Roller Skating 1880s Bustle Dress Style!

One of the questions I regularly get asked during my Historical Fashion Education Programs is, "Can you run in a corset?" or "Can you bend over in a corset?" or "Did they wear those to milk a cow?" or "Women did sports?" or "Ladies wore corsets to ride bicycles?  They actually rode bicycles?" 

The sad thing to me is not these questions (because there are no "silly" questions ever in costuming), but rather movies and the modern mind set that causes people to believe that corsets were instruments of torture, that women couldn't do anything but faint in them and that they weren't allowed to play sports.  I LOVE it when I am asked these questions, because it gives me the opportunity to share what I have learned with those who are really and truly curious!  After all, you can't learn if you don't ask questions!  To that end, I am creating a "Women in Sports" fashion education program so that those who wish to know, can see reproductions of sporting outfits worn by our ancestors!

Next Saturday, the fabulous antique store "Something Special" in Meridian is holding its annual High Tea and Fashion Show where the ladies of We Wear History model historical reproduction outfits!  This year the theme is "Ladies in Sports and Evening Wear".  I have made quite a few new sporting outfits already, and am currently working on the riding habit that will be worn.  I only have to set the sleeves in and add the boning and that will be complete!  Huzzaaaaaah!  I had wanted to make a roller skating outfit to go with my fabulous pair of black antique roller skates, but have run out of time.  As I was contemplating what to do with this conundrum, a thought came to me.  I could (and will) totally use my 1880s Military Inspired Bustle Dress for a roller skating outfit!  AWESOME SAUCE!!!  I knew that the antique skates fit me as I had tried them on previously, but would I be able to wear them next Saturday and not break anything?  This morning I found out that yes, I can wear them AND skate in them and not look a fool or break anything!  Thank you Lord for small miracles!

The skates were so very NOT like the ones I used as a teenager back in the 1980s!  These were "sloppy" feeling and the wooden wheels were just plain weird feeling.  But the more I skated, the better they felt and the more my feet and legs became accustomed to them.  There was also no toe break so that was an adjustment! 

The single hardest part to roller skating in a corset is this right here...putting the skates on!  Major maaashing of the guts ensued and I know my face turned a lovely shade of crimson!

Am I sure I want to do this?  The words of my sweet husband kept running through my mind...."Please don't break yourself!"

These skates look so cool!  They are just not the comfortable ones of now!

After skating a bit, I discovered hidden pebbles on Mom's driveway!  ACK!!!  That would not do at all!

There was much concentrating going on while skating today!

Skating backward?  Oh ya baby!

After a bit I took off my bodice to show that yes, I was skating while wearing a corset!  Huzzah!

It was fun to feel the overskirt flipping around as I skated!

Taaaa-Daaaaa!  Look Ma!  No broken bones or torn silk!

Thank you Mama for being my Photo-Video-Grapher today!  It was fun watching your face as I came at you full bore on my roller skates without a toe break!  Hahahahahahahah!!  Hilarious!!  You are a total rock star and I LOVE you!!

Two videos were shot today!  I had a lot of fun making these as these were really me not being poised and collected.  After all, when you think you are going to skid on a rock and go crashing to the ground, all semblance of formality goes out the window!!!

Roller Skating Part 1

Roller Skating Part 2

Izabela Pritcher of Prior Attire inspired me to do the video with just the corset...her videos are super fun!

 I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend!!

Be blessed!

g

*Edited*

I forgot to include my Pinterest board...

Sports: Skating Both Roller and Ice

Lots and lots of fun inspiration!!!