Archive for January, 2013

As February draws near and we all get more accustomed to writing “2013”, there is an unmistakable whisper of love in the air! Yes, Cupid has his arrow poised, and Saint Valentine’s ears are ringing. If you’re lucky enough to be in love, Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity not only for chocolate hearts and delicious dinners, but also to simply express your affection for that special someone.

In an ideal world we would let each other know every day exactly how special our relationships are, but in the real world, that doesn’t always happen. Valentine’s Day calls on us to remember that we didn’t just ‘fall together’ by chance – or that even if we did, it is a beautiful bond that keeps us together!

There is no one-size-fits-all perfect Valentine’s Day gift, but we have a few in mind from our selection that we would be happy to receive from our very own Renaissance man! Would any of these appeal to the fabulous lady in your life? Take a peek…

Black Bolero Lace Shrug: This is, in a word, stunning! Bolero shrugs are endlessly useful. I find myself reaching for one time and again to dress up an outfit or pull it together, or keep chills at bay when wearing sleeveless tops and dresses. This black shrug will surely pair with so many pieces already in her closet, and features an enchanting lace accent that is both timelessly pretty and on trend.

3-Row Rhinestone Headband: Whether your favorite fashionable female has long hair or short hair, our triple-row rhinestone headband will make her locks look even more lovely! This style features two eyelets for bobby pins, making it easy to keep in place without worry of slipping. She can wear this with one of her favorite Renaissance looks, or with almost anything in her everyday wardrobe!

Blue Heart Earrings: A truly enchanting work of art, these dazzling dangle earrings catch the light, beautifully enhancing her face with sparkling shine. These are especially fantastic if she loves the look of heart-shaped jewelry, but prefers a less traditional shade than red.

If you’re like most Renaissance-loving ladies and gents, you could easily spend thousands of dollars if given just a few minutes on a Renaissance costume shopping spree! However, most of us don’t have the unlimited income that would be necessary to fulfill our every Renaissance costume fantasy. The simple fact is, high quality Renaissance costumes can be on the costly side. The upside, of course, is that they look better, feel better, last longer, and have a fine attention to detail. That said, even those of us who work here at Pearson’s Renaissance Shoppe must keep a close eye on our purse strings, investing in costumes we absolutely can’t live without and will wear time and again. Trust me, it’s not easy. There’s temptation at every turn, with every order that arrives!

While I have a few Renaissance dresses and Medieval dresses that I wear frequently to events and gatherings, and plan to for many years, I also like to stock up on Renaissance wear essentials that I can mix and match to keep things creative, fun and fresh. Letting your imagination go wild is a big part of making the most of Faires and Festivals, and there are many pieces that you can incorporate into countless looks by switching up your accessories or the other clothing you pair them with. Here’s a few of my favorites, all under $50, that make it easy to slowly build a collection you’ll be proud of without spending a lot at once…

Renaissance Chemise: This terrific white top pairs perfectly with so many pieces, crafted in a comfortably baggy style that is breathable, flattering and feminine. The elastic neckline lets you decide if you’ll wear it on or off the shoulders, while the black bows on the arms are a charming touch. Available in sizes XS-2X, this top looks great on everyone we’ve seen wearing it!

Colonial Shoe: If I said I hadn’t worn these to work once or twice I’d be lying! These versatile shoes really take on the look of whatever you wear them with, be ye a pilgrim or a wench. Finding the ideal footwear for every costume isn’t always an option, so I like to have a few pairs of shoes that work with almost anything. I’ve turned to these more than once, and they’ve saved the day and the costume every time.

Drawstring Renaissance Skirt: These are absolutely amazing for those scorching summer events that always seem to fall on the most hot and humid days of the year. Currently available in 14 colors of seriously soft, lightweight cotton, these one-size-fits-all workhorses are ready for whatever the day brings! They also layer beautifully for added loft or warmth.

As much as we all may love our under bust corsets, Renaissance boots and Medieval armor, the simple fact of the matter is that for the vast majority of us, none of these are work-appropriate pieces. Ever try to sit at your desk all day in a Leather Lorica Segmentata, or help a patient back into bed while wearing a Medieval gown? I’m telling you, it’s not easy! So what are Renaissance and Medieval-loving guys and gals to do? Sit idly by in khaki pants and button down shirts while there’s a whole different era just begging for a little recognition? Perhaps not!

While wardrobe and/or uniform requirements vary greatly from occupation to occupation, chances are good that many of you reading this work in an environment where accessorizing with Medieval style and Renaissance jewelry would be A-OK. Whether you’re serving up caffeinated smiles at a café, or spend most of your day in front of a computer, choosing accessories that reflect your style and interests can help you express yourself without risking anything ‘over the top’ or distracting. Let’s look at a few pieces that we think would work well in many environments…

Dark Desires Medieval Earrings: An elegant black rose with a sparkling center features a single bead drop to an eye-catching faceted crystal. Paired with a medieval gown these earrings take on a darker vibe, but they can also pair perfectly for work with a black dress or suit, or your favorite solid colored blouse.

Mjollnir Pendant: Hand-crafted from fine English pewter, these high-quality necklaces are a popular choice for their attention to detail and easy wearability. Pair them with a t-shirt, nice sweater or button down – it’s hard to go wrong!

Celtic Knot Locket: This sterling silver locket is truly a beauty to behold! With enchanting Celtic knot work on the front and back, it is accented with a petite purple stone. Tuck a photo or tiny treasure inside and keep it close to your heart always.

There is so much promise and expectation when moving into a New Year that it can be overwhelming. It is a time when many of us call on ourselves to start doing nearly everything better, and the result can bring the opposite of the intended effect. When it all seems too much, sometimes we just think “well, nevermind!” and end up doing nothing at all. I’m going to work hard to ensure that doesn’t happen to me, and I hope you will, too!

Part of safeguarding myself against feeling overwhelmed is in creating resolutions that focus on a positive rather than a negative in their approach and language. The words we say to ourselves have a power well beyond imagination, and my first resolution is to start being a lot more respectful when talking to me! That should help me carry out my other resolutions quite nicely. As for those other resolutions? One I’m really excited about it my resolve to bring the Renaissance Faire home…

As much as many of my friends and I love Renaissance Faires and Festivals, none of us are able to attend them as frequently as we would like to. Whether it’s conflicting schedules, or there simply isn’t one nearby when the Renaissance itch fires up, there are inevitably times we would love to don our favorite Renaissance costumes and get together for endless fun times, but can’t. Or can we? I think I have a solution – I’m bringing it home, baby!

We have all invested a lot of time and money into creating Renaissance costume collections that are nothing short of magnificent. It’s truly a shame to only break those pieces out of the closet a few times a year when they’re so magically fun to wear. Additionally, beyond all the clothes, shoes and jewelry, what makes the Renaissance Faire so special is being surrounded by others with a common interest who are also excited and ready for fun. The worries of the real world get to slip away for the day at a Ren Faire, and that is a rare and beautiful thing! We all get to be who we want to be – who we really are beneath all the bills, commutes, and everyday obligations. And, importantly, we get to be our relaxed Renaissance selves with friends and family. What could be better?

This year, I will still attend my favorite Faires and Festivals. I will still keep an eye open for new events that spark my interest, and attend them whenever I can. But I will also take time to set up a Renaissance-themed get-together or two in my home. I love entertaining, and it would be so much fun to see my friends arrive in their grandest garb for turkey legs at my table! And hey – if things don’t go exactly as planned, that’s OK. I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful time in any scenario, as long as I can keep the pirates from trying to set sail in the neighbor’s swimming pool!