All posts filed under: Rate the dress

Rate the Dress: Suited to the Teens

Published by The Dreamstress

Last weeks Rate the Dress was all frothy ballgown, so this week I’m going all serious and businesslike, with a 1910s suit. Of course, while it is a suit, it’s also Edwardian, so there is detail within the detail of the detail of the suit! Last week:  an 1830s evening gown in white with green trims I honestly thought there would be more comments on last week’s Rate the Dress, because it was such an interesting dress! But perhaps people were having busy weeks. Or perhaps it was just too subtle and not obviously interesting enough… In any case, some of you thought it absolutely delightful and charming, but alas, some of you thought it drooped, was overly be-bow-ed, and suffered from terminal puffed sleeve-ness. The Total: 7.3 out of 10 For the record, I loved it. It was pretty much my dream 1830s evening gown (except for maybe not that bow). This week:   This ca. 1912 suit combines practicality with a dash of flair. The wool broadcloth would keep the wearer warm in …

Rate the Dress: 1830s puffs on sleeves & skirt

Published by The Dreamstress

So many historical costumers are sewing 1830s, and I want to be sewing 1830s, but I can’t start any new projects until my already started ones are finished, so I’m consoling myself by finding interesting Romantic-era fashions – like this week’s Rate the Dress Last week: an 1890s dress in plum and leaf print chine What an interesting reaction to last week’s Rate the Dress! Ratings ranging from 10-2, and everything in between (except 7). It was described as being suitable for a “surreal pseudovictorianish comical dystopia” or perfect for “a posh British lady going to Australia for the first time.” (which is interesting, because it rather reminds me of the better costumes in the generally terribly costumed 2018 ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ TV series). And “unfortunate”… The Total: 7 out of 10 It finally gets that 7! This week: An 1830s evening gown This 1830s evening gown comes in classical white, with sleeves that Anne would envy (albeit a half century early), a flourish of embroidered greenery around the hem, a perky bow in the …

Two-piece day ensemble, 1894-1895, silk taffeta, Gift of the Manlove Family, FIDM 2006.870.19AB

Rate the Dress: 1890s foliage

Published by The Dreamstress

Last week’s Rate the Dress was extremely revealing, and rather incomplete. This week I’ve got in the opposite direction, with a very covered up 1890s dress, that even comes with its original matching hat. Last week:  a ca. 1908 evening dress covered in metallic embroidery & beading The vast majority of you adored last weeks dress, and appreciated the way it melded historical references (medieval sideless surcoats & neoclassicism) with an extremely modern feel that wouldn’t be out of place on today’s red carpets. You correctly noted that the dress was missing a very important feature: an underdress which filled in the neckline, and the sheer gates-of-hell-esque side mesh. And then, a few of you thought it was terribly tacky… The Total: 9.2 out of 10 (I’m mildly amused that this weeks rating is 8.4 — both numbers that always look like they are pregnant to me!) This week: an 1890s dress in plum and leaf print chine Today’s pick is a classic 1890s day dress, though the choice and combination of fabric make it …