Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail Astrida Schaeffer (c) 2013 by Astrida Schaeffer ISBN 978-1-938394-04-1 Many of us have been anticipating Astrida’s book “Embellishments” for quite some time. I was happy to receive it…
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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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The 3rd Annual Steampunk Ball of Piper’s Opera House, 2013
Liza rockin’ her Victorian tail bodice with shorts and amazing stockings This past weekend Chris and I worked our tails off at the 3rd Annual Steampunk Ball up in Virginia City, Nevada.…
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“Real” Late Victorian Steampunk Fashions for Women
The Met, 1897-99 (via) – an excellent start to a fabulous Steampunk ensemble. My favorites are the original gowns that unknowingly have that Steampunk flavor. I haven’t been working on my wedding…
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1860s Button Boots with Scalloped Fly
The boots, once stuffed and supported, were in surprisingly good condition. Every once in awhile something particularly smashing comes up on eBay and I get all giddy about it. These boots were…
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Tavistock Button Boots: Re-Pre-Order!
Hi Ladies! I’ve gone and ordered another run of Tavistock button boots in black leather, and would like to give you the opportunity to reserve your pair between now and when the…
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2013 Costume College, Pt. 3 – The Gala
Merja’s Baroque gown OMG. This wasn’t her Gala dress, but I needed to include a photo of it anyway. Ready for the last set of pics from Costume College? Well, I took…
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2013 Costume College, Pt. 1
I’m back! I’m alive! Costume College was splendid this year. I had SO much fun, met and chatted with so many cool people, and took so…SO…many photos. I’m breaking this up into…
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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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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,…
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Mme Demorest’s Illustrated Portfolio of the Fashions for 1880
Last weekend a dear friend, Jenny, gave me an incredible gift – a complete pattern catalog from 1880. I’ve been studying it with great interest and costume lust, careful to keep the…
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Tavistock Button Boots Steampunk Photoshoot at the Sparks Museum
It’s been *ages* since Chris, Angie, and I did this Victorian / Steampunk photo shoot for Tavistock, featuring the “Green Acres” gown, and, of course, our new black button boots. I’ve been…
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Victorian Boots & Accessories Survey – Please Help!
Hi Ladies! As always, I am working on improving our historical footwear and accessories, and am in need of some information about your shapely gams. The most difficult part of creating our…
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1880s Green Acres Gown: Steampunkin’ Photo Shoot Preview
Happy Easter! Yesterday was photo shoot day with one of my favorite girls, Angie, wearing one of my favorite gowns, the 1880s giant green bustle dress. I can’t wait to share the…
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Restoring Antique Shoes – How to Polish Leather Shoes
Ever since I started collecting antique shoes, I’ve been a little obsessive about restoration, primarily bringing leather shoes back from the dead. I look for the *worst* leather shoes on eBay and…
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Beautiful Historical Fans – Please Vote!
Hello Lovelies! Today I’d like to share with you a number of gorgeous historical fans, and ask your opinion on which you like the most… Fan #1 – The Met, early 19th…
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V364: Corset Training – Week 2 Report
It’s been about two weeks now that I’ve been consistently wearing a Victorian corset for about 7+ hours per day. I’ve already learned so much about my body, the effects of the…
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V363: Semi-Finished Project: The “Green Acres” Bustle Gown
I’ve been a bad blogger, but only because I’ve been *really* busy trying to get the Green Acres gown done for a local Victorian ball, this past Saturday. I suppose this is…
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V361: Corset Training – Facing Questions and Issues
Hi! I’ve been wearing my corset now for 7 days, and within even this short amount of time, I have learned quite a lot about corseting, and also been asking myself some…