One fine day, the pleasures of great friends and Tea came together in BinghamtonNew York. I received a beautiful invitation from The Victorian Rose Tea Sisters, a chapter of Sandy’s Tea Society. They warmly welcomed me to share one of my Victorian fashion lectures with their members. Let me tell you a bit about this wonderful day. I met Mary when she attended one of my teas last June when I posted an invitationon the chat board of Sandy's Tea Society. Mary is such a fun, energetic person to be around, she really pours out her hospitality! My dearest friend Monica from near Gettysburg, PA picked me up on her way and off we headed to NY. Monica and I chatted and laughed all the way up to Mary's house and all the way home, like true tea friends, catching up on all of the latest news! This tea was extra special for me as I was finally meeting many of the wonderful ladies that I have formed friendships with in the online tea society. When we finally arrived at Mary's house Monica and I were in awe. There stood one of the loveliest Victorian homes we have ever seen. It is truly a painted lady in shades of amber, orange, cream, and teal with barn red accents. The inside was just as impressive. Mary has it decorated so beautifully, like a giant doll house. Each room overflowed with lace and flowers. The tea tables were set with lovely vintage hats and vintage photos of her ancestors as the centerpiece. Each lady in attendance took home a pretty vintage handkerchief for her favor. The food was delightfully arranged on a long table in the foyer underneath the magnificent Victorian staircase. The delicious assortment included creamy pumpkin roll, zesty lemon bars, pumpkin squares, petite cream & fruit tarts, lavender scones, moist chocolate cake, and cookies of all kinds.We even had even hat shaped cookies! Rose and chocolate hot tea complimented the desserts.
I met the nicest women at the tea, many ladies from Mary's tea society in Binghamton, New York. One lady flew in all the way from California! I had the honor of being Mary's guest speaker. I truly love imparting my knowledge and displaying my unique antique clothing collection. I stuffed Victorian clothing and accessories into 3 large suitcases and 4 giant hat boxes! The ladies delighted over each piece that I displayed, especially the very romantic Victorian lace negligee. I began the presentation by welcoming the women. I asked if any one knew the first item of clothing that a Victorian woman would put on in the morning. I always enjoy hearing their guesses, usually a corset or bloomers. Once in a while a lady will come up with the correct answer, her stockings. I explain that next the Victorian lady's shoes or boots go on. For good reason, once the lady has her corset on,there is no way that she can bend down to put on her stockings or shoes! I take the ladies through the order of undergarments worn, interjecting why each piece was worn.Then describe how it was cleaned. Etiquette and manners are also part of the program as they were paramount in that era. Next I show many examples of the dresses and two piece ensembles.First the outer wear and finally hats, gloves, boots and jewelry. I like to choose women from my audience to model the Victorian hats and fancy beaded capes. That is always a thrill for those that have never touched a genuine Victorian piece. I especially enjoy all of the wonderful questions at the end of my show. I can really expound on all of the artifacts, customs, etiquette and manners. I was adorned in a turn of the century ensemble, circa 1905, featuring a black velvet hatwith black ostrich feathers & mini peach silk roses, a black silk shirtwaist blouse,with an ecru color lace guimpe under it.A guimpe is a lace blouse worn under Victorian necklines during the day so one does not show too much skin. I wore a black and cream stripe taffeta skirt, a black satin sash and Victorian sash pin, black beaded lace gloves and black lace up boots. Of course I was also wearing a corset and the other entire Victorian undergarment required, which is necessary to give my ensemble a period look. I then showed a lovely Edwardian White Bridal dress circa 1901- 1919. It had the most unique lace pattern on it. Each of the symbols on the dress represents marriage.For example a crescent shape on the bodice symbolizes the honeymoon, intertwining circles on the bodice stand for male & female, small dots on the skirt are a sign of everlasting love. A row of flowers down the center of the bodice signified fertility. I displayed two vintage bathing costumes, one from 1920's- a black wool tank style and a long heavy cotton pantaloons, with matching skirt & short sleeve suit from about 1905. I wouldn't want to get wet wearing those heavy outfits! A lace trimmed black cape, several black boned bodices, one in particular with heavy black Jet beading on the front. Jet was only worn in the Victorian era while in mourning. Several day dresses, black taffeta skirts, two lace trimmed nightgowns, one being a lacy bridal negligee. Also, one of mine and the ladies' favorite, a wool blend light tan 3 piece Victorian traveling suit. It has leg-o-mutton sleeves and is trimmed in brown velvet on the jacket collar, bottom of the skirt train, and around the matching hat. This is circa 1880 and quite unusual to have the matching hat. Hats of this era where small, flat styles that perched toward the front of the woman's head. Ladies were amazed at how heavy the skirt itself was when they picked it up. The jacket has a lovely beige ruffle in the front where it closes and believe it or not,it has 39 hooks and eyes to fasten the jacket alone! They wanted to be sure that it did not accidentally come open. The skirt also has many eye hooks and attaches to the jacket on larger eye hooks. This was to help support the weight of the skirt. I wish that I could wear this outfit. Sadly, it's just two inches too small to fasten in the front, even with my corset on.
I do not alter any vintage pieces, nor should you. It will negate any antique value on the piece. Another lovely dress was a brown silk with embroidered trim Edwardian Titanic Era dress. It has an ecru lace collar. It did show some signs of shattering on the bottom of the skirt hem. I explained that silk shatters quite often simply with age, movement & exposure to incorrect storage. Shattering on silk, looks as if a cat took its claws and ripped through it. I also showed several lovely accessories.Long hat pins, knee high lace up boots in black and cream colors, a crocheted and pink silk boudoir cap, assorted tan kid skin button gloves and several beaded handbags,each was late 19th century originals. I shared with the ladies the proper cleaning techniques of vintage textiles, cottons can be soaked, silks and wools can not. Be very careful if you own beaded handbags. People like to hang their collections on the wall but this is not wise. Due to their age I wouldn't advise putting stress on the chain or beaded handle by hanging it up. Display them in a China cupboard instead. Many of the ladies dressed in the spirit of the tea party wearing lovely shawls, vintage hats, cameos, and carrying fancy beaded handbags. All in all it was just a superb day. Although it was raining lightly outside, it was warm and inviting inside.The ladies were so attentive and asked many, many excellent questions about the clothing. I thoroughly enjoyed their enthusiasm. E-Mail: Lisa@Victorianalady.com today To book your Victorian Fashions Show!
NEED A VICTORIAN SPEAKER?
Contact Lisa Lewis at (570) 655-8392 P. O. Box 3278 West Pittston PA 18643 E-mail: Lisa @victorianalady.com