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!

This is a heavenly silk ballgown with its original reticule purse, circa 1830. "Silk satin, cotton net, embroidered cotton ribbon, cloth flowers, muslin lining. Owned by Harriet Van Schoonhoven-Roy. The Van-Schoonhoven family came to America in 1695 and settled in Waterford, New York. The details and construction of the sleeves of this evening dress are wonderful,

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

Karen Augusta of Antique Fashion.com has graciously allowed me to share some of the photographs she has taken of original garments she has sold in her online shop. Studying original clothing is essential for recreating the correct look of the period, which changed from year to year. Thank you to Karen for sharing her knowledge and her beautiful pictures!

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.

Regency Mother-Daughter and Doll dresses! "I am a new sewer and have just fallen in love with sewing from your patterns! I have two daughters (5 and 3 years old), and it has been so fun to make such feminine and modest clothes for them. It has been a joy to use your patterns!"

I just finished my first Regency Spencer today! I'm quite thrilled with how it came out. The pattern was a dream to put together. :) Thanks for letting me share! ~Lizzie

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.

This photo is dated "Summer, 1886." This young woman looks demure in her beautiful white dress and broad-brimmed hat. She holds a small nosegay in her right hand. I love all the elaborate lace insertion and trimming!

Here is a rare look at a group of house servants, circa 1880-90. Each gal is holding something to do with her occupation. On the far left is a cleaning maid with her broom and dustpan. Next is a young girl holding what looks like a cup and saucer

This lovely young lady is wearing a style so typical of the late 1880s. The form-fitting basque bodice is accented by jet buttons and a pretty appliqued trim. The high collar is fastened with a brooch. Note the ruffled trim at the back of the skirt.

Cute hat! This is so typical of the 1870s. See how it perches on the head? And what about that trimming? Cute!

This young lady is wearing an 1870s dress with a bustle at the back. This was a transition period from the early 1870s fashions with trains to the "upholstered" fashions of the 1880s with their huge bustles and furbelows.

Time for some hairdo pictures! The lady on the far left was likely photographed in the late 1860s. Her hair is not quite as high as the styles of the 1870s, but she has the frizzled little "bangs" and the waved sides typical of the late 1860s. Note her fancy neck ribbon. The young lady in the middle has braided her thick hair