As I've mentioned before, I work as the seamstress for Fantasy Attic Costumes in Ypsilanti. Considering that fall officially began this week and the Halloween season is fast approaching, I find myself reminiscing about school, and the things you learn in college but think you'll never use.

I remember sitting down in the first session of "Fashion History 101" thinking maybe we would learn about where Twiggy walked her first runway show, or see slides of Halston or Chanel's early creations. Instead, down came the projector screen, out came the laser pointer, and there was an ugly man (who I later learned was a woman) wearing a really old, weird outfit from the 1800's. I sighed and thought, ugh. Costumes. What does this have to do with fashion?

Turns out, that was a ridiculous thing to think! Costumes are fashion. Or rather, costumes are clothes that were once the fashion of the times. Granted, Superman, Shrek, Alice in Wonderland...there are a few that fall into a different type of category (fantasy, fun, fiction), but for the sake of this conversation, just follow me.

At Fantasy Attic, aside from the three rooms of retail, there are two floors filled with thousands of costumes customers can rent. There are six books containing examples of such costumes from different eras: Medieval, Renaissance, 20's through the 90's, Colonial, and much more. But it's not as simple as just going down into the basement, grabbing the costume and bringing it up. This is where that fashion history class helps me on a daily basis.

Hundreds of frock coats, tail coats, hoop skirts, bustles, petticoats, jabots, corsets, big top hats ....we need a shirt with a leg o' mutton sleeve. Figure out which elements can be put together to create the look the customer needs. Oh yes, and it has to fit. Here I am sewing a new trim on this gorgeous Renaissance-era gown.

Ah, the customer just returned this and blew out the pants! This skirt is way too long but it fits everywhere else. How many steam punk weddings have we outfitted so far this summer? A lot. Let me just say if it were not for Professor Cole in Fashion History, I would have never known what the heck a leg o' mutton sleeve was. This is what my job is like, and I love it.

There are two lessons here. Never discount anything you learn, in college or in life. You never know when you'll need it. And two? Fantasy Attic has a lot of costume history packed into its four rooms.

I am repairing a ripped hem on a very fluffy tulle skirted ballgown, while wearing a very fashionable feather doughnut hat. Behind me are some other gorgeous costumes.

Kelly Tinsley is an Ann Arbor-based fashion designer who blogs about fashion and style for AnnArbor.com. You can visit her Web site at Kellylynne.com, email her at kellylynnetinsley@gmail.com, become a Facebook fan of her designs and follow her on Twitter.