Marie Antoinette's

Happy New Year everyone! Another holiday in this crazy few weeks of celebrations.  Now let's take a look at some interesting New Years traditions!

At Versailles it was a custom for the ladies who had been presented to the royal family to pay court on New Years Day.  According to the Comte de Mercy this is the day which Madame du Barry payed court to Antoinette, along side the duchesse d'Aiguillon and Maréchale de Mirepoix.  On New Years Eve he spoke to the dauphine, alerting her to the fact that du Barry would be meeting with her the following day and asking that she act with grace towards the King's favorite. 

The key to making this meeting a success, as in, Antoinette not snubbing du Barry, was to keep the affair a secret from Mesdames.  Louis' aunts had a way of foiling such meetings to their advantage.  When Antoinette was approached by the trio she first acknowledged the duchesse and gave her famous line about the crowd at Versailles second to du Barry, quickly turning her attnetion to the Maréchale.

There are other traditions to observe though! Some such as this date back as far as Roman times and perhaps even further:  give a gift on New Years Day, for good luck.  This does not need to be a fancy gift, some nuts, fruit or sweets would do!

A later tradition is one for New Year's morning;  children would receive sweets to ensure they had a good (sweet) year.

Make a New Year's cake, usually made with spices and figs.  Bake with a coin in the batter.  (mmm)  The cake is then sliced and everyone in the family gets a piece (the two end pieces are for the house and the local poor).  Whomever gets the coin in their piece is to be the luckiest of the new year.

Enjoy the parties tonight and have a lovely New Year!! Best wishes from the Gossip Guides!

I will be away for the holiday. I hope you all have a very lovely one, and stay warm if you are in a chilly area (like me and these poor ice-skaters).

Any lady of fashion would be sure not to leave for a stroll along the promenade or for a visit to town or even to a friend's house without a small container chained to her person, holding her favorite fragrance.  If you are like me, you probably would love such a thing to at least throw in the purse (or clip to your bodice!)
 
Well here is yet another fabulous item to consider.  Inspired by these historical tiny perfume bottles, artist Douglas Little has created portable fragrance you will love wearing and carrying!  The container- silver pocket watches, which open to reveal your solid fragrance. <3

At just the right price (only $33) his Timeless Fragrance collection comes in three scents, all of which, meet my approval as far as 18th century fragrance goes:


Lily of the Valley
Jasmine Sambac
Tuberose Absolute

If you want something Antoinette would have loved, go with the Tuberose Absolute.

If you are going for 18th century, I first suggest Tuberose and Lavender & Cary Sage.

I am searching for a costume très last-minute, I know, I know... I just don't know where the time has gone.

I must encourage you to leave your costume ideas (current or old), descriptions and images if you have any, on this post.  Everyone has great ideas, and there are plenty of 18th century creations being discussed!!  Let's hear what you are /want to do!
Allie @ Hist-Fic Chick has just posted a very fabulous post on some How-To make up tutorials: Cleopatra & Marie Antoinette.  Anyone intersted in being an 18th century vamp or Egyptian temptress must check it out!

*FORUM*
Let this be a forum for 18th c. costume & hair TIPS & TRICKS. Share your tricks and leave your tips.  Do not forget to ask us any questions you have encountered!!