Angie’s Top 5 1950s Movie Stars

Tags

Grace Kelly, Jimmy Stewart, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman

5) Paul Newman: My goodness, I think the main reason I ever watched a Newman movie was to look at him – lol! He is gorgeous, and you know, he never thought he was much to look at (Whatever!). It’s in the 1950s that Paul Newman begins to screen test for movie roles, even going up against James Dean. Although Newman’s Hollywood hot streak wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s, my very first Paul Newman movie was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) with Elizabeth Tailor. It’s still one of my favorite movies, and who can resist ogling at a young Paul Newman – even if he plays a self-loathing drunk?

4) Katharine Hepburn: In the 1930s she was a Hollywood honey, in the 1940s she was “screen poison”, and in the 1950s she made an impressive acting comeback, particularly on stage in numerous Shakespearean plays. But the 1950s wasn’t all pose and sonnets – Hepburn had a few impressive movies under her belt, my favorite being The African Queen (1951). I think she is so beautiful in this movie – she’s in her early 40s, natural, gritty, and has certainly matured as an actor. The 1950s marks the beginning of some of her best work (I think so, anyway) –

3) Grace Kelly: Can I be sad that Kelly married and gave up the Big Screen? Princess of Monaco-schmonaco, indeed romantic, but oh-so-terrible that her acting career was so short lived. I adored her role as Lisa Fremont in Rear Window (1954) with Jimmy Stewart. Of course, she plays the perfect model/socialite type, but nothing about her performance in this role comes across as pretentious or haughty. She’s all class and elegance. Second favorite Kelly flick? To Catch a Thief (1954) – she and Cary Grant are simply charming together.  *************************

2). Marilyn Monroe: Despite the fact she was typecast as a bubble-headed blonde, the beautiful and troubled Norma Jean Baker was an intelligent and gifted actress. Where would her talents have taken her if she would have lived into our modern age? She would have been 86 on June 1. Two of my favorite Monroe movies are Seven Year Itch (1955) and Some Like It Hot (1959) – these two films demonstrate for me what a wonderfully comedic actor she is, and good comedy is no easy thing to pull off! **********

1) Jimmy Stewart: Stewart is such an animated and  passionate actor. The 1950s saw him in a string of successful westerns as well as a recurring actor in several Alfred Hitchcock films (along with Grace Kelly). Again, Rear Window (1954) is my favorite, with Vertigo (1958) coming in at a close second, and The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) sliding in for third. Although I am not a fan of Stewart’s westerns (and this has nothing to do with Stewart, but the fact I am not a western-type gal), they certainly helped shape our iconic perception of the cowboy and the American West.

Tonia’s Top 5 1950′s Movie Stars

Tags

1950's, Top 5 Favorite Tuesday

Welcome to this round of Tuesday Top 5 Favorites. Still in the theme of the 1950′s (as our annual Tipsy Tea is next week), we will be looking at our favorite movie stars from the 1950′s.

5. Bing Crosby (1903-1977)
Bing began his solo singing career in 1931, later making his way to film. He co-starred with other Hollywood greats such as Bob Hope, Danny Kay, Frank Sinatra, Dorothy Lamour and Rosemary Clooney. A few of his 1950′s movies that are my favorites are:
Here Comes the Groom – 1951
Road to Bali – 1952
White Christmas – 1954
*photo found here

4. Fred Astaire (1899-1987)
As with most little kids, movies that contained singing and dancing caught my attention. It was fascinating to watch as the actors tapped and jived their way across the screen, all while belting out a lively and fun song. Naturally, Fred Astaire was one of my favorites. Fred’s career started on the stage in 1906, and spanned 76 years. My favorite 1950′s movies by Fred are:
Royal Wedding – 1951
Daddy Long Legs – 1955
Funny Face – 1957
*photo found here

3. Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)
Audrey’s career started in 1951 with minor roles. Within a few years, she charmed audiences with her elfin-like looks, and waif-thing figure. She continued to dazzle the world with her great performances and her humanitarian efforts. Her movies from the 1950′s that I love the best are:
Roman Holiday – 1953
Sabrina – 1954
Funny Face – 1957
*photo found here

2. Maureen O’Hara (1920-    )
This Irish born actress was know for her roles as a passionate heroines with a sensilbe attitude. Maureen was known for her fiery red hair and large, expressive eyes. Despiter her soprano voice, the studios never looked to cast her in musical roles, as she already did well in other genres. My favorite movies with Maureen from the 1950′s are:
The Quiet Man – 1952
Rio Grande – 1950
Lady Godiva of Coventry – 1955
*photo found here

1. Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)
Marilyn is easily the most recognized sex symbol of American Movies. Cast in everything from thrillers to dramas to goofy musicals, Marilyn landed roles in 30+ movies roles during her career. Able to sing and dance her way across the silver screen, the studio heads still denied her the serious roles she desired. Despite being type-casted at the “dumb blonde”, she was far more intelligent than most people realized. Being a huge Marilyn fan, I love all of her movies, but my absolute favorites are:
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – 1953
How to Marry a Millionaire – 1953
The Seven Year Itch – 1955
Some Like it Hot – 1959
*photo found here

Angie’s Top 5 1950s Foods

The foods that I love the most, the foods that I remember the best, the foods that I still eat today (which are eaten at most our family events) are foods that came from my grandmother’s kitchen. In the 1950s, my grandmother was quite the socialite and a member of more ladies clubs that I can count. Her old cookbooks not only demonstrate that she was a fabulous 1950s hostess with the mostest (recipes, ever!), she was a fabulous cook! Here are a few of my favorites:

5). Smoothies: Yes, smoothies! At Granny’s, I was slurping down fruit smoothies decades before my friends even knew what they were! And not just fruit smoothies, but spicy cucumber and avocado smoothies, or cool tomato smoothies. Delicious, packed with vitamins, colorful, and fun – what kid could resist (I can’t resist now)! As a matter of fact, Tonia and I have gotten into the smoothie habit lately – love it!

4). Canapes: Deviled ham, deviled crab, salmon pate, liverwurst pate, mushroom and onion, blue cheese and bacon, cucumber and feta, cream cheese and radish, etc., etc. Anything that can be spread over a variety of thinly sliced artisan bread, toast, puff pastry, or crackers is mine, all mine! lol! Granny has a fabulous recipe for a shrimp butter canape – OMGoodness. It may end up on our table at the Ladies’ Tipsy Tea this year –

3). Welsh Rabbit, also called Welsh Rarebit. This dish is characterized by two main ingredients: thick sliced, nicely toasted artisan bread baked in hot melted cheese or smothered in a savory cheese sauce. Now, when I was a kid, Granny served a nice sunny-side-up egg on top, however, the complimentary ingredients to a dish of Welsh Rabbit can be anything, from bacon to oysters on top, to spinach and salsa – it’s a matter of preference.

2). Sukiyaki: When I was little, I never could say Su-ki-yaki, it always came out Socky-ew-key – lol! In American cuisine, the dish is commonly known as a beef, veggie, and noodle dish, which is just how I ate it as a kid. No tofu, no eggs, and no stalky weird plants because for most American children raised in the frozen dinner era authentic Asian cuisine was a little too fresh for our taste buds – lol. As an adult, however, I prefer the traditional Japanese sukiyaki to the American style – as our taste buds mature, so do our tastes –

1). Chiffon Pie: Who hasn’t had chiffon pie? It’s the lightest pie on the face of the planet with a whipped cream and flavored gelatin base. Both my mother and grandmother made chiffon pie for every family event – strawberry, lemon, lime, orange, and sometimes there would even be little bits of candied fruit hidden between the gobs of flavored whipped cream. I can’t count how many times my mother shot me the I’ll-break-your-fingers glare if she thought my hands were a little too close to the pie! This brings up a pressing question: Who will bring the chiffon pie to this year’s Ladies’ Tipsy Tea (hint, hint)?

Blessings and happy…eating – lol!

Tonia’s Top 5: 1950′s Foods

Tags

1950's, 1950's Foods, Top 5 Favorite Tuesday, Vintage

So, I’m a little late posting, and I can only blame my slacker ways for this one. lol. However, we have something good in store for you this time around. With the 3rd Annual Ladies Tipsy Tea approaching (this year’s theme is the 1950′s), our favorite picks will highlight some of our favorites from that era. Maybe they will inspire you to throw a 1950′s themed party soon.

This post war era was rich with new recipes. With the lift on food rationing, there was a vast selection for the era’s housewives to pick from. Pre-packaged and convenience foods were a huge hit. This era brought us such things as Chex Party Mix, Corn Flake crusted baked chicken, and lots of casseroles that involved Campbell’s soups, especially cream of mushroom. Also, the returning soldiers brought back new recipes and traditions from the South Pacific. Some recipes that were Americanized were: Sukiyaki, Chicken Chop Suey, and Egg Fu Young. Themed parties became the “it” thing, especially Hawaiian and Polynesian. Another American past time that made its debut, and became a big hit, was outdoor BBQ’s.

5.) Meatloaf
This was a common meal in the 1950′s, usually served with its companion dish of mashed potatoes. There are many, many recipes for making meatloaf, including baking a hard boiled egg into the center the way my Aunt Sis always did. I make my meatloaf the same way my mother did, as I am sure most everyone does. My recipe is simple: ground beef, chopped onions, an egg, and crushed saltine crackers. The twist was in the sauce on top. That is made to taste with ketchup, mustard and bit of A-1 sauce. Betty Crocker offers a recipe that looks to be good.
*photo found in the recipe link.

4.) Olive Cheese Puffs
This is an appetizer that my mother-in-law makes. Its a chedder dough that is wrapped around pimento stuffed olives. I haven’t been able to weasle the recipe out of her, so I have yet to try making this one myself. And, I will admit, I was a little leary of them when she suggested them for our wedding reception. But, she made a small batch for me months in advance, and I was hooked. Here is a link to a recipe that looks very easy, and sounds just as good as my mother-in-laws.
*photo found on the blog in the recipe link.

3.) Mini Meatballs
A popular appetizer in the 1950′s was mini meatballs cooked and served in tomato sauce with grape jelly. This is still a huge party favorite. I even know a hostess or two that likes to toss in a little bourbon, just for taste. This is a quick and simple dish to make. I have no set recipe for these. I did find this recipe, and it looks yummy.
*photo found on the blog in the recipe link.

2.) Jello and fruit molds
Gelatine molds were very much the party rage in 1950′s. Sweet and savory alike. Growing up, it was just me and mom and we were very poor. It was always a treat for mom to make a jello mold with some fruit cocktail in it. You can toss in all kinds of fruits. I have even seem some with vegetables. My mom even did this one time. Let this be a cautionary tale for you. Please, do not put vegetables in jello. Everyone will thank you for it. When I was about 10 or 11, my mom made lime jello and put chopped carrots and celery in it. It was nasty. When I brought this up a few months ago, she denied ever doing it. I was outraged. lol. She had made me eat it on several ocassions. She made it not just once, but twice. It was that bad that I remember it. She made me eat all that she served me. You know what it was like as a kid. “Eat everything on your plate, and don’t move until you do.” After much prodding, she started to remember. Then had the nerve to ask, “It wasn’t that bad, was it?” Yes. Yes, mom. It was that bad. In the years since, I have only ever make jello with fruit in it. I haven’t done so recently and need to brush, as this will be one of my dishes for Tipsy Tea. Here is one that looks really appealing to me.
*photo found on the blog in the recipe link.

1.) Deviled Eggs
Here is an appetizer that was a big hit in the 1950′s. They were a quick dish that was great for BBQ’s, and casual parties. I have grown up eating deviled eggs at just about every “cook out” and holiday family function. My mom was always the one to make them. So, I didn’t learn to make them until about 10 years ago. I was helping a friend prepare for her big BBQ, when she shoved the hard boiled eggs at me and told me to make Deviled Eggs. When I explained that I didn’t know how, she stared at me in disbelief, then quickly told me what to do and rushed to finish up other things. I caught on quickly, and haven’t looked back since. When I make Deviled Eggs I use mayo (the real stuff, not crazy about the fake stuff), yellow mustard, salt and pepper. I do everything by “feel”. So, here is a link to a recipe that looks pretty tasty.
*photo found on the blog in the recipe link

 

Tonia’s Top 5 Sewing Notions

Tags

Sewing Notions, Top 5 Favorite Tuesday

Happy Tuesday, EP fans! The topic this week is sewing notions. These are the little things that don’t really seem important, but once it’s not with you, you realize you can’t live without. I have so many in my sewing room that I wouldn’t be able to name them all. I do have a honorable mentions: seam ripper – used on way too many occasions, and without it, some projects would’ve been thrown away; a Sharpie – for tracing patterns and making notes on toiles; and a magnetic wand – for picking up my straight pins every time I knock the box over. Here are the notions that I absolutely would be lost without:

5. Wax paper – I don’t like to cut out or draw on my patterns, so most of the time I use pieces of wax paper taped together to lay over the original pattern. This way, I can trace exactly the size I need, and it’s ultra easy to see the lines. And one of the best things is that you can pick up wax paper during your normal grocery shopping trips.

4. Chalk pencil set –  This is a new notion for me. I found this at JoAnn’s in the quilting notions area. (Quilters have some of the best sewing notions.) The original costs was about $15.99, but I used a 40% off coupon to get my starter set. The starter set includes everything you see in the photo: the pencil, a sharpener, and a refill pack that contains 8 different colors and 8 white refills. You can then just buy the refill packs for about half the cost of the starter set. This comes in handy for fabrics that you can’t really use markers or other marking pen/pencils on.

3. Handy Tape – This is a removable tape that already has a ruler printed on it. This tape is very close to masking tape, so it does not damage the surface you stick it to. It comes in packages ranging from 10 yds or 20 feet. I bought this tape to use on the table that I use as my cutting table. Since it is a kitchen table that is currently not in use for that purpose, and I didn’t want to ruin the table my permanently attaching a yard stick to it. This solved my problem, as I was able to measure out 3 feet for each side of the table. I also stuck a 12″ piece to my sewing table to quick references. I found this at JoAnn’s on the regular notions wall for about $4.99, and used a 50% off coupon to help cut my costs.

2. Mechanical Pencils – While in the notions isle at JoAnn’s one day, I found that Dritz makes a mechanical pencil that came with a chalk like lead in white, pale green and pink. The price was about $15.99. The notions were half off that day, so I picked it up to try. Once I got it home and used it, I never looked back. I love this pencil. The only problem is that JoAnn’s didn’t carry a refill pack. We then found one that was similar in the quilting notions isle made by Fons & Porter for about $13.99 that came with white and a soft normal pencil lead, and JoAnn’s did carry the refills for this. I do own both, and they are always attached to the lanyard I wear when sewing. Also, JoAnn’s has since started carrying the refills for the Dritz pencils.

1. Measuring tape on a lanyard – This is the one item that I would be lost without. I can’t remember the brand I bought, as it was a limited time item at JoAnn’s, and it was on the cutting table when we found them. I paid about $8 or $9 for it, and it’s worth every dollar.

 

Join us on our Facebook page to discuss your favorite sewing notions, or leave us a comment to tell us which ones you can’t live without. Until next time…. Happy sewing!

 

Angie’s Top 5 Historically Inspired Movies

Tags

A Very Long Engagement, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Inglorious Basterds, Monsieur N., Perfume: A Story of Murder, Pride & Prejudice, Rob Roy, Sense & Sensibility, The Duchess, The Illusionist, The Name of the Rose

This is so difficult – why must I only choose five? lol! Here goes:

Honorable Mention: The Name of the Rose, Twentieth Century Fox (1986). This movie was introduced to me by my medieval history professor in college – it immediately made my favorites list. For the most part, medieval monastic conditions are accurately portrayed here, and who can resist Sean Connery or a young Christian Slater?

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5). The Illusionist, Twentieth Century Fox (2006). I love intrigue and mystery girl style (meaning there has to be a love story in there somewhere – lol). The costumes are beautifully made (and so is Edward Norton), the movie is well acted (the cast is a collection of “quiet” A-listers), and there’s a love triangle (this alone makes it worth watching) –

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4). Girl with a Pearl Earring, Lions Gate Films (2003). A wonderful drama based off of the beautiful painting by 17th century Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer. The costumes in this movie are gorgeous, not to mention it’s visually beautiful (the movie gives a good portrayal of 17th century Holland). And, who can resist Colin Firth? (Girl with a Pearl Earring Official Site)

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3). Brotherhood of the Wolf (French), Universal Pictures (2001). I am a lover of foreign films (particularity French, German, and Russian cinema), and while this movie takes great liberty with its story line (it is fantastic), the movie is visually beautiful, the story line is good (another mystery!), and the costumes are stunning.

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2). Perfume: The Story of Murder (German), DreamWorks Pictures (2006). Based off of the 1985 novel by Patrick Suskind (If you never see the movie, definitely read the book – it’s an intense read). Intrigue and murder – it’s a captivating storyline with a unique theme. The grittiness, and filth of 18th century Paris is well documented here (every time I watch it, I want to scrub the cast with soap and water – lol) – visually stunning (very sensual). Cast includes Alan Rickman, Dustin Hoffman, and Ben Whishaw.

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1). Sense & Sensibility, Columbia Pictures (1995). This is my go-to-feel-good movie. I cannot say how many times I have watched this movie (or read the book) – dozens? Needless to say, I love this movie and I have compared every other cinematic or made-for-television version to it (I admit, I’m biased). I adore the cast, the costumes (although they have been criticized for their simplicity), and the location of the scenes – this movie just lightens my heart.

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Other movies which contended for the top five spots are Monsieur N. (French, Empire Pictures, 2003), A Very Long Engagement (French, Warner Independent Films, 2004), Pride & Prejudice (BBC/PBS Series, 1995), Inglorious Basterds (Weinstein Company, 2009), Rob Roy (Gramercy Pictures, 1995), and The Duchess (BBC Films, 2008). All of these films, and many others, offer excellent creative inspiration, and I never tire of watching them over and over and over. Obsessed? Maybe…

Blessings and happy sewing!

Tonia’s Top 5 – Historically Inspired Movies

Tags

Historically Inspired Movies, Top 5 Favorite Tuesday

I guess my few days off last week threw me off schedule more than I thought. lol. Trying to get back into the swing of the office with a co-worker on vacation really slowed me down. So, I am a day late with my Top 5 post. Sorry for the delay. Let’s jump right in, shall we!

5. Mansfield Park – 1999 Miramax
I am a huge Jane Austen fan. Despite the differences between Jane’s original story plot and the movie, I love the movie. My favorite part is at the end, when Fanny narrates the “epilogue”, as it where. On how things “could’ve been different…… But, they weren’t.” My favorite costumes of this movie were Fanny’s dresses.

 

4. Emma – 1996 Miramax
Another Jane Austen. lol. I have seen several versions of this one, but my favorite remains the Gwyneth Paltrow version. To me, Gwyneth really brought the character to life. I also love the costumes. In fact, I was inspired to make my first Regency dress while watching this movie. Too bad it did fit in the bust area, as I never bothered to fit the bodice.

 

3. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – 1991 Warner Bros.
I fell in love with this movie when I saw it in the theaters. I was 17 years old, and in love with historical movies. As soon as it was released on VHS (yes, I said VHS. lol), I had it. I’m surprised I didn’t wear out the tape in the first week. Whenever I was home, I was in my room with it playing on the television. I still watch this movie (to my husband’s dismay) whenever I find it on, or grab the dvd whenever I really want to see it. It inspired many elements that I used in my recent wedding.

2. Last of the Mohicans – 1992 Twentieth Centure Fox
Set during the French and Indian War, this is the movie that inspired my love of 18th Century costuming, despite the slim pickings of ladies attire.  This is another movie that I will watch endlessly. I have sat many an hour, sewing with this movie on in the background.

 

 

1. Anne of a Thousand Days – 1969 Universal Pictures
I am a big Tudor Era fan, but this movie stands out as my favorite. In my eyes, it illustrates the life and dismal fate of Poor Queen Anne. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Costuming, and it’s easy to see why. I was so enamored of the costumes, that I will be reproducing one of Anne’s court gowns. A lovely brown and gold Tudor style dress.

*Movie poster photos courtesy of Wikipedia.

Angie’s Top 5 Historical Fashion Plates

My apologies for not posting yesterday, Tuesday, for our Top 5 Tuesdays. Anyone who has a child graduating from high school (or has had a child graduate from high school) knows that just weeks before the big diploma day there are a million details to wrap up. Yesterday was college financial aid day – as you can imagine, I was completely wrapped up and forgot. Tonia had to slip me an email to remind me (because she’s good like that) – lol!

So, here I am ready to present my top five fashion plates. This was a very difficult choice for me because I get caught up between the fashion presented on the plate and the artist’s work. Fortunately, there is an era of costume that I adore where the fashion illustrated on the print is not only magnificent, but the artist’s unique impression and aesthetic is discernible: Edwardian/Jazz Age fashion (which stretches between the nouveau and deco eras of art) – whoohoo!

*Please note that the prints presented here are copyrighted and courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute Library.

5). H. Vollee, 1913 (Paris, France) – Journal Des Dames et Des Modes. I love the military style of these two garments, the draping, and the thoughtful decoration given to each. The hats are outrageous and give a haughty air to the over-all look of the gowns (which I adore, but isn’t haughtiness the way of late-Victorian and Edwardian Parisian fashion – lol!). *****************************************  *****************************************

4). G. Barbier, 1913 (Paris, France) – Journal Des Dames et Des Modes. Compared to the heavy layered evening gowns of the previous era of women’s fashion, this bohemian style evening gown is light and freeing. I love the sheer sleeve of the bodice and matching turban (And my goodness, does our lovely Mademoiselle have straight bangs? Why yes she does! A little Parisian glimmer of coiffures to come!). *************  

3). H. Robert Danny, March 1, 1913 (Paris) – Journal Des Dames at Des Modes. This beautiful gown is constructed of white china crepe and accented in black velour – the decoration is marvelous – so easy and elegant. *****************************   ***********************************  ***********************************  ****************************

2). Brunelleschi, 1912 (Paris, France) – Journal Des Dames et Des Modes. Who wouldn’t want a black velour evening coat with Dolman sleeves, trimmed in lace and beaded tassels? (And you know that Dolman sleeves are all the rage again – I love them in early twentieth century design, I loved them in the 1980s, and I love them now – lol!) ************** ******************************************* *******************************************

1). Gerda Wegener, 1914 (Paris, France) – Journal Des Dames et Des Modes. This little yellow evening number is certainly a show stopper – just precious! It has a German peasant-like design to it, demonstrated in the gown’s bright yellow color, the black velvet (or velour) waist band (set high on the waist), and the laced sleeves. From a design standpoint, this gown has a very modern flavor to it – change out the hat for a Philip Treacy design and throw on some Christian Louboutin stilettos and you have a robe du soir worthy of twenty-first century couture fashion!

On an artistic note, I wanted to make mention that Gerda Wegener is the only female artist presented here, and that she is better known in the art world for her feminine erotica rather than her fashion art. Some time ago, while digging around fashion books and electronic media examining era costume, I was pleasantly surprised (and amused) to discovered Wegener had periodically contributed her talents to fashion. How fortunate for us fashion enthusiasts that she did!

Blessings and happy sewing!

Tonia’s Top 5 Favorite: Historical Fashion Plates

Tags

Top 5 Favorite Tuesday

This weeks feature started out as a way to show the masses what the Royal families were wearing at court, and eventually became the popular way to publish the current and upcoming trends in fashion. Today, you can do a quick Google Image search to see a wide variety of the past era fashion plates. These give us a glimpse of how the fashionable ladies of a given era could have dressed.

That being said, I had a hard time just picking 5 to share. lol. Here are my picks:

5. April 1839

This is a lovely blue dress from the Early Victorian era. It is a London Morning dress, which features a long, pointed corsage. I found this image on this site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. circa 1780 Plate # 182 – Robe a l’anglaise

This one falls into one of my favorite color schemes: red, white & blue. The neckline is a little on the daring side for me, but still very lovely. If I were to make this one, I would have to move the neckline up a bit. I found this image on this site.

 

 

 

 

 

3. 1885 Revue de la Mode Plate # 707 – Victorian Walking Dress

I love the dress on the left. The Burberry like plaid appeals to the Scot in me. lol. This would be a walking dress that I would love to make. However, I would make the skirts a solid color, probably black. I found this lovely plate on this site.

 

 

 

 

 

2. circa 1860′s Bustle Era Walking Dress

The dress on the right is the eye catcher for me. I love the red and white color combo. This plate is from the Early Bustle era, and most dresses where decorated with an abundance of lace and other trimmings. I came across this plate on this site.

 

 

 

 

1. circa 1880′s Walking Dress

This is my #1 favorite. It was love at first site for me. Again, it has the red and white color combo, but the added appeal of the stripes. There are so many things I love about this: the drape of the overskirt, the design feature of the underskirt, the pleated ruffle on the collar and cuffs, and the matching stockings. I found this image on this Tumbler site.

Angie’s Top 5 Extant Fashion Pieces

I’m afraid my choices aren’t as sophisticated as Tonia’s – lol! My favorite pieces are those that I imagine myself wearing and feeling lovely in – this includes the feel of the textile in which the garment is constructed (I am a very tactile person). The garments that I have chosen are visually rich, not just by the fabrics or designs used to create the pieces, but by the depth of color (a color can significantly enhance or detract from a particular quality of a fabric). All of the garments which I present here possess fabrics and fibers that I find touchable and luxurious. While several of these pieces are newer (relative to the second half of the twentieth century), their designs are no less important and highlight a unique era in fashion history.

5). Fuchsia silk corset (England), circa 1885. It’s the color. Aside from the fact this piece is an exceptional example of surviving Victorian corsetry, the pink silk complimented by the black lace trim does it for me. I want to apologize for not being able to source this photo (a serious no-no). I pulled this photo many years ago and neglected to source it adequately (please inform me if you happen to know so that I may give credit where credit is due).

Post Script: EP fan Molly has informed me that the repository for this corset is the Victoria & Albert Museum – she has provided a link in the comments. Thank you, Molly!

4). This baby blue silk brocade evening gown (accented in ivory linen lace, ivory velvet, and trimmed in white feathers) is by RH White & Co., circa 1885. It’s Winter Wonderland dreamy and I imagine myself wearing this delicious ensemble to a January Parisian soirée (if only I could squeeze my size 14-self into it – lol). The feathers add an element of frivolity to the gown that I adore. Photo credit and repository: Brooklyn Museum Collection.

3). One thing I like about wedding gowns before the late-Victorian era is that they came in every color under the rainbow, and this beautiful blue silk wedding gown (circa 1868) is no exception. Due to the angle of the photograph (showing the front view of the gown), the sheer volume of the silk used to create this piece cannot be seen (it’s all concentrated at the back of the gown) – it’s quite impressive really. Photo credit and repository: Metropolitan Museum of Art.

2). This little coral number would be hanging off my shoulders in a jiff if I could get my coveting little hands on it. What girl couldn’t use a cashmere sweater with a matching fox collar? lol! Oh dear, when I laid my eyes on this beauty I began to immediately accessorize it with a matching coral cashmere beret, cream wool pencil shirt (just below the knee and with rear kick-pleat), and nude stilettos. Maybe a small pair of rhinestone earrings to compliment the sweater’s rhinestone clasp at the waist – sigh. Circa 1935-1937. Photo credit: The Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery.

1). This emerald green velvet coat, trimmed in sable fur (lined in emerald satin), is by American designer Norman Norell, circa 1972-1976. It was just recently sold by The Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery in Stamford, Connecticut for $7500, but not to me, I’m sorry to say – lol! The dark rich green of the velvet is enhanced by the gold tones in the sable – it’s a perfect combination of one complimenting the other. Also, I like the the simple cut of the coat – no need to be fancy in design – the fabric and fur alone bring enough elegance to the garment.