A winter wardrobe – the Victorian way

By | December 16th, 2023|Categories: Victorian Era, Victorian fashion, Victorian Fashions|

A couple of days ago I set out for a fun winter night on the town. Having been in LA for some time so far this season I haven’t had the change to fully transition to the Denver December. Ten outfits later, I was ready to go. And believe it or not, I had partially [...]

A Beatrix Potter Christmas

By | December 13th, 2023|Categories: Christmas, Holidays, Women's History|

I know our readers love them some Beatrix Potter. For me, her illustrations bring to mind thoughts of warm summer days at my grandparent's house - open fields and veggies growing for what seemed to be miles when I was young. I am sure many of you feel the same. And I am sure that [...]

Why are red and green Christmas colors?

By | December 6th, 2023|Categories: Christmas, Holidays|

We enjoy covering holiday traditions on the Recollections blog. One of the most pervasive traditions is almost overlooked because it is so ingrained in the season, the use of red and green. How did the colors become the colors of Christmas? Let’s look at some theories, including what I believe to be true.  Red and [...]

Holiday gift guide sneak peek

By | December 2nd, 2023|Categories: Recollections|Tags: , |

Let the shopping begin! What will you get the history lover on your list? We have curated a great list of items that make for special stocking stuffers, surprises, and gifts that no one will expect. They are items that will be enjoyed all year long and are versatile enough to be worn with contemporary [...]

November history news

By | November 30th, 2023|Categories: History News|Tags: |

This is a fun edition of history news! November was a bit slower for obvious reasons, but it was rich and interesting nonetheless. From the history of folding chairs to the history of long hair, this roundup will keep you reading for the entire weekend.  I came across some very unexpected topics. My favorites (besides [...]

Black Friday: five theories and facts

By | November 24th, 2023|Categories: Christmas, Holidays, Thanksgiving|

We hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! The holiday shopping season is here! We love offering you special discounts as part of the beginning of the holiday shopping season and of course, Black Friday.  Some believe that the term was created to refer to the fact that the holiday season supports retail establishments to [...]

Thanksgiving trivia time!

By | November 21st, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|

Happy Thanksgiving! We know it is a big week for many of you, plus the beginning of the shopping season and a flurry of activity. We enjoy being a part of your holiday season and adding some fun to it. As a special thank you for a great year and as a special kick-off to [...]

A very Vintage Thanksgiving to you!

By | November 19th, 2023|Categories: Holidays, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized|

Happy Thanksgiving!  I so enjoy seeing how people from the past celebrated holidays. It is something we have enjoyed covering on the blog over the years (I will link to a bunch of Thanksgiving history posts below). Vintage Thanksgiving magazine covers are a great way to see how society has changed. For instance, these days [...]

Fainting couches: fact or fiction?

By | November 13th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|

I love history myths, especially those related to fashion. For instance, I have done extensive research on both misconceptions around the idea that the bicycle craze led to the emergence of women wearing pants (or “bloomers”) and the many myths about the use of corsets in the 19th century. In my study into the history [...]