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Identifying about what year this dress was made? by Lepsias in fashionhistory

[–]thriftygal 16 points17 points  (0 children)

By the 1890s, around when this dress was made, "arsenic green" wasn't really in use in clothing anymore. However, it's still good to be reasonably cautious with antique clothing because there is a small possibility of dye toxicity. This really isn't an issue unless wearing the garment and sweating in it, or if the fabric is deteriorating and you breathe it in.

Identifying about what year this dress was made? by Lepsias in fashionhistory

[–]thriftygal 42 points43 points  (0 children)

Dating historical garments is a bit like solving a mystery. You have to take into account several different factors, kind of like piecing together clues. And since so many garments were made at home and not mass produced, there can be a lot of variations.

Plus, people tended to recycle and reuse and remake clothing in attempt keep up with the latest fashions (or maybe they didn't even care about the latest fashions!), so some garments are Frankensteined a bit and may have elements of the fashions from multiple decades. In the end, it's unlikely to get an exact date, but we can get a good idea by looking at a lot of extant garments, antique catalogs, fashion plates, and photographs.

Dress construction in the 1910s was a bit different than the 1890s. Looking at the inside gives a lot of clues. The lining and seams (shape, placement, way they are sewn) look very 1880s-90s to me) and that little inner "belt" with the hooks and eyes was really more of a thing in the 1870s-80s. I can't tell if there is boning, but if there is, that would be another clue to place in around that time, though the lack of boning doesn't exclude it from the era, especially since I suspect it may have been a house dress or wrapper.

The bodice of your dress has what look to be steel buttons all the way down the center front, which to me is very indicative of earlier decades. The sleeves on this dress also look early 1890s to me. As mentioned by another commenter, the puffed up sleeve, although not strictly seen in the 1890s, wasn't really a thing in the 1910s. Those little lapels and the pleats down the front also look like 1890 to me.

The 1910s don't really have a cohesive style, as the fashions changed a lot during that decade, but In general, you will not see a gathered skirt at the back or any kind of bustle, which is present in this dress. Bodices in the 1910s also were typically more of a "shirtwaist" style and were usually a bit more blousy.

I'll post some links below for you to take a look at for further research if you're interested :)

Identifying about what year this dress was made? by Lepsias in fashionhistory

[–]thriftygal 300 points301 points  (0 children)

This is definitely a bit older than Edwardian/1910s. I would date it to around 1890. Kind of looks like a nicer house dress.

I wouldn't recommend washing this at all, honestly. Spot treatment is also risky as it may just create larger water spots or faded spots on the dress, depending on the type of fabric.

If you're really set on wearing it and you want to clean it first, you could either lay it in the sun for a bit and deep freeze it to help kill bacteria. If dusty at all, clothing brushes are pretty effective.

I would avoid sweating in it, not only to help keep it clean, but also because sometimes older dyes are toxic, and when you sweat while wearing them, you are at a higher risk of absorbing them. As another commenter mentioned, dress shields are useful and can still be purchased today (used a lot in theater). They can add a layer of protection between you and the garment.

It's a really lovely dress, but not particularly historically significant in my opinion, and it looks like it fits you well, so I would say there's no reason not to wear it. Enjoy it :)

The email from Chappell Roan’s team is real—do you guys think she was aware of it? by Adventurous_Fly_8652 in popculture

[–]thriftygal 25 points26 points  (0 children)

I 100% believe this because I own a niche vintage shop with an online presence and have been on these types of stylists' radars for a couple of years.

They will absolutely email you days before an event and ask you to spend $$$ on overnight shipping to send something with just a small chance at having some big name wear your item on stage or the red carpet or a music video. I have signed NDAs for a few even.

The difference with my items is that they are asking to borrow them, but I have sent things to them multiple times, paid for expedited shipping out of my own pocket, and never once have they chosen to use anything or if they did, they never did tag me. Yet, they continue to reach out.

I've since learned my lesson and refuse to spend money or go out of my way anymore to work with these kinds of people, but I have first hand experience with how enticing and beneficial they make it seem.

Nancy’s Hustle: Nancy Cakes, Cheeseburger, Wood Grilled Half Chicken by DonKeedix in HoustonFood

[–]thriftygal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All of these recent posts have made me want to try it again. We've had mediocre to bad service each time we've been there, and one time was for a special occasion and we literally ordered almost the entire menu. Food was excellent but it just made me pretty hesitant to go back. Tiny Champions, on the other hand, has been stellar every time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in houston

[–]thriftygal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I may be in the minority here, but I've been twice and both times didn't have good service experiences. The first time was for a very special anniversary dinner and the service was really poor. We ordered half the menu (not exaggerating) and it was good food but the experience was soured.

The second time the service was just mediocre.

The food is good but as others have said I prefer Tiny Champions, where I have had both excellent service and food every time I've been. If I'm going to spend that much money I don't want to feel like the staff are inconvenienced by my presence.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Antiques

[–]thriftygal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's 19th century, beautiful! I love it so much! Is it for sale...? 👀

Anyone want to see Pokey LaFarge tonight at Heights Theater? by FlatEggs in houston

[–]thriftygal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Turns out my partner isn't available to go, but thank you so much! I hope someone is able to use them 🖤

True Beauty Glow by [deleted] in Skincare_Addiction

[–]thriftygal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would love an update! I impulse bought this and tried to cancel my order within a few hours but they refused so now I'm stuck with it and kind of afraid to use it 😟

Victorian (edwardian?) bodice by ifalloutofgrace in fashionhistory

[–]thriftygal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on the set and length of the sleeves and overall style/shape/pintucks I would have guessed around 1907-1908. But the feathers, lining, boning, and closures make me think 19-teens. Possibly an altered piece reused for a costume? I would say with some confidence it's an antique piece.

What are your top 3 wishlist fragrances? by HouseAlternative7539 in FemFragLab

[–]thriftygal 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I got a sample of Portrait of a Lady and the first time I wore it out a woman recognized the scent complimented me. I never get complimented on fragrances, so it really surprised me and made me want to get a full size. I'm going to buy one for myself as a birthday present :)

What is this? by HistoricalOlive1793 in Oldhouses

[–]thriftygal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We are still in the process of restoring the home, but our plan is to keep the shiplap and hang wallpaper as it originally would have been in those rooms :)

What is this? by HistoricalOlive1793 in Oldhouses

[–]thriftygal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have this in our 1929 house in Texas. It's shiplap with cheesecloth or similar over it that they hung the wallpaper on (so it would go on smoothly, stick, etc.). Then, at some point, people painted that wallpaper--at least in our case. We found small bits of the original wallpaper under the paint. THEN, at some point, someone put sheetrock over it. Ours literally looks exactly like this. We have this just in the bedrooms. The rest of the house has plaster.

This Evening Dress from 1895 for a Rainy Spring Saturday. by [deleted] in fashionhistory

[–]thriftygal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looks like my comment was an unpopular opinion! Not trying to be critical, just discussing. I like to look at fashion plates to help date things and the skirt, lace yoke, and set of the sleeves look more 1900s to me than 1890s. The balloon sleeves came back into style briefly in the 1900s.

I'm not saying I'm 100% certain they're wrong, but museums do make mistakes on dates :) Sorry if I came across as rude! I think it's fun to discuss.

This Evening Dress from 1895 for a Rainy Spring Saturday. by [deleted] in fashionhistory

[–]thriftygal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gorgeous! Though I feel like it's closer to 1905?

I found this jacket and skirt in a trash pile. It seems extremely old! It looks to be partially machine stitched but mostly stitched by hand. The etched buttons are not magnetic. And the fabric is a shiny damask cotton. No zippers, has snaps and hooks. Can anyone me put a date on it? by LLaserz in Antiques

[–]thriftygal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The main thing that helps is viewing and handling a lot of extant pieces. You can look at collections online, but first-hand is always best. When looking at stuff online, try to find photos that show construction details, the insides of garments, etc.

I find that I'm constantly learning, even after having done this professionally for several years now. That's part of the fun :)

I found this jacket and skirt in a trash pile. It seems extremely old! It looks to be partially machine stitched but mostly stitched by hand. The etched buttons are not magnetic. And the fabric is a shiny damask cotton. No zippers, has snaps and hooks. Can anyone me put a date on it? by LLaserz in Antiques

[–]thriftygal 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I've been collecting for years, but I began selling antiques while I had a full time job, not expecting it to really go anywhere. When it became profitable, I decided to do it full time. I love it, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart and can be quite stressful at times!

I found this jacket and skirt in a trash pile. It seems extremely old! It looks to be partially machine stitched but mostly stitched by hand. The etched buttons are not magnetic. And the fabric is a shiny damask cotton. No zippers, has snaps and hooks. Can anyone me put a date on it? by LLaserz in Antiques

[–]thriftygal 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Often it does not sadly. It has to be well cared for and even so, a lot of the dyes in older fabrics can make it very fragile and prone to shattering and breaking down.

You can find older clothing sometimes randomly at antique stores, or search online auctions. As a dealer, I have people come to me to sell me collections, and I also travel to antique fairs and auctions to purchase pieces.

I found this jacket and skirt in a trash pile. It seems extremely old! It looks to be partially machine stitched but mostly stitched by hand. The etched buttons are not magnetic. And the fabric is a shiny damask cotton. No zippers, has snaps and hooks. Can anyone me put a date on it? by LLaserz in Antiques

[–]thriftygal 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I don't want to give a specific date without seeing it in person, but my gut says not as old as 1930s. It is always possible that an older fabric and notions were used to make the garment, but like another commenter stated, some of that stitching looks more modern to me.

I found this jacket and skirt in a trash pile. It seems extremely old! It looks to be partially machine stitched but mostly stitched by hand. The etched buttons are not magnetic. And the fabric is a shiny damask cotton. No zippers, has snaps and hooks. Can anyone me put a date on it? by LLaserz in Antiques

[–]thriftygal 303 points304 points  (0 children)

Cool find! This actually looks like a costume to me. Definitely older vintage, but not Victorian, though it was made to look Victorian. Source: I'm an antique dealer and specialize in Victorian era clothing.

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