For most of us, the book, and then the movie “Gone With the Wind” has fixed forever in our minds an image of the South that is far removed from the grim reality of the terrible consequences of those years from 1861 to 1865. According to Wikipedia, the Civil War remains the deadliest war in [...]
If you happen to be lucky enough to live in or near Michigan, you may be aware of an annual event peopled by “time travelers”. This is what the many people who make an annual trip to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island call themselves. Every year in October, the historic Grand Hotel hosts the [...]
Who among us has not dreamed of doing nothing but shop for beautiful fabric and rich, beaded trims? In April, Susan and Shelby, who happen to be sisters (twins no less!) and both work for Recollections, had the opportunity to travel to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York on a three-day buying trip. Their assignment [...]
What setting could be more ideal for a Recollections photo shoot than the lovely Mackinac Island in Michigan? No cars are permitted there, and everyone comes to the island via a ferry boat. Earlier this month, models CJ (blonde), Lindsey (the redhead), and Courtney (the brunette), gathered for the shoot along with hairdresser Sharon. Susan, [...]
Today it may seem to us that Victorians had a rather morbid fascination with death, however it is probably we who are now so insulated from this part of life, are overly sensitive to the topic. In the late 1800’s one in twenty infants died before their first birthday, and during the Civil [...]
After retiring to the historic mountain town of Durango, Colorado with her husband, Suzanne Parker noticed that she would sometimes see people strolling downtown who were dressed in period attire from the late 1800’s. An avid seamstress who first picked up a needle and thread about the age of 12, her interest in Victorian attire [...]
As part of the upcoming Durango Heritage Celebration this October, we have just received formal invitations to attend a Grand Victorian Ball. The theme of the ball will be "150 Years: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War." Although all forms of Victorian and Edwardian dress will be permitted, I suspect [...]
Bustiers and corsets are common historical undergarments that pair well with Victorian and Edwardian dresses. While the terms are sometimes used synonymously, in reality, they are two completely different undergarments used for different reasons. Dressing for a historic event? Check out our complete guide: Preparing for an Edwardian-themed event. Corsets The bustier and the corset [...]
Last October, with the enthusiastic encouragement of several friends who love to dress in period attire, my husband and I made the 6-hour trek from Prescott, Arizona to the lovely old western town of Durango, Colorado for the third annual Durango Heritage Celebration. We stayed at the beautifully restored Strater Hotel, and immersed ourselves in [...]