Fashionable Frocks of 1860
(Met Museum)
When it comes to Victorian fashion, it is often difficult to choose a favourite year—or even a favourite decade. The romantic gowns of the 1830s vie with the enormous crinolines of the 1860s which, in turn, rival the sleek, bustled skirts of the 1870s. As someone who researches and writes extensively on historical fashion, choosing the year in which to set my new romance novel, The Lost Letter, had as much to do with the style of dress as it did with other considerations. In today’s post, we take a brief look at some of the styles which were popular in 1860, the year in which The Lost Letter begins.[…]Continue Reading
From Crinolines to Cross-Dressing Balls: A Two Year Anniversary Digest
It’s my blogiversary! Today, MimiMatthews.com is two years old. I have no idea what the two year mark of a successful blog looks like, but I feel incredibly fortunate that my site continues to receive such a positive response. I am especially grateful to all of my wonderful subscribers and to everyone who takes the time to comment on my articles. Your readership means the world![…]Continue Reading
A Fashionable Coiffure: Rolls, Plaits, and other Popular Hairstyles of 1863
“The MANNER of DRESSING the HAIR calls for much attention at the present day, and many are the inquiries addressed to us on this important subject.”
Peterson’s Magazine, 1863.
Hairstyles of the 1860s are, in my opinion, some of the most beautiful of the nineteenth century. Hair was arranged in enormous rolls or plaited into intricately woven patterns. Women donned crowns of flowers or bound their hair up into silken nets or velvet hoods. These were soft, feminine styles, lacking the Gothic severity of the 1830s and 1840s while, at the same time, still far more conservative than the long, draped curls that would come into fashion in the 1870s and 1880s. These were also the hairstyles that most of us recognize from the American Civil War era (1861-1865). Popular coiffures changed from year to year, and often from month to month. Today, we look at a few of the most fashionable styles of 1863.[…]Continue Reading
Some Exciting Book News to Share!!
Dear Readers,
Last week, I got some exciting news which I’ve been dying to share with all of you. Alas, my literary agent advised me not to say a word until the ink on the contracts was dry. Well, today the ink is officially dry and I can finally tell you all that[…]Continue Reading
Fashion and Beauty Essentials for a 19th Century Summer Holiday
In women’s magazines today, we often see lists of summer vacation “must haves.” These lists usually include such hot weather essentials as swimsuits, sunscreen, and a romance novel or two to read at the beach. But what about ladies in the Victorian era? By the end of the 19th century, beach holidays were certainly on the rise. However, our Victorian sisters met the heat without benefit of air conditioning, skimpy clothing, or sun protection. What did they have instead? In today’s article, we look at a few fashion, beauty, and novel necessities for a 19th century summer.[…]Continue Reading
