Birth of the New Year - 1889

This Is Horrible! - Relief At Last!

"While I am unalterably opposed to corset wearing, I do not hesitate to say that the women who wear them will do well to substitute the Q.D. Clasp for those now in use." - Annie Jenness Miller, Dress Reformer.

If you'd like to more about the Dress Reformers click here. 

I learned that the movement started with corsets and underwear because it "could be modified without exposing the wearer to social ridicule". And did you know that "In the 19th century, poor women were known to wear corsets "boned" with rope, rather than steel or bone, to facilitate work in the field."

An Evening Hood - Demorest's Monthly Magazine - 1889

Evening Hood

"A Long shawl or scarf of orange-colored China crape, three and one-half yards long and twenty-four inches wide is used to make this graceful and becoming hood for evening wear. A bonnet frame of lace net, with a close brim (preferably in Marie Stuart shape), forms the foundation on which the scarf is arranged as in the illustration, one yard at each end being allowed for the strings, and a curtain about ten inches deep left at the back. The brim is covered with black velvet laid in folds, and a bow of black velvet with a white aigrette placed in front. The ends are tied with bows of black velvet ribbon. Any soft material can easily be arranged in this way, black or white lace and cashmere in delicate tints being quite appropriate and very becoming. We do not furnish a pattern of this hood."

Directoire Coat - Demorest's Monthly Magazine - 1889

"This stylish model can be utilized for either an independent garment to use for street wear only, or for a polonaise to complete a costume of heavy or medium weight material. It can be combined with a plain or plaited skirt, which may be of the same or contrasting material, and the waistcoat, or vest, can match either the skirt or coat. The illustration represents a costume of heavy, old-red serge, with the skirt, and the revers on the back, of serge of the same color having broad stripes of yellow silk embroidery, and the vest, collar and cuffs of black velvet. The hat is of red velvet, with a bow of yellow velvet on the crown, and a boa of silver-fox fur encircling the crown, crossed in the back, and then brought around the neck. The muff is of the same fur, ornamented with a bow of red and yellow velvet."