And I Quote...

Apres moi, le deluge. (After me, the flood.)- Attributed to Louis XV

Recommendation- Antoinette's Atelier

I rarely do this, but I am using this week's recommendation slot to bring you news of a fabulous webshop I recently discovered called Antoinette's Atelier, but which I have not yet ordered from. First of all I love the name; it says couture and 18th century all in one, and that's exactly what it is! All 18th century-inspired items, from shoes to jewelry, dolls to mannequins.

It is the wigs though that deserve special mention. Above is a picture of my personal favorite, but they come in lots of styles and colors, and there are in-stock items as well as custom orders, which seem to be strongly encouraged.

Now when you see the prices for the wigs you might gasp a little, but trust me, I work in theatre and have access to a lot of different suppliers and while it's pretty easy to find or adapt a Hedgehog style, those 1770s concoctions with the barrel curls are really tough to come by, and aren't any cheaper when you do find them. I find that even if you do it yourself, by the time you buy a wig or two (after all you'll want some practice), burn one with a curling iron, get the right kind of powder, wig clips, do the sewing and teasing and styling, and spraying, powdering, pinning, and embellishing, you'll have spent nearly as much. Sometimes it's worth the money to have someone else spend the time and aggravation. Having said that, when I personally can afford to do it, I think I'll be putting in an order for one myself.

So go to http://www.antoinettesatelier.com/ or visit Kathleen Marie's blog at kathleenmariecouture.blogspot.com.

Enjoy!

February 25, 1780

I have had a most trying day. I had written a few pages, idle gossip and little more, over the last few days, but Reinette became quite wild this morning and ran around and around my writing desk, causing the ink to spill over and consequently the pages which were on top have been spoilt. Not only that, but I have had to change my clothes many more times than usual today for she seems not to have remembered where she is to relieve herself, and has either done so on my lap, or else I have stepped into or dragged my skirts through her leavings. If she did not look at me with such dear and adoring eyes I should be inclined to take her back.

I have been meaning to mention that something in T's last letter has put me out of sorts. I don't know what he is doing or who he is talking to up there in Lille, but he said so little of any consequence to us, and then made a point of asking me what I thought of the peasantry! I hardly know what to answer. I am unclear as to the reason for the question, and cannot claim to have any great experience with them, as I have mostly my tenants to speak of, and I have contact with them so rarely. One might as well ask me what I think of innkeepers, or farmers, or lacemakers! What can he mean by the question? Our paths don't cross, and I should think they know even less of my life than I do of theirs. I think he must come back to me soon, so little time has passed truly since he left, and yet I feel as if in his letters he is someone quite different.

Aggravatingly, there has been little interest and no offers of employment for my "brother", but I have hopes of securing a position yet. I have requested of my steward that more money be sent, and if necessary I have a parure of rubies that I may part with, though they look well with my newest court gown. What will I do if he remains in Lille through the spring? Do I stay in Paris and await his return, or do I return myself to Auvergne?

Why is it that just when it seems as if everything will turn out happily, we are further burdened with disappointment? I suppose it is the nature of life. Some would say that God tests us, or that we in some way have merited misfortune by our conduct; but more and more I wonder if God has a hand in it at all, or if he is unaffected by our concerns. Perhaps I am only feeling lonely, abandoned without Thierry. It is hard to go out into society. People know of our liason and I feel that few approve. I do hear what they say; that I am a disappointing end to a fine family, that it is the result of women having their way, that I am too old and must marry so far beneath me, that I am a hypocrit and act virtuous while hiding a common lover. None of them know Thierry or his family at all, and that is a sin indeed in their eyes I am sure.

It has been a most trying day. Nothing for it but to seek the comfort of sleep if I can. I hardly hope to wake, feeling as I do.

Olympe, Comtesse

Shopping the museums

Using images of extant garments I've put together an outfit I would love to own, and because it's so dreary outside I've chosen warm, bright yellow as my theme!

I'm starting with shoes, because really, is there any more important part to an outfit? These are absolutely my favorite pair of shoes in the world, and someday I would love to have some like them made for me by the incomparable Sarah Juniper. (http://www.sarahjuniper.co.uk/ )

Continuing with our theme we have a quilted caraco of butter yellow satin from 1778. This looks perfect for curling up in at home with a book, or even strolling out to the shops in the morning. The diamond-shaped quilting goes smashingly with the latticed design on our shoes!

If we are going to go out, or if the fireplaces simply aren't providing adequate heat, we will want to put on these pretty fingerless mitts from c. 1780. It's hard to tell but it looks to me like they could be some kind of taffeta, in which case I think I would like them lined with something warmer. I loathe being cold.

Of course we can't go out without the proper hairstyle, and I think I would like something similar to this. Perhaps it's for the resemblance to soft, cozy wool, but this hairstyle looks warm, and with a pink ribbon would be simply lovely. The best thing about wigs is their ability to keep the head warm, while avoiding the dreaded Hat Hair. Perhaps a nice Dormeuse cap to top it off, and we are ready to face the day!

The Spaniel in the 18th Century

In honor of Reinette, who is curled up with her head in my lap, we're going to look at spaniels in the 18th century. I love the picture to the left, not only because it is utterly ridiculous (a wig that big in any material will crush your head into your neck), but for the adorable little dog riding on the lady's rump.

My beautiful 10 week old puppy is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which given the name has got to be a period breed, right? Not exactly. There was and is a type of spaniel called the King Charles Spaniel, and these were back in the 17th century the favorite companion of King Charles II of England, which is how they got their name. The picture to the right is what they used to look like back then.

Fast forward to 1926 and the KC spaniel had become so interbred with other breeds, notably those with short muzzles, that the original variety no longer existed. That's when an American names Roswell Eldridge started offering prizes at dog shows for spaniels that resembled the ones from the 17th and 18th century paintings. In time the winners were bred to recreate the look seen above. This new version of an old classic was dubbed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, after the cavalier King who had so adored them.

Of course there were other varieties of spaniel, but we will save them for another day.

And I Quote...

"All styles are good, except the tiresome kind."

- Voltaire

February 20, 1780

Further word from Thierry suggests that he is terribly unhappy in his position, and I am convinced that he is misused by his employer. I have had quite enough of wondering when he will find suitable employment and trying not to be his keeper. My brother Andre is of an age with Thierry, but remains in Ferney with his mistress, whom I continue to dislike. I decided yesterday to take matters into my own hands, and have put about word that I am seeking a position on behalf of my brother, which should bring some offers which will be hard to retract when they find out that I am in fact patronizing someone of greater talent and influence with me.

I would be most happy to see him receive a diplomatic posting, but that may be too much to hope for. All of this is occasioned by a comment made by Comtesse de R- after mass that it was too bad he was not a closer relative for then he should have much greater prospects. I will purchase a commission for him, even if it means selling my jewels, land, and property; and if there is a title with it we may marry all the sooner, and perhaps still fullfill some of the King's will.

Olympe, Comtesse