May 2010
A question for my followers: what would you like...
Despite having many of my own ideas for Historiful’s weekly themes, I would like to turn the tables and ask my followers what you would be interested in seeing featured. To date, Historiful has examined silent film, marriage and weddings, childhood and education, nightlife and eveningwear, summertime and leisure, and this week’s current theme, millinery, cosmetics, and haircare.
...
What about Victorian men's hairstyles?
An interesting tidbit:
“Mens’ Victorian hairstyles [generally] were quite conservative. Hair was generally kept short and tamed with wax or oil. Emphasis was instead placed on facial hair, such as in the styling of a gentleman’s moustache, beard, or sideburns.”
(Source)
April 2010
Sporting the "new" Edwardian coiffure
The following is an excerpt from a 1909 article published for the San Francisco Sunday Call. It discusses the “new” coiffure of the late Edwardian period, as well as the influence of new, impacting millinery trends.
“The new fashions are partly the result of the semiclassic influences in the present modes and partly a response to the demands of the new millinery. The mass of...
If you could purchase a hat, which period would it...
In regards to this week’s millinery, haircare, and cosmetics theme, I’m curious to know what my lovely followers would purchase if they were to step into a traditional millinery store. Here are some suggestions: Late Victorian (1870-1901), Edwardian (1901-1910), Ragtime/Teens (1910-1919), etc.
Note: to keep this in sync with this week’s set time period, please try to keep your...
The origin of the word "barber"
An interesting tidbit:
“The word “barber” comes from the Latin word “barba,” meaning beard. It may surprise you to know that the earliest records of barbers show that they were the foremost men of their tribe.”
On the development of the barber shop in the nineteenth century:
“Late in the nineteenth century there were several noteworthy events in the...
“Taking joy in living is a woman’s best cosmetic.”
– Rosalind Russell (1907-1976)
On Hairstyles (The Delineator, 1881)
The following is an excerpt from the June 1881 edition of The Delineator. It provides a concise overview of current hairstyles as well as proper looks for specific face types.
“NOTWITHSTANDING the rebellion of the hair-dressers, simplicity reigns today over the tresses of the fashionable belle. But this is studied simplicity, and therefore just the kind of simplicity the world most...
On Shampoo's Nineteenth Century Origins
An interesting tidbit:
“You don’t have to go back very far to see the truth in this. In the 1870’s, hair salons in Britain, were formulating their own shampoos from varying amounts of water, soda and bar soap. While these solutions were being used in Britain, an American, by the name of John Breck, was spending all of his spare time trying to formulate the perfect shampoo to...
A surprising anouncement -- get your champagne...
Upon hearing news from the lovely transcendentalmodernist, I’m excited to announce that Historiful has made the front page of Tumblr’s history directory! Thank you to all of my followers who recommended it! On another note, Historiful is nearing 250 followers. I appreciate all of your support and your interest! You are all wonderful individuals and it is fantastic that we all share an...
"Ribbon Hats to the Fore," (The Illustrated...
The following is an excerpt from “Ribbon Hats to the Fore,” published in The Illustrated Milliner, June 1923:
“Ribbon hats are a bigger item than ever. There are hats made entirely of ribbon, like folds; there are others entirely covered by rows of tiny ribbons set on end; there are crowns made of ribbons and plain brims; brims made of ribbon and plain crowns; allover...
Second Facebook Exchange -- let's trade names?
I want to meet more of my lovely followers from behind the Tumblr wall — let’s exchange Facebook names!
Trying out a 1930's hairstyle -- what do you...
To complement this week’s millinery, haircare, and cosmetics theme, I decided to experiment with a 1930’s hairstyle. The results were better than expected! It was my first time styling my hair this way and I think I’ll keep it! Pictures are behind the cut.
On the new, "flat" coiffure (The Sun, 1909)
The following is an excerpt from “The New Coiffure is Flatter,” published for The Sun on December 12, 1909:
“The average woman…is having much to try her patience, for a coiffure revolution has been sweeping over fashion’s world, and last year’s false hair is languishing in the bureau drawer or being made over at the hairdressers. For one blessing women may give...
"Keeping the Hair Pretty," from Girls Own Paper...
The following article discusses proper haircare for Edwardian ladies, discussing products, washing hair, and basic styling tips.
“EVERY girl may not be blessed with the abundance of hair she may desire, but every girl may and should have pretty hair, because pretty hair means clean, well-kept hair, nearly and becomingly arranged.
Proper care of the hair means, first, proper care of your...
On Using Feathers (Ladies' Home Journal, April...
Excerpted from “The Use and Care of Feathers,” published in The Ladies’ Home Journal, April 1894:
“When we speak of feathers the thought of the ostrich is not far distant, as its feathers far outnumber and outrank all others. Feathers have been known since the most ancient period, and the ostrich plume has been of all the choicest. In fact, is only rival has been the...
"Dainty Millinery for Little Folks" from McCall's...
The following article discusses children’s hats, including fashionable Parisian trends, colors and trims, and appropriate styles for complementing an ensemble.
“CHILDREN’S hats are extremely dressy this season. They are frilly and fussy with laces and ribbons and adorned with daisies, forget-me-knots and other small blossoms peculiarly appropriate to little people. And besides...
Origins of the word "millinery"
An interesting tidbit:
“The word “milliner,” a maker of women’s hats was first recorded in 1529 when the term referred to the products for which Milan and the northern Italian regions were well known, i.e. ribbons, gloves, and straws. The haberdashers who imported these highly popular straws were called ”Millaners” from which the word “MILLINER”...
theme of the week: millinery and cosmetics
This week’s theme (4/25-5/2) is all about hats, hats, and more hats! This week will cover trends in millinery fashion between 1870 and 1930. Hat decoration, hat styles (including headpieces), and appropriate hairstyles for wearing hats will be discussed. To add to this plethora of hats, aspects of early cosmetics will also be covered. It’s all about staying beautiful this week!
If you...
“In winter I get up at night, and dress by yellow candle-light.
In summer quite...”
– Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
If you could bring one item to a picnic, what...
Keep it appropriate, you fellow naughty history nerds!
How to Host a Victorian Picnic
Seen as an escape from daily rituals and formal luncheons, picnics grew immensely popular among Victorians. In particular, they were associated with hunting and other outdoor activities for their practical, refreshing nature. Queen Victoria herself was well known to have picnicked many times with her family during her reign. Picnicking itself ultimately became a prominent symbol of Victorian...
