Want to know the secret to keeping your finely pleated trim and garment areas looking crisp and perfect for years? Use this simple tip and you’ll soon say: “Oh that’s how they made it look that way!” Read More...
Daisy Gold and USC Red Spencer
At my whirlwind trip thru downtown LA in January, I couldn’t resist picking up some silk for a new spencer. I must have a new outfit for my attendance at Jane Fest in April and it WILL be accompanied by a spencer. My friend and mentor, lana/Lily, and I kept coming across the same shades Read More...
Drapes for Dresses
As a response to the February 2011 article on Regency fabrics, my friend Gina posted on the Facebook page that she didn’t see her curtains mentioned as possible raw material. Ha! Well, here’s where that came from. (And no, I didn’t actually steal her curtains for my project.) Read More...
Fabrics for Danceable Regency Ball Gowns
Ok, I admit I love day wear more than evening dress. This is true for both my historical wardrobe and in my 21st C. life. But when it comes to the invitation to a ball, I have to have *something* to wear to the event, right? With a new year of historical costume events planned, 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...
Finding a Perfect Victorian Fabric
When you’re duplicating a historical garment, how do you find the perfect fabric from today’s available textiles? When do you deviate from the dream in your head to what is available on the market? How do you compromise with your costume vision and your budget? 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...
Napoleon: The Empire of Fashion
OMG! For some drool-worthy photos of museum garments for your Regency research, take a gander at these sites. Both cover the exhibit at Milan’s TRIENNALE. Napoleon and the Empire of Fashion Thomason Photography (Thanks to the American Duchess for directing fellow costumers to these pages.) Read More...