1940's/Victorian/ Edwardian do

This is the classic "rolled" style seen in every WWII movie ever made. Women used rolls of cloth (or today, styrofoam or foam) under their hair to make the sausage-like rolls. I didn't use anything because my hair is think, but you might want to consider rollers if you have thin hair. This style was stolen from the mid to late Victorian era and the Edwardian era (1901-1910). In the 1800's, it would have been an easy home-day do, not a party do. Towards the turn of the century it became more popular out of the home, but still not at parties, unless you left a few curls hanging out and attached some flowers and diamonds. Diamonds make everything better.

I cheated and used octopus clips to hold the bun at the bottom because my hair was too heavy to be held by hair pins. If you have thin or short hair this will not be a problem. If you have long thick hair and will be wearing this do to a party, you could cover the clips with flowers or ribbons.

Lovely French Braid

Here is a great style Sami from my Freshman Foundations Course made. She said it doesn't take long to make, but I know it would take me hours. I thought it was just beautiful and could work for any occasion, especially a Renaissance Faire or toga party. It would also work with any length of hair.


(Photos by Sami.)

Twist for very long straight hair

This is a style my friend Anna made that is perfect for long straight hair. I don't know exactly how she made it, but the pictures should be pretty self-explanatory. It looks to me like a figure eight with the extra hair hanging out at the bottom but I have a feeling that it is more complicated. It may be a figure eight wrapped into itself.

Embellished Turban

Here is a turban made of a coral silk scrap found in the remnants section of the fabric store. The fabric was less than three dollars for an amazing iridescent quality Dupiani silk. For little extras like turbans, never buy fabric from a bolt. You can always find a cute cheap remnant.

I added a long strand of black and blue pearls, two peacock feather earrings, and the abalone pendant from a necklace for trimmings, and held everything in place with bobby pins. The fabric was basically wrapped around my head twice and pinned closed in back under the bun. Some rose glass earrings and curls completed the look.

Basically, you can use any old jewelry, brooches, feathers, and ribbons to embellish a turban. You never have to buy anything special. You could even pin on a clump of fake grapes or a fake bird for a more early Victorian touch.