I'm not a corsetiere, but I know a few, and I am pretty sure they would all say not to use plastic zip ties or cheap plastic boning.

1. It does NOT last.

2. If those stays break, they can easily poke through the upholstery (the cloth) and into your skin and make an owie.

Oh, and if you decide to BUY a bodice or corset rather than making one, please get fitted. Once you know what they are supposed to feel like, it's easier, but the first time, you want to get fitted. If you're making one for yourself, talk to people who already have. They need to fit.

And yeah, the tight lacing thing wasn't nearly as universal as we think. I suspect even women who DID tight lace only did so when they were going somewhere and wanted to look their best.

And absolutely shoes before corset!