Something quick and cute this week. It caught my eye when putting together my last post on jodhpurs…. It’s Rationals A popular name for full, pleated, serge* bloomers or knickerbockers worn by women for bicycling in the 1890’s. The name rationals comes from the political movement of the time that advocated a more rational, Read More
It’s Terminology Tuesday again and this week in the spotlight is… Jodhpurs! Pronounced “jod’poors”. Riding pants, with a drop front or zipper closing, that flare at the thighs and have narrow, straight cut legs below the knee with cuffs at the ankles. Prior to the invention of stretch fabrics this design allowed for ease, Read More
It’s Terminology Tuesday again and this week in the spotlight is… Gaiters, Spats and Spatterdashes! Check out these! Aren’t they just gorgeous! It’s a crying shame that Les Frivolites appears to have stopped making them. Perhaps someone knows more? I so badly want some. Might need to get handy with my leather stock. photo, Read More
Do you know your Derby’s from your Oxfords? Or you Boater from your Breton? Or in fact your plaid from your tartan? There is so much fashion terminology that we hear bandied about and it can get quite befuddling. In the interest of…………….. well… interest, and clarity in moments of discourse regarding costume, I hereby, Read More
I grew up on a TV diet of “Countdown”, “FAME” and “The Muppet’s”. Yep! Says it all really. Oh, also David Attenborough and Harry Butler. It all comes together in the long run. Nature, Biology, Costume, pop culture…. love it. The Muppet’s have stood the test of time. Even my technology savvy children love, Read More
Culture: Stories of dress and cultural context Ah… the Bohemian, a romantic image that conjures ideas of art, creativity, free thinking, adventure and excitement. The notion of a kind of life that is lived fully, to the hearts desire, no matter the consequences. I adore the idea of this life, yet my innate practicality, Read More