back to humanity

[jennylafleur]

I feeling much better - yay! Not 100% but definitely human again, which after the beginning of this week is saying something. I actually got some sleep last night, some office work done today, remembered all the things I should have done on Monday & Tuesday *grinds teeth*, attempted to catch up on my backlog of e-mail and researched Poe accessories a bit. I'm quite proud of myself.

My reward for the day's accomplishments and this miserable week is to take tea with friends tomorrow (in costume no less!). I suspect I will strain my voice and it will wipe me out for the rest of the weekend but I'm doing it anyway. I feel like if I waited until I felt "well" I wouldn't see anyone ever again. Besides I have GOT to get out of this house or go mad!

My Poe Research consisted of trying to figure out what to do with the neckline of my dress. I like it as is but it's a little low for a Victorian day dress so I was thinking a chemisette or neckerchief or something. Although in looking through fashion plates at the University of Washington and the NY Public Library I noticed that earlier in the 40s a lower neckline during the day seemed acceptable. At least I assume so, they are wearing bonnets... perhaps it's just wishful thinking...

http://digital.nypl.org/mmpco/searchresultsK.cfm?&trg=2&image_id=802222&title=Latest%20fashions%2C%20August%2C%201841%2C%20for%20Graham%27s%20magazine%2E&strucID=571943&dstart=1&keyword=fashion%201841&NUM=0

Comments

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

Glad you are feeling better and I definitely think you deserve a reward of tea! :)
Based on what I've seen I think your neckline should be fine (of course Im no expert). Especially, if you have a shawl or something warm.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes I have a few shawls to choose from and Mom's short wool cape to barrow... I should be okay.

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

They did like to see a bit o' shoulder, even during the day so you're probably fine.

But if you want something in the neckline you could do a little tucker of lace (a la Hunnisett) just inside the neck edge, that's easy and fast...and what I ended up doing ;-)

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was thinking a tucker might make it look a bit more finished... Thanks!

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting that pic btw, I hadn't seen that resource before and found something I really love and may have to make given my love of stripes. The one on the far right of course:
http://digital.nypl.org/mmpco/browseSresults.cfm?&trg=2&image_id=802241&title=%5BWomen%20Strolling%20Outdoors%2C%20United%20States%2C%201842%2E%5D&strucID=570914&dstart=1&subject=68129&pstrucid=570443

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

You are welcome. :> Very pretty indeed! I wanted to do something like that on my dress (to take advantage of the stripes) but I don't think I'll have enough fabric. We'll see. :>