I Bought the Most Incredible 1860s Woman's Dress with TWO Bodices! 😭 | Antique Clothing Unboxing

Talk about an antique clothing haul score! I never in my life would have thought that I would be able to buy an 1860s lady's outfit with the skirt, day bodice, and evening bodice! To find all three pieces together is super rare, let alone the fact that the pieces are in incredible condition. I really hope you all enjoy this look into this incredible Victorian dress.
In this unboxing, we're going to look at all three pieces - the day bodice, the evening bodice, and the skirt (spoiler: it has a pocket!) All three pieces are excellent examples of 1860s women's fashions. Having a day bodice and an evening bodice made up to match a skirt was an economical and common occurrence in the Victorian era, as it made it possible for a woman to wear the skirt multiple times and get the most value out of the investment (Fabric = Money, and when your skirt has yards and yards of fabric in it, you want to get the most bang for your buck!)
The 1860s was the era of the hoop skirt in the western world, and this Victorian dress is no different. Under this huge skirt is a 120" hoop and petticoat to help hold it out into shape and give the woman the fashionable silhouette of the 1860s. While this outfit looks complicated and difficult to put on, a Victorian woman could dress herself in this ensemble, because the bodices are both center front opening with hooks and eyes and the skirt opens towards the front as well. We usually associate formal wear with back lacing bodices and servants, but this woman was capable of getting dressed for a ball by herself. Seeing an original Victorian bodice that opens in the center front just further justifies any and all historical costumers who want to sew their ball gown with center front closures.
One final thing I really love about this 1860s outfit is how easy it will be to reproduce for your own historical costume wardrobe. The designs are simple and elegant and easily reproduced. The only issue is real silk moire isn't really produced anymore (and if you find some it's usually incredibly expensive!) So if you are inspired to sew a new version of this Victorian dress, I would suggest a silk taffeta, silk faille, or silk satin as a replacement to the silk moire/watered silk. The velvet bias trim could be made from a small bit of silk velvet fabric.The construction of the bodices are actually quite simple and would be easy to sew, whether by hand or by machine. (and who knows, maybe a sewing pattern will come out in the future...😉) Don't forget that under this 1860s dress you would be wearing your chemise, corset, under-drawers, hoop skirt, and petticoat.
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[@Terrelli9]

I vote we go back to massive skirts with giant pockets instead of lugging around heavy purses. Brilliant!

[@ah5721]

You have to have a pair of stays or corset so your skirt and pockets don't weigh down and dig into your waist, just a heads up. I've worn Renaissance and 50's and heavy skirts hurt!

[@Kieorasama]

I vote that manufactures just need to stick in several man-hand sized pockets into every piece of women’s clothing!

[@christianac2571]

I vote to that too

[@fraubesserwisser4518]

Massive skirts are a bit much for my taste but pockets rule.

[@Kirkpepm]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssss

[@DuchessOfTators]

Abby opens box. Quickly looses her mind. Then realizes she needs to explain logically the items.... I love her so much 💖

[@AbbyCox]

And editing Abby usually goes, "Unboxing Abby, why can't you just engage your brain for 5 minutes before you go off and say something stupid that forces me to do a voice over?" 😂

[@laartje24]

@@AbbyCox Relatable.

[@erinodonnell386]

You know what’s awesome? There was a woman in history who put that dress on and felt absolutely fabulous in it. I just love thinking about that.

[@cincocats320]

This dress right here is why Little Women 2019 was such a travesty as far as costumes went. Absolutely gorgeous ensemble. I especially love the subtle detail of that white ruffle that just peeks out. I love seeing your giddiness as you pull each piece out of the box. and why did we ever move away from day and night bodices? For anyone wanting to develop a capsule wardrobe this is a great idea.

[@naughtscrossstitches]

I started doing this in my sewing .... I make skirts in my main fabric and then a top in the same fabric so I can wear it as a dress or as a top with pants or as a skirt with a different top.

[@antoniahammer]

I can't quite wrap my brain around the fact, that this is an actually historical garment. It looks like it was designed as the costume for some fairy princess in a modern fantasy movie.

[@LPSCANDY10]

Sofia the First drip

[@Diniecita]

I would wear this for sure.

[@uhhhhmaddi]

Well, Disney got it from somewhere! Lol

[@archionblu]

Y'know how us fashion historian folks have like a dream dress they wanna make and it's usually like a Worth dress? ....I think I have a new dream dress. My bank account is already crying about the amount of moire silk.

[@charlottegury1243]

Same, this is now officially my dream dress

[@SwitchelSweets]

I can’t find any quantity lavender moire silk available online yet, so please let me know if you find any!! I’m dying over this dress 💕

[@charlottegury1243]

@@SwitchelSweets i love how in less than an hour, people have already made plans to recreate this beauty

[@ragnkja]

I have never made anything of remotely this scale, and I want it.

[@SwitchelSweets]

@@charlottegury1243 I don’t even own hoops, I don’t even know how to draft this kind of dress, but something about this dress is just magical in such a simple way. I’m in love 🥰

[@moonbeast1312]

Whoever owned this obviously had a certain level of respect and admiration for good silk and went through a lot of effort to take care of it.

[@vivianbrown2477]

True and well said! Back then most all people did for their clothing they did not have huge closets full or cheaply made clothes like now. They didn't get new wardrobe's every season or few years. These where usually lifetime pieces re-worn or reworked and usually passed down. They didn't waste like today if a piece was damaged and no longer wearable or fixable it was they used for other creations even if it was quilt parches or scrap. Thankfully some people over the years respected, saved, and properly stored these items with care to be able live on. Sadly many more do or did not. I had family members who throw away near pristine vintage/antique gowns and shoes etc. that most all where even in wearable condition.

[@k80_]

I was wondering what the social class of the person who owned this would be. It’s a really nice and expensive imported silk but it also has the economic feature of having the single skirt for 2 outfits. Probably what we would now call upper middle class, since you’re wanting to demonstrate wealth in the fabric choice while also getting more utility for your money than just an evening gown.

[@MikaelaCher]

I just love this dress: the color, the fabrics used, the pragmatism of having two bodices, i'm speechless

[@moonbeast1312]

I assume you meant bodices, not that having two bodies wouldn't also be practical :P

[@MikaelaCher]

@@moonbeast1312 yes omg thanks for the correction

[@SwitchelSweets]

Those sleeves!! That silk!! The color!! It’s a fairy princess gown and I need it in my life 💕💕💕

[@drmantistobboggangonzodr3961]

The coloring kinda reminds me of the dress from the heroine in Tangled.

[@nyangata7278]

@@drmantistobboggangonzodr3961 omg it is a Rapunzel dress!

[@DelphiaStrickland]

This must have belonged to a rather wealthy woman. How in the world has this dress survived in such good condition? So amazing!

[@koshersalt179]

I wonder if some of these really well done, well worn clothes were seamstresses' clothes.

[@viviakay]

@@koshersalt179 Yeah, the fact that this closes in the front center makes me think that--a woman who had to dress herself, but could do that really well

[@annieoannie]

Is it possible that she was pregnant when they let the dress out. Because if she was, then she would have wanted to not change the back because her back wouldn't have been any different than the front would have been. Letting it out on the sides probably helped conceal the pregnancy as much as she could. Also, a front opening allows her to get in and out of it without a maid to help her. That would be important if she were unmarried or engaged with a set wedding date.

[@TheFadedFate]

@@annieoannie I actually completely agree with this theory, that's why they let it out on the sides (which would have been harder) rather than the back, and accounts for the front closure

[@trojanette8345]

Yes, I quite agree. I thought the same thing, too.

[@lajoyous1568]

I would gladly give up wearing yoga pants if I could wear dresses that gorgeous!

[@carolinemaluca]

Let’s all do it!

[@makeda6530]

Honestly!

[@angelartamesia2]

Must have beem sooo airly down there (literally; wore no undies... I think?)

[@ShannaCarlson525]

omg SAME. #goals

[@PiscesVirago73]

DITTO! This is my goal dress, want to make the full Dickensian outfit, from foundation garments to gloves, cape and bonnet!

[@francescanappo6489]

Oh my... I saw this one on sale on facebook... I nearly bought it, but it was too risky to have it shipped in Italy... I'm so happy that it will be in the collection of someone that will love it as you do

[@vivianbrown2477]

How much was it selling for?

[@francescanappo6489]

@@vivianbrown2477 I don't remember well, also I didn't asked more about it when I noted that the shipping would have been impossible, I remember a 50 $ somewhere but I'm not really sure, also I think it would have been only to fill the price voice of the marketplace ... I still have the photos saved, since I was planning to reproduce it, the woman was selling also other two dresses (one edwardian and one around 1880)

[@coletteb.8889]

@@francescanappo6489 What Facebook group was the listing in? Even if I don't find anything I want to buy I would love to use the images in it as primary sources for designing!

[@francescanappo6489]

@@coletteb.8889 Sorry, I don't remember, I think it was in a fashion history group, in any case it was definitely not common to find this kind of selling posts... But understand the intentI saved the photos of this one for the same reason 😅

[@coletteb.8889]

@@francescanappo6489 That's OK, thanks for responding!

[@AlishaHerbiederbie]

This dress is what dreams are made of.

[@nananoah2084]

Imagine people 160 years from now, having gone back to made to order clothes holding a regular baggy white t-shirt and making a similar analysis. "Wow, look at this perfectly preserved rare specimen of fast fashion epoch clothing! It was used for all types of activities, lounging, sports, taking the trash out, walking about, you name it! Unlike other pieces of clothing worn at the time it was worn for years instead of disposed of after 6 months! Oh, the stories it would tell if it could speak!"

[@drmantistobboggangonzodr3961]

In 160 years they probably will be finding pizza stains on bathrobes, lol. Beyond 160 yers, thoush? Sadly i dont think most fast fashion would survive very long because a lot of it has such thin crappy fabric, but I suppose it really depends on what it is, since fast fashion includes so many different types of clothing. I guess a pleather jacket would still be around, but there would be a lot fewer chiffon dresses and tops. I think that's sort of sad because I think it's so fascinating to see everyday stuff people wore and used throughout history. I remember when I was a kid asking my history teacher how women dealt with their periods in medieval times. This was just barely before a teacher could say "google it".

[@j_.simonef]

Do people actually throw out their clothing that quickly??? The majority of my clothes I've had since I was twelve, and I'm fifteen now. While I have bought new ones over the years I still plan to keep wearing all of them until they're worn out

[@Kokoro5050]

I usually 'meh' at those big puff dresses because visually they just don't do it for me, but those sleves and the back are just lovely.

[@AbbyCox]

Same.

[@persiswynter6357]

I was thinking that the dress was let out because it was a hand-me-down to her younger sister. Or a less affluent cousin. I love watching your unboxing videos!

[@catic15]

Or maybe she had a child and then went back to wear it and her ribcage had expanded . . .

[@robinbeveridge7741]

First...given 1860s, it's how things were in the times! Being a Civil War Reenactor for years, and wanting to make my own dresses, I can tell you firsthand it is NOT as simple as that may look to some. Did I take liberties? Heck yeah! Just learning about these dresses and how they were constructed with huge hems, kick plates(?), growth pleats, decoration, boning and such...even if you replicated the same pattern the dress came out different, adjustments needed to be made...and in those days, the dresses were made to last! They didn't have walk in closets with tons of clothing! They also passed down outfits...and once items became scarce thru embargoes, you were lucky to have a nice day dress....visiting was very important! Now the fact that you have BOTH tops is astounding! Very nice! Of course purple is my color, too! So excited to see this!

[@lisamisterek7683]

She said the opening was changed during construction. Her ladyship had become pregnant. She was able to wear the expanded waistline for a bit. Then it would be too tight in late pregnancy. After delivery, she would again fit into the dress and be able to feed the baby without assistance. Remember - no bottles; no formula. It was all mom, unless she hired a wet nurse - this lady did not.

[@janice1131]

At this time she might have lost the help to get dressed and did what she had to do with pregnancy, war, loss of affluence.

[@Lazydaisy646]

@@lisamisterek7683 exactly what i though

[@alessandracm1921]

I think of the life of the lady who wore that. Imagine if the dress came with a trailer of what her life was like. 🧐

[@mary78880]

Gosh yes! I think this is why I love old diaries and journals, you see goregous pieces like this and wish you could see a little slice of their life.

[@Leelominai]

Yeah imagine that could be some sort of superpower, touching something and seeing the life of the people who owned it

[@sarahperkins2340]

I think that if I wore something like this I would write a little list of why I had it made and everyplace I ever wore it and a summary of the event and day that I had in it. So everyone would know. Every dress deserves a diary if it's a beautiful creature like this.

[@lajoyous1568]

@@Leelominai When I acquire something old/previously owned I try to imagine the original owner's joy at receiving or purchasing it and it makes me feel even happier. I don't really think that I am psychically seeing the past, but it's not hard to imagine some lucky woman being as giddy as I was when I bought my treadle Singer. Maybe I'm just weird?

[@Leelominai]

@@lajoyous1568 nooo, that's a substantial part of collecting antiques I think and such an enriched way of going through life in general

[@honestlysheep3890]

The return of the unboxing dress!

[@AbbyCox]

Finally! Still have to make a linen one for summer 2021 lol

[@danceradina2439]

This dress is beautiful! I literally shouted "It's PURPLE"!!! If I ever am able to get my sewing skills up I think this is my new dream dress. I love it!

[@Duskkit]

I was mentally shouting that, too... Depending on the lighting in the different parts of the video, sometimes it looked washed out, but other times it was just the most gorgeous lavender I've ever seen. That plus the skirt pleating... I'm not personally a big fan of either of the bodices here (though I do love the velvet along the edges, another wonderful shade of purple and it's VELVET, squeee!) but if I ever decide to replicate a historical garment, there's a large chance it'll be the skirt of this. And then I'll make my own unique bodice(s) to go on top, maybe with the same sort of velvet edging as a nod to these ones.

[@volvacations2186]

I saw this in the livestream. glad you are doing a whole video on it. I love the voice overs. it is like "this is what I meant to say but I was too excited and thrilled to calm down and mention"

[@AbbyCox]

That is *literally* the purpose of the voice overs 😂😂😂❤ I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@kjtherrick4031]

Disagree with you about this three-piece vintage outfit being "cute." It's gorgeous, exquisite, beautiful, stunning, and/or clearly well-made and well-cared for quality skirt and bodices. Thanks for sharing and preserving these amazing pieces of female history.

[@MirandaMilner]

The condition this dress is in is amazing considering how old it is! 160 years old, give or take a few years. And the silk and velvet is still such a beautiful colour! 💜

[@DawnOldham]

This is the prettiest “extant” dress I’ve ever seen! The style and the color are amazing. I can picture the person wearing it “back then”. I wonder what hat she wore with the two bodices? Maybe you could show us pictures of types of hats that would have been worn with your finds!

[@sarahhardy8649]

Can I point out the symmetrical watermarks. They’re fantastic and show the care of the detail.

[@FlybyStardancer]

OMG It's so gorgeous!!!! Now I want a recreation of it for my very own! You are a very lucky woman to have the original!

[@AbbyCox]

*incredibly lucky* - finding all three pieces still together is just bananas!

[@caribeads9772]

I just had an epiphany, I realized that what I always dreamed of doing, adapting modern clothes with historical touches, was a thing. I’ve always loved historical clothing but as a teenager, ( and preteen) I never thought there were people who loved it as much as me and who would actually make their fantasies into reality. I honestly feel a part of a legit group of great human beings. Keep up your amazing work and I love your videos!🥰

[@jaisanrobb3520]

You pulled the skirt over and started the voice over and the whole time my brain was chanting “ok,where’s the pocket in this one?”

[@AbbyCox]

and then BAM! there was the pocket. 😂

[@ragnkja]

Never a Victorian skirt without a pocket.

[@robinbeveridge7741]

My pocket was a separate piece discreetly placed where my hand could get in and remove what I needed....mine could hold a bottle of water, car keys, cell phone, wallet, and of course tissues, gloves and a hair pin or two, along with my lip balm!

[@christinajackson2662]

New game to play for Abby’s unboxings, everyone guess “Where’s the Pocket?!” 😂

[@robinbeveridge7741]

@@christinajackson2662 I believe there IS a game called Where's the Pocket...based on the period? Anyone else?

[@abbypayne4496]

That silk is BEAUTIFUL! I can’t believe that color has survived so long! I’ve always imagined people from this era in jewel tones and this is SO not that and I LOVE IT

[@veronicabeattie1744]

Oooh, POCKETSES! We LURVES pocketses! (Although it’s just the one so I guess it’s a pocketse.) Also, big enough to fit a teeny doggo if you don’t want to leave it at home while you dance the night away 😊

[@meghanboutilier1982]

Gah! This is what I wanted all that I wanted for my last production of Christmas Carol! Need to show this to the costumer for next time!

[@laureneliset]

Watered silk looks like the tie dye of the 1800's

[@jenninstitches]

Gosh, you look so damn good in red. Those sleeves on the day bodice are something else. Never seen anything like them before. I love this Lavender Lady.

[@tillie_brn]

The condition that this dress is in is quite unbelievable

[@TheAgeofFabulous]

Anyone else get delightful tingles from the crinkle sounds at the beginning of the video? No, just me. Also, I found a Dallas store that has Victorian and Edwardian clothes and I WANT THEM ALL. But I can’t. I’m refinancing my house and I can’t make large purchases. I NEED THEM though! Also, can you imagine the woman who wore this dress being like Abby and just delightfully prancing around life in this wonderful gown?? Yes, we al can.

[@AbbyCox]

The woman who wore this outfit and I had very similar taste - this is one of the first 1860s outfits I've seen where I haven't turned my nose up at it 😂

[@journeyoflovelight]

I cant wait to be able to see a Antique piece of clothing live again... Ive learned so much from all of the Utubers I watch.. Ill be able to look at the piece with new eyes.. My love of fabric, history and sewing all in one.. Vintage clothes collects me ... People have given me pieces (1950s). Thank you for sharing your knowledge and joy with us. Peace

[@saraa3418]

I'm always impressed with how well these antique dresses have held up! The fact that this level of quality is within an ordinary person's grasp is so amazing!

[@MaridithSmith]

She is absolutely beautiful! The velvet trim is such a great contrast.

[@sygirl101]

I love the two Abby voices: super excited unboxing Abby and educational, calm Abby. I love them both!

[@joycehunt1307]

Beautiful dress. The person wearing it must have felt wonderful when she wore it.

[@knittingnerdess7321]

That's a gorgeous dress! I love the sleeves on both bodices, and the skirt has a POCKET!

[@MiniMidgMom]

They seem to have appreciated pockets even before cell phones. Women have always had to carry extra stuff. At least once a month, if not daily!

[@jaisanrobb3520]

I love the seemingly random placement of pockets on Victorian skirts. Modern clothes “pockets only go in these places” (also limits size of pockets) Victorian clothes “pockets go wherever we feel like putting them so long as it doesn’t mess with the drape of the garment.” (And we don’t care if you have to turn yourself into a pretzel to get into them. But you can carry anything you might need, ever, in there)

[@MiniMidgMom]

I’m reading a lady’s etiquette book from 1860. It mentions stashing your money in a petticoat pocket as well as keeping some in your skirt pocket.

[@madeleinecanoesify]

Everything about this is amazing. THOSE SLEEVESSSSSS

[@auntiecaffeinecrafts]

I want to cry. It is so beautiful! 1850's 1860's is my favorite time for fashion. Lavender is my favorite color. I am so in love!

[@ChayatsujiKimono]

I need some popcorn for all of this hype! In all seriousness tho, this dress is just the perfect Disney princess-type ballgown * ___ *

[@dianagreene4257]

I'm two minutes in and I already want to go history-bounding with this!!!

[@forced2makethisbloodyaccou355]

I'm waiting for the official "gorgeous " counter. Also, can't wait for the reproduction in green velvet, with off white satin. I'm seeing a water-lilly moment, where this is a lilac watercolor moment.

[@AbbyCox]

ooohhhh that would be PRETTY

[@SwitchelSweets]

Do it! One could also do a terrific poinsettia moment in a rich red, trimmed with deep maroon or dark green velvet 🥰

[@leann2045]

This dress reminds me so much of the ball gown I wore when I was in an outdoor drama called The Liberty Cart. My gown was light blue silk with navey blue velvet for the trim.

[@monical.3892]

I love your commentary! It makes you truly appreciate the work that goes in to this gorgeous dress.

[@ONeil-S.D]

That color OMG... It's like a gorgeous lavender water color dream. Its stunning. Truly stunning. Congratulations 👏 and thank you for sharing this amazing moment with us.

[@ashleyscheel9032]

I’ve had a dress similar to this saved to my Pinterest board for ages! SO pretty! Congrats!

[@nadiarogo4511]

Love this style of video! Genuine excitement on the one side and calm voice overs on the other :D Great choice and very well done. More please!

[@nicolakunz231]

Awesome! 1 cup of earl grey and 3 shortbread biscuits later I can conclude that abby gets stupid excited about this dress. It's awesome.

[@gigglepantsiii9350]

I have neither the disposable income nor the space to purchase extant garments like this beauty, so I am eternally grateful that you share them with all of us [the best part is that I don't have to worry I am storing things properly and can just enjoy looking at the pretties]

[@samiyarossini]

This dress is the best color. Also, dealing with the piping where they let it out on the evening bodice is a WHOLE mood.

[@kellyjacobs8659]

That's absolutely gorgeous, of course I'm biased because purple is my favorite color. 💜

[@voodookitchenmama]

Lovely. Imagine the history this dress has seen? Beautiful work and fabric. I can only imagine a room filled with ladies dressed in such finery.

[@katiemoss7578]

This just cemented my love of the 1860s and my absolute need to make stuff from this period at some point

[@crystalkirlia4553]

OMG I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS DRESS!!!! I LOVE IT!!!

[@NoaLeighMaxwell]

80% of the reason I love these vids is just getting to see Abby squee over these cool old finds. Pure joy. xD

[@digitaldgirl4459]

You are so adorable in your love and presentation of cool historical dresses. Touching history is so really amazing . I love the sleeves on the day bodice. The flow of the back of the skirt is so flattering. That whole ensemble is amazing.

[@lilafrost4129]

What if it’s Meg March’s Violet Silk and it’s been in Sallie Gardner’s closet this whole time?

[@charlottejones4166]

Oh my days yes thank you

[@SwitchelSweets]

Sallie *would*. Meg needs better friends |:(

[@angeh9995]

I thought of this too!

[@makennapagniano]

So pretty!! I can't believe its all together and in such good condition!

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

The colour is STUNNING!!! The waterwave look reminds me of the waterwave taffeta my mother once had- she sewed a cocktail dress from it in an afternoon... yes- she was a beast.

[@tinagriffith841]

Hello from Lizton, In. Absolutely gorgeous! At first seeing the bodice I thought oh no, that beautiful material is water damaged, until you explained the technique the silk went through. Amazed at how well it stayed in tact all these years. Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@JSJSpeaks]

Ms. Abigail Coxingham, purveyor of fine goods: this is amazing, you're amazing, all of this is just wondrous! I saw your upload last night, and decided to save it for the morn, to watch over breakfast, and it is just as delightful as I'd hoped. Many thanks as always!!!

[@jennieeveleighlamond]

faille - "fah-yee" (sort of), that ending sound of the word doesn't have an English equivalent. She's gorgeous, thank you for such a wonderful video!

[@Kymberlee_W]

Ok, so imagine the word Versailles. Basically it's pronounced "Vare 'Sye" (like the words Bare Die). So, Faille is pronounced like the second half of Versailles - the Versailles in France not Versailles KY. Anyway, It's Fie like Die or... remember Fee Fie Fo Fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman? I really hate it when people only give me one way to show how something is pronounced with American accents being so different we all pronounce many words differently. This is why I gave several examples. (My sister pronounces die like Dahhh, or rice like rahhhse, keeping her mouth open and extending the sound whereas most of us will round out the sound and clip it off. She lived in North Florida so long she picked it up.) Anyway, I hope that helps.

[@jennieeveleighlamond]

@@Kymberlee_W "Fie" is a great way to write it! I live in Quebec and that double lle ending in French doesn't really have an English equivalent (at least not the way we pronounce it in Canada, but our French is a little more unique than the rest of the world) but I love "fie", thank you!

[@Kymberlee_W]

@@jennieeveleighlamond why thank you very much. I honestly don't remember if it's something my French teacher taught us or something I just figured out on my own. I took 4 years of Spanish and 3 years of French in High School, then continued with French at uni. I always wanted to do something with it but had to make the choice of what I could do in uni that would net me the most financially and so I went into the medical field. Not surprisingly, having a basis in Latin based languages helped me quite a lot....even if they weren't Latin. And it didn't hurt when I lived in New Orleans, either. I was able to use both elementary Spanish & French in the medical setting with patients. I wish more schools taught it from a younger age rather than waiting until HS.

[@shelbyhiromi]

im absolutely positive that this was my dress in a past life

[@margaretmyres5626]

I loved this dress. If you recreate any of the clothes you've shown so far this should be on top of the list. I think it would look amazing on you.

[@SarahBent]

So exciting! My current project is a 1860s transformation gown!

[@UnpackingtheTrunkCostumes]

Thanks for explaining how watered silk is done! Oh that color!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

I may or may not have drooled on my iPad over that beautiful silk! I’m a little in love with this one. I want to make it in deep royal blue...thank you for sharing, my favorite Abby!! Have a great week.

[@mylittlebluecottage6061]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing with us. The Seamstress was fantastic and very talented!

[@danabuck6461]

I know you probably won't ever read this, but I simply love your utter joy and excitement when you do unboxings. We should all live life like you do!

[@alexandramissretro5106]

The flower petal looking sleeves are so cute! This is like what a Victorian fairy would wear in my mind

[@agimagi2158]

This dress is REALLY cute! I especially adore the color and the cute sleeves of the evening bodice!

[@cynthiasamford7649]

the little white sleeve ruffle. I die. lovely dress.

[@coletteandtulip]

I'm obsessed with the color and the velvet trim. Lavender is my favorite color and velvet is my favorite fabric.

[@bewilderbeastie8899]

This is possibly one of the loveliest outfits I've EVER seen. The colour! The effect! THE SLEEVES! ON BOTH BODICES!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I've never had that Dress everyone seems to have that they'd love to make but uhhhhhh for me it might be this one.

[@MizzMaree7]

I love how those sleeves make me think butterfly!

[@acorneroftheinternet4179]

I am so jealous of this outfit, I want to recreate it so bad I mean, its purple, it's 1860s, it's modular, and that watery effect on the silk is just *mwah* chefs kiss

[@mihinui]

Oh to have been there when the lucky person whom had the opportunity to wear this beautiful dress, first tried it on 😭😍

[@Kate-the-Curst]

Hnnnnggghhh we needs it, precious! I'm not even an 1860s nerd, but I have to make a history bounding version of this glorious lady ❤️❤️❤️

[@kellybeckner8121]

GIRL!! I just love watching these because of your sheer joy. I Love how you squeal and carry on... then BAM... down to business. you start dissecting the dress and start rattling off your technical terms like your a damn surgeon. Then back to squealing. PURE JOY. The world needs more of this and more of you. BRAVO.

[@tiffanytomasino335]

O dear God. This is officially in the top 5 of the most beautiful dresses I’ve seen. I agree with the comments of a fairy Princess dress Thank you for sharing!

[@tinjamtinkku]

THE SLEEVES

[@ellahopkinson]

This dress is glorious, I love your combination of unbridled enthusiasm and then the calm voiceover with useful tidbits of information ❤❤

[@joannaaugustine2310]

The sleeves of the day bodice are just absolutely gorgeous! And that silk! Such a wonderful addition to your collection

[@teaweaselstudios]

Such a pretty! I love when you do these unboxing videos. I am learning so much about garment construction. You are awesome and thank you for sharing! 😁

[@knittingmoose]

I'm only at 1:47, and I am already so happy. I love your nerdy enthusiasm Abby!

[@mmw55122]

Those colors!!! After over a century and a half! Wow!! Thanks, Abby!

[@ahc1957]

I love their idea of skirts and bodices. Love the double bust darts, pretty.

[@breannacrawford9974]

I love doing living history days and 1860s fashion is a passion of mine. This made me so happy!

[@sarahmwalsh]

Ooommmmmgggg that purple velvet trim is giving me life!!!!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@mizwoody1]

I want to thank you for showing the changes to outfits, which made me changing my victorian costume I am working on so much easier

[@brittanyk3923]

That is maybe... the best dress I've ever seen? The fabric is gorgeous, that color is perfection, the velvet trim is so complementary, the day to night bodices, it's just absolutely brilliant. I think when I'm sad I'll come back to this video to just look at that close up footage.

[@rytazmuro767]

I used to sew...but nothing as complex....I so enjoy the "analysis" of the historic costumes. My mother sewed most of my clothes and I wore a lot of secondhand clothes gleaned,in those days, from church bazaars. Your expertise is a delight and your EXCITEMENT is infectious. Such a delight to follow you. Thank you!

[@kaikaichile]

Honestly, watching you enjoy this is such a joy in itself!!

[@Twilightwitchery]

Omg it’s so pretty! That color.. the sleeves! Eeeeee!

[@sarahperkins2340]

I can't believe how beautiful the color has kept up. I'm in love with it.

[@MirandaMilner]

The colour is HEAVENLY

[@tomazgolub2580]

So now we know where those early 2000s day-to-night dresses and looks came from... fun 😊😊😊