Mind your manners! Victorian table etiquette

By | January 23rd, 2022|Categories: Downton Abbey, History of the home, Victorian culture, Victorian Era|

It might just be me, but I absolutely love Downton Abby scenes where dining etiquette is discussed. From the downstairs staff being trained to how things played out upstairs, I find the details so intriguing; especially considering how much things have changed since. Victorian table etiquette carried over into the first decades of the 20th [...]

Women's aprons through time

By | September 16th, 2021|Categories: 1950s Fashions, Downton Abbey, Fashion, History of the home, Victorian Fashions, Women's History|

It occurred to me some months back that there are some very distinct trends when it comes to women’s aprons. We see them come and go through history and with specific styles when they do. Though we call anything meant to protect a woman’s clothing from harm caused by domestic duties an ‘apron’, they are [...]

The truth about the Edwardian Hobble Skirt

By | August 4th, 2021|Categories: Downton Abbey, Edwardian Era, Edwardian Fashion, Fashion, Women's History|

The beginning of the 20th century was an exciting one for fashion. During the 1800s women’s clothing had some interesting “outliers” such as Regency fashions, but overall the standards of what was acceptable remained within a small window. The Edwardian era would completely change that forever. We see an artistic desire for experimentation with clothing [...]

Halloween Inspiration 2016: 9 Ideas Just for You

By | August 27th, 2016|Categories: Downton Abbey, Edwardian Era, Fashion, Roaring 20s, Uncategorized, Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

So, you're thinking about what to be for Halloween, too? Which character do you want to be? Who do you want to create? Looking for inspiration? Here are some ideas. Downton Abbey – Take your pick of fashions between 1912 and 1925 and your favorite character and 'voila!' Downton Abbey lives again. This masterpiece continues [...]

8 Delicious Tidbits About Halloween

By | August 21st, 2016|Categories: Accessories, Downton Abbey, Edwardian Era, Fashion, Holidays, Old West, Roaring 20s, Steampunk, Uncategorized, Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , , , , , |

Updated August 2024. There still may be a bit of summer left on the calendar, but soon the leaves will be changing color and autumn will be in the air. When that happens, all of our thoughts will turn to... Halloween! Here are some interesting tidbits about one of our favorite holidays. Halloween's origins can [...]

Say Farewell To Downton Abbey

By | February 4th, 2016|Categories: Downton Abbey|Tags: , |

Get Your Downton Abbey Costume Before The Final Episode Well, we’ve been with these characters for six years. We’ve laughed with them, we’ve cried when they’ve been suddenly killed and removed from the show, we’ve experienced their woes triumphs. And now, after six seasons, our beloved Downton Abbey is coming to a close. While you [...]

Halloween is Just Around the Corner!

By | September 3rd, 2015|Categories: Ball Gowns, Civil War, Downton Abbey, Edwardian Era, Fashion, Old West, Pioneer Dress, Roaring 20s, Uncategorized, Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Halloween is Just a Hop-Skip-and-a-Jump Away!   Yes, the calendar just flipped from August to September, and the thermometer is still registering summer temperatures. But, make no mistake, it's almost heeeeeerrrrre! It's time to start thinking about autumn and one of its highlights - Halloween.   Themed parties, no theme parties, and everything in between [...]

Another Period on Comedy Central: Recollections Stars Again!

By | June 23rd, 2015|Categories: Accessories, Downton Abbey, Edwardian Era, Entertainment, Recollections, Victorian Era|

Another Period airs tonight on Comedy Central at 10PM, right after Amy Schumer. This looks like a night of serious laughs. Another Period follows the Bellacourts, a ridiculously wealthy family in 1900s Rhode Island. Think of it like Downton Abbey meets Keeping Up With The Kardashians—a spoof on reality TV with an all-star cast in [...]

Planning your Edwardian Wedding: Where to get all your Downton Abbey clothing, jewelry, and decorations!

By | June 12th, 2015|Categories: Downton Abbey|Tags: , |

Downton Abbey is more than just a television sensation for some—in fact, many are using it as inspiration for their big day. The timeless look of Downton Abbey clothing and the classy style of invitations and other decorations make it a no-brainer as far as themes go. Besides, why wouldn’t you want to incorporate a [...]