A Shop-able 21st & 18th & Hat Week
Did someone say shop?
12 April 2023, San Diego, California, USA
Have you ever wanted to know every single baby detail there is to know about a topic?
For example, what women in 1817 applied their makeup with? Or how medieval people ate their meals, did they use utensils? If so, do those utensils resemble those we use in 2023? When did table settings evolve and expand to include several utensils? Why do oyster forks exist and who invented them?
This is me. Nearly every minute of every day.
I have a distinct memory of being in my 8th grade History class and learning about Marie Antoinette. I was hooked and reading ahead as my teacher, Mrs. Dixon, continued popcorn-ing around the classroom. I could not look away, could not unfocus on MA, I had to know everything there was to know about this French queen who was so incredibly doomed yet also fabulous.Â
In my twenty-ninth year not much has changed.
I still adore learning and reading about Marie Antoinette (has anyone been watching the newest series on the Austrian Archduchess turned lil Dauphine?1) and I am obsessed with amassing as much information/insight/fact as possible about a variety of topics. Recently I have been drawn to the decorative arts2 and as we have been researching Vintage Finds for 21st & 18th it has become apparent that there are not many places one can turn to in search of vintage, antique or high quality decorative art finds that will not break the bank yet are worth collecting.
My options range from getting lucky at that one consignment shop to 1stDibs to Christie’s online lots, and I am not having it. Let us not eat cake, but do something about the shop-ability of Vintage Finds.
Â
As I journey this journey that is building community around history, art and fashion at 21st & 18th it has become all too apparent that you are voting for Vintage Finds, specifically those finds in the decorative arts category.
With that, we are adding a new layer to this community. We will continue with our concept-ed weeks, ie. Glove Week and Two Weeks of Tea, and each week will be bookended by VF minis. In addition to these written segments, 21st & 18th will also offer a Slack community for our Patrons3 where we will curate: 21st & 18th Vintage Finds, a totally shop-able world for you to escape into and explore. Please note, only Patrons will have access to 21st & 18th Vintage Finds.
This is thrilling. To step into this world with me, I hope you will consider becoming a patron ($5 per month or $51 per year) and joining our budding history community offline (yet online) for deeper discussion and, a favored past time of both me and my girl MA, shopping.Â
In addition to the maturation of 21st & 18th, I am very pleased to announce Hat Week will kick off this Friday, April 14.
Per usual, if you are a subscriber (free or otherwise) to 21st & 18th, expect four chapters direct to your inbox on all thing headwear:
I. WIOW: Hats
II. Vintage Finds
III. Antiquated Traditions We Must Resuscitate
IV. Meet the Expert
With spring in full swing, my penchant for accessories and addiction to horse racing (hello, dresscode), this week is bound to be a gas. Speak soon.
Cheers,
Lo. Lynch
p.s. I’ve been inspired by Highclere Castle’s4 Lady Carnarvon and her most recent podcast episode and am re-reading all of Jane Austen’s works in chronological order. Currently on S&S, Marianne is so annoying!
If a little dramatized and with too much focus on Madame du Barry, it is very good. Stream now on PBS Masterpiece Classic. Keen? Start by reviewing the costuming in this WWD article
Objects or crafts that are both beautiful and functional, ie. Louis XIV furniture hint hint for future Week
Paid subscribers
The real Downton Abbey and the 8th Countess of Carnarvon (She is fab)