By Donna Klein The Online Etymology Dictionary tells us the word 'corset' comes from the Old French word for 'bodice, 'tunic'. The modern name of corset as a stiff, supporting, and constricting undergarment dates to c. 1795. The first undergarment that is truly considered to be a corset dates to the first half of the [...]
By Donna Klein Coco Chanel - setting trends A contemporary of Paul Poiret, Coco Chanel is also credited with freeing women from corsets, and the unnatural silhouette of the Victorian era. She was way ahead of the curve when it came to setting fashion trends in the 1910s and 1920s. Chanel came from [...]
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 [...]
by Donna Klein Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of My Fair Lady It's an exciting time for the Rogers City (Michigan) Community Theatre (RCCT). I've been involved with RCCT for more nine years as an actor, director, and techie. The Lerner and Loewe musical, My Fair Lady came up every year as the group [...]
By Donna Klein Paul Poiret was controversial for his time and never quite found his place in the fashion industry. Yet he is remembered as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century and credited for revolutionizing fashion. Let's take a look at his life and notable designs. Seeds of a Fashion Revolution [...]
by Donna Klein When we think of Christian Dior today, perfume, makeup, and accessories come to mind, as well as a fashion label that has been successful for nearly 60 years. World War II brought austerity measures to every industry, even fashion. Once the conflict ended, women were ready to shed the masculine look [...]
by Donna Klein It's January once again, bringing with it a plethora of diet and exercise ads. They're everywhere! Health is at the top of many New Year's resolutions. Following through on those resolutions is another story completely, however. I know I'm guilty of it. Are you? I've been working with my doctor [...]
by Donna Klein a Step Back to the American Old West 1. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is the newest addition to the list of National Monuments, having been created through the following proclamation by the President of the United States on May 21, 2014 (excerpted from the White House website: “In [...]
by Donna Klein The other day I was talking with a friend of mine who is a nurse and the subject of Florence Nightingale came up. I thought I would write a post about her, but as I was doing my research, I became fascinated by Mary Seacole. She truly embodied the pioneer spirit; she [...]