Jane Austen's Birthday Celebration Dinner

[mala_14]

I recently joined the local Jane Austen Society of North America on the recommendation of a friend. Here are some pictures of me at the annual celebration of Austen's birthday. My friend is the photographer. It was rather dark because it's winter, so you can't really see the little ringlets I made out of my way too long bangs, but Look! whole outfit! I'm in the basement in front of a really cool fireplace.

The event took place at Ralph Connor House which he had built in the early 1900s. He nearly lost it when he went off to WWI and left his investments in the hands of a friend who proceeded to accidentally bankrupt him. To save the house he became a pretty famous author. Here's a picture of the drawing room with members of the society.

For jenthompson, a Regency wedgie shot in the library!

And, lastly, a picture of my not-a-pompom. :)

Ok, so awkward moment: I was the only one there in costume. (My friend said that the main organizer has a dress that she usually wears for this event, but she didn't.) However, I got tons of nice compliments on my outfit and my friend is now quite determined to have one for next year. One of my professors from school was giving the presentation and we had a great talk about having 1890s stuff to wear at Dalnavert House, another local museum/house that was shut down last year and will hopefully be reopening this spring.

Comments

[llyrafantasyfae.livejournal.com]

Oh no that sucks! I envision (and I am sure it wasn't that bad) one of those teen movies where they are told it is a costume party so they show up and no one else is in costume and everyone laughs.
But you look so lovely! And I adore your pompom.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

It was rather uncomfortable at first, but people were so kind and friendly about it and so impressed that it became much less awkward. And thanks! One day I'll master the pompom. ;)

[jenthompson.livejournal.com]

Ahhhh!!! You look so adorable! I've been curious about the Jane Austen Society here, but I've been too chicken to go to a meeting. I hope you make some friends with this group and inspire the ladies to dress up more!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :) I met some very nice people last night. It'd be awesome if they were more in to costume. You should go and check yours out! Make a friend go with you so you can be less alone.

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

You look wonderful! But ack! How nerve wracking to be the only one is costume! I'm glad you had a friend with you and still had a good time, though. :)

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It did make me feel pretty self-conscious, but people there said such kind and lovely things that I felt a bit better. My friend was definitely the biggest fan of my costume! lol

[starlightmasque.livejournal.com]

I am so stunned no one was dressed for the occasion!! How is that possible?

You look beautiful, and your outfit is fab! The pompom is perfect!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

I guess they're not really sew-ers? Everyone was nicely dressed, but no costumes! I don't get it either. The house made me wish I had about a billion costumes to wear in it because it was such a lovely venue.

Thanks! I enjoyed wearing it out, even if it was solo. ;p

[quincy134.livejournal.com]

You look so great! Totally owning it as the only (fabulous) dressed up person.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks Gloria! I certainly tried to!

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

Oh how fun! You look really cute!

It's too bad you were the only one in costume!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :) Yeah, it was unfortunate, but hopefully will be different next year!