Have you posted in the "You and Your Garb" section Bonnie? I go in there when I'm showing off a new outfit. Everyone is usually very open to all sorts of dress, including my favorite, the mermaid costume.
My costumes aren't authentic, they're just for fun. No one has ever blasted my leather bodice or my Kohls boots. However, if I was to go to a reinactment I would be sure to either look into an authentic kit or go in my street clothes as a spectator. You don't go to a Star Trek convention dressed as Chewbacca the Wookie.
Why don't you start a new thread Bonnie? I'd check it out.
All of that aside, I really appreciate this thread. You never know when I might go "real" on everyone.
It's great to get some information on stays too. Is it much different than making a boned & lined bodice? Pardon my ignorance, I'm learning...