“While I love learning about and wearing historical costumes, I consider myself more of a casual costumer than a staunch historian. I usually go for 'historically adjacent', rather than the 'historically accurate' or even 'historically adequate' of others in the costuming community. Like me, my costumes often have a whimsical element either in construction, inspiration, or both.

In this case, my inspiration was the Orange Blossom doll from Strawberry Shortcake and Friends. The open robe is made from a custom designed and printed Jacobian style pattern on long staple cotton. The gown beneath is cotton organdy with embroidered lupines. Both were made with modifications from the American Duchess Simplicity pattern along with some elements from The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking. My self-made jewelry includes a beaded necklace and earrings of tiny oranges. My hair and turban are decorated with orange slices and orange blossoms.”