I'm going to a steampunk picnic at the beginning of August, and while my new steampunk costume [link] is full of win and awesome, I would really like to wear my hoopskirt. I'll be outside, so there should be enough space for me (unlike the last steampunk event, which was partly outside, partly inside rather small houses) and I haven't worn my hoop since Halloween.

However, my mourning gown [link] is not exactly steampunk. I have two ideas to punk it up, and please tell me which one you think is better:

1) Wear a plain, black, button-up blouse (which I already have), and make a vest out of leftover mourning gown fabric. This will involve drafting a pattern and buying lining and possibly buttons.

2)a) Make this blouse [link] out of leftover mourning gown fabric (I think I have enough) with black trim
2)b) Make the same blouse out of black fabric, which I would have to buy. I'm currently only working six hours a week and I'm looking for a better job, but money is kinda tight.

Options 2 a&b would involve finishing up the pattern (I didn't make the original blouse, but I'm in the process of copying the pattern from it), but the advantage is I would probably wear the new blouse for everyday, whereas I doubt I'd do that with the vest.

So? What are your opinions? Which option is more steamy? Which do you think would suit the skirt better? Which do you like better?