Here are three lovely pages from the National Cloak and Suit Company's 1910 catalog. The details on these outfits are dizzying. All of the inset lace, braided trims and minute pleats and tucks are amazing. I love the models with their Gibson-esque faces.

I love the hat on this model from the cover of a 1910 McCall's. Also note the transparent bodice lace with gold trim. Simply scrumptious!

This is a friend of mine, showing off a beautiful 19-teens walking suit from her collection. Note the tabbed, offset closure on the jacket--typical of the 1910s. The jacket is also draped rather than more stiffly structured and has a softer, more comfortable look. Thanks for the picture, Errin!

This beautiful 1915 tea dress was sold on eBay by USVainen, a seller (sadly, retired) whose knowledge of vintage fashion was astounding and whose descriptions were delightful. This seller graciously agreed to let me share her images and words on my site, and I think you'll enjoy them as much as I did!

What a wonderful color! This is an original linen afternoon suit circa 1913-1915. Note all of the marvelous details, including the double peplum, the crisp white linen collar and cuffs and the tailored skirt. This is a "transition" fashion--right between the era of the slim skirt (1911-1913) and the flounced waistline (1914-1917). It looks perfect for an afternoon stroll or a visit with friends at a lovely tearoom in the city. (From the collection of Elizabeth M. Brick)

Here is a circa 1914 evening gown, which is on display at the Museum of the City of New York. Rhinestone embroidered tulle over pale lavender satin, ice-blue chiffon tunic edged with rhinestones and satin glass bead fringe by the eminent designer, Frederick Worth. The gown was originally worn by Mrs. William Storrs Wells.

Dresses from a 1914 catalog. Note the varied overskirts, ruffles, and trims. This is the era of drapery and asymmetrical trims--the more, the merrier!

This is a marvelous original 1913 tea gown or afternoon dress. My model posed in it for me while we were having tea in the Ritz-Carlton's sumptuous tea room! This dress features the overskirts that became so popular in the early 'teens and has wonderful sleeves with cuffs matching the collar. Flowered pink silk was used for the entire dress, and it is impossible to describe its elegant look and feel. The details on this piece are fabulous, from the triangular panels in the bodice front and back to the piping trimming all the edges to the hand-tied French knots that decorate the sleeves.

This stunning 1913 wedding gown was sold on eBay by USVainen, a seller (sadly, retired now) whose knowledge of vintage fashion was astounding and whose descriptions were delightful. This seller graciously agreed to let me share her images and words on my site, and I think you'll enjoy them as much as I did! Well worth the reading.

These are extant Titanic Era garments. I costumed a Titanic documentary, titled "Women and Children First," in April of 1998. Here are two of the extras used in the filming (the one on the left is yours truly, complete with vintage glasses!). The dress on the right is straight out of a 1912 ladies' catalog and features beautiful draping and inset details. My outfit on the left was made up of a walking skirt and fantastic jacket with braided trimming.

An original pattern for a ladies' "coat dress," this is very similar to the "flying" dress worn by Kate Winslet in "Titanic," only of later vintage (ca. 1918). The original pattern included the embroidery transfers for the designs seen on the lapels at right.

Lady Duff-Gordon, a Titanic survivor, designed clothing and was the first couturier to use a catwalk for her models! Her styles were very flattering, using drapery and soft fabrics to create an ultra-feminine look. [Note: Several years ago, I added a section devoted to the designs of Lucile, Lady Duff-Gordon.]

The "unsinkable" Molly Brown, who survived the Titanic tragedy. Her gown looks like it is covered in crocheted lace. Love the hat!

This pattern is for a "dress protector"--fancy name for an apron. I based my Edwardian Apron pattern on this original.It works beautifully as a jumper over a blouse and petticoat.

1912 underthings from an original catalog in my collection. Lots of petticoats and corset covers. Note the long, columnar shape now that the S-bend has gone out of fashion. I just adore the deep lace flounces with ribbon through entredeux at the top. Heavenly!

Here's a great 1912 corset ad from a catalog. Note the corset on the lower left for nursing moms. Flaps unsnap to provide access for breastfeeding. These corsets are extremely rare and valuable now.

This is an original ca. 1912 afternoon dress from my collection. It was probably a deep lavender originally, but it has faded to a muted violet. I love the lace detailing. Note the raised waistline, which was fashionable in 1911-1912.

A beautifully illustrated cover from a 1912 Collier's magazine. The young man looks smashing in his suit and tweed hat, and I just love the casual elegance of the woman's day dress and wonderful hairstyle.

Here is a lovely example of a Titanic-era tea gown. Note all the trimming on the bodice and the skirt draping. The fabric is a wonderful, heavy silk with a beautiful drape to it. Simply fantastic.

A wonderful circa 1912 dress pattern for young women. The differing front bodice closures are fun to study. Those offset button closures were all the rage for quite a few years from about 1909 through the teens. (Many thanks to the Kerrie Lyons Collection for the loan!)