When I first started researching corded petticoats, I realized I must start with what the fashion silhouette looked like at the time. This always begs the question: Which came first – the fashion or the undergarments? So I pondered on why the skirts “belled” the way they did, how they stuck out at the hips, Read More...
Tag: 1830s
The Drool Fest
What better way to enjoy historical fashion than to look at the real thing! I had the grateful opportunity to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) over the weekend. Through rain, fog, bright sunshine and a blowing snow storm (complete with police escort!) my husband and I got to gasp, drool and Read More...
1830 Acid Green “Slytherin” Dress
Back in September 2008, the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild (GBACG) held a lovely “Wives and Daughters Picnic” in Berkeley, CA. As the Bay Area Guild always produces fantastic events, I decided to carpool up with a friend for a time period event that is rarely seen. Corded petticoats, here we come! I’d already made Read More...
Costumes Parisiens Chapeaux -1830
Now how lovely are these three head pieces? Those Romantic Era ladies had some design imagination to come up with these large feathered and laced-up toppers. Which one do you like best? Read More...
A Winter Costume Accessory
Add That Finishing Touch to Your Winter Costume with a Muff Every time I see a fellow costumer all dressed up with the proper accessories like a bonnet, outer garment and reticule I instantly think of the accessories with me at that moment and take a mental note of what I need to make for Read More...
5 Questions About Corded Petticoats
From the late 1820s through to the 1860s, there was a structural undergarment that was required in order to get the “proper” bell-shape to your skirt: the Corded Petticoat. It came into fashion right after the Regency era when the waist line was slowly dropping and before the American Civil War when hoop skirts were Read More...