[Skip to finished costume.]

We modified the corset pattern so that it hit under the bust and extended on the hips two more inches. We also made them one size smaller so that we had more of a cinched effect (modern patterns aren't completely accurate - making them smaller ensured that the corset actually worked as a corset!). We used regular plastic boning (as opposed to steel) and we used hook and eye tape in the front rather than a metal busk. We basted duck cloth to the fashion fabric for more stability before creating the boning channels. There are 30 grommets in the back and the lacing was simply the 99 cent ribbon you can get at JoAnns. The edges were finished with bias tape and the front buttons are hand sewn on.

For my corset, I originally sketched the outfit with green stripes, for something a little different. When I showed Maggie the sketch though, she looked at me and said "Finding fabric like that is going to be a real bitch." So, we bought white satin fabric that I liked and then found wide green ribbon for the stripes. After the corset was almost completely together (everything but bias tape binding), the ribbon was stitched down following the curve of the boning. It looks fabulous and makes my waist seem really small. ;) I made a second version of this corset - check it out [here].
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We did spend quite a bit of money on each costume so we didn't want to purchase a pattern for the skirts. Each were 'draped' on the body and then pinned and stitched. For my skirt, we basically took what we did for Shelly's skirt and modified it so it overlapped in the front rather than the side. The waist was finished by a simple rolled hem. The ruffle was created by measuring the length of the hem and then doubling the amount. We cut a rectangle this length that was four inches wide and then folded it in half and basted the raw edges. Once gathered, we pinned it to the skirt and sewed it all together. A coat hook and eye kept the skirt closed.
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• Tank top and contrasting bra
• Lacey boy shorts to wear underneath the skirts - hey, we're courtesans not whores!
• Thigh high fishnets, garter, garter belt
• Marabu slippers made from $10 Payless mules, a feather boa, hot glue, and Super Glue
• Elbow-length gloves
• Matching necklaces, earrings, and bangles
• Hair accessories - in my case, I crimped my normally straight hair and bobby pinned in green ribbons
• Theme accessory - top hat with green ribbon

[up]   [finished costume]

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I've made enough upgrades to this costume over the years that it warranted a new page. Check it out [here].

           

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To see the reference images used to make this costume,
check out my Tango Underwear Research.