Grand Dames of the 19th century

Here-in you'll find some extremely drool worthy ladies of the 19th century.

 Empress Eugenie -1860 I love the flounces on here dress the must be sooo full and out of a very crisp fabric.

 Countess Csekonics of Jimbolia and Janova -1862-65

The skirt detail is awesome! Her shawl is really cool too.

 

Duchess Marie in Bavaria -1857
by Franz Hanfstaengl

She's so adorable!

Amina Boschetti -1863
by A. Armand & C.ie, Bordeaux.
Quite the hair style. Wish I had the opportunity to wear this... :D

Empress Elisabeth of Ausria
Its interesting how all the stripes have
 a different design on them.

Empress Maria Alexandrovna of Russia -1869
Can you tell I'm quite taken by very geometric designs?

Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna, Winterhalter -1857.
Must have been very wealthy. :P And very fond of pearls. :-. lol

 Princess Royal and Princess Alice -1852
by Theodore Brunell
They look like little angels and their dresses are to die for.

Hungarian coronation dress -1867
One of my favorites... ♥

 Elisabeth dressed for the cold in a fur-trimmed paletot -1865
 by Emil Rabending
A nice little peek into fancy outer wear. I can't imagine how heavy this whole outfit must have been. Even tho velvet was probably lighter in the 1860's. There's still alot of yardage there and then add the coat which looks quite girthy... wow

Infanta Isabel, Princess of Asturias, Countess of Girgenti nicknamed "La Chata"
Is that one heck of a gown or what? lol




Duchess Sophie Charlotte of  Bavaria -1867
I'm sure most of you are thinking this is probably one of the most ugly dresses you've seen. lol But I'm draw to its angular lines. Its simple beauty is quite my style. :D



Isabel II Queen of Spain -1860

Her dress is so pretty! I'd love to make myself

a dress like that someday. :D Its so feminine. 



Duchess of Wellington

She is like ultra graceful, in my opinion.



 Princess Alexandra of Wales  -1866

Isabel Alvarez Montes, Duchess of Castro Enriquez and Marquise in Valderas -1868
I'm loving all the tulle or whatever you want to call it.  It must have been alittle nerve racking to wear, so fragile. The trim on the skirt is such a cool design as well. 



Princesses Helena and Louise -1856
by Roger Fenton
They seem really impressed by getting the dag taken don't they?! :P Their hats are really cute and I realllly like the jackets.  

Elisabeth as Queen of Hungary

This is my personal favorite. I think its probably the most beautiful 19th century ensemble I've ever seen. I'd really like to make a reproduction of it some day. *heres to one's dream*

You can find many more at the source. :) I hope they inspired y'all as much as they did me. Which ones are you favorites?

Until next time. ♥

Love,

Brooke





1860's toddler strapped petticoat and chemise

Awhile back I had the pleasure of working with my dear friend, Paris. She needed a few undergarments for little boy, Asa.

 First off is the strapped petticoat. It was a blast to make. Everything was squares or rectangles thus making it super easy.

It consisted of the waistband, straps, and 2 skirts. I sewed the two skirts on as one thus giving a the look of multiple petticoats, but they're all one piece. Anyone with little kids know how difficult it is to get all their layers on correctly. ;P 

The chemise is shaped the same as Elizabeth Stewart Clark's ladies chemise. A simple raglan style. Both of them are of course 100% cotton. All the gathers were hand sewn. It makes them so much finer and I'm able cram alot more fabric into smaller areas. :D

Here Asa is with his whole ensemble on. Paris did an awesome job on his dress. Makes me wish I had a little boy to dress. He looks picture perfect and is one the cutest little boys I've ever seen. :)

Love,

Brooke