JACKETS & BELTS
ZOUAVE JACKETS
The Zouave Jacket was an extremely popular fashion during the American Civil War. No garment, with the possible exception of the Garibaldi shirt was featured in the Ladies Magazines as frequently as the Zouave Jacket.
Like the Garibaldi shirt, the Zouave Jacket is another example of the militaries influence on the fashion world. The French Zouave Troops with there flamboyant uniforms made for "great copy" during the Crimean war of 1854/56 and the press seldom missed a chance to display a lithograph of them along with there latest exploits. And of course anyone with such a dashing uniform must be worthy of emulation, right?
But it is the Zouave Jackets versatility, as it is a welcome accompaniment to almost any ensemble, along with it's functionality and not least of all its beauty that made this jacket such an enduring fashion that was literally in style for years.
The Zouave Jacket that Erica is wearing in the photo to your right is made of a light weight, black 100% cotton. It has demi-pagoda style sleeves. (Traditional Zouave Style coat sleeves available upon request). Perfect for spring, summer or fall. It is completely lined and is
fastens at the top by means of a pin or cameo. Not Included.
Or, if you prefer, we can put a button and button hole or a hook and eye at the top.
A nice color coordinated "frog" could also be used. There would be a small charge for that.
One of the best features of this jacket is that it is reversible. You can actually trim one side and leave the other plain. Just think of the possibilities.
You are viewing this garment in it's simplest form as the price below reflects, but the variations are endless!
The photo to your left is of the same jacket, just reversed.
Would you like yours trimmed in the traditional Zouave style?
If you prefer, we can make this jacket from wool for winter wear.
The Zouave Jacket as seen above is available "off the rack" in Black & Brown.
If you would like another color, print or woven pattern please make your selection from our color chart. You will have to make two choices as it is reversable. If you do not make a color choice then we will automatically send you a black and brown jacket. If you do choose from the color chart the jacket will be a custom order so choose your size carefully as there is no return or exchange on custom orders. It is best to fill out the measurement chart completely or come by for a fitting.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below.
Zouave Jacket Item #LA 140 $69.95 and Up.
Size 6 #LA140 $69.95 Buy Now
Size 12 #LA140 $79.95 Buy Now
Size 18 #LA140 $89.95 Buy Now
Size 8 #LA140 $69.95 Buy Now
Size 14 #LA140 $79.95 Buy Now
Size 20 #LA140 $89.95 Buy Now
Size 10 #LA140 $69.95 Buy Now
Size 16 #LA140 $79.95 Buy Now
Size 22 #LA140 $89.95 Buy Now
The same Zouave Jacket can be made for you with a wool outer (your choice of available colors)
for only $20.00
MEDICI BELTS
What a great accessory, Belts are just the best aren't they. You could have a wardrobe full and still not have enough!
I must admit to not knowing the origin of the belts name, "Medici". Perhaps from the from the patriarchal family of Florence Italy, who funded so many of the artisans of the renaissance period. The belts were very popular during the same period as another Italian fashion that swept this country, The Garibaldi shirt.
Our Medici belts are made from 100% cotton fabric. They are sewn one at a time by machine.
Boning is applied where needed to help it holds it's shape.
They button in the back and we of course use our Goodyear Patent Hard Rubber Buttons. If you wish we will be happy to use hook and eyes in their stead.
There is about 2 to 3 inches of adjustment in the belt.
Belts and waist were very popular as you can see by the short exert from
Petterson's March 1862, page 270.
"The Russian, Swiss and Medici waist bands are worn more than ever. Some are plain. Some stitched in colored silk, others embroided with silk, braid and etc."
Our Medici Belts are ready to wear, on the rack, in the following colors
BLACK Choose Now
BROWN Choose Now
Other colors are available by request.
If you would like another color make your selection from the color chart, if you do it will be considered a custom order and there is no return or exchanges on custom orders.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below
MEDICI BELTS Item # 730 $34.95
24 inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
30 Inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
36 Inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
26 inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
32 Inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
38 Inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
28 inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
34 Inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
40 Inch #730 $34.95 Buy Now
Larger sizes available by request.
LONG MEDICI BELTS WITH BOWS
Firstly I must admit that I have absolutely none, nada, zilch, no information what so ever of the existence of a medici belt made as we have here. All I can offer you is a little food for thought. In an era where there was no higher calling, in the ruling societies eyes that is, than for each and every women to be a good wife. And from that doctrine, chapter one, page 3, sub-paragraph 8: one of the most important duties of said "Good Wife" is that she can keep and maintain a good and economical home.
Sewing being (arguably) the most important aspect of an economically run home. Regardless of social standing almost every little girl from the time she is old enough to wield a needle is encouraged to excel at the domestic arts.
Being able to sew, if not well at least adequately was a necessity, not a hobby. Not to mention the peer pressure. From the youngest age your SAMPLER was hung in a place of prominence for all the fathers and mothers of future suitors to see. Sort of a soon to be bride's resume.
"Geez, rent a billboard Mom why don't cha?".
Now the question I pose to you is - why not?
I like medici belts, I like bows. Is the Medici family collecting royalties for each belt sewn?
I don't have to ask anyone’s permission do I? No I don't think I do and neither did they.
When 3 out of 4 households had at least one member of the family who was a qualified seamstress what makes us think they did no designs of there own? That they blindly followed the fashions handed down from The Princess Eugenia and the French courtesans without question.
Now someone help me down off my soap box before I hurt myself, where were we?
Oh yes, This beautiful medici style belt has an extra long tail so it can be tied in the largest bow you like with lots left over for a train.
The front of this belt looks exactly as the one Erica is wearing in top photo.
Made of 100 percent cotton, machine sewn one at a time with boning sewn in where needed to help it keep its shape.
Our Medici Belts are ready to wear, right off the rack, in the following colors
BLACK Choose Now
BROWN Choose Now
Other colors are available by request.
If you would like another color make your selection from the color chart, if you do it will be considered a custom order and there is no return or exchanges on custom orders.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
LONG MEDICI BELT Item # 730A $44.95
Buy Now
CLOTH BELTS WITH ROSETTES
What can I say about belts and waist that you don't already know?
My favorite place to find new varieties of belts is in the old CDV's.
I have 6 original period CDV's in my collection of ladies wearing this belt.
And they tucked everything into them didn't they. Not to mention the variety
of goods they would hang off of there belts, I'm waiting to find a
CDV with a image of a young lady with her beau tucked into her belt.
I think I've seen just about everything else.
A matching belt is a great and inexpensive way to add a little style
to any old outfit. Or a contrasting belt with a few other little goodys
that do match. The possiblitys are endless.
Our Cloth Belts with Rosettes fasten in the front by hook and eyes.
There is about 2 to 3 inches of adjustment but you will have to move or add
more hooks to do so. So give us a good measurement of your waist when ordering one.
Take a look at belt in the photo right, it's from Godey's Ladys Book, Nov. 1860.
Choose the Color Belt you would like from the Color chart
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below
CLOTH BELTS WITH ROSETTE Item # LA141 $34.95
24 inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
30 Inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
36 Inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
26 inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
32 Inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
38 Inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
28 inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
34 Inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
40 Inch #LA141 $34.95 Buy Now
Larger sizes available by request.
CLOTH COVERED BUTTONS
We are now offering cloth covered buttons in two sizes. Small, which measures 1/2 of an inch and Large which measures 3/4s of an inch. Now naturally there is no way we can list all of the different fabrics available to cover these buttons so you will have to call but that's a small price to pay.
You can even send your own material in and we will cover the buttons to match an existing garment for you. Dresses, coats, vest - you name it. What a simple yet effective way to "dress up" a garment.
CLOTH COVERED BUTTONS SMALL
ITEM # 2511 $1.25
BUY NOW!
CLOTH COVERED BUTTONS LARGE
ITEM # 2512 $1.50
BUY NOW!
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