Three Unusual Portraits

portraits

Sometimes, on my researching adventures, I come across paintings or photographs of individuals that stop my wandering eyes in an instant. Β Whether it is something about their pose, or their outfit, or the fact that I feel like I can connect with their personality, images like the ones in today’s post just fascinate me. Β 

This first one featuresΒ the wonderful giggliness of aΒ young girl from the 1850’s! What a sweetheart!!! Β And aΒ wonderful example ofΒ children’s fashion. Β 

d3fdee17e40a52885b17b869ef4d6f28

This next painting I found to be aΒ fantastic example of late 1700’s styling and fashion. Β The smile, the gown, THAT HAT….its all absolutely beautiful!

portrait-of-e-n-arsenyeva-jpglarge

Portrait Of E. N. Arsenyeva
By Vladimir Borovikovsky, 1796

This last portrait (c. 1860) caught my eye as the riding gown this woman is wearing has the most amazing placement of tucks. Β I can just envision her riding a horse with that long, flowy skirt fluttering behind her!

f09c2e30407a31d2bac8240d922d8aa6

Such beautiful examples of fashion, creativity, and personality!

I see images of individuals from various time periods everyday…hundreds of pictures, drawings, paintings….and yet, only a few cause me to stop and admire. I like to think that it is something from their spirit reaching out to me. Β I also like to think thatΒ if these individualsΒ were around today, I bet they would be close friends!

And thenΒ I alsoΒ wonder, if in a hundred years or so,Β someone like myself will come across my picture. Β Someone who has an interest in historical fashion and I wonder if they will think my picture, my outfit, my smile may be worthy of a second glance……. πŸ™‚

signature


Edwardian Hairstyles

ed1

Some hairstyles in history are complicated.Β  Some hairstyles in history make you very happy that you didn’t live during that time period (i.e.1830’s). Β Some seem so impossibleΒ to recreate that the hair must be fake, while others will continue to find rebirths in modern decades. Β But one particular look, it seems no matter who you ask, tends to be an all time favorite. Β Which look am I talking about? Β The Edwardian look of the 1900-1920’s. Β From the Gibson Girl pouf, to the delicate waves of low buns, Edwardian women knew how to make their hair work for them. Β And while curling irons were just becoming more commonly used, many relied on tried and true techniques of their mothers to complete these heavenly creations.

I have gathered a wonderful sampling of these looks to drool over…and maybe recreate for yourself! πŸ™‚

96f032426f3807e6bfdd2aeee10676fe

ced265d9e1ebf2170d0538b3174c7cd3

3c9a026cde961ca4cf279f04cfccade0

0d11f4a4f91397548e4f318a5df454aa

edbe353e674df5901faa51904dafb246

c3569f37b4128eedd7cf0a43bb52f964

I simply adore these looks, and it was one of the reasons I decided to go with an Edwardian image for my blog logo. Β Grecian in style, with a sprinkling of Regency, and a dash of something completely unique, the hairstyles of the early 1900’s will forever, at least in my opinion, be some of the most romantic ever created!

signature

 


The Lipstick of Summer: Coral

coral lipstick

I have exactly one tube of coral lipstick. Β I wear it maybe once or twice a summer and only on occasions when I am feeling bold or adventurous. Β I am not sure where the hesitation comes from, but I find coral to be a brighter color to wear thanΒ red. Β Sometimes I feel the need to talk myself up to slathering on a layer….a problem I never have when it comes to wearing hot pink?

But apart from my own oddities, coral truly is the happiest of colors to wear during the summer months. Β It speaks of sun, health, and (in my case) courage! Β But just like many colors, not every shade of coral works on every skin shade. Β You have to play around a bit to find that perfect blend which adds to your overall glow… not the other way around.

To help you on your search, I have found four lovely shades of coral in differing color tones, finishes, and prices! Β I hope they encourage you (as they have me) to embrace this happy, “beachy” color!

Maybeline Coral Ambition Β  $8

35a__15682.1433998966.500.500

Maybeline Color Whisper – Coral Ambition

 

MAC Ablaze Β  Β  $17

mac_sku_M2LP82_640x600_0

MAC Ablaze Bright Apricot Cream Matte

Rich and Famous Β Coral Lombard Β  Β  $26

Margarita_Bloom_Coral_Lombard_and_Box_Layers__35700.1417039673.500.659

Rich and FamousΒ Coral Lombard

 

Besame Cosmetics Β Carmine $22

lipstick_Carmine_NB_grande

Carmine Lipstick

So go and let your lips match the wonderful summer fun around you!

signature

Pattern Ad


Is it a Match? 1910’s Jewelry and their Modern Counterparts

1910 jewelry

How many times have you wanted something and just couldn’t have it? Β If you are anything like me it has happened only about a million times. Β And when you realize that you are one of those individuals that can trace some ancestry to a raccoon (as I too love shiny, sparkly things), than you may have to embrace a strategy I like to call “finding an alternative.” Β If I can’t find it, I will try to make it. Β If I can’t afford it, I will try to find a really good look alike. Β And if I can’t have anything but the original, than I will save and wait patiently until I can. Β The last option doesn’t happen all that often.

So when it comes to trying to find reproduction pieces, it can be rather tricky to locate an affordable and suitable option. Β But with a little bit of time and energy, you too can make all your sparkly dreams come true.

So with that in mind, I decided I wanted to write a post on late Edwardian jewelry and some modern alternatives. Β Edwardian fashion is such a wonderful dichotomy of simplicity with traces of its Victorian heritage, but not quite the art deco that will replace it. Β So, I have found three of my most favorite examples of this simplistic style with some lovely adaptations that all seem to hover around the $35 mark. Β So, if you love all things Downtown Abbey but can’t afford the real deal….than this post is for you!

To start with is a lovely young lady wearing a modesty brooch. Β I found a stunning example through Overstock.

65c2c43871ca9e2cbb85b2431c6b9ded

Silver Brooch from Overstock Β – $34

Silvertone-Downton-Abbey-Clear-Glass-and-Simulated-Pearl-Oval-Pin_600_600

This stunning necklace features a large medallion on a long black cord. Β While difficult to find an exact replica, I believe I found one that is the essence of the style.

a1a5fbfe5f6339bac6757d10b7fa27cd

Long Cord Necklace with Medallion from MarKi JewelryΒ  – $34

il_570xN.698265002_84rk

I adore this necklace and love the dress that goes with it. Β Sigh….. Β The necklace I found features more beads than the original but I feel would be a perfect piece to wear with this dress.

503ccbba21726e67fa98626bca014fd5

Three Strand Hampton Necklace from Shoptiques Β – $38

fornash-three-strand-hampton-necklace-white-493e84e0_l

So whether you are looking to accessorize a 1910’s outfit, or simply to bring a little nostalgia into your modern life, these pieces would fit like a glove!

Happy Hunting!

signature

Did you know that Aimee’s Victorian Armoire Shop now features several instant downloadable patterns? Β Click HERE to see the current options available.


A 1920’s Look at Sun Protection

sunWell, the sun is out and that means so are my legs whichΒ haven’t seen a UV ray in about six months. Β While I am very excited to soak in all that lovely Vitamin D, I still need to be very cautious about how much of it my winterized skin is getting. Β And even though we are still in a society that values a golden tan, getting it in a healthy way is very important. Β Of course, this wasn’t always the case. Β We have had aΒ past with cultural traits that have valued a complexion which appeared to be as blemish and sun free as possible. Β In fact I distinctly remember reading Little House on the Prairie as a young child and laughing at the scolding Laura received for not wearing her sun bonnet.

Of course, it was easier back in the 19th century to avoid too much sun simply by the length and layers of clothing that was worn. Β However, once skirts became shorter and sleeves disappeared, sunburns became more common. Β So how was sun protection shared and encouraged? Β Well, I decided to take a little look back and find out!

First on my journey wasΒ researching past articles. Β I found a fabulous one in a 1919 Good Housekeeping article entitle Health and Beauty by Nora Mullane. Β An excerpt follows:

“It seems quite superfluous to urge upon women and girls the necessity for giving the most serious consideration to the care of the skin during the summer months when from exposure to wind and dust, the scorching sun and sea air, blemishes are sure to come if the skin is not properly protected, but much anxiety may be avoided by a little care and forethought.”

So how did one go about protecting one’s delicate outer coating? Β Well, in the early days of sunscreen and skin creams, many brands worked to address this topic specifically:

9b6a8b5c266457822da1dc447df66856

232bb1913564989e4650f5aac0db4714

Hats and umbrellas, much more than today, were encourage and widely used as protection from the sun. Β Although fashion in the latter half of the decade greatly reduced the size of the brim, the early 1920’s head coverings were wide brimmed and ready to protect!

df5703ea6ad5c6690b478a06be869900

00000954.tifs

The same protection is also offered byΒ the wider, more substantial parasols featured in the next twoΒ images

182a895f79143e1acddf60b4dc7575ef

a1bed975613eee3f81491330db7ec620

Too help make the thought of wearing a summer hat more attractive and affordable, tutorials were often included in magazines to revamp old hats. Β Here is one for adding a velvet band to the edge of a summer hat!

00303d4ef61903f25ed1a04e8def8742

While loving the sun is something that hasn’t seemed to dim with time, it is still something that (like many things) should be handle with moderation.

And women of the 1920’s, just like today, seemed to have understoodΒ just that!

signature

book purchase

 

 

 


Finding and Creating Your Own Vintage Perfume Bottle

PErfume

I have an absolute love for small glass bottles, especially if they are full of wonderful smelling perfume. Β However, I have noticed that, like many things, they just don’t make them like they used to. Β Vintage perfume bottles were ornate, colorful, and, at least in my opinion, made you feel as elegant using as you did wearing the scent. Β Just look at the following examples to see what I mean:

1e5084456ffc5ddb4dc9226052608cbf

27d9ace8e5557274138e1fa39c1c41da

b46b846942d4f2658624d3959ce29a0a

I simply adore the green one! Β Sigh….. Β And while there are some absolutely stunning scents offered today, the bottles are not as feminine as the above examples.

However, there are many ways, and examples, to create your own elegant perfume bottle if you don’t mind not having a spray pump. Β  While it is difficult to find such ornate examples as shown above, Β I have gathered a few of my favorite choices. Β Many of them come with more than one bottle…perfect for makeup remover or body oil!

Simply click the link below each picture to purchase the bottles.

4954

Vintage Glass Bottles from Lights and Decor

CG76D-clear-vintage-set-of-3-bottles.jpg&lr=t&bw=1000&w=1000&bh=1000&h=1000

Clear Vintage Bottles from Luna Bazaar

ac344eb5add765721132bb8fbe9982221d

Small Perfume Bottles from Office Supply

il_570xN.921104353_n8p9

Vintage Cut Glass Perfume Bottle from Lo and Co Vintage

Of course, after you have found your perfect bottle, why not use a lovely vintage inspired label? Β Simply print out and decoupage onto a bottle of your choice.

2

Free Downloadable Images from Luna GirlΒ 

Enjoy!

signature

Have you signed up for my monthly newsletter? Click HERE to enter your email so you can begin receiving fun updates!


Powdered Perfection

powder

In today’s post we are going to talk about all things face powder! Β I have come to appreciate face powder more and more, however I don’t necessarily believe there is only one way to apply it. Β I know some women that put it on after they complete their whole face, and others who put it on right after foundation. Β I personally fall into the latter category. Β Whichever way you apply it, the benefit it can offer to your makeup’s staying power is undeniable.

With face powered going on a century of popularity, I thought I would share a few fun advertisements for this makeup staple.

 

462a6536b37ce7facd11fc98dcd3ef02

b76d72a414c5fcb30b06b5b9fe2d4e0e

265d6b1a4ce50fddc98e2908f9a6b73c

d47b2b039e6c25b692867dc55fd2488c

I also love this 1940’s makeup tutorial which instructs powder application as the very last step!

652915ec49e657e31257a52ed61954ec

My current favorite face powder is this one by Revlon. I love that it is a translucent powered with a slight shimmer in it…and it is very affordable!

Revlon Photo Ready Powder

309973157019

However, once I finish my current compact of Revlon, I plan on trying this powder from Besame cosmetics! Β I love everything about it, and they offer refills of the powder so you don’t have to keep purchasing the compact over and over again!

Besame Light Cashmere Powder Compact

LightCompacts_grande

So whether you use a brush or puff, apply that powder and go face the day with much deserved confidence!

signature

Have you signed up for my monthly newsletter? Click HERE to enter your email so you can begin receiving fun updates!

The Perfect Red Lip

red lip

Every once in a while…and I mean every once in a while, I will rock a red lipstick. Β If you read Friday’s post, you will remember that red is not one of the colors that I go to very often in sewing, and it seems that trend has filtered over into other areas of my fashion life. Β I do love red and I love that feeling of complete sophistication when I swipe on that creamy stick of rouge…perhaps I should wear it more often!

Β Do you wear red lipstick often? Β Do you wonder if you should? Β Complete the questionnaire below to find out:

4f0ff16af5a212732c3f792ca0dcc895

Well, I guess that clears everything up! πŸ™‚

To help with your hunt for that perfect red lip color, I have collected five lipsticks (including a lipstick brush) ranging in price and brand to help lead the way!

Enjoy!

Maybelline Color Sensation Creamy Mattes Siren in Scarlett – $8

Siren In Scarlet-CS Mattes-Pack

 

The Balm Girls Lipstick in Mia Moore – $17

thebalmgirls_productshot_miamoore

Too Faced Melted Long Wear Lipstick in Velvet – $21

web_melted_closed_velvet

Besame 1946 Red Velvet LipstickΒ – $22

lipstick_Red_VelvetNB_grande

Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Definition in Vermillion – $31

3614270669521_184 Le Vermillon_LABSOLUROUGEDEFINITION_2400x2400

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Lip Brush – $8

Lip-brush-1

You now have thatΒ perfect lip color and a wonderful brush to put it on, that it is time to learn how to apply it properly. Β For the best advice, one must go straight to the professionals. Β Lisa Eldridge is one of my favorite makeup artists, and always creates stunning looks. Β Her tutorial on red lipstick is a gem!

7760298

Click Here for the Tutorial

Have a wonderful day!

signature