Your Wardrobe Unlock'd

An outstanding primary source for the history nerd and dressmaking masochist. Ava begins to translate the directions for 21st c sewers!

"Emilly Ladybird" (aka Jema) explores how to create and costume interesting characters by investigating Steampunk archetypes.

A closer look at fashions for Winter 1812 from Ackerman's Repository and La Belle Assemblée, presented here to aid DPP hopefuls!

Janyce Hill has once again consulted her collection of antique magazines to pass on authentic, specific 1912 fashion trends & styles.

Sunny finishes her deciphering of a black velvet Teens evening gown, with the bodice opening and velvet tabard.

Sunny continues her examination and deciphering of a black velvet Teens evening gown, focusing on the bodice and sleeves.

Regardless of whether you've been naughty or nice this year, we've got lots of tempting ideas for your gift list, from tools to calendars!

 Janyce Hill of the Vintage Pattern Lending Library gives us the fashion forecast for October, November and December 1912.

Sunny continues her examination of a black velvet evening gown with many of the characteristics of Teens high fashion.

A closer look at fashions for Summer 1812, gathered from the pages of Ackerman's Repository and La Belle Assemblée.

Sunny examines a very complicated early Teens black velvet evening gown with  many of the characteristics of high fashion in this era.

What books would have influenced fashion choices for a lady of 1912? What dress advice would a "stout" lady have been given?

Some you know, some you won't, but in any case, the next time you travel, consider incorporating your passion for fashion.

A closer look at fashions for Spring 1812, gathered from the pages of Ackerman's Repository and La Belle Assemblée.

Janyce Hill gives us the fashion forecast for April, May and June 1912, drawn from fashion magazines from that year.

Charles Frederick Worth is remembered as the father of haute couture, and Suzi Clarke has a couple of treasures of his to show us...

Janyce Hill of the Vintage Pattern Lending Library tells us all about her ambitious archival project, showing us a few of her patterns.

The Winterthur Collection  has many fantastic historical clothing and accessory catalogs. Here's the best  from 1850-1919

Monochromatic Embroidery is an umbrella term used to describe a type of embellishment popular during the 16th Century.

Looking for some last minute gift suggestions? Cathy reviews two new books from 2010: Fashioning Fashion and High Style.