The Dollar Princess of The Gilded Age and Downton Abbey

Who were the Dollar Princess of the Gilded Age? They were young rich American girls that had been rejected by the old-money society families and that eventually sought status elsewhere by traveling abroad and marrying British aristocrats men.

At that time in Britain such marriage arrangements were well received. The reason being was because many of these dukes and earls were at that time struggling with debt and their castles had also become badly deteriorated. These men were also looking for a solution to their problems. By marrying a multi-million Dollar Princess they too had it made!

Jennie Jerome 

Jennie Jerome was one well known Dollar Princess. Like many in her shoes, instead of trying to break the code into the New York elite club she along with her mother and sister traveled to Europe in search for a title. When she married Lord Randolph Churchill, she became London's it girl.  And eventually she became mother of Britain Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

These Dollar Princess stories became an inspiration for the T.V. series Downton Abbey. Lord Grantham married the rich American Heiress Cora Crawley, who then became Countess of Grantham.

Consuelo Vanderbilt

Consuelo Vanderbilt at the age of 19 was encouraged by her mother Alva to marry Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough. But Consuelo was not interested in the duke. She had her heart set on Winthrop Rutherfurd an American whom she had been secretly engaged to.

When her mother had heard that she was going to elope, she locked her daughter in her room and threatened to kill her beau. This stubborn young lady still refused to marry the duke.

It wasn't until her mom's alleged illness and supposedly to the point of dying, which she blamed her daughter for, was when Consuelo acquiesced and went ahead and married the duke.

It was a sad wedding day for Consuelo. At the altar she wept behind her veil. The duke himself also had to give up the woman that he loved.

It's crazy how far some families were willing to go just to get a status.


The Following video is from CBS Sunday Morning Show: The American heiresses who inspired "Downton Abbey."





For more information and interesting videos about The Dollar Princess visit: http://www.smithsonianchannel.com


Research: CBS Sunday Morning, Smithsonian Channel, and Wikipedia.

Show Review: The Paradise T.V. Series

I have two words to say about my review of the new T.V. series The Paradise: Absolutely Delightful! Since I watched the first episode of season one, I knew immediately that along with Downton Abbey that The Paradise would be in my top favorites must-see-shows-ever!

The following are the reasons, besides the magnificent costumes, why I'm totally smitten and in love with this show:

• Victorian Era Love Story
• Tastefully Romantic
• Intriguing Drama with a sprinkle of Mystery
• Great Story Characters
• Keeps you wanting for more!

Totally Chick Flick Approval!

The Paradise is an adaptation on the french novel, Au Bonheur des Dames (The Ladies' Delight or The Ladies' Paradise) the eleventh novel in the Rougon-Macquart series by author Émile Zola. The original story was set in the world of the department store, an innovative development in mid-nineteenth century retail sales. The author had modeled his store after Le Bon Marché, which is one the best known department store in Paris.

The T.V. series tells the story of Denise a young woman from a small town who ends up working in one of England's first department stores who owner is a widower named John Moray. Denise talents and great skills became quickly noticeable by everyone around, especially by Mr. Moray, who later names her his "little champion." That is just the beginning of the story!


Spoiler Pictures Alert! Caution while entering the store!

Welcome to The Paradise!

The Paradise Original Trailer:




Research: BBC One, Youtube, Wikepedia.

A Glimpse in History: The Bicycle

One of Leonardo Da Vinci's students in the 1490's made rough drafts of a bicycle. They were found among Da Vinci's writings for the Italian government in 1966 by a group of monks. What is realized with these findings is that in the 1490's all the parts of a bicycle were available to inventors and the public. Inventors were thinking about how to use the parts as well, but didn't think about putting them together. Interesting, is it not? The term bicycle was coined in France in the 1860s.

In 1870 James Starley made a bicycle with a large front wheel and a small back wheel. It was called the "penny-farthing" bicycle. The gear made the wheel turn two times per each revolution of the pedals. The front wheel was as high as the rider's leg length.

The problem with the penny-farthing (high bicycle) was that it was very dangerous because if the rider were to stop the rider could fall backwards. Also it was dangerous going down a hill. There was a lever that was operated by a spoon brake which could cause a fall and a special gear that made the wheel turn twice for each revolution. Oops!

The Penny-Farthing

The first bicycle with a chain was made in 1874 by H.J. Lawson. The bicycle was made up of two wheels the same size driven by a chain on the back wheel. It was called the safety bicycle.

In 1893 the Wright Brothers decided to open up a bicycle shop. They sold bicycles and fixed old ones. When they decided to make the airplane, they used most of their knowledge from their bicycle career.
From 1900 through the 1950's there wasn't much enhancement on the bicycle because of the invention of the car. Bikes looked the same for almost 50 years with thick rubber tires, one gear, and metal frames.

10 Reasons to Ride a Bike:

1-Environmentally Friendly

2-Saves Gas

3-Saves Money

4-Good for Physical, Mental and Emotional Health

5-Convenient and Practical

6-Less Congested Roads

7-Quieter City

8-Opportunity to Enjoy the Environment

9-Greater Human interaction

10-Fun and Exhilarating

Bike Safe!




Photos: Indiegogo.com and Gallery.nen.gov.uk
Information:library.thinkquest.org

The Archives: Half The Bootsy

It seems like Florida didn't get the memo that we are already in Fall. In the meanwhile I am looking for Boots inspiration. These cute bootys by La Canadienne reminds me of times gone by, when Parisian women wore hats, gloves, and drove buggies.

These classic boots are definitely unique. These are that kind of boots that are stylish and yet dependable. When you choose boots you want to always make sure that they will stand against harsh elements. These boots are crafted by the using only Italian materials. It is true that these shoes are a bit costly, though they are a great investment for years to come.

I chose these bootsy, that had each a different style and color. As a boot lover you can never have enough boots to wear. Boots are like shoes, they each have their own personality.





Want to meet some friends at a café ? These brown boots are casual yet super chic!







Do you want to perk yourself up? I recommend that you wear these perky red pair!







Want to imagine that are going on a diner date in Paris? These lace-up black bootsy are the ones for you!




For more boosty inspiration you can go to Zappos!




Have a great weekend!

Archives: Victoria's White Wedding

Queen Victoria wearing her white wedding that she designed herself

Have you ever wondered who and when might have made the White Wedding popular? Well the tradition of the White Wedding is credited to Queen Victoria when she wore her white wedding dress the day she wed Prince Albert on 10 February 1840. Traditionally white was worn in royal mourning, so wearing white on a wedding was unsuitable. There were of course other royalties that did wear white for their wedding, though in the modern era it was Queen Victoria who made the White Wedding popular. Just imagine all the bride's asking their mothers for a white wedding dress "just like Vicky's". So before Vicky's white wedding became popular, brides wore their best or most expensive gowns that they could afford and that it could be used again for another occasion. Pretty smart, I should say.

My Wedding Day: "I had always wanted for our wedding to have three main ingredients: Elegant, Simple and Inexpensive. And when our wedding day arrived I was the most happiest and stress free bride and my groom was the happiest man on earth."

My main colors that I had used for my wedding were: Gold, Ivory and white. You can never go wrong with these colors. Everything that night sparkled beautifully like it was a million dollars wedding. We had golden candle holders and vases that were on crisp ivory table linens. We added little lights through out the reception walls and ceilings. And yes I wanted balloons on my wedding day, which perhaps could be considered to be tacky by many brides. But because my balloons were metallic gold and ivory, it looked pretty classy and sophisticated.

Queen Victoria with Prince Albert

Our wedding was no doubt the wedding of my dreams: I married the most loving, wonderful, and very patient man. I married my best friend, the man of my dreams. My husband proved to be my best and favorite wedding gift that I received on my wedding day. A wedding day last one day, but a marriage should last forever.

The main ingredient for our happiness has been the best one ever:


LOVE which never fails!



Photo:Family Picture
Excerpts from Wikipedia

Victorian Fashion In The Movies/Anna Karenina

This elegant white Victorian Dress that Vivien Leigh wore in the movie Anna Karenina is absolutely breathtaking! Now that Spring is here, and many young ladies are getting ready to marry, this dress will no doubt inspire many.

I love how white flowers were used throughout this Victorian ensemble. Here a generous amount of flowers along with a black lace ribbon was used in place of a hat. One of my favorite pieces of this ensemble is the white silky sleeveless vest worn over the dress. On the picture below you can appreciate a little bit more how the vest nicely accentuate Vivien's waist.  You know how important waist was for Victorian ladies!

This ruching chiffon white Victorian dress would make any girl feel romantic and sophisticated. Can't forget to bring your umbrella. The silky white umbrella is a lovely complement to the outfit. I love the finger less white gloves, very daring I might add.

Here the flowers are still cascading down her dress. In this photo we can all appreciate the silky tail that perhaps may be a continuation of the vest. I wish I knew. Still though it is absolutely stunning!

Now is anyone up for a cup of tea?

Au revoir!

Victorian Finishing School Summer Camp

Prior to their introduction to society privileged Victorian girls were expected to attend finishing school where they learned the arts of personal interaction and good manners. Ramsey House Finishing School for Young Ladies in St. Paul Minnesota offers a one-of-a kind day camp for young ladies inspired by the Victorian era.

The camp is focused on different element of Victorian life each day. The young ladies will have the special opportunity not only to learn about Victorian fashion and to try on a Victorian costume —complete with elaborate undergarments, but they are required to behaved like them too.

Along with Victorian formal tea parties and table manners, the girls will also learn about history, fashion, etiquette, poise, handcrafts, hand sewing, music and dance.

On the other hand learning about the Victorian life and the many restrictions and challenges that young ladies faced living in that time, will give the girls a new appreciation of the many opportunities offered to them in this modern era, while seeing the benefits of incorporating the fine and good things of the past.

The three day camp will culminate with a debutante tea party and a dance recital for the families.



Ramsey House Finishing School for Young Ladies is open to girls ages 9-12.

Location:
Alexander Ramsey House.
265 S. Exchange St.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Contact Information:
Email: ramseyhouse@mnhs.org

Website: 
Minnesota Historical Society.




Research: Ramsey House Finishing School for Young Ladies, Minnesota Historical Society, Victoriana Magazine, and Youtube.

Louis Vuitton Fall / Winter Victorian & Edwardian Fashion Show

The Louis Vuitton Fall / Winter 2012 was absolutely magnificent! This fashion show is definitively one of my favorites ever! I have always been fascinated with Victorian and Edwardian style.

This collection brings the Edwardian fashion to a different level. The designer kept into consideration the colors that were used back then, like for instance the blacks, browns, taupe's, blues, grays. But he added as well a beautiful selection of falls colors, reds, oranges, yellows, which made the collection very rich and vibrant!

Weren't those hats and bags amazing! Especially the long furs and animal prints ones. I might add that those accessories were very whimsical. Those large shiny brooches, and the glass on the fabrics also gave the collection that element of surprise.

A Louis Vuitton show can't be complete without their signature bags. I know that those fashion show guests were eyeing those bags way before the train arrived. On the other hand though I have a feeling that I won't be seeing those funky hats in downtown anytime soon, perhaps though if the girl was into Steampunk.

Enjoy the show!

The Archives: Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions For Homekeeping

Mrs. Dunwoody sat down at her kitchen table one spring of 1886 and penned down her first entry in a notebook that took fifty years to complete. She was able to impart advice and words of wisdom, recipes, household tips and etiquette from women of her day. Her notes were meant to to be passed down to each generation of women as they married and took up housekeeping while they nurtured their family and home with love and joy. This wonderful book by Miriam Lukken would be a delight to explore. It will bring you back to an era were things were simple and household shores were not a shore but a privilege to perform. This book will inspire the inner homemaker in you!

From the Dust Jacket:

A delightful and practical compendium of homespun advice, cleaning and etiquette tips, traditional recipes, and Southern wit, Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping will bring warmth, gentility, and order into your home. Today many of us yearn for the home-centered values of yesteryear-homemade desserts, family traditions, and sparkling clean rooms that radiate comfort and good cheer. Now you can bring the wise, unhurried ways and charm of an earlier time into the 21st century with:

Mrs. Dunwoody's Judicious Cleaning Hints:Make every room in your house shine with homekeeping tips that include a recipe for organic furniture cleaner made from lemon and mineral oil and an easy way to help prevent tarnishing with a piece of white chalk in your silver chest.

Mrs. Dunwoody's Useful Notes from the Kitchen: From choosing the freshest foods at the market to seasoning and cooking, delight your family with such delicacies as Big Mama's Baked Country Ham and Ambrosial Pecan Pie.

Mrs. Dunwoody's Advice on Etiquette: Brush up on letter writing, table manners, and timeless social rules like "Always stand at the doorway and wave good-bye until your departing guests are out of sight."

Mrs. Dunwoody's Tips on Laundry: Protect linens and clothing with ingenious homespun techniques-rub ink stains with a sponge soaked with milk, use stale bread to remove fresh spots from leather or suede.

Mrs. Dunwoody's Guide to Entertaining: Make every kind of party a success. Learn formal table settings, proper service, and toasts that will charm your guests.

Your home can be a place where you and yours truly feel surrounded by tranquility, cleanliness, and love. With hundreds of time-tested and fun-to-read nuggets of advice on everything from keeping your home organized to gardening and making homemade health remedies, as well as special pages for your own words of wisdom, Mrs. Dunwoody will take you back to an era where good things take time, but the wait is always worth it.

Whenever I want to get inspired and get into the Housekeeper mood, I sit down and read my Mrs. Dunwoody's book.

Then I am ready to tackle the dirt!

You can pick one today at Amazon.com:
Mrs-Dunwoodys-Excellent-Instructions-Homekeeping



Have a great weekend!


The Archives: Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 07/24/09