The 31st Annual Ohio Regimental Military Ball

"And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,

They danced by the light of the moon"

Friends dressed in the finest of frippery.
 From left to right: Laura, Amanda & me

Two weekends ago now, I had a ball at the 31st annual Ohio Regimental Military Ball - and I do mean ball in that I both enjoyed and danced all night!  Having made such fond memories at last year's event, I hopped or shall I say danced at the chance to attend again.  Before I share the few pictures that I snapped, I'd like to give a huge "thank you" to all of the organizers, and direct you to the website here: Ohio Regimental Military Ball and the Facebook group for more information and much better pictures from the weekend.

Unfortunately, the couple I joined last year were unable to make it this time; I admit that I was hesitant to go alone at first, though am so happy that I did.  I met up with several familiar friends, made many new acquaintances, did a little shopping and lots of dancing, ate, drank, and just generally enjoyed being in the moment!

In fact, as far as clothing goes, I decided to be uncharacteristically kind or perhaps realistic with myself and did not make a single thing!  I'm a senior in college, again, and my time is taken up with many projects, just none (or very little) for my historical wardrobe...So, instead of stressing over making something new, I pulled out my coral dress and some coordinating accessories.  Kristen snapped a picture of me, when I realized that I hadn't a single image of my OOTD or outfit of the day - and I call myself a blogger haha!  For comfort and convenience, especially while driving there, I ditched the hoop and wore four petticoats (three tucked and one corded) over a bum support, which did a decent job of creating that bell shaped silhouette.

My outfit of the day!
Accessories include a beribboned hairnet and bow from Timely Tresses,
silk belt with a reproduction buckle from Ensembles of the Past,
and matching, red side-lacing boots from Amazon Dry Goods.

During the day, I had signed up for two of the workshops/talks, and spent the before and after time socializing and shopping in the lobby.  There were a variety of vendors, including familiars like Kristen of The Victorian Needle (and her blog, here), Samantha of Amazon Dry Goods, Janet, who I know through the Pittsburgh Historical Costume Society, and Michael Rhodes, the photographer.  I also met Joy from the Homefront Herald Magazine, and am excited for the possibility of a future article and collaboration. 

Kristen of the Victorian Needle, quality reproduction jewelry and beaded work.
(Also pictured is a coral necklace that would eventually become mine haha!)

I really owe Kristen a "thank you" - she not only let me hide hang out behind her table, but gave me valuable advice, encouragement and styled my hair for the ball!  I'm really looking forward to seeing her again at the Citizen's Forum, which is the 1860s conference for reenactors and living historians that she organizes! 

It's always so hard to choose when one wants them all!

The always fashionable Janet of the Pittsburgh Historical Costume Society.

When I say that it took every once of strength to walk away from the very tempting shoes, readers, I mean it!  Amazon Dry Goods, the source of my favorite red side-lacers, was there again, yay!  Samantha is just lovely (and dressed to perfection!) and remembered me from last time actually, which made me smile.  I almost, almost walked away with a pair of light brown side-lacers, which I still regret not taking home...but alas, there will no doubt be more pretty shoes in the future: 

Samantha of Amazon Dry Goods & reproduction shoe heaven!

I did make two, small purchases though - a pair of clocked stockings and a coral necklace (with the matching clip on earrings to follow).  I'm on a tight budget being a college student, so I justified these as necessary for a project in the near future:

My weekend purchases, and the next project?

As for the evening festivities:  Dinner...err, at least the pretty hallway spread!  I forgot to take pictures, too busy talking with the company.  I sat with two gentleman my age - Duncan and Brandon - and found that, aside from our hobby, we had quite a bit in common :)

Yummy, yummy food

...Dancing.  I danced every dance!!  There just aren't enough opportunities in my life to don a ballgown and dance!

Amanda and David waltzing

Photograph borrowed from Facebook as proof that I was dancing
And that my hair was not falling down all night, just for the pictures haha

...And the delightful company of two, new friends, Amanda and Laura!  (You both look like 19th century princesses!)

Laura & Amanda

I would have had a few more pictures to share, but apparently my camera did not like the lighting.  So, here's another borrowed from Instagram: 

If you don't already follow Amanda @historic_adventuress, you should!  I'm kind of obsessed with her wardrobe...and speaking of clothing, I don't know what I would have done without her help putting me together - back fastening bodices and slippery hair both make for difficult times.  I sure hope to see both of them, Laura and Amanda, again at another event, soon!  

With the recap just about finished, I suppose there's only one thing left to say - that I'll be looking forward to next year's 32nd Annual Ohio Regimental Military Ball.  Mark your calendars for February 15, 2020! 

Dear Me, Let Us Be Elegant or Die

"Meg's high-heeled slippers were very tight and hurt her, though she would not own it, 

and Jo's nineteen hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head, 

which was not exactly comfortable, but, dear me, let us be elegant or die."

- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

"Christopher Columbus. Aren't we elegant?" - Little Women (1949)
Dressed for the ball with my weekend companion.

Last weekend, I had the chance to attend the annual Ohio Regimental Military Ball with two good friends, Sarah and Calvin, and it was absolutely marvelous!  This year was especially so as it was both the 30th anniversary, and attended by over 200 people.  There were day workshops, dinner and dancing, and many dear and new friends to meet.  In this blog post, I'll be sharing the highlights of the event in hopes that you'll join us next time.  Make sure to visit their website here: Ohio Regimental Military Ball and Facebook group for more information and pictures from the weekend.  

Here was the official event flyer: 

And now, to begin the recap:  Several months ago, Sarah, my Ohio reenacting and sewing friend, mentioned this event and invited me to stay with Calvin and her.  Always eager to dress up and dance, I agreed and am so happy that I did!  

Originally, when the ball was still several weeks away, I had planned on making a new, pink dress suitable for Valentine's Day...but college and practicum responsibilities got in the way.  All I managed to finish was the bodice, but here's some in-progress shots: 

For the day, I ended up wearing the polka-dot dress and accessorizing with a new collar, hair ribbons and bow from Timely Tresses, and an antique shawl, which was a lucky thrift shop find.  

Outfit of the Day.
Showing off my new shoes, which totally coordinate!

Footwear close up.

In the lobby, there were maybe a dozen vendors set up, including Originals by Kay, Amazon Drygoods, and Barnyard Biddy among others.  I hadn't planned on anything beyond window shopping, but when I saw row after row of shoes(!) displayed so enticingly by Samantha of Amazon Drygoods...well, let's just say I couldn't pass up the opportunity.  These maroon side-lacers were the only pair of their kind, in my size too, and they matched my outfit so well.  It was meant to be!

And another picture, because I'm in love with these boots!

Speaking of new pretties, Sarah was a vision!  Dressed in a soft pink, striped dress, which she started and finished a mere night before, straw bonnet and cockade belt, her ensemble was perfection: 

While there were several, morning workshops I was interested in, I chose the most playful - Parlor Games.  We had such a fun time, and a great instructor too.  A minister's cat and blind man's buff, quick thinking and tongue twisters, and forfeits all around! 

The rest of the afternoon was spent socializing and shopping.  I met up with Jamie of BarnyardBiddy, who I had met before and was so surprised that she remembered me too.  She is so sweet, and had a lovely display.  Just look at those brilliant, hand-dyed silk yarns!  

This beauty was oh soo tempting, the picture just doesn't do it justice!

An incredible beaded miser purse!

I also made a new friend, Dana!

And finally met Janet, who had invited me to join the Pittsburgh Historical Costume Society a couple of years ago, in person: 

Michael Rhodes, photographer and case maker extraordinaire, was offering wet plate or tintypes.  Sarah sat several times: 

Then it was time to change for dinner and dancing.  Calvin, who had worked all day, joined us.  Sarah had another new gown, this time a colorful plaid silk: 

Tacking the bertha in place. 
What's period dressing without last minute stitching? ;)

Calvin and Sarah, the best dressed couple at the ball!

I wore my champagne ball gown again, and Sarah kindly styled my hair:

Obligatory hair shot!

Formal dinner and dancing commenced:  The ball room at the Mckinley Grand Hotel was certainly befitting the name "grand" with all of its elegant chandeliers.  Dinner featured lively conversation and anniversary cake.  In fact, we were seated with Annabel (I recognized her from the Civilian CW Closet!) and her husband, and a couple who have been attending the regimental balls since the very beginning.  

Dinner picture borrowed from the Facebook group.

We danced the night away!  Music was provided by the 73rd OVI Brass Band.  Favorites included the Spanish Waltz, Gay Gordon, Patticake Polka, and Haste to the Wedding...oh I love to dance :)

Everyone looked so regal in their finest!

Making more new friends (Erin, Vanessa, Holly, and more) and memories!  Hopefully I'll see them again next year or at other events in the meantime.  

Erin and Sarah.

The after-party included a discussion based on these fantastic cookies...kudos to whoever brought and frosted them:

And finally, my favorite picture from the evening.

A million thanks to everyone who worked so diligently to bring such a wonderful evening together!  Let us be elegant or die!