The purpose of this guide is to assist the collector/wearer of reproduction Victorian and Civil War clothing to appreciate the sources of such garments on Ebay. As a seven year seller (Heritage Fashions) and buyer of reproduction Victorian and Civil War fashions,  I have a wide knowledge of dressmakers here who supplied part of my 2.5 closets of beautiful clothing. There are many talented seamstresses who specialize in  vintage sewing techniques needed to create such ensembles. The dresses are purchased by those who collect and wear exquisite and expensive creations to the Victorian teas, balls and Civil War events in the country. The Renaiisance costumes are available but outside my chosen era. The collecting/wearing of period style clothing has been a long time passion of mine and while I buy occasionally from the vintage area of Edwardian and Victorian category, it is the reproductions category where I found most of  my collection. The outfits mentioned go far beyond what one would consider as a costume. The dresses are also used by theatre, opera companies and drama schools for wear in their productions. The dresses are made to exacting standards in period designs and fabrics which represent many hours of work for the maker. It is reasonable that such an investment of materials and time makes the garments rather expensive to produce and to collect..

                   These talented dressmakers replicate the yesteryear techniques  to recreate the best designs seen in old paintings and design drawings of bygone eras availabe for todays eager collectors. These craftsman tend to be warm and friendly in email exchanges and inquiries about their creations. Most maintain contact long after the initial sale so there is a network of people interested in this business/hobby. There is also exciting news about new work in progress from makers who sometimes send out bulletins on a new design so when the item is placed for auction there is a chance to view and perhaps put in a bid. These dressmakers turn out incredible work using fabrics that replicate those in use during the times as Silk, Faille, Wools, damask and cottons all sewn from historic patterns. Usually sellers like myself buy fabrics for our creations from sellers who import silks from China and other outlets on Ebay. These outfits often incorporate fine laces, appliques and notions sold in the stores of other Ebay merchants. Such merchants are very helpful to refer one or assist to locate some special needs ribbon or laces needed in a project. The only suggestion I stress for a novice shopper is to shop carefully what you can afford and to read the feedback posted for each seller of interest. There is nothing so dampening to the spirit as to pay several hundred dollars to receive a poorly made garment using cheap fabrics.You will read of the consistent quality and satisfaction of buyers who deal with these sellers and be assured you deal with a professional. Sewing may be  a cottage industry but there are high standards for these garments. 

              These reproduction outfits sell from about $275 to $2,000.  Just to mention a few who sell their creations here are Kate (maisondeveneur) in the UK, who makes exquisite Victorian styles and who recently auctioned one of her creations for $1800.00; Christine Hall (chhall), who has an eye for perfection and whose photography displays her incredible creations.: Lisa (bonnet) who specializes in bustle outfits 1880 styles from outfits she redesigns with precious vintage lace or silk fringes and lovely old pins at the neck of her one-of-a-kind creations:  Diane (neatshirecreations) sews gorgeous petticoats to beautiful bustle dresses that one could treasure for years and wear to a Victorian ball: Alethea (Stitches*in*Time), shares advice on fashions and has created a huge body of work in her dresses made for years on Ebay. She always has lovely gowns listed: Sally(victoriandressmaker), who turns out great work will post from the UK in future auctions. There are many others I have not mentioned who do fine work and whose creations are such a joy to possess.

                If you are in the market to make yourself anew and get out of the dull day-to-day,  picture yourself in a beautiful Victorian outfit from one of these fine makers. You will need a range of items to turn yourself into the great beauty who stops  traffic on the avenue and gets your photo taken by foreign tourists at some outing as I did recently. That was a 17 photo day and I answered questions about my gown and hat with the Italian, Swdish, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Swiss tourists and all who posed next to me and enjoyed my day with me.

           What you will need for your "adventure in time" reads like this: You will need to shop the wig department for fine period look style, a reproduction era corset,  pantalettes, camisole, cotton stockings, petticoats and dress, parasol and perhapes a capelet in fall and winter. You will need great heeled and high laced boots of certain style and can usually find these under $80 on Ebay. I have perhaps 6 pairs in different colors for my extensive dress collection. There is a good amount of victorian era or vintage jewelry sold on ebay to match the outfits. You can shop also  antique Victorian  era jewelry and find reasonable offerings to match your outfits. A delicate Cameo never goes out of style. Of course, you will want a fabulous hat to wear with your outfit. I have perhaps 26 of these. There are great hats created on Ebay. Consider also to buy a fine antique bonnet which I just acquired on a Buy it Now for $145.00 made of fine black silk with jet beading designs, silk ribbon ties and topped with marvelous black ostrich feathers and a chenille pompom on one side. It is so beautiful and in perfect condition for something so old. What a find! My husband enjoys his frock coat, top hat and walking stick as he realized that I should not be chaperoned by a man in shorts and t-shirt.

             The best place to learn about your chosen era and the correctness of fashion accessorizing is in the book department of Ebay. There are a wide range of great books on vintage dress collections, costumes and reproduction clothes. You can also ask your Ebay dressmaker and they will refer you to where you can find what you need or make suggestions how to complete your ensemble.  

              Do not look at your budget or your credit card statements more than once. The shock may kill you! This is not a cheap hobby. You will spend long periods of time searching Ebay and holding your breath when you bid on a really fine outfit. Keep in mind these sellers create beautiful things on a regular basis so if you miss something by one minute as I just did, you will locate another soon. These marvelous craftsman have brought these creations to Ebay any one of which will be a treasure to own.  I keep my dresses in fine condition by careful wash or dry cleaning  and wear dress shields. There is also a market on Ebay for garments which were worn for stage use or special occasion  and will be sold as gently worn in the reproduction category to new collectors. I sell my outfits and buy new ones except for a few which are great collector items.

                  You may find a passionate hobby and realize you own outfits that are beyond description of fine old laces and jet beading and designed one of a kind. You will search out places in the country to go to wear your outfits such as the Victorian week in Cape May, NJ, Somewhere in Time week in Michigan, Victorian days in Asheville, N.C. at the gorgeous Vanderbuilt Mansion. You will like the many memories and photos taken of the different you in the occasions where you will proudly wear your finery. .

You can tell them when they ask you found it on Ebay.