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she weaves by night and day; A magic web with colors gay. She has heard a whisper say, A curse is on her if she stay To look down to Camelot. She knows not what the curse may be, And so she weaveth steadily, And little other care hath she, The Lady of Shalott… -Alfred, Lord Tennyson, The Lady of Shallott |
The haunting words of this poem always stir fond memories of Anne of Green Gables. During a relaxing afternoon watching this classic film (yes, the book is better), my sisters and I found ourselves enchanted by the soft, feminine clothing, quaint country scenes, and eloquent speech. We could picture ourselves strolling through town wearing the long walking skirts trimmed with delicate lace and feminine collars-outfits any young lady would take pleasure in wearing, though some may hesitate to admit it. Just like many young people today, Anne wanted to "fit-in" with those around her, no matter how bizarre or impractical the style. Her heart's desire was to wear a dress with ridiculously enormous puffed sleeves. Marilla, pointed out, "With sleeves so puffy, you would have to turn side-ways to walk through the door!" |
| Although she favored the newer clothing designs, Anne also dreamed of fashions from days gone by. She fantasized of dressing, living, and, interacting with those around her as though she were in Camelot. In addition to reciting beautiful poetry and beguiling others into her dramatic role playing, she was simply intrigued by the feminine, flowing, and elegant tastes of dressmakers from the past. How I could relate to Anne! |
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Like Anne, many of the ladies who visit this site are enchanted by the lifestyle and fashions from times past. Besides the interesting customs, formal manners, and beautiful dresses of Anne's day, there seemed to be a higher level of respect for women. A gentleman knew how to respect a lady simply because she was a woman, not because he decided she deserved it. The craftsmanship was also superior. The styles were so much more detailed,intricately sewn, and beautifully constructed-unlike the easily faded fabrics, plastic buttons, and sloppily sewn outfits that are typically sold off-the-rack today. Men and women took pride in a job well done, resulting in exquisite garments of worth and beauty. There was also a wonderful difference in men's and women's fashions that made it truly special to be a lady. In the past century, women's clothing styles have gone from distinctively feminine to androgynous and often outright ugly. Not all of today's fashions are appalling, of course. There are some wonderful new companies that are diligently attempting to promote beautiful and feminine clothing. This is a breath of fresh air. My sisters and I enjoy watching movies set in days of long ago . We love to drool (not literally, that would be so un-ladylike!) over the gowns the characters wear, and we enjoy discussing ways to copy the patterns and modify them to make them work for us. It is time for a return to maidenhood. We can then portray to a watching world a life of beauty, honor, and dignity, echoing the lovely behavior of our favorite heroines on the written page and on the screen! |
| About the Author Tiffany McDonald is the daughter of James and Stacy McDonald of Homeschooling Today® magazine, and the second oldest daughter in a family of nine children. Tiffany is slowly learning to be content in all things as she prepares for her future as a keeper at home. She loves readings, writing, cooking, and experimenting in the kitchen with her Crème Brule torch! She loves beautiful dresses from days gone by and has a passion for poetry and Reformation history. |
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"I have had many people comment that I look, and remind them of Anne [Shirley]... maybe it is the red hair?" Tiffany quips. "One of my friends and I were at a conference together. I had my hair up; hers was hers down (she has really dark hair). We were stopped by countless people, who all told us we reminded them of Anne and Diana." |
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Paintings:
The Lady of Shallott by John William Waterhouse, courtesty
of The Art Renewal Center
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