I have a debut author guest blogging with me today, and that’s always an exciting event. She’s historical romance writer Leigh LaValle, and her first book, The Runaway Countess is now out. This is the book that USA Today bestselling author Tessa Dare called “an enchanting tale of passion and deception, laced with charm and wit.” Hooray!
Without any further ado, I’ll turn the blog over to Leigh.
Virtual Shopping Historical Style
It’s Friday! Time to kick up our feet and do something fun and extravagant, like virtual shopping historical style.
Empire waists, corseted waists, drop waists… there is much to explore. Let’s begin with a little fashion show, shall we? Unfortunately, I have to limit my selections to the 19th century; otherwise we would be here all weekend!
To begin, the classic early Regency muslin that molded to the natural female form.
1802 Morning Dress
Look at those lovely legs!
1808 Evening Dress
Some daring Regency cleavage. Always good for the heroine.
1815 Walking Dress
I love this walking dress! I am going to ditch my fleece and spandex and go for this style on my next outing.
1820 Evening Dress
My debut novel, THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS, takes place during the late Regency (1821 to be exact). My heroine, Mazie, might dress in something like this. Notice the waist is dropping and sleeves are puffing out for an exaggerated figure.
1831 Ball Gown
The 1830’s were a crazy time in fashion. Let’s call it the 1980’s and move on before someone gets hurt, shall we?
A toned down hourglass figure is all the rage during the Victorian era.
1849 Ball Gown
Waist courtesy of the Victorian corset.
Fashions keep getting narrower and wider at once.
Ball Gown 1865
Scarlett O’Hara would shop from this fashion plate.
Later in the Victorian Era, gowns take a new shape.
Skirts come in, patootie’s stay out.
Always a favorite. The infamous bustle:
1876 Dinner Dress
1880 Ball Gown
I love these dresses myself. The hairstyles, too.
We shall end our fashion show today with the beginning of La Belle Epoque:
1893 Ball Gown
What about you, Dear Reader, which is your favorite style? Comment and enter to win a digital copy of THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS, which features lots of interesting fashion choices!
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“Exciting and action packed, with a hero and heroine who play well off each other.”RT Book Reviews 4 stars
“The characters are, indeed, so empathetic, with shifting first-person throughout the story, that you honestly feel like you are watching your two best friends fall in love.” TOP PICK Night Owl Reviews
Once the darling of high society, Mazie Chetwyn knows firsthand how quickly the rich and powerful turn their backs on the less fortunate. Orphaned, penniless and determined to defy their ruthless whims, she joins forces with a local highwayman who steals from the rich to give to the poor.
Then the pawn broker snitches, and Mazie is captured by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. A man who is far too handsome, far too observant…and surely as corrupt as his father once was.
Sensible, rule-driven Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford, is certain the threat of the gallows will prompt the villagers’ beloved Angel of Kindness to reveal the highwayman’s identity. But his bewitching captive volunteers nothing—except a sultry, bewildering kiss.
And so the games begin. Trent feints, Mazie parries. He threatens, she pretends nonchalance. He cajoles, she rebuffs. Thwarted at every turn, Trent probes deep into her one vulnerability—her past. There he finds the leverage he needs and a searing truth that challenges all he believes about right and wrong.
Leigh, Thanks so much for joining us. Your book sounds fantastic, and I can’t wait to read it! Readers, you can find Leigh at Facebook and Twitter, or visit her website at LeighLaValle.com.
And which is your favorite style of the 19th century? Tell us which picture appeals to you the most. One person who comments will win a copy of Leigh’s debut.
