Getting Attached to “Detachable” Items

Leave a comment February 22, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

If you are interested in getting a different look for your outfit, accessories can make a huge difference! Today, we mostly turn to scarves and jewelry to spice up or alter our clothes. However, these go-tos were not always the first choice in decades past. Many women used what we can think of as “detachable” items that were either pinned, buttoned, or basted onto their clothes. This allowed for everyday clothes to be given a little pick-me-up for a very affordable price. Simply remove for cleaning and then use on any garment that could use a little something extra.

Collars were the most common form of the “detachable” items, although under sleeves, as seen during the Regency era or during the 1850’s-1860’s, were also quite common. Mostly made of stark white cotton, linen, or lace, these little beauties came in various sizes, shapes, and textures.

This 1860’s lace capelet/collar is fascinating as it appears to be covering up an evening gown…perhaps making it more appropriate for daywear!

This woman wears both a detachable collar as well as under sleeves, a very common and economic look during the 1860’s.

Although some color enhancements on this particular 1860’s image highlight the trim, notice the wide Peter Pan collar and ruffled under sleeves.

Here are a few more wonderful examples from the 1860’s of collars, chemisettes, and under sleeves showing the wide variety a woman could create for herself.

Women’s fashion at the turn of the century also featured detachable collars, although I must say they look extremely uncomfortable to wear!

Detachable collars also saw a rebirth during the 1930’s in a wide range of sizes, lengths, and finishes!

So why not create your own detachable item for that blouse or dress that maybe has seen better days!

All Things Baby…and a Gender Reveal

3 Comments February 17, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

It has been a very busy two weeks.

I have been sewing up a storm and working very hard at this tricky little thing called online marketing. And since my brain has been swimming with all the things that need to get done, I thought I would take a little mental break. And what more perfect way to take my mind off all the craziness than to focus on my happy little bundle that is due in less than four months!

Four months!! Eeeek!!! 🙂

The past few weeks have also been a bit of a roller coaster when it came to finding out the gender of our baby. Since I am a planner, and sewer, it was important to me that I find out the gender in advance so I could plan and get as much done as I could before the baby comes. So when our doctor told us at our 12 week sonogram that she was 85% sure she knew what the gender was, of course, we couldn’t wait to hear! Imagine our joy when she said it was a boy! My husband and I were both over the moon and began planning the nursery, choosing names, and getting just plain excited.

Well, we knew we had to go back for the second sonogram so we decided that we would wait to start buying things until we were sure, but we had definitely everything picked out. So the day of the second sonogram came and we excitedly went to the doctor, eager to see our son again. As we enjoyed watching our little one on the computer, the technician asked if we were ready to know the gender…which, of course, we were. I mean, we were ready for a confirmation of what we already knew. So as the two of us waited to hear the words “It’s a boy” emerge from her lips, when she said very matter of factly, “It’s a girl!”

Wait, what?

We both just about fell out of our chairs (or the medical bed in my case.)

A girl???

As we scraped our jaws up from off the floor, my husband mentioned that last time we came they thought it was a boy. “Well, that does happens sometimes, although it is rare.” was her response. Oh. Good to know.

Sooooooooo after going through shock, a complete mind shift, and a new name search, we are happy to announce we are having a girl!!!!

And with all this exciting news, I decided it was time to dedicate a post to all things maternity and baby!

Let’s begin with this 1860’s photograph and a mother and child. Both of whom, I may add, are impeccably dressed!

These 1910 maternity dresses are perfect for both pre and post baby!

These two moms to be from the 1940’s look absolutely adorable in their maternity dresses!!!

While I can’t say the super tight skirt looks all that comfortable, I adore the loose fitting top from this 1960’s sewing pattern.

This entire 1940-1950 collection for a baby is just fantastic! What a wide variety offered in this pattern!!

And for when they get a little older, these little girl dresses from the 1910’s-early 1920’s are absolutely perfect!

And for some modern takes on vintage dresses, this ADORABLE dress tutorial by Craftiness is Optional is perfect in every sense of the word! Link is under the image.

Craftiness is Optional

And who wouldn’t want a few bonnets to match those precious little dresses. This tutorial from Simple Simon and Company is as easy as it is sweet! Link under image.

Simple Simon and Company

So if someone ever says to you there is an 85% chance…..be highly doubtful!! 😉

Happy Friday everyone!!!

A Timeline of Fashion’s Influence

Leave a comment February 13, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the British men’s clothing company T.M. Lewin. While I never have personally purchased clothing from them, I was very aware of the name and longevity. Established in 1898, they have spent the past one hundred years providing high quality men’s clothing and are well-known for the introduction of the button down shirt. So what, may you ask, is a men’s clothing store doing reaching out to me, a women’s historical clothing blog? Well, the company wished to celebrate 300 years of British influence on men’s fashion and wondered if I would be interested in participating. At first, I wasn’t sure what I could do. I mean, I enjoy men’s clothing, but enough to write about it? I just wasn’t sure. So I thought and spent some time studying the fabulous timeline graphic they sent me, and realized the large connection between men and women’s clothing. I thoroughly enjoyed my time researching and loved finding examples of women’s fashion that directly corresponded with men’s.

So, with all that said, I decided to participate in their celebration…but with my own twist. Below you will find sections of their timeline along with examples of women’s fashion which bears influence and connection….although with a bit more grace and femininity!

The 1700’s

I choose to highlight the floral impact on fashion for this particular century. While today, most individuals equate floral prints exclusively as women’s clothing, that was not always the case. Notice the embroidery on the men’s suit, along with the influence on the floral print of the women’s gown below! Both are absolutely stunning!

1770’s Floral Gown from the Digitalt Museum

The 1800’s

I have a slight obsession with anything Regency. I just do. So clearly, out of this century, I had to pick something from the 1810’s. And what better choice than showing examples of the riding coat!

1815 Men’s and Women’s Riding Outfits, Kyoto Costume Institute

My second choice to highlight from this century is the Sack Coat from the years 1850-1860. A loose fitting outwear garment that was worn by both men and women. Similar in shape, color and decorations were the two only real ways that this coat differed.

Men’s Version

Women’s Version

The 1900’s

From this century, the first item that stood out to me is the trench coat. A item that is just as popular today as it was a hundred years ago. Similar in color and shape, women tweaked this item to create a coat known as a duster. A handy little item used to protect one’s gown from those dusty automobile rides!

Of course, post on 20th century fashion would not be complete without a little 1940’s love. With the suit a well established staple for men, women, especially during the second world war, followed suit…no pun intended! 🙂 Similar in pattern and shape, both genders embraced the structured look the suit of the 1940’s offered.

Men’s Version

Women’s Version

This reciprocal exchange of fashion influence will continue to shape fashion for decades, and I daresay, centuries to come. But with tweaks here and there, each gender can appreciate and enjoy something unique!

Many thanks to T.M. Lewin for inspiring this post!!

A Little Flower Power

2 Comments February 8, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

We aren’t even half way through February and I have major garden fever. I’m craving bulbs, blooms, and bright happy colors. I’m getting a little sick of looking out my window and seeing various shades of brown. Sick, I tell you!!

A few weeks ago, it had warmed up to shockingly spring like temperatures. In fact, we had almost three or four days of such warmth that you almost became used to it. Except it was January, and not March….and one felt a little depressed. But it wasn’t until I saw the tip of a little bloom from my spring bulbs that one realized the danger of such warmth. And sure enough, within two days of the bulb sighting, we received 8 inches of snow. Now all I can do is stare out the window at the snow covered flower bed, and hope my little bulb is okay.

So until the outside matches up with my wishes, I shall have to content myself with pictures, decorations, and dreams. And just in case you are in the same boat as I am, I thought I would share some flower inspiration to keep out spirits up!

This 1840’s gown shows the dedication one person had to infuse their clothing with lovely little floral accents. I wonder if she did this during the dull days of winter?

While I would make sure to wait to wear these 1920’s shoes once the snow melted, I am most certain they would boost my spirits immensely! Although, I would have to find a whole new outfit to match them….

With so many color and pattern choices in this 1930’s ad to choose from, I think I would like a frock in every floral pattern available!

Even though this would be a little too chilly to wear right now without a sweater, I can’t help but smile at those happy little rosebuds all over this full cotton sun dress!

Any table would instantly feel more springy and bright with a floral stand like this one from Pier One (link below.)

Pier One 3-Tiered Stand

So until spring makes it’s way to my area, I shall find ways to bring a little more flower power into my life now!

Fashion Plate Fun

2 Comments February 1, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

Today I thought it would be fun to browse through a variety of fashion plates! I mean, who doesn’t love a little gown envy?!

I decided to share a few of my favorites starting around 1830 and going up to 1940. Ranging from daywear to evening wear, these fashion plates are just the thing to get your fashion juices flowing!