Late 1890s bright purple taffeta bodice and skirt.  Both bodice and skirt are heavy silk taffeta, and lined with ecru silk taffeta.  Bodice is decorated with a high collared assymetrical ecru taffeta front, with scallops, beads, pearls, and soutache embellisishments.  Bodice has hook and eyes up the front, hidden by the assymetrical scallops.  A small purple and ecru taffeta rosette adorns the waist band.  Bodice is lined and has several stays sewn into it for structure.  The cuffs of sleeves have ecru taffeta ruffles under purple silk cuffs.  The high collar has hook and eyes at the nape of the neck, and is decorated with a large chiffon bow.  The skirt is unadorned minus the purple ruffle at the hemline.  A small line of velvet runs on the underside to help stabilize the hem for wear.