British Lady’s Magazine, October 1817.
“Walking Dress.”
This short-lived magazine sometimes copied prints from other magazines, but this one appears to be an original design.
It would be nice to see the back of this ensemble, as the mushroom-colored band crossing the bosom and tied in bows at the shoulders is called a cape in the description. But then it also says that it is tied behind in a large bow, so it is difficult to imagine what it actually looks like.
I do love the hat!
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“WALKING DRESS of jaconet muslin, with a handsome border of filigree work round the bottom, a flounce of thin muslin and edging above and below the border; the sleeves not very large, finished to correspond; wrap fronts; with a very wide French back, and the waist to point upward in the centre. Scotch hat of emerald green velvet, high in the crown, with a large button of mushroom-coloured satin at the top; plain head-piece of green velvet, with three small pipings of satin round it, and a full plume of green and mushroom feathers drooping on the left side. A spencer of the same colours, plain in the back and fronts, with a cape of mushroom satin from the shoulder, crossing in the centre of the bosom, continuing round the waist, and tying behind with a large Scottish bow to the sleeves, not very full, gathered into a cuff that fits the arm tight, and laces up the centre; a full ruff of pointed lace rather off the neck. Shoes and gloves to correspond, parasol of rose colour.”
