Weekly Letter: Where to start?

Hello readers! I thought my first letter to you would be good at finding out more information on where to start reenacting.  It takes a lot of effort, from the wardrobe to the places you'll go and tricks that might help you along the way.
     First off, where are you planning to go for your event?  This will determine a lot when planning a reenacting trip.  For example: If I was to attend a ball I would need a ball gown, a hair style picked out, and the accessories to go with it.  Now, if I was attending a week long camp on the battle field I don't think I would need a beautiful white gown.
     Once you have the event in mind you'll need your packing list.  This is where some people get lost. I can not stress this line enough, You must do your research!!! This means the following:
Google is your friend, please use him. Pinterest is full of links that take out half the work of Googling things.  It never hurts to go to the library and read up on the time period you are reenacting.
      I'm not joking when I say you will be known as "Farby" if you show up with your hair down, shoulders showing and outlandish makeup on. Every person becoming a reenactor needs to save themselves from this fate. I understand we can't be perfect since none of us actually lived back then, and some of us can't spend millions of dollars to be perfect reenactors.  However, your idea of the beautiful Scarlet O'Hara dress on the battle field is not what you want to be wearing.  (Ok my rant is over).
     So, once you have found your destination and done your research.  You've found out that snoods were not that common, you had sleeves to your wrist and you didn't show your neck till after 5pm, your hair should be up in a bun of sorts with the best middle part, and you need to have a hat on when outside at all times, you are ready to start the fun part: SHOPPING!
     Now, I will warn you, there are many things you can spend your money on that are worth it, and some that are not.  I recommend that when you are starting off to find pieces you can mix and match.  No sense in buying a dress when you can have three outfits out of different accessories. Think of it as modern wardrobes.  We use different pieces in our wardrobe to make multiple outfits.  The Victorians did the same.  Where is it you find these amazing, non-Farby, decently priced reenacting outfits you say? 
     Well, for starters you can always look at eBay.  I did this and built my closet upon the few things I bought for my first year at the 1861 Girls School.  I will mention that if you are looking for more accurate pieces to not spend much time there.  It's really for people who are just starting out.  Next is Etsy.  Etsy is more accurate depending on the seller and it works very similar to eBay minus the bidding.  Another site I like to use is Recollections.  They have a wide variety but they can cost a pretty penny. 
     When doing your research you might have found a few other sights that make civil war clothing as well.  It all depends on where you look.  If you have the time to go to a local event there is always blockade runners or sometimes "Sutler row" which is a supplier of all things "needed" for your Civil war adventures. 
     Everything takes practice and you may not be able to get everything your first event.  The process it takes to be a civil war reenactor is not in one expensive trip, it's over the course of months and even years.  Even though I am fairly new as well I hope this may inspire some people and help them out along the way.
Yours Truly,
Shayla P.