Pearsons Renaissance Shoppe Blog

The Renaissance Faire is nearing, and your thoughts are turning to choice of garb. Why not break with tradition and decorum, opting to attend as a pirate queen? After all, a little excitement is in order when it comes to being a part of one of the big events of the season. As a pirate queen, you have license to be flirty and fun. A pirate fancy dress costume will allow you to get into character for the event, giving you a unique platform for promoting pirate speech.

It’s fun to have some cohorts in your venture, and your family and friends may easily cooperate as scaliwags. Finding your pirate fancy dress costume while helping them to find the right gear to be your band of buccaneers will be an adventure in its own right. If you are involved in the planning of your local Renaissance Faire, though, it will be even more exciting to plan some surprises for those in attendance. Whether you stage a pirate raid or set up a walking the plank booth, you will have an amazing time as you bring the sense of the Seven Seas to your community and to your friends.

Here at PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com, we provide you a number of Authentic Medieval Costumes options when it comes to what type of role you’d like to play at your favorite Renaissance Faire. You can be a Queen, Knight, Wench, and so forth. But one of the roles that can be just as fun as the ones mentioned before is that of the Jester. The Jester was supposed to keep the royal court entertained during festivities and events. They used a number of methods to entertain, such as clowning, music, juggling, and mental challenges via riddles. This could be an entertaining and unique role playing experience at a LARP or Medieval Faire.

In honor of the Jester, we thought we might include a Medieval-themed jest. If you have any of your own, leave them in the comments section!

In a Medieval Kingdom, a wise Sage made the prophecy that the King’s concubine would died in the near future. A few days later, the prophecy came to pass. The King convinced himself that the reason the woman died was strictly due to the Sage’s prediction. The King called for the Sage and demanded that the Sage make another prophecy, saying: “Tell me when you are fated to die.” The Sage was astute enough to realize that King was likely going to have him executed, regardless of the answer. The Sage thought on it a moment and finally said, “The numbers do not reveal the moment of my death, but they do say that when I expire, the King will die within three days.”

Scottish Kilts In Military History

Now considered to be the national dress of the country of Scotland, Medieval Kilts were originally worn by Scottish Highlanders who wanted the ability to move freely about in battle. No documentation of the existence of this garment occurs before 1575. The first recorded instance of kilts being worn as a military garment appeared in 1594 in “The Life of Red Hugh O’Donnell.”

Medieval kilts also provided warmth. Made of tightly woven wool, kilts created a barrier between rain and the skin. Pleats afforded a minor form of protection similar to armor. Because the garment could be easily removed, soldiers often used them like a blanket, spreading their kilts upon the ground at night.

Originally kilts were referred to as the feileadh mhór (philamore), or the big wrap. Top and bottom portions were separate with the top detachable and worn over the shoulder for comfort. Initially the garment’s apron was also left unattached while worn. Early versions also did not have the tartans that characterize contemporary kilts.

Today’s kilts have tartans denoting the Scottish clan of which the wearer is a member. These garments are also much shorter than those worn in the past and are often used for ceremonial occasions.

What are your favorite Renaissance Faire Activities?

If you love to visit Renaissance events in August, then it’s time to plan ahead.  Whether you are visiting a Shakespearean festival or a local fair, there are many events slated during the summer months, and August is one of the most active for enjoying the old time atmosphere of such events.

You will need to allow plenty of time for your Renaissance costumes to arrive, and while there may be options for expedited shipping with various retailers, the costs can be excessive because of the weight of some of the materials.  This is especially true if you are ordering a chain mail armor outfit or a long Renaissance gown.  Make sure that you take correct measurements so that you order in correct sizes.

When you select your Renaissance costumes, keep in mind that the timing of an August event will entail warm weather and the potential for rain.  Summer monsoon season can present a danger for those planning to wear armor costumes, so determine what kind of shelter will be available if you plan to wear such garb.  Hats are excellent for providing a little bit of protection from the hot August sun, and you will want to make sure that all of your family members include hats in their Renaissance wardrobes.

Complete your costume with these accessories

Many think of men’s accessories for Medieval attire in terms of crowns. However, Mens Medieval Jewelry can also include rings and cloak pins. Belt buckles and rustic pendants are another way that you can complement your outfit. Whether you are staging a play that involves Medieval attire or you are dressing for a Renaissance festival, there’s nothing quite as fun as finding great clothing to reflect the enchanting appeal of the period.

For women, it seems simple enough to create a wonderful wardrobe. Men can add to their apparel wonderfully, as well, with both period clothing and accessories. Mens Medieval jewelry is elegant and interesting, perfect for completing a regal look. A knightly chain can add just a hint of embellishment that creates a look of distinction. If you are involved in a SCA event, of course, the most regal embellishments would be meant for those bearing official titles and positions. In a high school production, though, a crown is perfect for adding to the wardrobe department of the schools’ little theater. Many Medieval and fantasy tales include a piece of jewelry or adornment at the center of the theme, making it fun for the avid fan of a series to own a piece that reflects that saga.

Find a plethora of Men’s Medieval Jewelry options available at PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com.

Find Your Steampunk Garb Here!

If you love pop culture, you may find that the July Comic Con event in San Diego, California is an exciting way to experience your favorite franchises, authors, illustrators, producers, characters, and so forth, in a more tangible way. It’s fun to attend workshops and events in hope of getting autographs from your favorites, and it can be especially fun to attend in costume. In fact, some of the events even involve fans dressing up and sporting their favorite styles on stage. Steampunk Costumes are unusual in appearance and design, perfect for playing the part of comic character or going after that first place status at the event.

Steampunk costumes provide a unique combination of old apparel style with a futuristic touch. The look is quite captivating, perfect for creating a unique look at Comic Con. It’s important to review the event details in order to know what contests are available and for what age groups. Children attending the event may be captivated by seeing their favorite characters, and it can be tempting to let them walk about on their own. They should be supervised, however, especially if they choose to participate in costume events. It’s a fun family activity to dress as related characters for the conference.

If you were considering a Steampunk costume for your Comic Con experience, you can find many different options here at PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com.

Boots in case there's a snake in the grass.

Summer snake activity can be frightening for those that don’t like the slithery creatures. Whether you are confronted with a venomous snake or a non-venomous variety, you should stay away from the creature in order to avoid being bit. While most snakes will flee from a person, there are some aggressive species that can decide to stand their ground. Especially in rural settings, there is high potential for running into reptiles, but protective footwear can improve your chances of avoiding problems in such encounters. Medieval boots are excellent for use as protective wear.

Medieval boots are crafted of thick leather, making them less susceptible to the fangs of a snake. While most people worry about venomous species, there are aggressive snakes like red racers that pose little threat in terms of venom but still have a tendency to stand their ground and act aggressively. Infections from bites are of concern, but stout boots will provide excellent protection. Whether you are attending a Renaissance or Shakespearean event for fun, or are going to a Live Action Role Playing (LARP) weekend, your thick boots will provide a barrier that extends over your calf, keeping you safer from any potential snakes you may step too close to in the area.

Take on the role of any character!

In selecting LARP Costumes, you should think about the locations that you will be visiting for your events. In many cases, outdoor camping areas can experience huge temperature fluctuations from day to night, making it important to consider all extremes in preparing your costume for travel. Some elements of your outfit can be lightweight, perfect for warm days. Whether you are in the woods of the New England or the extremes of the South West, summer daytime temperatures can be uncomfortably warm. In the wrong apparel, these temperatures can be deadly. It’s important to wear lightweight material that is light in color so that you don’t overheat.

High desert nights can be quite chilly, especially after a hot day. Most people visiting these areas are taken by surprise at night temperatures, and many find themselves unprepared for cool summer evenings. When you travel for your event, make sure that your LARP costumes and accessories include warm layers that can be added in the evenings. When the sun drops and things cool off, you may need to add layers a little bit at a time. Being prepared, though, will assure you of being comfortable while not missing out on any of the fun.

Stay Warm and Blend In!

Live action role playing is exciting to many types of people, but winter conditions can present a challenge to those wanting to participate. Cloaks are excellent for staying warm, but most cloaks stand out and give you away in the white conditions of a snowy venue. Use a white Medieval cloak in order to camouflage yourself in such a setting.

Those that love a Medieval theme will also find this style suitable for winter wear, allowing them to portray a sense of mystery as they go about their business. There are, of course, lots of other ways to make use of such a wardrobe element. Perhaps you need a period costume for a school or community play. Is your World Literature class providing you with the challenge of a class project? Re-enact a favorite story and capture it on video. The use of a White Medieval Cloak is just right for portraying some of the more famous figures of British fiction. If you are looking for a great way to portray Father Christmas, why not consider using an unexpected choice of cloak, using a reversal of red and white in the elements of your garb. Medieval wear serves many purposes throughout the year, but the white design in a cloak is exceptionally well suited to winter activities.

Get out of your Medieval Armor if you see Lightning

Summer is the best time for Renaissance Faire activities, but one force that can’t be programmed is that of nature. Summer rainstorms are refreshing, but when lightning accompanies the cool downpour, the refreshment can become dangerous. It’s essential that those participating in such events pay attention to weather reports and conditions, especially those wearing Medieval Armor. Metal can attract lightning, and the last thing you want to do is act as a walking lightning rod. Monitor lightning and storm activity and take lightning seriously.

Create an alternative plan in advance of your event so that if weather becomes a problem, you can easily evacuate those in attendance. Of course, those attending the fair can move to their vehicles for protection, but those clothed in medieval armor need alternative areas to go to for cover. You may want to provide a large tent or secure structure for weather related issues so that people can remove their metal armor. Heat can be just as detrimental as lightning, and those participating in performances should have ample room to cool off and hydrate. Likewise, those wearing heavy garments in renaissance style should be given space to cool off and take care of themselves if heat becomes overwhelming. Renaissance Faires are exciting, but be ready for the weather to take a turn, keeping your knights and ladies safe from lightning.