Bead Coiffure - 1865

This beautiful woman was in the 1865 Lady's Friend Magazine. She is showing her "Bead Coiffure". Imagine the elaborate work, not only with the beads, but weaving them into her hair. Lovely.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Hats, Capes, Hair

More fabulous engravings from Ladies Friend Magazine, 1864-65. This has hats and caps that "any lady with the least degree of expert in the way of millinery" can make. The capes look more involved with tassels and lace over ribbons. The Talma cape referred to the shape and length. The Watteau Coiffure emphasis is on the back view, just like a Watteau Panel hangs from the back shoulders on a dress.
All worth a close look and some serious consideration of how much time and money went into these.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Waists

I think these waists would have been worn with the spectacular jackets or at home alone. But I'd love to learn more.
In any case these are probably fancier and more detailed than anything you or I own today. True haute couture!

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Back Views

More Civil War era fashions from The Ladies Friend magazine. These back views were often fancier than the front!

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Children's Clothes

These engravings from The Ladies Friend Magazine show what kids were wearing during the Civil War. They looked just like the adults. And just as much effort would have gone into making these as for the adults. But they had to withstand the wear and tear of active children. But I'm sure things were passed on and re-made.
And you get a little poetry as a bonus.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine Part 3

This group from the Ladies Friend Magazine features a beautiful lace jacket, hairdos and musical accompaniment.
The songs are Pa Has Struck Ile by C. Archer and The Linden-Hall Polka arranged by Charles Grobe.

I am always asking you to look at the details, but oh, my goodness. Can you BELIEVE those hairstyles? The effort it would have taken produce and wear these works of art...amazing.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine Part 2

More of these lovely engravings from 1894 Ladies Friend Magazine. These feature bonnets, capes, braided and embroidered trims, and a House-Jacket that looks pretty fancy for something worn at home.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine

I have a group of loose sheets from the Ladies Friend Magazine. There are beautiful engravings of then current fashions with trims, hats, embroidery and even hair styles. There are also a few sheets showing music and those have dates of 1864-5. So these are what was being worn during the Civil War.
I am always amazed at the detail and effort what went into clothing. Just consider the trimmings alone, and the large amounts that would be needed. Even of a simple line of crochet had to trim a huge skirt. And so much done by hand. Including everything being washed by hand. Hard to believe.

I have quite a few of these pages so I'll post them over several days. I hope any readers with more knowledge about clothing from this era teach us more.
Take a moment to see all the details. Right click on the image and choose "Open in New Window". Then, to see even closer click once more. (Close that window to return)

For more information about Mantles check here and a Paletot here.

Simplicity Fashion Preview - 1956 -"Santa Express arrives with gifts for everyone"

These were cool gifts then ...and now. Aprons, stuffed toys, slippers, pajamas, hat, clothes...these will all be favorites today too!