This is a pattern for a May Manton nine-gore walking skirt. This pattern served as the chief inspiration and source for my 1909 "Beatrix" Walking Skirt pattern. Perfect to pair with the "Beatrix" Shirtwaist, "Beatrix" Jacket, or my Edwardian Walking Jacket pattern for an afternoon's stroll!

These images all come from the September 1911 Parisian La Mode and depict the "cutting edge" fashions of the day. Note the neo-Empire styles and the use of neckline fichus reminiscent of the Regency era. One page also features a pattern with instructions. Note the wedding dress and maid of honor dress designs!

Illustration of two girls in day dresses from a 1910 catalog in my collection. The one on the right is designed to look like it has a separate jacket, but it's part of the dress. The one on the left has a detachable "girdle" (sash).

An illustration of women's underpinnings from a 1910 catalog in my collection. Note in particular the "mono-bosom" brassieres in the upper left and right corners. My favorite, though, is the nursing corset just below the brassiere on the upper right. See how the little flaps unsnap for breasteeding?

Three pages of 1910 ladies' hats from a catalog in my collection. Note the fantastic plumes and varying brim widths.

Look at these 1910 hairstyles! All four of these came from the same issue of The People's Home Journal of 1910. The article which accompanied the photos noted that coronets of braids were back in fashion, as were "high Josephine curls" a la' the French Empire (English Regency). If you didn't have masses of hair, the article recommended some good sources for "tails," or human hair pieces matched to the wearer's hair color!

This is an 1910 Collier's illustration from a story that appeared in the magazine. Note the neo-Empire lines of the lady's dress, with the raised waistline and sash. The hairstyle is even reminiscent of the Regency period. The empire waist had a brief revival between 1911 and 1912.

This is actress Billie Burke in 1910. Most remember her as "Glinda," the Good Witch in the 1939 production of "The Wizard of Oz." But Billie was a well-loved stage actress long before she earned acclaim on the screen. I love this sweet portrait of her in her lovely gown, holding a large bouquet of flowers.

This is a lovely photograph of four friends posing in their everyday outfits. The gal standing at the back right has on a white lawn dress with tucks and is wearing a locket around her neck. The two ladies in front have on the plain, slimmer skirts of the early 1910s, but their "waists" (blouses) show the "pouter pigeon" bosom silhouette that came and went throughout the 1900s. Note the neat details on the skirt fronts--the triangular closure on the left-hand skirt and the tucks on the one at the right.

This is a lovely 1910 fabric ad for Flaxon white goods. Love the hat and all the whitework on the dress. Note the wonderful ruffles at the top of the sleeve.

Here are three ads for Pictorial Review patterns from a 1910 ladies' magazine. I love the slimming lines and attention to details. Note the embroidery and tucks. The S-bend silhouette has finally gone out of fashion, and the columnar corset has come into vogue.

Here are two 1910 pattern ads from a magazine. The first is a girl's day dress; the second is for "combinations" (underdrawers and corset cover).

Here are three lovely pages from the National Cloak and Suit Company's 1910 catalog. The details on these outfits are dizzying. All of the inset lace, braided trims and minute pleats and tucks are amazing. I love the models with their Gibson-esque faces.

I love the hat on this model from the cover of a 1910 McCall's. Also note the transparent bodice lace with gold trim. Simply scrumptious!

This is a friend of mine, showing off a beautiful 19-teens walking suit from her collection. Note the tabbed, offset closure on the jacket--typical of the 1910s. The jacket is also draped rather than more stiffly structured and has a softer, more comfortable look. Thanks for the picture, Errin!

This beautiful 1915 tea dress was sold on eBay by USVainen, a seller (sadly, retired) 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 did!

What a wonderful color! This is an original linen afternoon suit circa 1913-1915. Note all of the marvelous details, including the double peplum, the crisp white linen collar and cuffs and the tailored skirt. This is a "transition" fashion--right between the era of the slim skirt (1911-1913) and the flounced waistline (1914-1917). It looks perfect for an afternoon stroll or a visit with friends at a lovely tearoom in the city. (From the collection of Elizabeth M. Brick)

Here is a circa 1914 evening gown, which is on display at the Museum of the City of New York. Rhinestone embroidered tulle over pale lavender satin, ice-blue chiffon tunic edged with rhinestones and satin glass bead fringe by the eminent designer, Frederick Worth. The gown was originally worn by Mrs. William Storrs Wells.

Dresses from a 1914 catalog. Note the varied overskirts, ruffles, and trims. This is the era of drapery and asymmetrical trims--the more, the merrier!

This is a marvelous original 1913 tea gown or afternoon dress. My model posed in it for me while we were having tea in the Ritz-Carlton's sumptuous tea room! This dress features the overskirts that became so popular in the early 'teens and has wonderful sleeves with cuffs matching the collar. Flowered pink silk was used for the entire dress, and it is impossible to describe its elegant look and feel. The details on this piece are fabulous, from the triangular panels in the bodice front and back to the piping trimming all the edges to the hand-tied French knots that decorate the sleeves.