Featured Victorian Lady
Editor's Note: Gretchen is just like us! She enjoys all things beautiful, romantic, and reminiscent of simpler times - times when women wore elegant hats, lacy gloves, feminine jewelry, and carried colorful beaded handbags. Gretchen's business, Lady Dress Up, caters to the girl inside of each woman who loves to dress up in flowing gowns, join groups of friends for dinner parties, dances, teas, and just likes to have plain fun. Gretchen inspires each of us to follow our hearts, do what we love, surround ourselves with what makes us happy, and enjoy life each day. We at Recollections are privileged to know Gretchen as a customer and a true-to-heart Victorian friend.
Cathy
Gretchen Gross
When Gretchen was a very small girl, her mother instilled in her an appreciation for all things vintage, Victorian, and pertaining to family heirlooms. As she grew up, it was natural for Gretchen to love all things with a past - ones that had a story to tell. She began decorating her own home with antique items and was excited to begin collecting memories for her own family.
As a self-confessed true hopeless romantic, Gretchen says that she always felt she was born in the wrong time and place. It was never more evident, though, when she toured a variety of magnificent plantations while on vacation in New Orleans with her husband, Larry. She was then certain that she should have been born into that era. She was captivated with the beautiful antiques, china, silver plateaus, and especially the Southern belle dresses!
Over the years, she has been the owner of several stores featuring antiques, collectibles, gifts, and now, Lady Dress Up. Lady Dress Up is not only her business, but it is her passion. Gretchen is also a member of the Red Hat Society and started a chapter in Vancouver, WA in 2001 called the Vancouver Belles - a true sisterhood of friends who like to dress with the style, grace, and elegance of days-gone-by. They love to go to Sunday brunch, high tea, and luncheons where they continue to build and nurture their friendships and sisterhood!
Gretchen enjoys making and wearing all kinds of hats and any opportunity to wear Victorian and other period clothing. She says that is why Recollections is so perfect for her and those who love to play Lady Dress Up.
She still daydreams of gentler times of beauty, grace, elegance, and tranquility. When adorned in Victorian gowns, hats, gloves, and the proper jewelry, she feels transported to that time she longs for. Gretchen confesses that she is a hopeless romantic and that it was inevitable that she would become Lady Dress Up. She is living her dream and offers that dream to fellow companions who desire the same. We are, really, never too grown up to dress up! Thank you for reminding us of that, Gretchen!
Gretchen Gross
Gretchen's Flower Garden
A Favorite Gown
Gretchen's 31' Ford
Phateon Replicar
Ten Years of Fun Hatters
Featuring:
Romantic Victorian Gifts
Pink Hats
Red Hats
Purple Hats
Casual and Dress Hats
Jewelry
Purses and Handbags
Kirks Folly
Clothing
Crowns and Tiaras
Accessories
Girls Dressing Up
If you know someone that has taken their love of Victoriana and made it into an interesting business or hobby, and you think they should be featured in our Victorian Lady pages, please email or call us and let us know!
1-800-452-5925