Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, April 1817.
“Walking Dress”
In this print, the lady’s bonnet is removed and held in her hand. Generally when a bonnet is shown removed, the print’s description includes something about the hairstyle. In this case, though the hairstyle is quite pretty, it is not mentioned at all, and the bonnet in her hand is given a full description.
Though I suspect the standing collar would have been uncomfortable, it looks lovely. Plus, I adore the frogs on the spencer.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“Muslin high dress, made walking length; the skirt trimmed with a deep double flounce of muslin, pointed round the edge, and worked in a light running pattern: the heading corresponds. Over this dress is a spencer of blush-coloured figured sasnet, made very short in the waist. For the form in the front, which is tastefully ornamented with frogs, we refer our readers to our print. A small standing collar supports a double frill of lace round the throat. Plain long sleeves, finished at the wrist by frogs. Bonnet à la Flore, composed of satin, to correspond with the spencer. The form of this bonnet is new and extremely pretty; the crown is oval, rather low, plain at the top, and full in the middle. The front, which is very deep, is edged with an intermixture of blond and white silk cord. It is finished by pink strings, and a bunch of exotics in front. White kid gloves. Blush-colour kid slippers.”
