Happy National Rose Month!

By | June 8th, 2023|Categories: 19th Century Literature, Victorian Era|

Did you know that the rose is the official flower of the United States? It became official in 1986 under the presidency of Ronald Reagan, though efforts had been underway since June 1959 when National Rose Month was first observed. I think that roses are a great cause for celebration...care to join me? I hope that [...]

A very Victorian June

By | June 4th, 2023|Categories: Victorian culture, Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations|

Let’s talk about June in the Victorian and Edwardian eras! All signs point to it being one of the most popular times of the year, and researching the topic is a joy, not to mention pleasing to the eyes. It was a month of importance. A time of decadence, socializing, and inspiration. Would you like [...]

The multiple meanings of “corsage”

By | June 2nd, 2023|Categories: Edwardian Era, Victorian culture, Victorian Era|Tags: |

Today, most of us automatically think of high school dances when we hear the word “corsage.” Myself, I am envious when I see the photos and firmly believe that more of us should be given opportunities to wear flowers around our wrists!  But I digress… While we may picture prom dresses and photos on the [...]

May history news roundup

By | May 29th, 2023|Categories: History News, Victorian Era, Women's History|Tags: , |

May History News Roundup  May brought with it a ton of rain here in Denver, so I was even more happy to collect history news and research from the safety of my apartment. This roundup includes some very pretty pieces that have inspired some future features on this blog.  Some highlights:  A look at Boston’s [...]

The social season: 19th Century's time to party

By | May 27th, 2023|Categories: Entertainment, Regency Era, Victorian culture, Victorian Era|Tags: , , , |

Did you know that if it was 1823 rather than 2023 many of us would be right in the middle of the “social season”? From Jane Austen novels to Bridgerton, it is commonly referred to in stories set in the 19th century, and as I start to make my own plans for what is sure [...]

Tickled pink: colors in the Victorian era

By | May 18th, 2023|Categories: Fashion history, Victorian Era, Victorian fashion, Victorian Fashions|

Clothing colors looked a lot different in the Victorian era. For women, for instance, a “little black dress” would have referred to a no-frills mourning gown. Strict rules, some unspoken and some quite explicit, governed what colors went together, and in what ways. Over the next few months, I will be taking a look at [...]

A mid-century Mother's Day brunch

By | May 12th, 2023|Categories: 1950s fun|Tags: , |

Happy Mother’s Day to our sweet readers and customers! What are you doing to celebrate? Are any of you attending a Mother’s Day brunch? If you are, you are taking part in a tradition that goes back many decades. I know this partially because about a year ago I stumbled upon a delightful assortment of [...]

1960s fashion: the long and short of it

By | May 3rd, 2023|Categories: Fashion history|

A couple of weeks ago I have the privilege to learn more about 1960s fashion designer Mary Quant and the legacy she left when she left when she passed last month. Over the course of my research, I was reminded of what a dynamic decade the 1960s were for fashion. It had so many unique [...]

April history news roundup

By | April 30th, 2023|Categories: History News, Uncategorized|

April was a great month for history news and research! I have compiled my favorite stories from sources near and far and hope that it will make for fun weekend reading. A few highlights: A comprehensive Beatrix Potter exhibition in NashvilleThe castle that marked the beginning of Catherine Howard’s downfallA guide to the Restoration  I [...]