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The mirror of the graces; or, the English lady's costume: combining and harmonizing taste and judgment, elegance and grace, modesty, simplicity and economy, with fashion in dress; and adapting the various articles of female embellishments to different ages, forms, and complexions; to the seasons of the year, rank, and situation in life: with useful advice on female accomplishments, politeness, and manners; the cultivation of the mind and the disposition and carriage of the body: offering also the most efficacious means of preserving beauty, health, and loveliness. The whole according with the general principles of nature and rules of propriety
(1811)
On the peculiarities of dress, with reference to the station of the wearer, pp. 85-105
Page 88
88 MIRROR OF ThE GRACUF. up in the praise-worthy habits of domestic duties; had they learned how to manage a house, how to economize and produce comfort at the least expence at their father's frugal yet hospitable table; we should not hear of danc- ing-masters and music-masters, of French and Italian masters; they would have no time for them. We should not see gaudy robes and glittering trinkets dangling on the counter, or shining at a Sunday ordinary; they would not know where to shew them :-we should not be told of seductions, or ruins; the appearance of these young women would not attract the flatterer; and their simple hearts know not the desires of luxury and vanity. After having drawn this agreeable picture of her who has well-chosen, I will leave this modern daughter of industry to her discreet and virtuous simplicity; and once more turn to her whose fortune and station render greater change and expence in apparel not only admissible but commendable. A woman with adequate means, when she fills an exten-
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