WBKB in Alpena, Michigan, produces a local public affairs show called Insights that airs on Sunday mornings. In December, we were approached about being on the show. That got us wondering, "what is it like to be part of a television show?" We found out on January 12th when Alexandra Johnson and her crew, John [...]
A popular trend among women in the past few years is to host a Victorian Tea Party as if it was 1867. These events—lavishly decorated, handwritten invites, hoop-skirt optional—are used as bridal showers, fifth birthday parties, charity events, baby showers, and more. Really, anytime there will be a gathering of more than three women, it [...]
Mary’s turn for a one night stand and ironic jokes on the rise: Before we dive too deep in this episode, if you need a refresher on episode two, click here to get caught up. This episode is full of scandal: first, Mary sleeps with Tony, then she gets found out, then Granny covers for [...]
Heartfelt thanks... Recollections loves our clients! You are our lifeblood; the heart of who we are and why we do what we do. What better time to show our love and say "thank you" than Valentine's Day? Hearts, flowers, and romance fill the air. Romance and Recollections fashions go hand-in-hand, just like taking a [...]
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." And so begins this very romantic poem penned by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the Victorian era's foremost poets. What a great love she and Robert Browning shared. This poem was written early on in their relationship; during courtship and early marriage. History.com relates that [...]
This episode should have been entitled the War for the Progressive. Between Tom’s dinner outburst, Mary’s sexcapades, and Rose’s radio, the battle waged all episode. Before we go any further, if you missed the season premier last week, you can get the highlights here. Lord Grantham continues his campaign of whining across the Abbey, arguing [...]
Downton Abby has become a sensation all over the world, and now more than ever, it is easy to get the look of your favorite characters. At the same time, the development of Pinterest makes it easy to search quickly and efficiently for fashion. It also has the benefit of allowing its users to see [...]
The hill that will give the rest of the season momentum. Spoiler Alerts Like so many others, I cuddled up with a cup of tea and a scone to watch PBS’s Season 5 premiere of Downton Abby on Sunday night. Waiting on the edge of the couch to know exactly what would happen to Edith’s [...]
There were three distinct fashion trends during the Victorian era, and all are considered “Bustle Dresses”. These were the Early Bustle period (1869-1876), the Natural Form period (1877-1882), and the Late Bustle period (1883-1889). The combination of a tight bodice and a very full skirt with bustle and drapery was thought to enhance the look of a tiny waist. A 15-inch waist was considered ideal, and fashion plates of the day always illustrated women with impossibly small “wasp waists”. The Early Bustle period (1869-1876) is characterized by tight-fitting bodices, which were worn with separate skirts. The bodice usually had a very high neck, and long closely-fitted sleeves. The sleeve was “dropped” from the shoulder a bit more than we are used to seeing today, and there was very little fullness at the sleeve head. A bustle was worn under the skirt, as well as two or more petticoats. There was usually an overskirt as well, either in the form of an apron-like drape across the front of the skirt, and/or an elaborately draped and pleated overskirt which covered the back of the skirt. The skirt itself was usually embellished with layers of ruffles, rouching or other trims. […]