Yay or Nay? Magdalena Hess of Zürich

Boo! Happy Halloween, we have already begun celebrating accordingly because Grace Peel's gown scared many last week, earning her a Nay.  To stay in spirit with the festive holiday I could have done a masquerade gown but those appear to often on here to make for a special occasion.  Instead I dipped into the portfolio of the dark art(ist)s and managed to pull forth a portrait which may chill some to the bone but could appeal to your ghoulish fashion sense.

Henry Fuseli paints Magdalena Hess (circa 1779) in her slender, blood-red dress and high, un-powdered coiffure.  Yay or Nay?

[Staatliche Kunstsammlungen]

Halloween's Tarty Treasures

Every year it seems there are more and more tartly 18th century costumes.  This year is no different, I still have some sort of sick pleasure in viewing all the campy creations meant to exhibit the wearer's legs and décolleté.  I was delighted to see one was dubbed "Naughty Antoinette."  This year I noticed some of these costumes exhibit the accurate panniers shape to the mini-skirt; fun!  I think a court of ladies dressed as such would result in the perfect assembly for a hen or bachelorette party.  Why the heck not, when else do you have every excuse to be outrageous and over the top?

So who has an 18th century-themed Halloween costume this year?

Tart Costumes by GeorgianaGossip on Polyvore.com

The Wig-Maker is Back in Town

It's that time again! Now that it's October you might be like me and scrambling to pull together a fabulous ensemble for masquerade night.  For the past three years I have posted the good, the bad, and the ugly in 18th century costumes.  To bring in Halloween 2010, here is the good, or should I say absolutely amazing!

Antoinette's Atelier shop on Etsy has some of the best wigs I have seen not on a drag queen's head.  Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say, "fit for a drag queen."  They are absolute show-stoppers.  The wigs are powdered, edgy, and made to order.  While browsing the shop you'll notice the classics such as the ship at sale and the pompadour. 

If you already spent your guineas on a wig for the big night, never fear, Antoinette's Atelier has other necessities such as shoes, stays, and art.  However, I think the wigs are the crown jewels of the shop.  Which is your favorite? I can't possibly decide!