One item that stood out was the Garibaldi blouse or shirt. “ Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807 - 1882) was an Italian folk hero, a nationalist in favor of Italian independence from Austrian domination. Garibaldi's "total sincerity and honesty, and exceptional physical courage gave him the kind of personal magnetism which made women of all classes love him, and men of all classes follow him in circumstances of acute danger." During the Expedition of the Thousand campaign in 1860, his volunteer followers were known as "Redshirts" (Camicie Rosse in Italian) for their uniforms (or rather shirts, as they could not afford full uniforms), and it is these who inspired the fashion”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garibaldi_shirt
Women were modest. They buttoned up their collars and sleeves. Many got creative and added interesting black accents like a bow tie or trim and tightly cinched waist. They also had matching little jackets and to complete the look with a bonnet, hat.
http://www.pinterest.com/heileen/garibaldi-blouse/
Hair was always verly long but neetly twisted up in braids and a bun, covered by a crocheted snood.
Where the heck did the hoopskirt come from! I nearly ate it coming off stage. I’m glad to have practiced navigating with that monstrosity for several weeks before my performance because I could have really hurt somebody. And better you wear a petticoat and pantaloons or it might get a slight breezy under there. Never fear Merry is here! She had already thought of that too. The hoopskirt or farthingale as it’s proper name, originated in Spain in the 1500’s. “farthingale", underskirt expanded by a series of circular hoops that increase in diameter from the waist down to the hem and are sewn into the underskirt to make it rigid. The fashion spread from Spain to the rest of Europe from 1545 onward. The frame could be made of whalebone, wood, or wire. The shape was first domed, coned, or bell-like; later it became more like a tub or drum.”
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/202157/farthingale
The shoes she found at a thrift store, go figure. Hey, if it looks the part... Voila! Heidi Claire Sanders! What a blast! Thank you all! ◊