In my first post about the Robe a la Turque, I wound up with more questions than I answered, realizing I’d only just peeked into the rabbit hole that is 18th century…
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Costume Analytics: What Is a Robe a la Turque Anyway?
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Costume Analytics, but I’ve found myself entering “new territory” with a type of 18th century gown I *thought* I understood until I took…
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Bellas Hess & Co. 1917-1918 Fashion Catalogue – Free Download!
Ladies, I didn’t quite get through this insane project before Thanksgiving, and I am still working on the print-on-demand book, but for those of you that would like the digital copy, you…
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Preview Pages from the Bellas Hess 1917-18 Winter Catalogue
I recently received a number of vintage and antique catalogs, from my good friend Lady Carolyn. Most of them – Delineators, McCalls, Bella Hess – are in very fragile condition, but appear…
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A Quick Look At Late Elizabethan/Early Jacobean Shoes
Today we kick off a series on European footwear at the end of Elizabeth I’s reign, and beginning of James I’s, culminating on Friday with the pre-order release of our latest early-period…
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Bright-Ass Yellow 18th Century English Gowns
I’ve been obsessed with bright yellow 18th century (and Regency) gowns for awhile now, and yet I still don’t have one. The marigold hue is swoon-worthy, but also intimidating, but now it’s…
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Ladies’ Elizabethan Separates Explored
Last time, I was musing over trim styles on doublets, but towards the end of that post I realized that perhaps the design I had in mind was a “fair-ism,” something that…
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Elizabethan Doublet Trimming Ideas
Diane d’Andouins by Etienne Dumonstier Earlier this year, when I was feverishly sewing for Colonial Williamsburg, I put together a quick test bodice in some russet velveteen. It was just to test…
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More On Nankeen Fabric and Boots in the Regency
Dames a la Mode, Lady’s Museum, 1804 There have been a few questions about Nankeen fabric and its uses in the Regency, so here’s a bit more information about it. Special thanks…
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18th Century Riding Habit Waistcoats for Women
Lately I’ve been working on a waistcoat to go under my Snowshill riding habit. I really love the look of this menswear inspired style, but before jumping in, I needed to take…
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Extant Victorian Side-Lacing Gaiters
Darlings, I realize I’ve been going on and on about “Gettysburg” boots without showing you the real deal! So here are lots of examples of pretty gaiters from the 1830s to the…
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Are “Gettysburg” Boots Appropriate For Civil War Costuming?
Litchfield Historical Society – 1860 There’s quite a lot of quibbling on Facebook about the dating on the new “Gettysburg” boots, so I’m here to give some insight into how I chose…
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Practical Footwear, 1860-1880
AuntieNan asks: What did they wear in the way of practicality, on a railway journey, say, or going to town? Why, boots! Delicious, delightful boots! Just like the re-emergence of the heel…
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Seeking Adventure in 1879, But 1880 Will Do, Too
I’m having that…that feeling. It’s an exciting but terrible feeling, the one that comes with being in the middle of one complex project, but wanting to start another complex project right away.…
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Glorious 18th Century Mules, and some 19th Century Wanna-Be’s
Antoinette mules in French blue Today is the day to celebrate mules, those pretty little backless, heeled slippers that have been gracing the feet of ladies for hundreds of years. In honor…
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Non-Matching Trim Options for Robes a la Francaise
So as I bimble along on this LACMA-Sacque-ma, diligently cutting out all the many pieces, and saving every little scrap, I’m getting the feeling that I’m not going to have enough fabric…
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Romantic Era Gowns – c. 1820s-1830s
I have a bit of an itch to make something late 1820s, 1830s. Crazy, I know. Crazy GIGOT SLEEVES! Crazy! But…but…some are quite pretty. And it’s a most unloved era. I feel…
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Madame Demorest’s Illustration Portfolio of the Fashions for 1880 – Full Catalog – FREE!
It’s taken me a little while to work it all out, but I’ve finally fully digitized this wonderful catalog given to me by a dear friend, so that all may enjoy the…
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Chopines – Platforms of the Past
Chopines are so cool, especially when you compare them to the oh-so-modern heel-less shoes that are currently in fashion. I guess they’re not as modern as they think. 🙂 Via How do…
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Victorian & Edwardian Stockings
Via – I’ll take any of these, please. Throughout history, people have worn some pretty spectacular hosiery. I’m tickled today when I see fantastic socks for sale (and I often buy them,…