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...
Category: Design & Silhouette
How Do You Know It’s a 1870s Bustle Dress?
First off, the girly-girls really get to have a party in the Seventies! If you’ve seen the first half of The Buccaneers you’ll know what I’m talking about. Even if you’re a tomboy and play softball with your skirts hiked up, you’ll still experience what “playing dress up” is all about. My first dreams of Read More...
The Victorians Did Love Pink! – Original 1860s Bodice
Several years ago I acquired this original bodice that I date to the 1860s. It’s very well made by both hand and machine. Here are some highlights of this darling, but unusual garment. And yes, it is PINK. Read More...
Yummy 1884 Jackets
From the Delineator magazine in February 1884. See the full page below… Read More...
1861 & Dressed for a Party
Ahh.. you can just imagine Melanie’s birthday party ball right before the men go off to fight where the young ladies are dressed in their ruffled gowns trying to capture the attention of some young officer. Read More...
Quick Study of an 1880 Natural Form Gown
This beautiful silver blue silk taffeta gown was on display at the Fashioning Fashion exhibit at LACMA. It caught my eye, not just because it’s the Victorian style that I love, but the details are fabulous! Read More...
February Wedding Gown Inspiration
I love the Valentine pink satin used for the bridesmaid dress in this 1909 plate from Journal des Demoiselles. The deep fringe on the sash and her HUGE hat with black feathers is just stunning. Read More...
Stuck Between Civil War & Bustle
This newly acquired fashion plate from 1869 really struck a chord with me. Probably the blue and stripes thing. Not to mention that both evening gowns are made of gorgeous silk taffeta or satin. What are your thoughts on this transitional fashion plate? The white skirt can be made from a good cotton base with Read More...