I have always associated ponytails with summer. I had my hair done every day growing up and my mom tended to put me in ponytails more often than not during the warmer months (or shall I say, hotter, as I am from Arizona). As someone who is well-versed in 19th-century fashion, I am aware that [...]
Late Victorian architecture is the stuff that fairy tales are adorned with. It was a time of expanding wealth for the “common man” and homes reflect the desire that so many had to embrace and display their abundance. Exteriors were adorned from top to bottom with as many embellishments as possible. The famous “painted ladies” [...]
Happy Christmas in July! I have loved writing blog posts for this fun occasion for the past two years. I have had the chance to meet some of our talented Mrs. Claus customers, learn about the history of Christmas in July, and offer ideas on how to celebrate. It seems that everyone is more excited [...]
I have loved sharing the stories of various female artists on the Recollections blog. I think that creative women bring such a special touch to the beauty they create and those that we include on the blog did so in times that weren’t easy for female professionals. My favorite illustrator is Joan Walsh Anglund, whose [...]
This summer we have been exploring the history of Victorian tea culture. The mass popularity of tea in the 19th century led to new furniture, a growing amount of teaware, and new household schedules. It also led to social occasions that society molded around. This included afternoon tea, high tea, tea parties, and tea dances. [...]
I live for sundress season! Easy, breezy, and feminine. I am getting out a lot more than I did the last two summers and have already enjoyed adding some to my collection. It has naturally got me thinking about the history of the casual but cute item of clothing and how it became so common. [...]
It is an example of one of those things you don’t notice until someone points it out to you, and then you see it everywhere. Recollections recently suggested that a post on Victorians and plaid may make for a fun read. I had never really thought about it before, but when I started looking for [...]
I have been volunteering for the Molly Brown House in Capitol Hill, Denver for the past three years. I am currently performing in their ‘Penn After Hours’; events designed to provide the 21 and over crowd a fun chance to step back in time for a bit of Victorian or Edwardian fun. Even though I [...]
Last week I wrote about the majesty of Victorian ball gowns and how there are few things I would rather look at. I can only imagine the splendor of an actual Victorian ball and a room full of more than a hundred people dressed in their 19th-century finest. Balls were more than just an opportunity [...]