Monthly Archives: November 2015

How To Dress In The Edwardian Era

Edwardian Shirtwaist Costume

‘ I am sure she was well dressed […] for I cannot remember what she had on.’ (Household Companion, 1909)

Edwardian women were advised not to neglect the importance of dress: ‘Suit your dresses to the occasions upon which they are to be used’ (Household Companion, 1909). ‘A trailing gown of velvet and lace is not adapted for shopping or travelling, any more than a tweed skirt and flannel blouse is appropriate to an afternoon reception.’ (Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia, 1910-2) Continue reading How To Dress In The Edwardian Era

How To Wear Jewelry In The Edwardian Era

Edwardian Gibson Girl Hairstyle With Pearl And Flower Hair Accessories
How To Make An Edwardian Pompadour Hairstyle

‘Much display of jewelry is out of place for young ladies, and the kind of jewelry to be worn demands as careful consideration as that of the dress itself.’

The ‘Household Companion: Book Of Etiquette‘ of 1909 gives advice about how jewelry was worn in the Edwardian era. Continue reading How To Wear Jewelry In The Edwardian Era

Heat, Hair & Hair Color – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care

Heat, Hair & Hair Color – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care

Daytime hairdressing

It’s restful for the scalp if the hair isn’t all the time dressed in the same way: ‘In the early part of the day, when simple frocks are worn, it may be twisted or braided at the back, making an elaborate coiffure for afternoon. This insures the head being cool in all places at different times.’ (Health And Beauty Hints, 1910)

Related: 200+ Historical DIY Natural Beauty Products

‘It is a good thing, about noon, to take out one’s hairpins and to toss the hair loose. It looks pretty and it does the hair a world of good […] letting the air circulate through it.’ After washing and drying the hair, ‘leave the hair hang loose for two hours. […] The girl with the prettiest hair in the world makes it her pleasure to let her hair hang down the day it is shampooed. She braids it loosely and she ties it with a picturesque bow of ribbon. Then she puts on a lovely afternoon gown and is at home to her friend. Her coiffure, or the lack of it, is put down to novelty. Certainly it is becoming.’ (Chicago Tribune, 1907)

Continue reading Heat, Hair & Hair Color – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care