WWD contacted me a few weeks ago to talk about a new trend their editors had spotted due to the massive uptick in viewers of Regency film and television adaptations over the last year. They’d christened it “Regencycore”….

In my first post, I covered my grandparents' early history in Hollywood up to the point where "Pop" asked his US Army Air Forces superiors to consider sending him overseas to join the air war instead of working in recruitment and training. They granted that request, and he immediately transferred to North Island to learn to fly Lockheed's brand new P-38 "Lightning" before joining the 48th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, serving in North Africa.

From my earliest memories, I have loved to play "dress up," and a large portion of my play wardrobe came from my paternal grandmother's cast-offs. I remember teetering around on silver high heels in a sparkly red chiffon dress liberally sprinkled with rhinestones. How I wish now that I'd known what I was wearing and saved it, but--alas!--that particular dress got worn to death and ended up in shreds long before I could appreciate its real value. Thankfully, my grandmother kept back a lot of her favorite clothes for me to enjoy as an older teenager, and I still have several beautiful pieces.

Suzi Clarke and I are so excited about everything we've packed into next year's England tour! We'll be revisiting some of our favorite places from the 2010 and 2012 tours and adding a couple of new items, including a full-dress Titanic-themed dinner in a sumptuous private dining room. We've got wonderful guest speakers

This is a page of 1946 Fall fashions from Woman's Day Magazine. Note the color samples the ladies are showing off. At this point, fashion still hasn't moved away from the fabric-conserving lines of WWII, but skirts are a bit longer, and you can see a move toward the emphasized hipline on the model at left.

This is a beautiful hand-colored photograph of a young woman dressed up in a party dress for a special occasion (wedding? dance? tea?). The overdress looks like organdy or silk georgette, and her sleeves flutter in the breeze. Her ornament of choice is a big bunch of flowers pinned at the waist. This is probably from the early 1930s, since her hairstyle still reflects the late 1920s to early 1930s "boy" cut. Looks like she had fun!

I always enjoy finding pictures of friends together. This is one of my favorites. I only wish it was a little clearer and that it had not been creased. It's such a neat shot of two girls who obviously enjoy spending time together. The one on the right has a pretty parasol, and notice the button detailing on her skirt.

These images come from the May 1912 issue of La Mode, which included a pattern for a lady's coat. There is also a cover for the September 1912 issue. These are large images, so give them time to load after you click on them!

Here is a group of images from the March 1912 issue of La Mode. I love the full-color centerfold of fashions! Note the children's fashions as well. These are large images, so give them time to load after you click on them!