This is my golden silk ballgown, made for me by Kay Demlow of Lavender’s Green in 2000. I told Kay I was ready for a new gown (two babies had quickly “moved” me out of my old gown!), and I said I was thinking of a pale gold. Kay knew exactly what I wanted and [...]

Here I am in my custom day dress by Mrs. Martin’s Mercantile (unfortunately, Mrs. Martin has now retired). The skirt and bodice are made of 1860s reproduction fabric with a tiny black pattern on brown. Pagoda sleeves are trimmed with black cotton and piping, and the hemline of the skirt is trimmed all ’round with [...]

Marna Jean shared these beautiful images of herself and her daughter in outfits she created. The adorable dress on her daughter is ca. 1880, and the stunning ballgown is also from that period. The walking dress at the far right is from an original 1881 pattern. Marna Jean runs Shooting Star Enterprises and offers custom-made Victorian outfits for ladies, gentlemen and children! Be sure to visit her wonderful site.

Doesn’t Becky look fantastic in her daygown? This original outfit was created for Becky by Kay Demlow of Lavender’s Green. Kay does spectacular work. You can see a ballgown she made for me in another post. Thanks for sharing this beautiful dress, Becky!

Here is an original 1890s walking suit which was sold at auction on eBay. Note the tailored fit and the fullness at the back of the skirt to allow for walking. The trimming details are interesting as well.

Here is a fantastic 1870s bustled polonaise sold on eBay by USVainen, a former seller whose knowledge of vintage fashion was astounding and whose descriptions were delightful. This seller graciously agreed to let me share her images and words on my site, and I think you’ll enjoy them as much as I have! High Fashion [...]

This is an original Civil War era day dress which was sold at auction on eBay. The bright colors often surprise people who are used to seeing only black and white photographs from this period. Jet buttons march down the back of the bodice, and the gown is made of plaid taffeta in rust and [...]

Here is an original Civil War era day dress which was sold at auction on eBay. Very pretty brown and blue plaid taffeta with buttons down the front of the bodice.

Four drop-dead gorgeous ensembles by world-renowned designer, Frederick Worth. These costumes are owned by the Museum of the City of New York. Breathtaking! From left to right: Ballgown, circa 1865, of nougat satin trimmed with tulle, swansdown, crystal beads and glass pearls; visiting Costume, circa 1880, of brown and lavender striped satin trimmed with silk [...]

This is a gorgeous green taffeta dress sold at auction on eBay. This is post 1865, as you can see the longer skirt back, which hints at the trains that would follow in the late 1860s and 1870s. The square yoke with the ruffles is also a good indicator of a post-1865 date. This is [...]