hats and laces

(via saihlkgeklfgwa-deactivated20120)

oldrags:

Corset, 1890-95 England, the V&A Museum

Improvements in design, equipment and materials meant that corsets could mould the figure to suit the latest fashions. The straight busk on this corset creates a vertical line from bust to abdomen which complemented the less rounded, more angular silhouette of the 1890s. It was also supposed to relieve pressure on the internal organs while supporting the stomach. Shaped pieces (five on each side) have been seamed together and bust and hip gussets inserted to give the corset its distinctive shape. Strips of whalebone follow the contours of the hourglass silhouette, creating a rigid structure to emphasise the smallness of the waist. Each strip is enclosed in a bone channel formed by neat rows of machine stitching. The decorative embroidery stitches (flossing) visible towards the bottom and back of the corset prevent the whalebone from forcing its way out of these channels. A hook is attached at the centre front to prevent the petticoat from riding up and causing extra bulk at the waist.

This is hot.

modernfoppery:

bluestalkingstitches:

lionza:

via: Va Bien

RELEVANT TO MY ENTIRE SELF

Mr. SPECTATOR,

I am an Irish Gentleman, that have travelled many Years for my Improvement; during which time I have accomplished myself in the whole Art of Ogling, as it is at present practised in all the polite Nations of Europe. Being thus qualified, I intend, by the Advice of my Friends, to set up for an Ogling-Master. I teach the Church Ogle in the Morning, and the Play-house Ogle by Candle-light. I have also brought over with me a new flying Ogle fit for the Ring; which I teach in the Dusk of the Evening, or in any Hour of the Day by darkning one of my Windows. I have a Manuscript by me called The Compleat Ogler, which I shall be ready to show you upon any Occasion. In the mean time, I beg you will publish the Substance of this Letter in an Advertisement, and you will very much oblige,

Yours, &c.

—Joseph Addison, The Spectator (April 23, 1711)

ahhh this is awesome

(Source: thelingerieaddict, via my-ear-trumpet)

historiful:

Model Christy Turlington (b. 1969), date unknown.

EDIT: This is in fact not Audrey Hepburn, as initially stated. Please adjust your captions accordingly to prevent any further confusion. Thank you!

(Source: lowmorale, via tea-with-marie)

fripperiesandfobs:

Victoire-Auguste-Antoinette, Princesse de Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Duchesse de Nemours

1840

Franz Xavier Winterhalter

It’s always hard to find Winterhalters to post, since everyone’s so familiar with his work.

(via my-ear-trumpet)

theniftyfifties:

1950’s Dior

(via latinamericana)

A Passing Storm, James Tissot, 1876

Is it just a passing storm?

Bad things happen and good things happen. I find no joy in anything, it feels like that the good is given in a gesture of mercy and generosity by some cruel cruel superior being as if it’s supposed to make up for the bad. It can’t though, it just stands there mocking me and my inability to be for once in my life grateful. Nothing is ever enough. It will never end and this perspective seems so tiring.

Downtown Abbey, 1910s. Need to see this urgently!

Not late 1910s (more like 1912-1913), but gorgeous nonetheless.

Movie still from Downtown Abbey.

My favourite yet, evening dress by the Callot Soeurs, 1915-16.

Corset, 1915-1917