DAY & WALKING DRESSES
DAY DRESSES
This dress, in it's basic form, though still very inexpensive can be used in many more settings than the camp dress.
It is still very functional for a stroll through camp and is also suitable for work, albeit more genteel work.
Such as supervising the daily household, mercantile, young ladies at there studies, etc.
It is just as appropriate for receiving unexpected visitors or calling on friends.
The "skirt of the dress is full but not so much as to be cumbersome should you have duties that would require some physical exertion.
Our Day Dresses are available in a variety of colors, prints and period correct woven designs.
All are made of 100% cotton.
In the photo right Connie has added a white cotton sewn collar to this outfit, any other style, crochet, lace, etc. would be just as becoming. Although the sleeves are narrow at the wrist on this style bodice there is still room enough to add under sleeves should you desire. Under sleeves and collars of matching colors are very fashionable with the Day Dress.
Our Day Wear Skirt is 13.5 ft. in circumference. It will accept any period correct hoop.
We offer our Dress for Day Wear in 3 different types.
DAY DRESS TYPE III
Our Day Wear Dress Type III is gauged (gathered) at the waist.
The corsage (body) is the often seen V style and buttons down the front using our re-production 1851 Goodyear's patent hard rubber buttons, (Available only at Blockade Runner).
It has the 2 piece coat style sleeves and the rounded (jewel) neck line.
It is hemmed to length.
It is completely machine sewn.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
DAY DRESS TYPE III, $139 & UP.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $139.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $159.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $139.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $159.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $139.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $159.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Here is an example of our size chart for dresses.
A size 6 would have a 32 inch bust and a 26 inch waist.
A size 8 would have a 34 inch bust and a 27 inch waist.
A size 10 would have a 36 inch bust and a 28 inch waist.
A size 12 would have a 38 inch bust and a 30 inch waist.
A size 14 would have a 40 inch bust and a 32 inch waist.
A size 16 would have a 42 inch bust and a 34 inch waist.
A size 18 would have a 44 inch bust and a 36 inch waist.
A size 20 would have a 46 inch bust and a 38 inch waist.
A size 22 would have a 48 inch bust and a 40 inch waist.
A size 24 would have a 50 inch bust and a 42 inch waist.
DAY DRESS TYPE II
If you would like a dress with a little "extra" then you may prefer our
Dress for Day Wear Type II.
It has all the features mentioned above but also includes;
The skirt is pleated at the waist.
The buttons are covered with a matching material.
There is one pocket sewn into the skirt. The pocket is not visible to the casual observer.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
DAY DRESS TYPE II, $159 & UP.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $159.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $159.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $159.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
DAY DRESS TYPE I
Our very best Dress for day wear is the Type I.
It has all the above mentioned features plus;
A detailed measurement session is included in the price, an appointment is recommended.
The corsage (bodice) is lined with muslin.
All the button holes are hand sewn.
The inside bottom 1 ft. of the skirt is lined with cotton muslin and taped with period correct cotton tape.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
DAY DRESS TYPE I, $179 & UP.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $219.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $219.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $179.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $219.95 Buy Now
Additional hand stitching, trimmings or tape available on request with all of our dresses.
Hand stitching is $25. per hour.
New Style of Day Dress
Our "NEW STYLE" day dress ( I just love calling something that's 145 years old a new style) is taken from one in the Blockade Runner collection. The original bodice of this 2 piece ensemble is featured on the right hand side of the comparison photograph below. The same style, or at least a very similar style with adornment along the bosom, is featured in several different issues of Godey's Magazine. Start looking in the mid 1850's and thumb through until Dec. of 1863 to see just how many times this dress or a slight variation there of, has been listed. Do not look in the color fashion plates. Rather, look among the litho.s of the dresses that were actually available for purchase at Mr. G. Brodie's. His "little shop" was located at #51 Canal Street, New York, New York. In this instance "New" really is a relative term.
Any way ---- Our original is made of green plaid silk. The arm sycthes are piped with the same.
There is cording in the piping of the original. The body is lined with tan cotton. Not polished.
It is common to find original garments where the boning has been removed over the years. There is no boning in this bodice and never was. There are 2 darts on each side under the bosom that makes this bodice very form fitting.
The sleeves are the two piece coat style with a matching ruffle at the cuff of the sleeve.
Machine sewn except for a small amount of hand stitching on the inside lining. The button holes are machine sewn, Yes the button hole machine was patented in 1860, look it up. The buttons are "Dorset style buttons" Needle work over (in this instance) wood.
Quite a lovely dress. We just couldn't justify not making this one.
We have tried to stay as true to form as possible. The exception of the use of cotton material rather than silk and the use of covered buttons rather than Dorset buttons being the only two.
So, our new style of day dress is available in any of our cotton fabrics, prints or plaids.
The bodice will be lined with a solid neutral color so as not to clash.
The buttons will be covered with the same material as the bodice / dress. Unless you request otherwise. There is a charge for making new or changing buttons.
The skirt is pleated and attached to a 1 and ˝ inch waist band and opens approx. 10 inches for ease of dressing. It fastens closed by used of a covered button.
A belt of a matching solid color cotton along with a brass buckle is also included with this dress at the price quoted.
The brass buckle is for decoration. The belt actually fastens in the rear by means of 2 hook and eyes.
NEW STYLE DAY DRESS
Our very best New Style Dress for day wear.
It has all the above mentioned features, covered buttons, piped arm scythes, lined bodice, matching sleeve ruffles plus;
The skirt has one pocket sewn into the skirt.
A detailed measurement session is included in the price, an appointment is recommended.
The inside bottom 1 ft. of the skirt is lined with cotton muslin and taped with period correct cotton tape.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediately by your size.
Feel free to add any information that you think would be helpful.
You may do so in the info box at the bottom of the order page.
DAY DRESS TYPE I, $219.00 & UP.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $219.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $259.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $299.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $219.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $259.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $299.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $219.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $259.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $299.95 Buy Now
Additional hand stitching, trimmings or tape available on request with all of our dresses.
Hand stitching is $25. per hour.
Walking Dress
My favorite example of this dress may be seen in the March 1862 Petterson's Magazine, page 268. Another good example is in the May 1862 Godey's fashion plate. There is also a similar dress can be seen in the Petterson's July 1862 page 68. As well as a winter walking dress that is quite ornate in the Feb. 1858 Petterson's.
And yet another very lovely walking dress is in the March 1861 Petterson's fashion plate.
What makes a walking dress a "WALKING DRESS"?
Comfort and ease of movement are of the utmost importance, well --- right after how the dress compliments a ladies figure. An absence of trim or at least a lessening of it seems to be one of the most prominent factors.
(Of course there are exceptions.)
Flower / Leaf collecting and drying as well as butterfly collecting were very much in vogue during this period. As were many hobbies that would require tramps through wooded areas, excess trimmings could easily be snagged on branches and the like, ergo, little to no trim.
Now if you were walking through the parks in New York and Philedelphia, as were the clientel of Mr. Brodie, Mr. Stewart and Madame Demorest, then of course you should have all the trimmings required by the latest mode.
Matching hat or bonnet is always a concern and a walking dress should not touch the ground, "all round".
Mrs. Pullan says, " at present it is the fashion for all dresses to clear the ground in front, and for walking dresses to clear it all round." (BEADLES GUIDE TO DRESS MAKING NOV. 1860.)
But of course a ladies personal preference is still the over riding factor, remember, it's your dress!.
But its main purpose is to be a comfortable, yet fashionable dress for walking. Here again your good judgement comes into play. Consider where and when you will be using your Walking Dress, The season is also very important. A Walking Dress is primarily designed for the out of doors.
So of course the material needs to be appropriate for the season,
(See Godey's, Feb.62, page 209).
Light weight material with Sultana style sleeves is hardly appropriate for a stroll in the late fall now is it.
Look to the originals and you will see that even in the same Fashion magazine throughout the year, the same year, the many dresses that are referred to as Walking Dresses, between the same bindings mind you, are as many and varied as the snowflakes in February.
Case in point, look to Goodey's Lady’s Magazine for 1862, at a glance you can find 6 different dresses that are referred to as "Walking Dresses", no two possess the same characteristics.
With this in mind I feel that you are quite free to use a little "artistic license" shall we say?
Our dresses are only limited by your imagination. Design your own using the traits you you find attractive from two or more original dresses or fashion plates. We are only too happy to help you create the dress of your desire.
Our Walking dress is based upon the Dress shown in the March Fashion Plate of Peterson's Magazine of 1862,
(As seen in photo to your right). It is quite becoming and adorns easily, from a simple garment to an elegant fashion that is sure to turn heads where ever you go.
WALKING DRESS TYPE III
All of our Walking Dresses are pleated where they are sewn into the waist.
They come with demi-pagoda style sleeves.
(Under sleeves are not included with the Type III).
This Dress does require a chemisette, (Not Included with the Type III).
All of our Walking Dresses are closed by hook and eyes.
All of our Walking Dresses have a 3 inch ruffle around the bottom of the skirt.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
WALKING DRESS TYPE III, $299 & UP.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $299.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $329.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $299.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $329.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $299.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $329.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
WALKING DRESS TYPE II
If you should desire a dress with a little "more", shall we say?
Our Walking Dress Type II comes with all the features of the Type III plus
The corsage (body) is lined with Muslin or an appropriate color cotton.
Undersleeves of White cotton are included with the Type II.
Chemisette of White cotton is included with the Type II.
There is one pocket sewn into the skirt. The skirt pocket is not visible to the casual observer.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
WALKING DRESS TYPE II, $329.00 & UP.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $329.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $349.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $379.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $329.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $379.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $329.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $379.95 Buy Now
WALKING DRESS TYPE I
Now if you prefer the best, this is the without a doubt one of the finest available in today’s market.
The dress in the photos above are of the Type I.
Our Type I Walking Dress includes all the amenities listed above as well as the following.
A detailed measurement session is included in the price and is strongly recommended.
The inside bottom of the skirt is lined, 6 inches up, with cotton muslin or an appropriate color cotton.
The arm scythes are piped with same material as the body or contrasting.
The lapels are piped with same material as the body or contrasting.
Matching belt with hand sewn rossette is included.
And one fitting during the making of your dress (suggested for a perfect fit, but not absolutly necassary) is included.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
On the Type I you must also choose the color for your trim. Instructions are listed below.
WALKING DRESS TYPE I, $359 & UP.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $379.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $399.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $379.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $399.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $359.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $379.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $399.95 Buy Now
If you have chosen your dress color and your size for the type I, you must now choose the color trim you wish. Click on the button below that says, TRIM COLOR.
Now go to the color chart and choose your color. That's all there is to it!
TRIM COLOR for my Walking Dress TRIM COLOR
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
ADDITIONAL HAND SEWING is $25.00 per hour.
Click here for TRAVELING, TEA & SMITH DRESSES on page 5.
Return to WORK / CAMP DRESSES on Page 3.
Return to LADIES FASHIONS home page
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