Fashion Date: Circa 1887-1889

Costume Description: Libbie's costume is a very ornate one. This was probably her best dress. This child's shortened sleeve length is very similar to that of child #8. Libbie's sleeve cap has small swagged puffs that were fashionable only during these three specified years. This was a very short-lived fashion. Her bodice/jacket is short and ends about an inch or two beneath the waistline. The frontal sides of the bodice do not meet at center front. This area is joined with a looped ribbon and accented with a large bow. She has a pie crust (ruffled lace) collar. This same lace treatment is also seen on the sleeve cuffs. Her over-skirt is called a tablier (apron-like) and comes to a dramatic point at the lower edge of her skirt. The tablier was very fashionable from 1883-1888. The drapery of this tablier is probably attached to the upper center seam of the skirt's back. Her skirt has classic knife pleats app. 3 - 4" wide. Her hemline is three-quarter length (midway between the knee and ankle) which is a typical length for a child of this age during this period.

Hairstyle Description:Libbie's thick hair is about hip length and appears to have some natural wave to it. The front side of her hair is pulled back beneath the crown of her head and secured by a medium size bow. She has short curly bangs. Her hairstyle is very similar to the styles teenage girls wore in the early 1990s.

Name of Sitter: Aunt Libbie (written on the photo's backside in ink)

Type of Photo: Cabinet Card, Size of image, 4.5" W X 6.5" H

Studio: Veeder Portraits

Studio Location: 32 North Pearl St., Albany, New York

Date: None provided

Other information: None provided

If you would like a photo analyzed and dated, please go to our Fashion Foto-date website.

Disclaimer:The photos located on this website, "A Brush with History: Vintage Hairstyles," are property of The Costume Gallery collection. They may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Penny E. Ladnier, owner of The Costume Gallery. The circa dates given for the photos are an educated guess, from analyzing the fashions worn in the photo. When an actual date is provided on the photo, that date will be included in the identification marks section. The location stated by the studio may be a clue as to where this photo was taken. Please take it as a clue. Many photographers traveled to locations and took photographs… meaning that the photo may not have been taken in the same city or town as the address of the studio.

© A Brush with History: Vintage Hairstyles, 2001, 2002.
© The Costume Gallery, 1997 - 2002.