Shhh, don't tell anyone, but Victorian ladies liked to care for their skin (even if they were unknowingly causing more harm than good by applying scary things like lead) and many did wear makeup - minimally of course - it was definitely a no-makeup makeup look for them (since they didn't want to be mistaken… Continue reading My Victorian Beauty Secrets
Category: Victorian
Something to Dance In
My original plan for a secondary look with my Aubergine Dress was a fancier bodice based on an extant House of Rouff bodice and to wear it to attend a dinner. Alas, time not being on my side, and with the dinner ticket being out of my price range (as I'm also attending the ball… Continue reading Something to Dance In
Progress on Mum’s 1890s Plum Outfit
You've already seen the petticoats that I've made for my Dear Mama and since then I have been busy working away on more of her outfit. Here's a quick update on the progress I have made so far. Starting off with another undergarment, I have made Mum a chemise to wear under everything. I used… Continue reading Progress on Mum’s 1890s Plum Outfit
Petticoat Party!
Petticoats are brilliant for creating a really good Victorian silhouette - no matter what decade/style era you're sewing. Two, or even three petticoats can take a skirt's shape from good to great. I recently made up two new petticoats for myself - another one for the 1890s, and a new 1880s petticoat with lovely organdy… Continue reading Petticoat Party!
The Aubergine Part 1
After (nearly) experiencing costume burnout while making my Bastille Dress the last thing that I felt like doing this year was taking on another 'big' project. I certainly did not want to make anymore trim for several months! Back in March I picked up some half price taffeta in plum and eggplant, with plans of… Continue reading The Aubergine Part 1
War Years Day Part II
It didn't take us long to find just what on earth was going on as we soon happened upon the skirmish between the Armed Constabulary and bushrangers. We watched as each side took shots at each other across the water and as the Constabulary gained ground. Of the three bushrangers, one wasn't so fortunate, one got… Continue reading War Years Day Part II
War Years Day Part I
The morning of the War Years Day dawned in quite a misty and atmospheric manner. It did seem quite appropriate when you thought about the reason for the day organised at Taranaki Pioneer Village. Still, there was hope that the fog would lift and that the rain would hold off during the day. Back in… Continue reading War Years Day Part I
An Easter To Remember Part IV
Once most of our party had set off to have a rest before the dance I followed Monique and Edan back to Curragh Cottage where we found David and Sonya, as well as Falma and Claudia, who had spent the day baking in the cottage kitchen. It was nice to have a chance to sit… Continue reading An Easter To Remember Part IV
An Easter to Remember Part III
Sunday arrived far too quickly, as the last day of multi-day events often does. Still, I was quite looking forward to the day, and to 'officially debuting' my recently completed Tartan and White ensemble. Up and dressed, I wrestled my hair into a style that would work both with my new French Bonnet but would… Continue reading An Easter to Remember Part III
An Easter to Remember Part II
When I first found out that punting on the Avon was one of the activities for Easter (I think it was in May last year?) I was totally ready right then and there to book my flights to Christchurch. I'd always wanted to go punting and to be able to do it while historically costumed… Continue reading An Easter to Remember Part II
Miss Temby 