Thursday, September 30, 2010

1831 Archery Fashions

This is a continuation of my blog at Two Nerdy History Girls.  Following is the description for the second Archery Dress, from an  1831 La Belle Assemblée.  These are the sorts of fashions Olivia, of Last Night's Scandal, would have worn—and I have no doubt she was an expert archer.


SECOND ARCHERY DRESS.
A DRESS composed of white chaly,* with a canezou of blue gros de Naples. The front of the bust is ornamented in the hussar style, with white silk braiding and fancy silk buttons; plain tight back. Long sleeve sitting close to the arm, with a half sleeve, à  l’Espagnol, slashed with white figured gros de Naples. A row of rich white silk fringe is brought from the point of each shoulder in front round the back. Collerette of white tulle, of a novel form, fastened in front by a gold and pearl brooch. The belt fastens with a silver buckle curiously wrought; the accessories correspond in colour with the canezou.** White gros de Naples hat, ornamented with white ostrich feathers, and a gold button and loop. Half boots of blue kid.

*Chaly (Challi or Challis)—A very light and soft, plain woven dress goods in the 19th century in England, made of silk warp and worsted filling or of all wool, finished without any gloss. The figures were either woven or usually printed over a white or pale colored ground. (From Louis Harmuth, Dictionary of Textiles, 1915)

**Canezou: short chemise with or without sleeves, distinguishing feature was that it was tucked into a belt, where it stopped. (From Internet Centre for Canadian Fashion & Design)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Olivia hijacks me at Pop Culture Junkie

I know, I know.  It's been a busy week.  Blah, blah, blah.  Me, me, me.  But Olivia, heroine of Last Night's Scandal, is more entertaining.  She certainly thinks so.

You'll find her view of the world at Pop Culture Junkie.

At left is Borthwick Castle (inspiration for Castle Horrid aka Gorewood Castle) in the 1800s.

Interview & book giveaway

Yes, I've been talking about myself a lot lately.  Here's another interview, this time at Romantic Crush Junkies.

It's on until Sunday 26 September.  If you stop by and leave a comment, you might win one of two copies they're giving away of Last Night's Scandal.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Talking with my friends in Italy

In honor of Last Night's Scandal—and just because they're incredibly nice about my books—Isn't it Romantic has posted an interview with me.  Bilingual skills are not necessary:  It's in English as well as Italian.