble!



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"Straight off the line" Peasant Dress
Marian is forced to make a difficult decision...




This is a simple design in a very sweet print - it reminds me of something that would have been popular in the 70s. :P The fabric is very lightweight (probably a cotton) with a small, flowery, navy-blue design running all over it. The construction is very modern, with elastic gathering in the neckline and sleeves; creating a tiny ruffle. The gown is high-waisted and there also appears to be some ruching/gathering across the bust. It is hard to see more than the sleeve shapes(which are fairly full and nearly three-quarter length) but the dress appears to a simple a-line shape that probably ends at her ankles. Later in the series, she wears an identical style with a different print, which will probably reveal some more details...


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"Sea-Foam" Castle Ensemble
Marian does her best to keep Robin informed of all the Sheriff's plans...





This is the gown that Marian wears the most often throughout the series and it's no wonder - it's so pretty (a personal favorite of mine :). The "peasant" style blouse is very simple and gets its shaping from the use of elastic; in the ruching across the bust and the gathering and ruffling of the short, puffed sleeves. Around the neckline you can see a tiny scalloped trim peeking out - this is probably a decorative edging on the elastic (used on the inside) that keeps the neckline shape. The fabric is a soft, lightweight knit.

The "corset" is really an interesting piece, staring just under the bust and ending at the hips. It comes to a point at both the top front and bottom and fastens with three buckles. On both the front and back there are two center pieces that seamed to two panels of a brighter shade of green. A channel of boning runs on each side of each of these panels. The side of the corset is cut as one piece and doesn't appear to have additional support (hence the wrinkles). The fabric is probably a heavy cotton based material and is interfaced for stability.

The skirt is floor length and has a slight flare at the hem. It is fairly straight but cut on the bias, which gives it the close fit over the hips and a bit of stretch. The fabric looks like a heavy linen or wool.



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I am so happy to get back into doing these reviews and I hope you enjoy the second season as much as I did! :)


Screencaps from Robin Hood 2006

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