On My Inspiration Board: Plum Gowns

Leave a comment October 12, 2015 aimeevictorianarmoire

The color purple is often hailed as the tone that inspires imagination and spirituality. It is the color of royalty dating back to the Ancient Romans, and has long been the hue of choice for women throughout the past three centuries.

That deep, rich tone of purple, often referred to as plum, is the highlight of the Autumn season and speaks of opulence, elegance, and grace.

My favorite purple gown can be seen in this painting of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna by Konstantin Makovsky done in 1912.

Absolutely stunning!

While very few gowns in this lovely tone still exist from before the 1800’s, numerous examples abound from the late 19th century and well into the 20th.

Here are a few of my favorites:

I hope you try to find ways to incorporate this flattering tone throughout your sewing, your wardrobe, and your home!

~Aimee

For more examples, please hop over to my Pinterest Page!

On My Inspiration Board: Gingham Gowns

3 Comments August 10, 2015 aimeevictorianarmoire

I absolutely adore gingham fabric. This brightly checked cotton was always a favorite of mine during the early days of learning how to sew. I used it to make aprons, doll clothes, and napkins. It always spoke of cleanliness, energy, and fun!

One of the questions from the Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award post a few weeks ago, dealt with my favorite movie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. One reason I love this movie so much is for the bright costumes the “brides” wore, many of their gowns being gingham.

Gingham, as a fabric for daily wear, went through waves of popularity. Early 19th century gowns were more likely to feature a small check versus the wider pattern we are used to seeing today. It wasn’t until the 1910’s that gingham began to appear in the average woman’s wardrobe on a consistent basis, with the height of popularity peaking in the 1950’s.

Gingham is still very popular today, although known as more of a spring/summer fabric. I myself have a few tops in this brightly checked fabric and thoroughly enjoy wearing them in the warmer weather.

So go ahead and add gingham to your sewing stash and your wardrobe! You won’t be disappointed.

~Aimee

For more examples, feel free to visit my Pinterest Board.

On My Inspiration Board: Lovely Green Gowns

3 Comments March 13, 2015 aimeevictorianarmoire

Growing up green was (and still is) my favorite color! Rich, deep emerald and hunter greens being my absolute favorite tones. I remember when I turned 12 and was getting ready to start junior high school. My eyes, up that point, had been blue…sort of a deep, rather muddy blue. I always dreamed of having green eyes…but had resigned myself to a noncommittal blue that nature seem to have bestowed upon me. But then…it happened. My eyes changed to green! Many thought I had lost my mind. “How do eyes change?” they said. But nonetheless, they did and I took it as a good omen for the beginning of my 7th grade year.

Green in its various shades can ooze an aura of calm, of control, of earthiness, or of richness. As well loved as the color blue, but not as often worn. In fact those wearing green may find their daily quota of compliments delightfully increase!

The same can be true for women of past centuries who paid a pretty penny for numerous yards of the richly dyed fabric. Seen mostly in evening wear, green gowns of various hues have been gracing ballrooms and tea rooms for decades.

So in honor of March, St. Patrick’s Day and the Emerald Isle, I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite green gowns!

~Aimee

-To see gowns that didn’t make the final cut, check out my Pinterest Board.