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Skirt Training Fundamentals For Adults: Part Two
By Tes Staylace
Copyright 1997
In memory of June Allyson
(who knew how to manage them the best!)
Hello all
you petticoat lovers! October sees the second half of the article
I started in August here at TransGender Forum. Next month, this
column will be devoted to corsetry again! We will alternate
between "Petticoat Pond" and "Tightlacing
Topics" (my URL for corsetry is http://www.staylace.com
Feel free to write me at staylace@staylace.com! All e-mail will be answered.
Full skirts (bouffants)
present a whole other set of considerations. Nothing is so
feminine, and nothing else has the potential for indignity. Here,
too, a lady must keep on constant guard.
Sitting is the largest
consideration: There are essentially two ways a lady may
accomplish this. One way is to smooth her skirts under her
buttocks as she descends into sitting position. At the same time,
she must be certain that the front part of her skirt is not
billowing upwards so much as to compromise her modesty. All the
while, if the skirt length is longer, she must make sure that the
back part does not sweep the floor and muss her skirt and
petticoats! This is very difficult if carrying anything in ones
arms (such as children) and can cause much consternation on the
part of said female. The term "petticoat face" is used
to describe the look on a ladys face when attempting to
navigate such a procedure. When she fails, we may coin the term
"red petticoat face!" (See the 1954 New York Times Magazine article on the subject, reproduced on the
petticoat Pond site in its entirety.
The other way is for the lady to
allow the back fullness to come up behind her, generally reducing
the upswell on the front part of the skirt. The result is that
there is nothing but panties between the lady and the seat. Could
be a chilling (or unsanitary) prospect. It is, however, a
delightful sight when the lady is sitting on the ground with her
skirts about her! Of course, in such instance, her skirts must be
perfectly arranged, special, attention given to the petticoats
underneath!
During all of this, the petticoats
and crinolines underneath tend to get mussed and wrinkled. A
classy lady takes time out to inspect her underskirts at every
possible moment, for the proper peeking out from under requires
they be neat and seemly. The best way is for girlfriends to
mutually inspect the two sets. Of course, the more layers, the
more inspection and maintenance will be required. This allows
careful arrangement of the layers, so that one is not hung up on
another; and, of course, any ornamentation and frillies (ribbons
and bows) applied on the slips must also be kept from creasing.
Another consideration is care in
keeping your heels untangled from the petticoats, especially if
the petticoats are made of net or other fragile material.. This
is most important when the skirt length is longer, as then it
tends to happen more often, especially when sitting. A ripped
petticoat is a poor sight to see!
In order to help prevent that from
happening (and to protect their modesty), many ladies in the
Fifties wore a straight slip underneath their bouffant lovelies.
If this is done, skirt management obviously becomes even more
essential, the combination demanding double consideration. See
the old "Lawrence Welk" shows--this arrangement was
consistently used by his dancers. (Probably made dancing more
difficult)
Floor and ankle-length full skirts
present another set of problems. Aside from the consideration of
touching others with your skirts (improper), there is the safety
situation. Tripping over ones skirts can cause injury, to
say nothing of embarrassment. Of course, touching another with
your skirts can be provocative as well, and lead to nicer things.
Skirt-flirting is an art, short OR long and, as such, is a fit
topic for another article. There is, however, very little more
feminine then the grace of an accomplished long-skirt wearer.
Some such skirts are draped over
hoops. Hoops can be amusing, even to the wearer, but they require
a specific technique in order that the whole rig doesnt fly
up in the air upon sitting down. This is accomplished by assuring
that the rear part is pulled up and back before sitting. Stairs
require that long skirts, including hoops, be pulled up in front
so the possibility of tripping is negated. Coming down stairs
requires at least one hand on the railing and the other holding
up the front part of the skirt. We assume that anyone behind you
would be careful not to step on the backside of the skirt. In the
case of a hoop, try to pull it up far enough so that you can see
your trajectory, if not your feet. Of course, the width of a
hoopskirt and its rigidity can cause damage to items sitting on
furniture, to say nothing of little children and dogs (which may
take offense and begin crying or barking, respectfully).
Hoops should be worn with either
pantaloons, pettipants or petticoats underneath, again to protect
modesty, especially when dancing.
Some long skirts, particularly
wedding gowns, incorporate trains. Like the tractor-trailer
driver and his trailer, a lady must be aware that it is behind
her at all times, short OR long. Magnificent, sweeping turns are
required, but the ladys hand must be free in order to pull
the whole train up off the floor in many instances. It is a
treacherous time, wearing a train, during which a lady is
dependent upon the care and concern of all around her. Perhaps
that is why brides have trains, in order to emphasis their
helplessness and dependency.
Remember that petticoats and
crinolines are at their best when providing a provocative
atmosphere. Arrangement of such at appropriate times can prove to
be very erotic, and the rustle of taffeta and other petticoats is
a sound not easily ignored. Wear more than one, so they can slide
against each other, supplying a variety of interesting sounds.
While all these suggestions may be
heeded, nothing woks as well as practice. So get into your heels,
don that favorite pretty dress and get to work! Youll feel
the better for it!
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