Ob-sessed: Coiffure Products

Oh marketing gimmicks!  While looking for hairspray this weekend I came across a product with the image you see above.  Did I need Umberto Gianni's Backcomb in a Bottle? No.  Did I want it? You know it!

More marketing
gimmicks!

Luckily the company puts out travel sizes of their products which is ideal for impulse buyers like myself.  Well, it looks like I will be buying the normal-size version in the future too, this stuff is great!  Take a few strands of hair that need some pouf action and spritz them and  style your glorious locks into the coiffure of your choice.  It does have hairspray-like elements in it so it will harden hair.  For extra 18th century action you can pair it with Bumble and Bumble white hair powder (one of my essential hair products) and you will really be indulging in your inner eighteenth-century fashionista/o. 

I found Backcomb in a Bottle at Boots, North American peeps will sadly have order them from overseas, because I haven't yet found any US suppliers- let me know if you do find it stateside though!

For Sale: Shoes!

Anyone going to Bonhams today?

Up on the auction block today is Sir Frederick Richmond's embroidery collection.  The former chairman of Debenhams was a big fan of historical embroidery and had quite the extensive and impressive collection.  Just check out the fabulous pair of shoes from the 1720's which is expected to fetch a mere £1,000 – 2,000 (I know you all have that just lying around).  Two other lots of interest are stomachers, one from 1720 and another from the mid-eighteenth century.  Be sure to click on those links because the stomachers are just gorgeous!  I would have loved to rock either one if I was a genteel lady of the era. 



Bonhams to Sell Ex-Debenhams Chairman Sir Frederick Richmond's Extensive Needlework Collection

Devonshire Collection Coming to a Livingroom Near You

Spendthrifts and impulse-buyers, hide your credit cards.  Give them to a more level-headed person, before reading any further.  Have you done that? Good, I will take your word for it.  Ever dream of owning the artwork adorning Georgiana's homes?  Well good luck getting your hands on anything from that priceless collection but thank you to the good people at Chatsworth we now have an option that is almost as good.

Many of the great works of art from the Devonshire Collection are now available to buy as high-quality prints.  The collection spans the centuries and ranges from renaissance sketches to the portraits of many of the people discussed here.  You can check out the small gallery of "Bestsellers" here or the full gallery here which is constantly growing.

For those with more self-control with their wallets, strolling through the online print gallery is like a behind-the-scenes tour of the artwork of Chatsworth, for it contains both work hidden in private quarters and those that crazy artnerds bend their body in all sorts of Matrix-like positions in order capture a small detail of (see photo at left).  I was surprised at the amount of portraits of Hart, some I had seen and some were new to me.  Other familiar faces you may recognize among the portraits are Caroline Lamb, Little G, Lady Spencer, Lady Blanche, Canis, Bess, and others too numerous to count.  Portraits of Georgiana are, not surprisingly, a big feature of the collection.  Personally, I am measuring my a certain wall for the gorgeously-reproduced Cosway portrait of Georgiana.

Makeup Under the Mask

It's hard for me to resist so many tempting new cosmetic products this winter...especially when they're in a collection called Masquerade.  Both Essie nailpolish and Smashbox Cosmetics have masquerade inspired makeup out which makes me wonder if this is what we should come to expect for New Years themed parties.

Right now Smashbox is having a special with free shipping and you can get a free eyeshadow pallet on orders over $25, making the temptation even worse.  Boyfriends, husbands, and partners take note of this easy stocking-stuffer for your special 18th century enthusiast. 

Christmas Card Shopping for the 18th Century Enthusiast

I know we haven't reached the safe point for talking about Christmas yet, but it is still around the time when we start looking for those holiday cards we soon have to begin sending out.  I've been searching for some good 18th century-esque cards and I thought I'd share my findings with you. 

Zazzle has Allegory of December and Joyeux Noel cards for both colonial or French court fans
I've written about the wonderful Elizabeth Ocean before and she has released Christmas cards this year! Gingerbread and Candy canes.
I think this card is a bit over-priced but it's too gorgeous to not put up
Victorian and Albert Museum has this lovely winter silhouette scene card
Simple and elegant Damask cards
Colonial Williamsburg folk Christmas cards
CreationsbyTee has affordable and pretty Marie Antoinette Christmas cards

Have you seen any other good ones? If so let me know because I still haven't picked out my cards yet!

For All the Stampers

I know many crafty people read this blog, and as someone who can never find the time to commit to crafts I will from time to time find myself longingly looking at crafting supplies.  One of the crafts I never got into but admire those that have a knack for it is stamping.  I have been surprised to find very little 18th century-esque stamps while perusing the internet, for it seems like such a great theme for stamping!  Here are some of the available stamps that I have found.

Marie Antoinette- A fabulously themed collection
Beau Monde- Which has familiar fashion plates
Marie Antoinette- Looking a little gloomy as widow, but cool nonetheless
Marie Antoinette- With her personal seal
Heart's Desire- Some Victorian designs but also could work as rococo
Falling in an 18th Century Vortex- That is my own description
Floral Damask
Chandeliers, chandeliers, and chandeliers!
Damask, damask, damask!
Coronets and crowns
Borders, flourishes, and flair

Has anybody made some amazing rococo stamp creations? If so, you should post them in the comments so we can rave over your artistry!

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!

Chatsworth Sale Begins Tomorrow

Are you going?

The Chatsworth Attic Sale is open for viewing starting tomorrow. I can only imagine what amazing things they are selling, although some of the finer items are on display on the site.  After four days of fabulous viewing the auction will be held.  So who is going, and more importantly who is going to take pictures that I can post for everyone to "ooo" and "aww" over?

Gossipy Charms

The newest strain on my wallet has been Juicy Couture's adorable charm bracelets.  I fear I've exposed Lauren to my addiction as well, but that is what friends are for!  They have such a unique and fun collection; you can put together a bracelet fit for a queen or duchess.  In my shopping sessions I have noticed charms fit for an 18th century gossip girl: dice, cakes, ducal coronets, and fans.  Perhaps one of the charms will bring me good luck on the faro table! 

Juicy Couture Charm Set: 18th Century Gossip by GeorgianaGossip featuring a pearl pendant

Three Graces Brings Authentic Georgian Jewelry to Your Fingers

I've been meaning to buy myself a ring lately, a single lady ring if you will. So naturally my search began in the totally unrealistic category for my price range and I wandered over to one of my old internet haunts The Three Graces.

This online jewelry site specializes in antique jewelry but saying it specializes in historical jewelry wouldn't be inaccurate. You can actually select which time period you would like your bauble to be from, starting with the Georgian age! And what a gorgeous collection they have, you will flit away the day scrolling through the wide variety of adornments they have up for sale.

As for that special ring, I now know which one to get:

Chatsworth Garage Sale? Yes Please

I love waking up to good news!  This morning caroline Ing and joana lamas alerted me to the grandest of sales which I think we can all appreciate.  The current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire need to do a little spring cleaning (probably after all those recent renovations) and have commissioned Sotheby's to clean out their attic and auction off a good amount of the treasures they find in there.  This comes right after Georgiana's childhood home Althorp, had their auction.  You, yes you, can now own literally, a piece of Chatsworth.  I say literally because I saw a few door frames in there.  


You can view the lot on 1-4 of October this year and the sale begins after that from 5-7 October.  It even appears that there might be a few Georgiana-related goodies, especially since some of the items are rescued pieces from Devonshire House (Georgie's true haunt).  But for now I will take the tea set.

Sotheby's Upcoming Auctions


BBC News in Pictures: Chatsworth's "attic sale"

Mail Online (which has a lot about how the sale relates to Georgiana)

Matlock Mercury

A Fan Fit for a Duchess

For any big fans of The Duchess, the savvy Lauren located an article of interest.  This is a fan from the movie, with a print of Knightly in the form of Gainsborough's famous image of Georgiana.  Of course she has to have her mouth gaping open (in a sexy manner?) which is really ludicrous; but I digress.  What is pretty cool about this fan is that it shows the attention of detail that went into the movie.  I never even noticed the people in the crowd holding them!  When Georgiana canvassed in the 1784 Westminster Election fans were made with her and Charles James Fox's images on them.  Although I have yet to see if any of them remain today, this prop has got to be pretty close to what they would have looked like.  Check it out Although I have yet to see if any of them remain today, this prop has got to be pretty close to what they would have looked like.  Check it out here.

Gossip Inspired Jewelery

*Blush* The Gossip Guide has inspired a jewelery piece! The ever-fabulous Renata & Jonathan wrote to tell me of their newest necklace, the Gainsborough and Sheridan Locket. Check it out at their shop.

More Etsy Jewelery Finds!

As you know, I like to spread the temptation, especially when it comes to Etsy. Here are some of the finds I have been lusting over recently.

Marie on a Swing necklace by Meluseena
Cute, costume jewelery and in different settings if this one isn't for you.





Petit Goutte Earrings by Crystal Beutler
I can totally see these being great for late night dinners on restaurant patios.






Rococo Brooch by Suzeeez
Have you ever seen anything like this! Not even Madeline Albright had a brooch like this.






Queen of France Necklace by Renata and Jonathon
This thing is big, gaudy, and something that people will always talk about. I think it needs to be in my jewelery box. Hopefully it fits!






Let them Eat Cake Bracelet by Untamed Menagerie
This is meant to be a bracelet but I see it being rather awkward for jewelery. However, I think these bangles would be fabulous when cleverly integrated in your home decor. I can see this being hung on the wall or a door or maybe even used to add some glitz to your curtains. Of course I know of at least one interior decorator who reads this blog, and hopefully he isn't slapping his forehead right now!

A Fork with a Pouf

Via Domestic Sluttery I was alerted to Tina Tsang's Wonderland Cutlery this morning. While trying to figure out why it is named as such with the exception of the rabbit, I noticed the pure awesome-ness of the fork in the set. That sold me right there! Then, just to add to the already fabulous silverware, there is a magnifying glass in each handle- just in case you need to see the food better or perhaps check your fellow diner's teeth for any food bits that are stuck.

The utensils are £42.50 each on Hidden Art Shop.

More Bedding

Not quite as fabulous as the previous sets I was showing off but I had to display this bedding from Target because it looks like a place my blog would sleep! Blue and brown brocade, if only it was blue and buff it would be perfect. But it's close enough for me to like it and tres affordable.

A Very Special Announcement

I am extremely excited to announce the Librifiles edition of The Sylph is now available to order. This is the same edition as the Girlebooks ebook now available to download for free, but in print form for those who enjoy a good old fashioned book. I had a wonderful experience working together with the fabulous Laura of Girlebooks to put this out and was overwhelmingly flattered when she suggested distributing a print version with a introduction by myself. You can immediately begin to order The Sylph on Createspace.com now and for those Amazon.com addicts like myself, the book will soon be available to purchase there as well.

For those who are interested, especially participants in The Sylph Group Read next month this is great opportunity to get your hands on a print copy of the book that also supports humble bloggers, and more importantly, independent publishers.

Don't forget to use discount code 95Y8NF33 at checkout with CreatesSpace to get 20% off!


A Note About the Cover
Thomas Gainsborough, Elizabeth Linley (later Sheridan), ca. 1775
The portrait of Elizabeth Linley was not only selected for the beauty of both the sitter and the painting but for Elizabeth's many similarities with the main character of The Sylph, Julia. In the many images Gainsborough painted of Elizabeth, she is portrayed with her curly locks loose and a natural glow. In this portrayal of the singer, she is made up with the high hair and makeup of the latest fashions and therefore, looks slightly out of her element, and almost uncomfortable. The process of this primping process is described in detail in the book from the perspective of a girl who had lived her life in the country, unused to the extreme fashions and unable to cope with them. Julia's similar discomforts with a rake husband, a malicious high society, and leaving a loving family match those of Elizabeth Linley Sheridan's, making her portrait an appropriate selection for the book's cover.

For Your Boudoir

I'm sorry. Once again I found something that might make your wallets a tad bit lighter. I know mine is. In my quest for some new fabulous sheets I came across Wake Up Frankie. As the logo says, it is "fashion for your room" and is just full of scrumptious bed sets and room accessories. These of course, include many modern rococo sets that are as fun as they are chic. I simply can't decide which one I like more. As Lauren said, "Why do I only have one bed!"









He Baroque My Heart

Paris Couture Chic

Let Them Eat Cake

Paris Nights

Emma Goes To Prom




And if you aren't due for new bedding there is always fun home accessories!

The Spirit of Spring

How festive! Etsy makes it possible to find rococo goodies for just about any holiday. I found this fun Marie Antoinette Easter gift tag from Wendy Paula Patterson on her shop, Mulberry Muse. I can't imagine giving away a Giclee gift tag on any old Easter gift though! You could frame this up in a shadow box frame for a perfect Easter decoration that displays your fabulous taste in the best of centuries. Check out Wendy's other fabulous creations here.

Pucker Up

Cosmetics is a popular topic of the 18th century of which there is ample information on. But I have noticed that while there is plenty of information on makeup out there, they focus mostly on the lead-based paint aspect of them. I want to know about lipstick!

Lip color was an important part of the package when it came to makeup. As you probably know, the snowy-white complexion was ideal and rouged cheeks. Darkened lips not only emphasized a fair complexion but it was an age-old means of attracting men because it mimics lip color during sexual arousal. In the 18th century, you could catch both men and women sporting lip color, figure that one out! Those crazy macaronis. Rouge was not only amply used on the cheeks in the 18th century, it was also used for lip color. Luckily lead was not used in this cosmetic. Instead carmine was used for the color and mixed with plaster of paris. I can't imagine that tasting very good. If you couldn't afford to rouge your lips there was a tasty alternative. Women in the colonies reportedly sucked on lemons to get the blood to flow to their lips so they were darker. Kind of like lip plumpers today!

Just for fun I was trying to match up my favourite lipstick brand, MAC*, with portraits of beauties of the time. Here is what I came up with.
*who happens to have free shipping until the 21st!