Tuesday, April 24, 2012

U is for Corsets

I think there is a popular misconception about historical undergarments. In particular, corsets. I've read so many (okay this is a lie, cause I've never actually read a romance novel) where people rip corsets off, or you can get your hand under it etc.

I have a friend who is big into the SCE (I think I might be making this up too) who laced me into a corset once. It took SIX inches off my waist. (this isn't normal, apparently I have a supper squishy waist), but anything that can take six inches (or 3-4) is closer to your body than like your skin. Can you imagine getting your hand into something that tight.

Furthermore, it takes a good like 10 minutes to lace someone into a corset, there are knots and other fancy odd things that go on...those don't come out easy.

It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine when I'm reading something, and there is a strong female character, in a corset for the first time and it doesn't seem to affect her at all. Or one of the above mentioned things happen...you aren't breathing normally, you certainly cant slouch (although its a great relaxation for your back cause it doesnt really have to do anything to support you).

Any popular misconceptions you come across in your writing?

p.s. I know these have been short the last few days, I've been doing 12 hour days, which means I dont have much energy to write.

9 comments:

  1. I feel like I'm going to pass out when my pants get too tight after eating a big meal, so I'm pretty sure I'd be out cold if I ever got laced into a corset. I can't imagine why women put up with them, but then again, woman today to some pretty crazy things for fashion.

    Wishing you continued success with the A to Z challenge,
    Jocelyn

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  2. Ha ha ha - Jocelyn's reply above made me laugh. :)

    The first thing that came to mind as I read this post was that scene in GONE WITH THE WIND where Mammy is lacing Scarlet into her corset. :)

    Happy A-Z!

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  3. I've always thought corsets were cool, maybe cuz I'm in to steampunk, but I've never worn one. And have no desire too, I'm sure it'd be hard to move in. But maybe a fake one, were it just sits on your chest but doesn't minimize it.

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  4. I love my corset. Don't find it hard to breathe in at all - even laced to take off 5-6 inches... maybe I'm just odd but then again I have a friend who has one that she rides her horse in!

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  5. Not to romantic writer self...have heart throb bring knife to scene to cut laces on the corset.
    Thanks for the research tip!

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  6. I love when women run in highheels, cause that shit's easy.

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  7. Hi Sara,
    I enjoyed your post and your others and just had to add your blog and post to my A.D.'s FAV 5 of the A to Z challenge today!
    http://adduling.wordpress.com/
    You are #3 and I am working to bonus #6, so if you do not see my post just yet, do check back!

    Have a glorious Friday!
    A.D.

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  8. Happy Friday. Enjoyed your post and your blog looks pretty cool. Holly Michael

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