iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Reading old journals is like traveling back in time. It's the closest we can get to engaging with a person from the past. A 19th century blacksmith apprentice turned his ledger into a journal, and poetry was at the front of his mind in these entries: www.patreon.com/christiestra... #19thc 🗃️

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A Blacksmith Apprentice's Journal: Part 2 | Christie Stratos

I've read through more of the blacksmith apprentice's journal, and I found a few interesting bits and pieces, including a dramatic poem abou

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Reposted by Christie Stratos

Margaret Pinard @margaretpinard.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

If you're looking for historical fiction that supports a working artist, HEY! I'm trying to sell enough that I don't have to pay a platform fee. 75% off 5 of my books until Aug 24th! Bonus, I announced this at the end of a Cozy Cat Chaos video 😹 youtube.com/live/CK5Dn8i...

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It's Hug Your Chaotic Cat Day here on Booktube: Cozy Cat Books It Is! 🐈

YouTube video by Margaret Pinard

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Left: 1895 2-piece cream silk satin evening dress with pastel ombre rainbow silk faille. 😍 Right: 1853 2nd day wedding dress of tan silk taffeta with pink and green chine and floral ribbon stripe. Woven green silk fringe. The silhouette defines the time period! [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

More details for the 1895 evening dress on the left: Short leg o’ mutton sleeves, bias band trim & bows, draped chiffon yoke insertion w/ double pom-pom stock collar, mismatched satin & repp stripe silk skirt.
Another detail for the 1853 second day wedding dress on the right: lined in linen

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Cotton tulle wedding or evening gown, 1834 Bateau neckline Should panels edged with embroidered lace, gigot sleeve Gathered front yoke into vertical piped satin band Cream silk satin piping throughout #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

1880 riding habit with trousers! This outfit is made from hunter-green wool broadcloth and includes a tight-fitting bodice with short peplum tabs at the back, a skirt that allows for a small bustle, and breeches. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

The bodice has a high collar, but not all the way to the chin. The bodice and sleeves are tight, and the bodice has buttons from the collar all the way to the point at the bottom center front. The skirt is simple and drapes nicely, with a small bustle in the back. The waistband of the breeches sits right at the waist, where it's fitted, while the rest of the breeches are looser.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Three-piece black and purple shot silk with woven miniature polka dots. Day bodice: magenta silk ribbon edging, center-back tabs with woven silk fringe. Evening bodice: piped wide bateau neckline, self belt. Asymmetrical bustle skirt with woven silk fringe. —Augusta Auctions #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

The same skirt is picture with the day bodice (right) and the evening bodice (left) on mannequins.

Closeup of the day bodice with magenta-lined bows, standing collar, and shoulder caps.

Closeup of the evening bodice with short sleeves and its simple belt.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Bone wool flannel wrapper with quilted dusty-rose silk applique. Decorative lavender silk covered center-front buttons. Silk bows. Braided cord belt ending in tassels. Late 1860s. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Who else’s creativity is under attack from their own selves? 🙋‍♀️ I would love to know if you relate to my latest public post. I don’t typically post about this kind of thing, but it’s time to open up. 🫣 www.patreon.com/posts/crossr... #writesky #writer #writersky #writinglife

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The Crossroad between Fear of Success and Fear of Failure | Christie Stratos

The Crossroad between Fear of Success and Fear of Failure by Christie Stratos on Patreon. Join Christie Stratos's community for exclusive content and updates.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Anyone else having an issue with @bsky.app where on your phone, if you upload an image that takes up your screen, you can’t put in alt text? When I try to scroll down to put in alt text, the screen just bounces back up. #glitch

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Kristen of Feisty Fray Reads and Hoofers and Honeys @kristennwiniarski.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Preview of the podcast episode released on 4/21 about Classic Hollywood biographies. Be sure to check out the entire episode on YouTube or any podcast streamer under Frankly, My Dear, Classic Hollywood was Bananas! #ClassicMovies #podcast @christiestratos.bsky.social

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Today I got some beautiful flowers from a local flower farm, not all pictured here, for zone 7: hydrangeas, violas, pericallis, ranunculus, calibrachoa, and pansies! Some of these are new to me. Can’t wait to care for them this season and watch them grow! #bloomscrolling #flowerreport #gardening

Sorbet Tiger Eye Viola - a bright yellow flower with lots of thin dark lines running up and down each petal to create patterns.

Penny Peach Jump-Up Viola - flower with two lavender petals at the top, the two ivory petals underneath, and finally one petal at the bottom that is peach with a purple triangle at the bottom.

Ranunculus Sprinkles Yellow - multilayer petal flowers in the color yellow

Pericallis Pop! Bang Blue - daisy-like royal-blue flowers

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

"The novelty consists, as is seen, in photographing a subject from the front and then from behind, and then in mounting the two photographs on reverse sides of the same card. In this way one can see the same person in an 'all around' way." The Illustrated American, Dec 8, 1894 #19thc 🗃️ #photography

From The Illustrated American, December 8, 1894. Inside one diamond illustration, two men are photographed with arms linked, one facing forward and one from behind. The man wears a high-buttoned light-colored jacket with a flower on the lapel, and a straw hat with a wide ribbon. In the second illustrated diamond, the reverse image is shown. The man with his back turned previously is now shown from the front with a less dandy hat and no flower but a similar suit. The other man's back is shown. The text reads in full: ANOTHER FEAT IN AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY.

The accompanying illustration will be of interest to those of our readers who are amateur photographers.

The novelty consists, as is seen, in photographing a subject from the front and then from behind, and then in mounting the two photographs on reverse sides of the same card. In this way one can see the same person in an "all around" way.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Blue opal makes up the flower basket in this amazing 1920s brooch. The flowers are opals and diamonds. Such an incredible piece! [Lang Antiques] #jewelrysky #20thc #1920s

The brooch is opal and diamonds making up the petals and centers of flowers, a blue opal wide flower “basket” that looks like a vase, with a line of diamonds for the base of the vase.

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Sean Marotta @smmarotta.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

One thing that AI evangelists seem to assume, particularly legal AI evangelists assume, is that the thinking and analysis is quick, and the writing is just tedious busywork that slows us down. But the writing IS the thinking and analysis. You work out the thinking and analysis by writing it down.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

The Encyclopedia of Ugly Fashion author Karolina Żebrowska shares her opinion on Bridgerton Season 4 costumes so far. I think she's pretty fair! www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V_w... #19thc #Bridgerton 🗃️🪡

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"Bridgerton" Costumes This Season Are... Surprising

YouTube video by Karolina Żebrowska

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

A little baby squirrel found its way to the food I put out! Such a tiny one! 😍 @gallifreygamgee.bsky.social

A very small baby Eastern gray squirrel. It stands and eats a walnut.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Let's close out the year with a post via Patreon (available to everyone) about my antique and vintage pet photo collection! Take a peek at these sweet animals who were loved enough to have their photo taken and saved for all these decades. www.patreon.com/posts/pets-o... #oldphotos #19thc #pets

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Two-piece black linsey-woolsey dress. Bodice likely bloomer top, 1840s. —Augusta Auctions Sold today for $600 as a rare piece. Does anyone know if this is rare because of the material? #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

Typical 1840s skirt that is wide but not nearly as wide as they would be in the 1860s. The dress is black and plain, the other real decoration being gathers on either side of the chest.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

1867 silk satin ball gown w/tulle that was replaced around 1980 for preservation. Fitted bodice, draped overskirt. "Its soft, heavenly color palette and luxurious textures embody the romantic elegance and meticulous craftsmanship of the era." —Unveiling Vintage Fashion; The Fashion #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

Gown with a more square neckline and center-front white buttons, culminating in a teal flower at the waist that matches the gown. Around the waist, around the neckline, and down the sides and bottom of the overskirt are stripes of white and teal. The overskirt opens in the front to reveal the white tulle and a shining teal hem. The gown is short-sleeved, with lace at the end of each sleeve.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

1898 two-piece cream wave-patterned silk satin over printed with small dots. Black silk organza and jet passementerie trim. 1890 two-piece ecru silk gown with patterned silk crepe organza overlay and woven silver bead trim. —Augusta Auctions #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Late 1860s white cotton mull dress with Madeira embroidered insert at neck and fitted cuffs. Center-back mother of pearl buttons. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

The dress from the front. It has the typical 1860s silhouette with a more cinched waist and very full skirt.

Embroidered insert at neck with a number of pretty and delicate designs. At the very top of the neck is a small flower with half circles in either direction. Down from that come three separate fine and more transparent lace with a floral design. Around and between those are more floral designs, and below and on either side of all of that are loop designs.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

Left: 2-piece nutmeg wool & silk blend dinner dress. Fronded silk tulle overlay to bodice embroidered w/copper metallic iridescent beading & black beaded fringe. Black Chantilly lace. Right: 2-piece cocoa-brown silk faille w/ruched sienna silk satin ribbon trim. —Augusta Auctions #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Matthew Noe @noethematt.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

1880s two-piece pumpkin silk velvet plush with bombazine bodice and back skirt panel. Cast metal center-front button closures. 1880s two-piece maroon silk velvet plush with smocked purple silk satin center-front panel over glass and metal button closures. —Augusta Auctions #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

Late 1880s three-piece cinnamon silk faille dress Dinner bodice w/iridescent beaded & corded passementerie applique Day bodice w/ciselé velvet reveres & flared cuffs, cream silk center-front plastron, scalloped silk satin ribbon ruffle to hem [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

1856 two-piece cocoa-brown silk taffeta day dress Dusty-rose silk braid terminating in hand-knotted fringe as applied collar, bell sleeves, and peplum Center-front two-tone cloth-covered button closures Trained skirt, cartridge-pleated center-back [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Happy October! Fashions from the October 1847 issue of Graham’s Magazine. #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

A page from Graham’s Magazine with color illustrations. One lady sits and wears a white off-the-shoulder dress with a pretty pink flower and green leaf design that runs shoulder to shoulder as well as down either side of the front of the skirt. The motif is also reflect in her hair. One lady stands in a long-sleeved light pink dress with one pink bow at the center front and a few draped with the top skirt down either side of the front. She wears a white bonnet with a teal feather and teal ribbon tied in a bow under her chin.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

June 1870 Godey's Lady's Book Left: Walking suit. Underskirt of lilac grenadine, trimmed w/fringe & satin; the upper skirt of black silk, trimmed to correspond. Short sacque, w/revers of satin, w/coat sleeves & hanging sleeves over them. Lilac crape bonnet, trimmed w/lilac flowers. #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Bronze-green silk satin day dress. Yoke ruffle and below-the-elbow ruffle over shaped sleeves. Silk box-pleated ribbon trim around cuff. Center-front hook & eye closure. Fitted inset waistband with cartridge pleating at center back. Possibly Quaker. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

One of my squirrel friends had babies! Here's one of them. Look how little she is! @gallifreygamgee.bsky.social, here's the most adventurous one!

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Voodoo Vintage @voodoovintage.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

#FashionHistory "The fashions during this time allowed the textiles to stand out because of the vast surface areas of the skirt and a relatively minimal amount of excess trim."

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Left: 1870s two-piece day dress. Tan, black & white striped cotton. Bone buttons. Gored skirt. Gathers at center back. Right: 1904 two-piece afternoon dress. White pina fiber w/embroidered black dots. White lace & black velvet ribbon trim. Center back waist bow. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Autumn is coming! 🍂 1888 three-piece silk taffeta & velvet ensemble. Bodice with velvet faux vest front. Passementerie to reverse & cuff. Dyed MOP buttons with silver inlay. Matching velvet frock coat-style overjacket. Skirt with pleated silk velvet godets. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

Beautiful ensemble with a lovely large ribbon to tie the overjacket closed at the top. The color and material of the overjacket is reflected in the godets and the center-front material under the mother of pearl buttons.

In this photo, the bodice and skirt are together, separate from the overjacket. We can see the puff at the top of the long sleeve, adding interest to the bodice.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

1860s black wool twill resist-block-printed paisley maternity wrapper. Silk velvet-covered center-front button closures. Free-falling collar in a V shape at center back. Attached half belt, back peplum. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

PAISLEY STRIPED COTTON AT-HOME DRESS, 1860s Paisley stripe printed cotton at-home dress. Calico and glass center-front button closures. Entirely handsewn! [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

This paisley-striped dress has the colors of rust, a lighter but still bright yet deep (not neon) orange, and beige.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

SHOT & STRIPED SILK TAFFETA AFTERNOON DRESS, 1863-1865 Three-piece burgundy and white shot striped silk taffeta. Fitted bodice w/yoke and pagoda sleeves trimmed w/triple row of fawn silk velvet ribbon and cream silk passementerie w/incorporated beaded drop fringe. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️🪡 🗃️

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

WOW! Now that's a jewelry suite! Exceptionally rare set of 19th century star jewels by Collingwood & Son in its original wooden box [The Jewelry Lady's Store] #19thc 🗃️ #jewelrysky

The jewelry suite consists of a necklace with large star-like diamond pieces of jewelry that can dangle from the necklace if the wearer would like. There's also a tiara, eating, and a brooch, all in the same star-like design.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

PINK SILK SATIN AFTERNOON OR DINNER DRESS, c. 1880 Two-piece two-tone pink silk satin gown with metallic shanked center front button closures. Knitted metallic gauze cuff overlay. Elaborate ruching and pleating to skirt. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

The darker pink skirt has pleating down the center front that is uninterrupted, while to either side of it is ruching at the lower thigh area.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

PRINTED COTTON DAY DRESS, LATE 1850s Resist dyed and printed cotton calico day dress with tortoise shell center front button closure. Cartridge pleated waist. Hand sewn! [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

The dress is striped in two blues, one darker but not deep, still soft, and the other a lighter gray-blue. Up close, the darker blue has some very faint white slightly elongated dot-like stitches, and the lighter gray-blue has a more static-like elongated white stitching. On the stripes is a wavy pattern that adds a bit of interest. The wave is reddish pink on the darker color and white on the lighter one.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

TEXTURED SILK & LACE DINNER DRESS, EARLY 1890s Two-piece pink and green textured silk dinner dress. Bodice with forest-green tucked silk satin stock collar, yoke & center front panel overlaid w/chemical lace. Skirt w/applied bias satin bands & velvet hem facing. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

Two-piece pink and green textured silk dinner dress. The bodice is the pink textured material on the back and sides, with forest-green tucked silk satin stock collar, yoke & center front panel overlaid with off-white chemical lace. The skirt has three slim gracefully draped forest-green applied-bias satin bands.

A closeup of the incredible chemical lace, which has the look of chain links leading down to snowflakes.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

MOURNING DRESS, EARLY 1880s Black silk taffeta with black Maltese lace cuff and overskirt edging. Faceted jet center front buttons closures. Asymmetrical draped satin skirt with bustle back. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

Beautiful black mourning dress with high collar. The material has a dull shine to it on the bodice, and more of a shine from hip to knee as well as on the sleeve cuffs. The faceted jet buttons down the center draw the eye. The lace cuffs at the end of the shiny material look complex.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

PLAID WOOL WRAPPER, 1860s Blue & cream plaid wool wrapper, with applied black silk taffeta bands to center front, cuffs, patch pockets & hem. Patterned silk-covered center-front buttons with velvet. [August Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

This wool wrapper is in a bell shape, very comfortable-looking. The blue and cream plaid is wide, not a small plaid. The applied black silk taffeta bands down either side of the center-front buttons and perpendicular a couple of inches from the bottom, around the wrists, and across the tops of the pockets have a dull shine.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Two-piece cranberry ribbed silk dinner dress with horizontal tucking, silk velvet cord to neckline, cuffs & cummerbund, c. 1895-1900 Two-piece cream floral-printed cotton house dress with pink cotton bias trim & piping, c. 1884-1887 [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Silk Victorian afternoon and dinner gowns, late 1870-1890s [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

The dress on the left has large sleeves that end at the elbow and a high neck. Around the waist is a colorful fabric tied in a bow. The dress on the right is now a dark olive green, but some lighter coloring down the front indicates the olive color may just be how it aged. The buttons down the center front, in an upside-down V from the waist down, and in a V from the breast up are all a brighter green. This dress is long-sleeved.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Some of my little squirrel friends! 1. Baby has been coming for food since she was a baby, and now she’s an adult! 2. Special Boy is blind in one eye. He’s new and cautious but has already warmed up to me. 3. Little One is only ~16 weeks old! 4. Dottie, my sweet OG squirrel friend. ❤️ #animallover

A squirrel with cream around her eyes, gray on most of her body, brow on her nose, and a white tummy. She looks up at the camera.

A gray male squirrel with some brown on his feet. He’s shy but caught on quickly to the nuts I throw outside. The picture doesn’t show it, but he’s blind in the eye facing the camera. In person, this eye has a blue sheen over it.

A small female squirrel with more brown than the others, looking right at the camera.

Dottie, the first squirrel to trust me and the only to take from my hand. She stands like a person on two feet, her little hands across her chest. Her tummy is white and she’s a mix of gray and brown. She has a white dot of fur on the right side of her nose (her left).

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Catherine Curzon @madamegilflurt.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

When you’re styled like blancmange but you’re still #frockingFabulous. And let’s be clear, the stitching is exquisite. Handmade bubblegum pink silk taffeta evening gown, c.1855. Via Augusta Auctions. #fashionhistory

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keri @keristars.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

i have started on Penelope's Experiences in Scotland / Penelope's Progress (1898 - it has both titles) and am deeply amused that the American woman's appreciation for Scottish men in kilts was established even then. Here's Francesca's ode:

We learned in what direction the soldiers had gone, and pursuing the same path found the young lady on the corner of a street near by. She was quite unabashed. ' You don't know what you have missed ! ' she said excitedly. ' Let us get into this tram, and possibly we can head them off somewhere. They may be going into battle, and if so, my heart's blood is at their service. It is one of those experiences that come only once in a lifetime. There were pipes and there were kilts ! (I didn't suppose they ever really wore them outside of the theatre !) When you have seen the kilts swinging, Salemina, you will never be the same woman afterwards ! You never expected to see the Olympian gods walking, did you ? Perhaps you thought they always sat on practicable rocks and made stiff gestures, from the elbow, as they do in the Wagner operas ? Well, these gods walked, if you can call the inspired gait a walk ! If there is a single spinster left in Scotland, it is because none of these ever asked her to marry him. Ah, how grateful I ought to be that I am free to say "yes, "...

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

What a lovely summer dress! 1870 three-piece violet motif roller-printed piña fiber "lingerie" gown. Full shaped sleeve w/double ruffles & bobbin lace cuff. Chemical lace collar applied to silk ribbon, piped neck opening, armscye. Slightly trained underskirt. [Augusta Auctions] #19thc 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

Extended bodice with full shaped sleeve with double ruffles and bobbin lace cuff. Self-bows to center front and center back. Chemical lace collar applied to silk ribbon, piped neck opening, and armscye. Double gathered waist. Slightly trained underskirt with self-flounce and cotton hem facing.

Self-bows to center front and center back. The violet motif is tighter on the knots of the bows.

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Christie Stratos @christiestratos.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

In the 1920s, prisoner garb was a 5-piece suit! This one is from Maryland, made of a wool-cotton blend. Horizontal-striped jacket, waistcoat, hat, and pants. Long-sleeved cotton shirt w/inmate number printed above pocket. Buckle stamped "Paris". Sold at Augusta Auctions for $2,400. #1920s 🗃️ 🗃️🪡

Maryland State Correctional Facility uniform from the 1920s. It's made of a wool cotton blend. We have a horizontal-striped jacket, matching waistcoat, hat, and pants. Long-sleeved cotton shirt with the inmate number printed above the pocket. Buckle stamped "Paris".

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