I've finally broken down and joined Pinterest. It took me a while to be convinced due to copyright concerns, as I want to be careful that original creators get their due (photographers, designers, etc.). I've always been happy for visitors

This is my golden silk 1860s 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 got to work right away. The results were breathtaking!

Here I am in my custom Civil War 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 black cotton.

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!

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

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;

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 just a smashing ensemble and would be marvelous to reproduce!

Another beauty from Karen Augusta's shop, this 1838 afternoon dress is made of green-gold figured silk with a linen bodice lining. It fastens with brass hooks and eyes. "This unaltered dress shows the transition between the styles of the 1830s and the later 1840s. The bodice has not yet acquired the pointed front as is found in most stylish 1840s dresses

I love to find pictures of friends posing together. This is one of my favorites. What an artistic shot, with the ivy in the background and the young ladies' profiles! Written on the back of the picture is "Misses Swartz and Grugan." No date, but I'd place this in the late 1890s or very early 1900s, since their sleeves still have that leg o'mutton shape to them.

From the same 1897 issue of Ladies Home Journal posted below come these illustrations of fashionable coats from the period. You can see the pigeon waistline on the first three coats, and note all the emphasis on the trimming around the front closures. The final design is for a fur cape--very elegant.

Here are four fashion illustrations from an 1897 issue of Ladies Home Journal. The wasp waistline of the time is particularly evident in the upper left and lower right illustrations. The first illustration on the lower left is a bit more forward-looking with its "pigeon" bustline, hinting at what would come in the next few years.

This picture appears to be ca. 1895-1896. The skirt is slim and straight, reflecting a change that would carry over into the early part of the 20th century before giving way to a fuller sweep in the back around 1904. The silhouette is also still straight and slim rather than the later "S"-bend shape that came into vogue only a year or two later.

Ah, the topknot! This hairstyle was extremely popular in the early-to-mid-1890s. I personally think it makes a lady look like she has a knob on her head for turning! Note the ruffles over the puffed sleeves.

Here are three dramatic photographs of the same Illinois woman. The styling of the dress she wears in the center is unmistakably 1890s with those huge leg o'mutton sleeves. The topknot hairstyle is also typical of the period. I think the profile shots may be slightly earlier, since her hair is worn differently (more along the lines of the late 1880s).

A lovely portrait of a young woman in an elaborate afternoon dress. Note the velvet trim on the bodice, the lace-trimmed neckline and sleeves, and the necklace hanging down. The hat and gloves complete this visiting costume.

Oh, those feathers! This young lady was photographed standing behind a "fence." We can't see much of her outfit, but her smart circa-1880s or 1890s cape is trimmed with what looks like jet beads, and her feathered hat is typical of the late 1880s through late 1890s.