Hello all! Thanks for all the info! I'll probably end up borrowing some ideas from everybody! I've been doing most of my own pattern making for my renaissance costumes, so I'm looking forward to this challenge!
I realize that a sari and bra aren't period, or accurate together, whatsoever, and it is something I've been turning over my brain for awhile. That is why I was thinking of making a circle skirt from the sari, and then using a veil. I'm not too worried about being super period, as the whole bodice chemise skirt outfit most women wear is about as correct as Robin Hood: Men in Tights. I was really thinking of the fabric. I also really just want to wear a sari because I love how they look, and assume they are super comfortable! I don't have the courage to wear one other than at the Renaissance festival, as the only people I've ever seen wear them in Kansas are older Indian women.
I did make a turkish vest last year, though I drafted the pattern based on some research I found about authentic garments, so the only thing it really shows off is cleavage, and not even tons of that. :) It is amazingly comfortable, like walking around in my pjs all day! The problem I have with it is it tends to ride up under my belt. Having to pull it down constantly is very annoying. Any ideas on fixing that? I really enjoy it, and spent a lot of time on it, and want to continue to use it when I don't feel the need to show off my belly. (Or when I enjoyed cookies or ice cream too much!)
What I was thinking about for the bra is actually really simple. I have to interact with the public, telling directions and all that, so I would like them to look at my face, and a fantastically coined or beaded bra doesn't really lend to that! ;) I was thinking of just covering the bra in fabric, and maybe some some simple trim on the top edge, and then a matching choli that exposes the bra a little. I would have to wear a supportive bra under a choli anyway, so I might as well make it fun! I would need to wash the skirt and choli, so decorating them doesn't work, but changing the lining in a decorated bra doesn't sound so bad. It is also for health reasons, because wearing a heavy bra won't help my back feel good by the end of the day! I would probably use little to any type of stretch in the bra, for security reasons!
I've worn a bodice the last couple of years, and after that, I'm not too worried about anything!
My idea for the whole bra thing evolved from a plain choli after I saw the wrap choli here.
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Thanks again for all the info! I'm going to make a practice bra, hopefully within the next month, and I'll post pictures! Thanks again!
Rachel