Oh, those feathers! This young lady was photographed standing behind a “fence.” We can’t see much of her outfit, but her smart circa-1880s or 1890s cape is trimmed with what looks like jet beads, and her feathered hat is typical of the late 1880s through late 1890s.

This photo is dated “Summer, 1886.” This young woman looks demure in her beautiful white dress and broad-brimmed hat. She holds a small nosegay in her right hand. I love all the elaborate lace insertion and trimming!

Here is a rare look at a group of house servants, circa 1880-90. Each gal is holding something to do with her occupation. On the far left is a cleaning maid with her broom and dustpan. Next is a young girl holding what looks like a cup and saucer. In the center is a lovely [...]

This lovely young lady is wearing a style so typical of the late 1880s. The form-fitting basque bodice is accented by jet buttons and a pretty appliqued trim. The high collar is fastened with a brooch. Note the ruffled trim at the back of the skirt. This is right after the bustle went out of [...]

Cute hat! This is so typical of the 1870s. See how it perches on the head? And what about that trimming? Cute!

This young lady is wearing an 1870s dress with a bustle at the back. This was a transition period from the early 1870s fashions with trains to the “upholstered” fashions of the 1880s with their huge bustles and furbelows.

Time for some hairdo pictures! The lady on the far left was likely photographed in the late 1860s. Her hair is not quite as high as the styles of the 1870s, but she has the frizzled little “bangs” and the waved sides typical of the late 1860s. Note her fancy neck ribbon. The young lady [...]

Here are two mid-to-late-1870s ladies posing with their CDV album. Note the braided coronets of hair on top of their heads–very 1870s. And the princess-lined styling of their dresses is lovely.

This also looks like an early 1870s picture. You can easily see the train at the back of the skirt, and the woman’s hairstyle is puffed a bit higher rather than combed down flat across the crown. Note the lovely dark lace shawl!

I am not certain of the date of this photograph. The fact that the young woman has bangs makes me think it is late 1860s or early 1870s, but the neckline of her ballgown is purely 1860s. Note her ornate cross necklace and earrings. I love these hand-tinted photographs.