The Connaught Journal – 10th January, 1825
Head Dress
Bonnet of royal purple terry velvet or velour epingle; the brim broad and flat ,with a corded satin edge; the crown high, and rounded at the top, and partially covered with a (?) of velvet, bound in satin nearly half an inch in breadth, and ornamented with a small twisted silk cord of the same colour; the trimmings in front are large, and finished with a small twisted silk cord of the same colour; the trimmings in front are large, and finished in the same manner; the centre one is long and narrow, and finished in the same manner and placed perpendicularly, concealing the termination of those on each side; bows of pearl-edge satin ribbon are disposed about the crown; long stripes of the same inside the brim.
Black velvet dress hat, bound with gold lace from a small bow in front, the brim forms double and small white marabouts [*] are introduced between – it is closed behind in a similar manner; broad gold band around the crown, and at the top four curved ornaments, bound also with gold lace; marabouts in front and on the right side.
Tartarian turban, formed of a richly shaded stripe silk kerchief.
Cap of pink and white crepe lisse, with double borders, and broad strings of the same; the crown is high; the back part of white crepe lisse, full, and arranged by five flat pink satin bands, placed perpendicularly, and inserted in the pink satin band at the bottom of the caul; the front is formed by bouffants of alternate pink and white and crepe lisse, interspersed with pink satin ornaments of a papillonascous shape, with a profusion of winter cherries or alkekengi, and rosebuds above.
Evening Dress
Pinin colour velvet dress; the corsage plain, across the burst, and drawn to shape with a little fullness at the waist; high in front, and falling rather low on the shoulders, and finished with gold embroidered lace round the top; the sleeves are short, with epaulettes formed of heart-shaped leaves, trimmed with blond; attached are long full sleeves of white gauze, regulated in front by ribbon velvet passing from under the area to the lower part of the sleeve, which is confined by three velvet bands round the arm, each fastened by a bow and gold clasp; blonde ruffle at the wrist. At the bottom of the skirt is a broad band of satin of the same colour, with small silk cord laid across, forming squares; gold embroidered ceinture, fastened in front with an antique gem.- African turban of lilac barege, richly embroidered in gold, with a band of gold round the head, and supporting the feids over the right ear. The hair parted from the forehead, and three or four large curls on each side. Necklace of medallions in enamel, united by triple chains of gold ear-rings to correspond. English Thibel square shawl with embroidered corners. Short white kid gloves.- White satin shoes.
- [marabout n : large African black-and-white carrion-eating stork; downy under-wing feathers are used to trim garments]
The Burren and Beyond 