Dirty Petticoats - chapter 3

happy Valentine's!

Next to falling in love,
reading a romance is the best thing for this date!

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It's Valentine's and DIRTY PETTICOATS is available everywhere.
The ebook version has tidbits of other novels, the paperback is just fine! 
I enjoyed composing this story very much. It took me a good deal of research - even hotels Austen mentioned! - and a lot more of crazy imagining why Lizzy and Jane's marriage didn't mess with Meryton... It would, right?
Hope you enjoy this good humored tale of gossip and misunderstandings. Here you'll find more details and links. 
So, as promissed, here is the 3rd chapter.

DIRTY PETTICOATS

PG 13 - Regency - P&P continuation

~ chapter 3 ~
previously

Lady Catherine de Bourgh was a woman of determination. A widow for many years, accomplished mother who alone raised a daughter, competent ruler of her kingdom composed of a grand estate and several investments. Had she not been such an extraordinary woman, her life would be reduced to a pawn of her weak brother’s earldom or a puppet for her silly nephews’ exploits in businesses.
Of course she needed a man to – at least officially - be responsible for her dealings, that was why she put up with Darcy and Fitzwilliam’s reluctance in visiting to aid her with estate affairs and crops’ planning. Those were tedious matters, steward’s responsibilities, mundane worries; let them care for those. Men were made for that purpose, anyway. 
While they were distracted, she had time for important dealings, such as the future. The next generation was in severe risk and she was the only one capable of solving the problem. 
Anne, her daughter, neared the completion of her third decade of existence and was still single. And sickly. And childless. If only had been married, she could be a widow by her 30th birthday…
Fitzwilliam, her second oldest nephew, was also single, cavorting his way as much as the army uniform allowed him. Certainly he could be persuaded to accept the right lady, were she found and presented to him.
Darcy, her youngest nephew, married an obstinate headstrong girl who suspiciously didn’t give him an heir after the first anniversary. One might imagine that, from the obvious nature of their attachment, a brood of children would have already been in this world. But, to Lady Catherine’s surprise, not one had been born. Could Darcy be finally seeing reason?
And finally, her young parson was also childless after two years of matrimony. Mrs. Collins was by far more congenial than her husband, Lady Catherine with her tired eyesight saw her own predicament on Charlotte’s for she herself had been so much smarter than her late husband. But if the woman had accepted the man in the sacred bond of marriage, she had to do her duty and bear his heirs. All parishioners expected to see newborns and toddlers roaming the newlyweds’ parsonage, after all!
Oh, so many problems to solve!…
At least, being such a formidable mind for people’s affairs, Lady Catherine had an intricate plan already in motion. As a busy spider, she weaved her silky trends making sure every piece of this jigsaw fell into place perfectly. The winter was just about to start; next spring shall bring many blossoms…
She rang the bell that rested on her desk summoning the butler and stood to look proudly at the many letters spread over the leather top.
‘Yes, milady.’
‘Smith, take care of this morning’s mail in person.’ She pointed a crooked finger at each small pile of letters. ‘These ones shall go by Express, these by coach, these to the Post directly so you may deliver at the village office, and these are for the cook.’
‘Our cook, milady? The woman in charge of the meals?’
‘Of course! Whoever else could I mean?’ Lady Catherine shrieked. ‘Go, these are important matters!’
‘Yes, yes…’ the butler took the piles one by one stuffing them in different pockets, bowed and left.
‘Do not mix them up!’ She yelled after him.
---
Annabel Levork, née Williams, was lazily listening to china clinking and waited until the perfume of fresh tea reached her nose to stir. It was early morning, perhaps not even seven yet. Her lover, the dashing colonel Fitzwilliam had barracks’ habits which were unfortunate when he took his warm body from her side as soon as the first sun rays appeared and fortunate for her situation of unofficial guest at the Albany where he lived.
As a widow she was at some liberty to appreciate the attentions of a handsome bachelor of good breeding, a second son of an earl was an excellent choice. But she lived with her deceased husband’s uncle while her meager inheritance was engaged in business beyond her reach. Although juvenile, she used the excuse of visiting an old friend or cousin to occasionally spend nights in his company.
The Albany was a fashionable address for the society’s finest bachelors, she very well knew that. Even if not respectable, and highly forbidden, gentlemen of fortune and breeding took selected company to their particular apartments using darkened corridors and side doors. The adventure of visiting the famous building incognito was what led Annabel to a night visit one fine day. At Vauxhall gardens’ midsummer celebration, she fell prey of a charming man of fame who induced her to trust him but once inside his set at the Albany, when she realized that not even a servant was there to witness whatever befell her, she panicked. He was insistent, she was frightened, he meant to hug her, she ran away.
The problem was that she knew nothing of the place, the tacit laws of the bachelors' expensive building and as she ran the long covered corridor of rope-walk in plain sight. As much as she asked for help, no one talked to her; she seemed to be invisible! Annabel had met few men that night, but none of them answered when she whispered the urgent plead for sheltering her from the gentleman who had brought her there. Only one offered his hand and only then Annabel realized it rained. 
Drenched, Fitzwilliam returned home for a change before attending social gatherings; frightened, Annabel accepted his offer of hiding in his attic flat. There she stood, at the living room as he undressed and redressed in the bedroom, only a door and a few candles between them. That night, as the weather didn’t light up, they spent several hours conversing and sipping a bottle of Madeira wine he had available. 
That had been months before, since then their relationship grew in fondness and trust to the point of lovers. She was very aware of the precariousness of their liaison, not only because he could be sent to war again at any moment but also because being a second son he needed a profitable marriage and she had but a humble fortune.
Let time deal with their problems, she thought when in his company. Excellent company as he was, she’d better enjoy as they could. 
As soon as she heard the under butler leave, she left the bed, dressed in one of his robes and met the dashing colonel reading his mail near the sofas.
‘Good morning, pretty one, there’s tea.’
‘Morning.’ She smiled coquettish. ‘Good news?’
‘A trip, my cousin needs protection from his lovely wife’s family and I’m his knight.’
‘Isn’t he lucky? Dividing my savior with me.’
He grinned leaning in to kiss her lips. ‘Always at your disposal.’
‘Where will he ship you to?’
‘Meryton in Hertfordshire.’
‘Oh, the marriage resort!’ Annabel smiled. 
‘What?’
‘Such a lovely village, I’ve spent but a day; someone told me it’d be a good place to find a good husband if I were to spend a season there. Many respectable gentlemen have chosen wives in Meryton, it’s said to be a romantic place. But I really wanted to visit the excavations, the unearthed Roman villa and the springs coming from the ancient bath salon. It is a lovely city, two good hotels, even a pump room.’
‘Yes, much improvement in a couple of years. First time I visited the place was to witness my cousin’s wedding. One of his friends from Cambridge shared the coach with me and as he invests in construction and development, he thought he saw a possibility in signs of Roman history in the road entering the village. All it took him was a little digging.’
‘Maybe more than that!’
‘Much development, the estates’ value has increased considerably.’
‘The social events are quite famous in the summer season, this time near winter, surely it must be a lot calmer…’
‘It is a family matter that needs to be addressed.’
‘Ah. Better if there is calm weather.’
‘Yes, quite.’ He perused the other letters, read the Times first lines. ‘What hour is it? Do you need to go?’
‘If you need to give attention to these other letters...’
‘News from my mother and aunt can wait if you are here with me.’
‘Well, I must leave soon to avoid being seen going along the rope-walk...’
‘Let me help you compose yourself, pretty one.’ Fitzwilliam pointed his bedroom. 
She nodded and walked in front of him.
---
Bingleton Court had been established only one-year prior, the owners still learned to deal with every day struggles common to landowners. Charles Bingley, heir of a considerable fortune made in trade, fulfilled a dream of his father’s and sisters in the large estate. 
Two years before, the search of the property had rendered the great profit of finding the most perfect life companion Bingley could have when he leased Netherfield in Hertfordshire. Jane Bingley, née Bennet, was natural of Meryton, the small village close to the estate he considered buying and they fell in love almost immediately.  After a period of maturation when they were kept apart because he was ill advisement, he made the offer, she accepted and their marriage brought influential guests and outstanding results for the city.
After the first year of marriage residing at Netherfield, Bingley finally resolved on acquiring a Northern estate, opting to settle close to his good friend Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife Elizabeth, Jane’s favorite sister- a couple forged alongside his eventful courtship to Jane. Bingleton Court, as the place was renamed under pressure of Bingley’s sisters, was located near the grand Pemberley. 
Up North, finally at home, Bingley and Jane could start their family. It was exactly the confinement of the first child that would keep them from traveling to aid Mrs. Bennet, Jane’s mother, in the time of distress.
The mistress of the house confused doors in her home, it was a great manor that she was still unused to possess. So, it took Jane three tries and two shouts to find her husband. 
He opened his den’s door to find her searching along the corridor, offered his arm and escorted her to the stuffed chair near the fire.
‘Shouldn’t you be in bed? Kitty was supposed to watch over you.’ He complained. 
‘She is napping upstairs; I came here to tell you of Lizzy’s letter.’ Jane sighed, moved a little to the side and took a folded paper from her pocket beside her engorged belly. ‘My sister is much agitated, Charles. Tell Darcy to bring her here, I want to see her and cannot ride the 30 miles to Pemberley. ‘
‘Absolutely not!’ He clapped his hands together.  ‘You need rest, Jane dear, you are a very fragile lady.’
‘I am not, don’t be silly. The problem are the roads you still haven’t ordered reforming.  We need to have it done by the time this baby reaches its first birthday, see that it’s arranged.’
‘Yes, dear.’
‘Lizzy is not liking this situation Charlotte is creating at Longbourn, she thinks it’s too odd, suspects something much worse behind our long time friend’s actions.’
‘Darcy also believes there are obscure motives in this.’
‘My sister says she has an inoffensive cold that is giving her the sneezes, for that they will delay their arrival in Netherfield for a few weeks, but the servants are already on their way to ready the place.’
‘They could stay at Longbourn, only Mary lives with your parents nowadays...’
‘No, they can’t. ‘Jane shook her head, eyes on Elizabeth’s words. ‘Darcy can’t deal with mamma’s antics. You have difficulty after a week.’
‘True.’
‘They took up Netherfield lease after we dropped it, the architect friend is staying there when the family isn’t residing.’
‘Furnington, good fellow.’ A chuckle. ‘We had good fun in Cambridge.’
 ‘You always say that, Charles.’ Jane frowned. ‘Let out this amused little laugh, compliment the man. Lizzy says Darcy also have this reaction to the remembrance of university years along this fellow. What is it?’
Nothing, nothing dear Jane. Furnington is merely engaging.’ Bingley shook his head. ‘Let me have Lizzy’s letter, Darcy writes too long missives filled with four syllable words. It’s very tiring to read his news.’
‘What does he say?’
‘Our mamma is upset, Lizzy is suspicious, Georgiana is too excited about the journey.’ He shook his hand. ‘What could be said in ten lines he made into two full pages.’ He read in silence for a moment. ‘See? This is a good letter. Short, concise, straightforward.’ 
‘So they are going to Meryton.’ Jane sighed and caressed her big tummy.  ‘But we are to stay here in the North.’
‘Waiting my heir.’
‘Fine.’
‘Perfect!’
‘I’ll be chained to my desk, then.’ Jane promised herself. ‘Will write to Lizzy every day.’ She held her bump wishing her child was already a strong babe and could be carried across the country. 
---
‘Aha!’ Mrs. Bennet yelled from the bedrooms’ hall at Longbourn. ‘There is no evil that shall last forever!’
There was no answer whatsoever. 
‘I am to be avenged, no one will steal the roof from over my head under my husband’s nose. This traitor Collins can very well pack her trunks and return to Lucas Lodge.’
That instigated an answer from a clear and calm disembodied voice. ‘I cannot return to my parents’ home because I did not come from there, Mrs. Bennet.  I came from Hunsford parsonage straight to Longbourn.’
‘Good you realized I was talking to you, Mrs. Collins.’ The older woman dragged the ‘s’ as a snake’s hissing. ‘This is not your house yet; you are not to stay here unless invited.’
‘You would not quick me out, would you Mrs. Bennet? I grew up with your children, you know me as much as my own mamma.’
‘None of my girls could abuse an elderly as you do coming here unannounced, not even your obsequious husband when single preying on my daughters had the nerve to do so.’
Charlotte pressed her eyes. ‘I am not unknown to the family; my stay here does not compromise the daily functions of the house.’
‘Ha! Would not if you didn’t intrude in everything!’
‘I am merely getting to know the house and the estate, it is a wise preoccupation for me to have since my husband is to inherit the property.’ 
‘You have come as our angel of death! You want to take control of the house and servants and tenants and expel us from our own home!’ Her voice reached higher pitches. ‘Oh, my nerves! No one has pity of my poor nerves!’
‘I cannot do such a thing, Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet is the rightful owner of Longbourn.’
‘Then you leave, leave now before the ire of the Bennets befall you!’ The older woman gesticulated widely as if calling powers from heavens.
‘I will not.’
‘You wait Lizzy arrive here, wait to face Mrs. Darcy!’ A derisive laugh. ‘She is worth 10 thousand a year, her husband advises your husband’s employer, you shall have a lot to lose!’
‘Lizzy is my dearest friend.’ Charlotte shook her head and started to descend the stairs.
‘If you do not leave now, I will never speak to you again.’
‘You said that yesterday, Mrs. Bennet...’
‘Face Mrs. Darcy if you think capable of pairing that force of nature!’
Charlotte didn’t turn back, but she considered it would not be easy.

---

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Dirty Petticoats - chapter 2

hello!

My new Austenite romance is ready!

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It will be live this Valentines and I'm very excited to be back in P&P universe.
To me, it's like visiting old times friends!
So, as promissed, here is the 2nd chapter.

Here you'll find more details and links. 

DIRTY PETTICOATS

PG 13 - Regency - P&P continuation

~ chapter 2 ~
previously

‘Elizabeth?’ Darcy asked looking around the room a bit disoriented after a nap in the middle of the day. ‘My darling?’
‘Here!’
‘Here, where?’
‘My desk!’ She answered from the parlor adjoined to the bedroom.
‘What are you doing there so far from me?’
‘Commonplacing.’ 
He smiled. ‘Bring it to me, darling.’
She moved with a spring in her step, the secret notebook they shared was the epitome of sassiness. From mundane everyday information as special dinner menus to favorite quotes from poems and romances, everything was noted and read by the couple. Sometimes it was unclear if what happened was important enough to be written down or if a situation was created ultimately for that reason.
‘How are we?’ He asked when her delectable figure clad in camisole and wool peignoir entered the room.
‘This is our last safe day.’
‘We better make good use, then.’ A sideways cad like smile stretched his lips. ‘We shall dine in our rooms tonight.’ 
That expression on his handsome face, explicit intimacy post love making, was exclusively hers, Elizabeth was sure. She was no naive girl, her mamma and aunt Gardiner had talked to her about bachelors’ dealings, she imagined her husband had had liaisons before he met her; but there was no doubt his cad smile was solely for her because of what it made her feel: week in the legs, warm in the chest, melted where it mattered. ‘Georgiana will expect our presence.’
‘She is a big girl, Pemberley has an extensive library, we can spend time on our own.’
She giggled climbing in bed. That answer of his, what it meant, the desire and promise of libidinous hours with him, was the kind of memory she recorded on her personal journal; a similar volume bounded in leather with her initials engraved in gold. The little commonplace book they kept together was for their marital delight.
‘Mmm…’ Darcy made a sound from his throat studying the pages. His wife had created a neat feminine method of noting her monthly courses as one titles a book, beneath she wrote all kinds of reminders of theirs daily delights including the calculations of the safe period of a week when they could indulge in marriage duties without the use of lambskin or interrupting bliss. That she did front to back. Back to front, he took pleasure in noting positions, circumstances, anything that could improve or diversify their lovemaking. ‘I see we had already attested the good in what we did this afternoon.’
‘I’m sure we did, love!’ Elizabeth was still giggling. ‘We are most proficient! Even your aunt would compliment us on the amount of practice we dedicate to it.’
He grinned with the satisfaction of a man who had made the right choice for a life companion. Witty, sweet, handsome, intelligent, a curious and ardent lover. ‘I’ll add to it, anyway. We both enjoyed it too much today.’
She blushed and bit her lip. So many months in marriage and he still had that power over her. ‘Let me get you a pen. And the writing-box.’
He knew what the color on her cheeks was for because he also felt very warmed when remembering their bed. That day was one of those moments when riding was very uncomfortable. 
Ebk - Fov - emb - den - hfdrs - fst
He was still covered only by bed clothes, hoped to extend the intimacy session at least until dinner time. The best part of being a married gentleman, in Darcy’s opinion, was to acknowledge the admiration in his wife’s fine eyes when she saw him in disarrange or he surprised her with unusual intelligences such as the Arabic language read right to left. Such unequal situations brought out a shine to her gaze, the ardency of a woman in love with him – body and mind – what made him constantly endeavor to please her in any manner possible, even the most insignificant use of the commonplace book they kept together.
His cute bride returned carrying the writing-box her aunt had given her as a wedding gift and the crystal ink bottle that usually rested on her desk.  She deposited the tiny thing on the side table and arranged the box on his lap before getting throw pillows from the stuffed chair to help him seat more comfortably. In return, he grabbed her face with both his hands and kissed her.
‘Will that make the book too?’
‘Only if I exchange this box with you.’
Elizabeth giggled. ‘In your lap?’
‘Best place for Mrs. Darcy.’
‘I agree.’
With another quick kiss, she went around, took off the peignoir and climbed into bed beside him. As soon as she touched his arm, he twitched in a goosebump. ‘It is a bit cold, isn’t it? I thought it was just me or a draft coming from a window from the parlor. I’d better call someone to stroke the fire.’ Elizabeth was glad she had the possibility of having servants for each and all activities of the household, no matter how mundane. As the wife of a man of such consequence as Darcy, she lived in a different world from the one she had come from as a Bennet daughter. ‘Should I ask for our mail as well?’ 
‘It is not the weather affecting me, darling.’
‘To me, it seemed like a cold goosebump.’
‘You are warm enough.’
‘You are under the covers.’
‘I could have your company here…’ 
The writing-box so carefully arranged in his lap was discarded, the naughty book forgotten and dinner postponed that night.
---
Later that evening at the saloon, having an aperitif before the meal, Georgiana stopped in the middle of a song and turned from the piano-forte.
‘Third sneeze, sister. You do have a cold.’
‘Tis only an inconvenience in my nose, I told you.’ Elizabeth shook her hand keeping eyes on the letter she read.
Beside her on the couch, Darcy lovingly touched her knee and pointed the tumbler with amber liquid on the table near her. ‘Sip the brandy, it’ll help you.’ He whispered and observed as her face colored when the strong drink warmed her. He knew her cold was due to their nakedness for the most part of the afternoon.
‘So far we have invitations for the theater, the opera and two balls. When we arrive in London, I believe we won’t have much time to ourselves, Georgiana.’
‘That shall suit me just fine.’
Elizabeth looked at Darcy and back at the letters. ‘I do love the theater, the dark space when only the actors can be seen…’
‘During the intervals I shall have chance to parade my accomplishments. My first season, I may as well find agreeable suitors.’
‘There is no hurry to find a husband, Georgiana. Lizzy only accepted me when she turned one and twenty. She was mature and prepared for the role of wife. Fitzwilliam also agrees that you have much to learn from her before you can accept a man and help him care for his properties.’
‘If I do choose a man of properties, that is.’
‘I beg your pardon?’ Darcy frowned.
Elizabeth hurried to rescue. ‘Your brother means to say that as an Earl’s granddaughter, you’ll have plenty of possible suitors. Maybe even some of his friends from Cambridge-’
‘Or a friend of cousin!’ Georgiana interrupted. ‘Certainly cousin Fitzwilliam will be in town for the winter, won’t deprive me of good company.’
‘Uniform men?’ Darcy groaned.
‘Yes!’ Georgiana smiled. ‘Charming, handsome, of good position, of course. Coronel, general.’
‘Lizzy.’ He simply said with the certainty that his wife of almost two years would understand him perfectly.  
‘Wouldn’t an Earl or a Baron waiting to be an Earl suit you better? A Knight, perhaps.’ Elizabeth bit her lip seeing both Darcy siblings frown at her. ‘A landed gentleman of strong personality and serious mien worked fine for me!’ Still they kept silent. ‘Hey, what do I know! A letter from mamma!...’  She broke the seal and unfolded the paper to find confused lines of hurried penmanship. ‘How unusual… Listen to this, my love, mamma complains Charlotte is in Longbourn.’
‘Mrs. Collins?’
‘My aunt parson’s wife?’ Georgiana left the instrument and stood to approach the couple. 
‘She says Charlotte moved to live there!’ Elizabeth’s eyes moved quickly as she read the letter.
‘I bet my aunt is quite put out to lose the agreeable company. I much enjoyed her conversation when we last visited Rosings Park during the summer.’
‘She is set to live in my old room, refuses to stay with her family at Lucas Lodge.’ Elizabeth had a deep frown. ‘Mamma says Charlotte ingratiates herself on the running of the estate! Oh, gracious… She arrived a fortnight ago and insists on invading pappa’s library to search the books… Whatever for?’
‘Is it not obvious, darling?’ Darcy raised his brows. ‘Her husband is to inherit Longbourn.’
Elizabeth gasped. ‘And my friend was sent to inspect the financial health of my father’s dealings?’
‘Possibly.’
‘No, no, no…’
‘I shall write to Bingley; he may know more.’ Darcy offered. ‘Maybe Mrs. Bennet said something to Jane.’
‘We should go to Longbourn.’ Georgiana held her waist. ‘That is what all daughters should do in this hour of need, join the parents.’
‘Jane is with child; Kitty is to help her in the end of confinement.’ Elizabeth’s eyes still ran from side to side of the letter. ‘Outrageous of Charlotte! It is as if she is not herself! My friend would never act in such manner!’
‘Your parents had five daughters…’ Georgiana insisted.
‘Mary still lives at home, with the militia moving so much no one knows Lydia’s whereabouts.’ Elizabeth lowered the letter and faced Darcy. ‘What can be done? Shall I write to Charlotte? Bring her to her senses?’
‘I believe Georgiana is right, my darling. We can spend a fortnight or two at Hertfordshire before we stay in London.’ He took her hand to deposit a kiss and took the offensive letter. ‘Tomorrow I’ll make all arrangements for our travel and stay at Netherfield, as it is still in our lease. All will be well.’
‘Such a curious thing, isn’t it?’

---

continues

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An enigma!...

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see ya!

Dirty Petticoats - chapter 1

hello!

I have great news! A new Austenite romance!

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a web of gossip, half-truths and lovely PDA from Darcy & Lizzy.
This plot came from Caroline Bingley, the one who talks on money, you know?

“…and her petticoat; I hope you saw her petticoat, six inches deep in mud, I am absolutely certain; and the gown which had been let down to hide it not doing its office.” chap 8

So, this always made me think how hard could it be to keep petticoats cleaned, 

and how to clean it and worse: 

did rich Lizzy Darcy keep her undergarments cleaned?

the blurb:
A lovely opportunity to eavesdrop on Pride and Prejudice after its ending, and collect clues to a Regency era puzzle.

NEWLYWED LIFE

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are happily married enjoying the second year of their union. Freshly presented at St. James, the new Mrs. Darcy made splendid figure whenever she went, especially for her husband’s eyes. He pampered his wife with attention fed by ardent love and luxuries provided from his great consequence. Their only nuisance is his sister’s avid interest in social activities.

BOMBASTIC LETTERS

Disrupting the blissful life at Pemberley, a letter from Longborn, the estate of Elizabeth’s parents, arrives unexpectedly. It conveys astonishing information of a guest who shows great intent of having moved back to Hertfordshire. Charlotte Collins refuses to disclose her motivations for abusing Mrs. Bennet’s hospitality.

RENEWED VILLAGE

Meryton, the place where two eligible bachelors found the companions of their lives, is no longer a small sleepy village in the heart of Hertfordshire. The news of the Darcys and Bingleys wedding cruised the country inciting curiosity and many investments. The romantic spa is a fashionable place full of opportunities for liaisons of all kinds.

WEB OF INTRIGUE

Unbeknownst to everyone there is someone weaving gossip and using secrets as weapons to puppeteer the lives of the youngsters. Maids, family members, journals, newspaper ads – anything can be used to achieve a lifelong purpose when one is accomplished in the arts and allurements of meddling.
Starting from the famous Caroline Bingley’s derisive quote “…and her petticoat; I hope you saw if how rich Lizzy Darcy still soiled her undergarment. How would she do it? For what reason? For whom?

A romantic comedy-mystery tale catching the beloved Jane Austen’s characters in their most deserved happily ever after.

curious? Here you'll find more details and links.
here's the first chapter

DIRTY PETTICOATS

PG 13 - Regency - P&P continuation

~ chapter 1 ~

‘It is written somewhere that elder sisters have to comply with the wishes of the little ones. I am sure of it.’
‘I was never made aware of such law, sister.’
‘There is, I assure you. One of these days I shall endeavor to find time to research the library. Perhaps an early edition of the Scriptures...’
‘Before the latest revision, you say?’
‘…Or a family scrapbook of some sort.’
‘Ah, it runs in the family!’
‘Yes! It simply shall be done.’
Elizabeth sighed, refilled her cup with the expensive tasty tea. ‘But I am Bennet at essence, you see? Raised in a nest of sisters. If I didn’t fight for my piece of worm, I’d starve! Mamma bird couldn’t possibly feed all five daughters with attentions all the time as Fitzwilliam showered you.’
Georgiana Darcy discarded the fashion magazine she perused with little interest and tossed it aside with the previous week newspaper forgotten under other equally outdated magazines and shook her hands in front of her face. ‘It is not an exchange of civilities between siblings, Lizzy; I’m talking to my sister.’ She widened her big puppy eyes. ‘The sister I so longed for, with whom I could talk about most anything… Any delicate subject as nephews and nieces! ‘Tis a matter I could never discuss with Fitzwilliam.’
‘My marital bliss should not be something you could discuss with me either, sister.’ Elizabeth Darcy mumbled.
‘What do you mean? I only asked when will you give me nephews. Or nieces. Two at a time would be lovely.’
‘And pray, where do babies come from?’ Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. 
Georgiana frowned.
‘You don’t know?…’ Elizabeth blushed.
Georgiana blushed darker. ‘From Fitzwilliam.’ She said defensively.  ‘And…’ Pointed a gyrating finger at Elizabeth. ‘You. In bed.’
Elizabeth let out a relieved breath. For a moment she thought she’d be responsible for sullying the girl’s understanding. 
‘But that has nothing to do with bliss. It is duty and mother’s love. Aren’t you anxious to have little ones? Already two years since your matrimony! When I wed, I shall have as many infants as possible in the first year.’
A big smile lighted her face for bliss was what filled Elizabeth’s days and nights since she was taken as Mrs. Darcy. ‘Almost two years.’ Georgiana was still naive in the arts and allurements of love; the girl would learn about it when she did wed a worthy gentleman. ‘I want to enjoy my husband for a little while more before the need to divide my attention with the nursery. Our second season is about to start, the first since I was presented at court. Finally, we can enjoy the Ton, Fitzwilliam does not need to fear the matchmakers, I do not need any more instructions in society. We will be free this season.’
‘Hmpf!’ Georgiana crossed her arms and pouted. ‘That was what he said.’
‘So you did talk to him about this subject?’
‘I mentioned the house was too quiet, we need children.’
‘Maybe we can invite my aunt Gardiner after the season. She can bring her troop!’
‘She has several children…’
‘As we shall have.’ A happy smile. ‘I can imagine a little Fitzwilliam carrying a blanket with a frown.’ Elizabeth pouted lovingly. ‘Maybe with my eyes.’
‘You do dream of children?…’
‘Of course!’
‘But then, Heaven is mad at you, because you don’t want them. Your refusal is punishment.’ Georgiana blinked.
‘Nothing of the sort!’ Elizabeth laughed.  
‘Good gracious, we need to visit the monastery of Glastonbury.’
‘Heaven blessed me with a wonderful husband and a mind obstinate enough to love him without sharing!’ She put down her cup. 
‘Then, as the result of every matrimony is heirs, what can be happening?...’ A loud gasp.
‘Listen, married ladies have a way to control nature…’ She bit her lip. ‘Don’t know if you can hear about this.’
‘Do tell. I am in tatters here thinking you might be ill.’
‘I am perfectly fine, rest assured.’ She patted the younger girl’s hand. ‘Tis only a trick. Let us say it like this: a trick. The married lady’s trick is to count nights starting from the strawberry peppered petticoats’ day.’
‘We’re not in berry season, sister.’
‘Mamma taught us to say it this way, when we first transitioned from girlhood. Jane and I had it almost together, it came as such a terror to us to see our petticoats smeared in red and that funny pressure-’ She touched her tummy, Georgiana nodded. ‘Maybe that was why she spoke of the delicious fruit.’
‘My companion explained the monthly courses telling me to watch out for dirty petticoats.’
‘Dirty petticoats happened when I had leisure time to visit neighbors or walk to Meryton and got six inches of mud on my skirts!’ A giggle. ‘Nowadays I drive a phaeton or am driven around during my rounds to the tenants.  Hardly have time to wander the park…’
‘Do you regret being Mrs. Darcy?’
‘No!’
‘The way you said it…’
‘You misunderstood me.’ Elizabeth rolled her shoulders.  ‘I just miss the small adventures I had back home, tis all.’
‘Your home is not even the same anymore…’ Georgiana felt a small sting, she wanted her new sister to like Pemberley best than she liked her parents’ estate.
‘Yes!’ A giggle. ‘Meryton is such a fashionable little village, unbelievable!’ Elizabeth blinked mischievous eyes to the distance contemplating the silliness of the idea of her birth place being so changed.
‘You spend nights counting nothing, that is the reason of your boredom.’
‘I am not bored.’
‘I heard you.’
‘You most certainly did not hear me say that.’
A pout. ‘You could play the pianoforte with me every night. You’d be more proficient.’
Elizabeth tilted her head to regard her new sister-in-law curiously. ‘You speak about Fitzwilliam’s heirs in what purpose, Georgiana?’
‘Why, what reason could I have?’ The girl snorted.
‘Does it come from your heart?’
‘The yearning for little nephews and nieces? Of course!’
‘Are you certain no one is prompting you to bring this subject to my attention?’
‘What is it you suspect, Lizzy?’ Georgiana sighed impatiently.  ‘We are sisters, partners! When I choose a man to marry, I expect you to be the one to talk to me about such matters. Mamma’s advices were never an option for me, with no other relative I have such closeness only with you.’
‘You have aunt Catherine…’ Elizabeth raised one eyebrow. 
Georgiana giggled. ‘Imagine her advices on children! On accepting courtships, they are so confusing…’
‘Has her periodic letter arrived? Maybe she sent one especially to you and I am entertaining the notion that being a good girl, you cannot resist abiding to her orders…’
‘I hate when you do that.’ Georgiana again pointed a gyrating finger to her own face mimicking Elizabeth’s expression. ‘And speaks slowly. Do I seem gullible to you?’
‘You are, sister.’
‘Absolutely!’
Elizabeth pursed her lips and nodded.
‘You are mistaken, Lizzy. I speak my own mind. No one shall never deceive me again. Life has taught me very hard lessons and I pride myself in having found strength of will.’ A nose slightly elevated in defiance. ‘Georgiana Darcy is a lady of her own.’
‘Well, she’d better remember how Fitzwilliam Darcy resents Lady Catherine for trying to interfere in his life on the occasion of our engagement.’ Elizabeth cautioned and saw Georgiana’s assured expression melt a little. ‘Several months of cut relations with the old aunt until Charlotte and I finally managed to convince them both to make amends. Still there is bad blood between them, no further interference will be forgiven on his part.’
‘Aunt deserves brother’s ire.’
‘Oh?’
‘She had no right in accosting you before brother had a chance to offer his hand. Aunt Catherine likes gossip too much.’
‘And you?’
A gasp. ‘Do you compare me with her? How insulting!’
Elizabeth laughed. ‘Such an accomplished actress!’
Georgiana stuck her tongue out. 
There was silence for a moment. 
‘I received no letter from aunt. I demand a nephew because your sister is about to give an heir to Charles Bingley and your other sister has given two to George Wickham-’
‘Do not speak that name in this house!’ Elizabeth pointed an incisive finger at the girl. ‘Especially you, Miss Darcy. I warn you that I shall not be able to contain my husband’s ire if he hears you find ways to speak of the man who almost compromised you.’
A deep blush took over the girl’s face. ‘I’m merely comparing you to your sisters…’
‘How very kind! Such politeness... You very well know that my other three sisters are always welcomed here. Jane, Mary and Kitty can visit as they please, but Lydia is married to that vile man who once was Fitzwilliam’s best friend and this place’s son. His betrayal in trying to seduce is unforgivable. Be warned, sister. Provoke your brother and prepare to live locked in the tower!’
‘Pemberley has no tower… And I will need to accept courtships from eligible gentlemen, you know. Soon. Your mamma offered to help me choose.’ 
Elizabeth felt a shiver run down her spine. ‘I bet your brother will have a very tall tower built only to toss you in. Every now and then I can put a new book or music sheet in the bucket you hoist up with your meal.’ She jested.
Several blinks were necessary to cool Georgiana’s head. ‘Very funny.’ Her brother’s wife rolled her shoulders, incarceration was a real possibility. ‘Maybe aunt is apoplectic, her letters are delayed, aren’t they? She always writes once every two months…’ She said in a little voice.
‘Anne would have told us.’
‘Oh, Anne died and forgot to lie.’ Georgiana sighed, looked around her, fidgeted with her dress’ ribbon. ‘What do you need to count, anyway?’
‘Marital bliss.’
‘What?’
‘Never mind, Georgiana. ‘
‘Tell me.’ She ordered. ‘Or I shall ask Fitzwilliam.’
Elizabeth knew her husband would never talk about their dirty book with his sister, but it might make him upset to discover the subject was discussed with the pure girl who’d already been in the hands of a cad once. So she did tell.
‘You take notes of the days you suffer from monthly charges in a book? And those help you avoid being with child!… How modernity has evolved!…’
‘Aunt Gardiner says it has been done like this for ages, not at all modern. And it can fail us. But we have been doing it so far.’
‘Can I see it?’
‘No.’
‘Please?’
‘Absolutely not!’ Elizabeth blushed and blushed for her commonplace book also contained naughty notes recording special dates and aphrodisiacs they enjoyed best. Her husband took special pleasure in keeping it updated.
‘I thought having a sister would be different.’
‘I am very pleased with the gift of your sisterhood.’
‘Huh.’ The girl raised her nose. ‘You want me to feel guilty.’
A chuckle.  ‘It’s not fun if you realize it!’
Georgiana tried to contain her smile. ‘It will not work.’
‘What?’
She didn’t answer directly, but her head was quickly filling with potty ideas. ‘I shall enjoy season with you in London. It is my first after St James court as well.’
‘Yes, yes…’ Elizabeth smiled weakly. Would she be prepared to help her husband help his sister choose a husband? Another chill ran down her spine. ‘What time is it?’
‘The clock is right behind you.’
‘Oh, please, do be as impertinent as a little sister can be!’ She let out a delicate groan and raised her derriere to turn completely on the seat so as to face the clock. ‘Still early for Fitzwilliam to return…’ Elizabeth whispered to herself. 
‘Why did you do that?’ Georgiana giggled. ‘Are you a porcelain doll now?’
‘Got a stiff neck, must have slept in an awkward position.’
‘Mrs. Reynolds has camphor alcohol.’  
Elizabeth twisted her nose and was about to answer looking to the side as much as she could without moving her neck when the door opened. 
‘Hello!’
‘Fitzwilliam!’
‘My love.’ He kissed Elizabeth’s forehead, held her hand and leaned to kiss Georgiana as well.
‘Do you want tea, brother?’
‘No, thanks.’ Darcy shook his head. ‘Were you expecting me?’ He asked Elizabeth. ‘Facing the door…’
‘No.’
‘No?’
‘Yes…’
‘So soon?’
‘Well, you left early…’
‘I have got this discomfort, it pains me.’ He flexed his left arm. ‘Must have slept in an awkward position.’
Elizabeth smiled. ‘Poor you…’
‘Lizzy suffers as well.’ Georgiana was frowning.  ‘I told her Mrs. Reynolds could help.’
‘Yes, of course. Camphor.’ Darcy nodded pulling Elizabeth to her feet by the hand he never let go. ‘It brings great relief.’
‘If you say so, I am obliged to believe, husband.’
‘So you are.’
Before Georgiana could realize she had been abandoned, the couple was mounting the first steps to the upper floor.
‘Mrs. Darcy?’ The butler called.
‘Yes, Mr. Bert?’ Elizabeth stopped and turned all around moving her feet little by little. 
‘Your mail has just arrived, madam.’ He bowed. ‘Yours as well, sir.’
‘Take it to my study, please. I shall tend to it later.’ 
‘Very well, madam.’
As they restarted climbing hand in hand, she grinned. ‘Did I do it right?’
‘Perfectly! No mistress of Pemberley would waste her safe days with mail.’
‘Husband comes first!’
He kissed her hand as they reached their bedroom door.

---
continues here

wiki

I'll post the 3 first chapters, come read more and pick it up on Valentines!

See ya!

Corset, espartilho, personal de cintura, mulheres enlaçadas

olá,
Feliz Ano Novo!
Logo de cara, resetando os trabalhos, dei de cara com imagens impactantes!

esquerda: esqueleto feminino deformado (provavelmente) pelo uso de corset
direta: esquema de esqueleto normal
twitter

Olha que situação desse esqueleto tão deformado pela moda.

fashion victim

Sara Howard do seriado The Alienist tentando respirar

gfycat 

CORSETS

definição básica: 

-sinônimo de feminilidade, 

-forma fisicamente constritiva 

-imposição social rígida 

e quando ela tira o espartilho... a pele dela está assim
frock flicks

Os espartilhos ou corsets foram praticamente obrigatórios no guarda roupa de pessoas elegantes – homens e mulheres - do século XVI até o início do século XIX. Não só para mulheres de origem aristocrática, as peças também eram adotadas por trabalhadoras; todas queriam estar na moda.

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Eram feitos de tecido robusto com inserções de osso ou metal, fixação na frente com ganchos, a parte de trás fechada com atadores ajustáveis. Ilhós de metal para atadura de espartilho foram introduzidos na França em 1828. Esta inovação técnica permitiu que a cintura ficasse bem apertada, às vezes até 17 polegadas – 43cm -, criando a figura de ampulheta da moda popular durante o século XIX.
Eram usados sobre uma camisole para proteger o corset da pele e não o contrário (!!!). Imagine o suor aqui no Rio de Janeiro usando o corpete apertando o tórax sobre camisole e sobre eles camadas de vestidos?... Na Europa, ao menos, a temperatura é mais amena...

devianart

Gaiolas de costela 

As mulheres eram muitas vezes atadas com tanta força que sua respiração era restrita, levando a desmaios. Os médicos rotularam esses sintomas como clorose ou "doença verde" e anemia. Contagens de sangue foram tomadas e pacientes receberam pílulas para tratar os sintomas.
A compressão dos órgãos abdominais pode causar má digestão e, com o tempo, os músculos das costas podem atrofiar. A longo prazo, o aperto leva a caixa torácica à deformação. 
Durante os anos, muitos médicos escreveram sobre os efeitos negativos de espartilhos. Em 1793, Von Sommerring publicou Uber die Wirkungen der Schnirbruste ("Sobre os efeitos do espartilho") para mostrar que o espartilho apertado constituía um perigo para a saúde ao comprimir as costelas e outros órgãos internos. Outros itens nas coleções da faculdade sobre este assunto são Os efeitos nocivos do exercício insuficiente, posições restritas e permanências apertadas em mulheres jovens (1833), Vestido e saúde: um apelo à antiguidade e bom senso (1896) ou Em distorções voluntárias do figura humana por compressão artificial (1832).
The Lancet publicou uma série de cartas sobre o assunto: "Morte de corset apertado" (14 de junho de 1890), "Efeitos do corset apertado" (16 de janeiro de 1892) e "Civilização e o espartilho" (11 de dezembro de 1909). 
Alguns dos comentários menos científicos notaram que havia sintomas menos graves entre as mulheres casadas, teorizando que...

"o macho, uma vez capturado, 

não era mais necessário encantar seus olhos com a cintura fina ..."

reddit

As modas mudam e, após a 1ª Guerra Mundial, os novos vestidos introduziram uma forma mais andrógina que exigia diferentes roupas íntimas. Mais tarde artigos no BMJ, "Duas doenças devido à moda em roupas" (23 de maio de 1925), e The Lancet, "Espartilhos e Clorose" (22 de março de 1952), discutem o desaparecimento da clorose ligando-o firmemente com as mudanças de moda as mulheres já não usam espartilhos bem amarrados.

vaidade e vontade de agradar

É degeneração feminina! 

Elas merecem sofrer com gestação e parto pagando por sua estupidez!

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Tanta incompreensão!

Elegância também é uma forma de bondage, de atadura.

Tightlacing é a prática de usar um espartilho que foi firmemente atado para moldar o corpo a uma figura desejada. Esta prática está em vigor desde os primeiros anos do espartilho, muitas vezes deplorada por moralistas e objeto de lendas urbanas e contos de advertência em muitos séculos. Pela mesma quantidade de tempo, os médicos falaram contra a prática, citando riscos dramáticos para a saúde do usuário. No entanto, muitas alegações foram baseadas no conhecimento médico incompleto do dia, bem como suposições incorretas e crenças sobre o corpo feminino.

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Fiquei curiosa, pesquisei o que os 'Moralistas' diziam: o livro 'Patriots Against Fashion: Clothing and Nationalism in Europe’s Age of Revolutions' de A. Maxwell compara crueldade com animais com crueldade com mulheres. 

E que efeitos reais essa roupa tão apertada tem no corpo?

wiki

Coração
Não há evidência real de autópsias específicas citadas que apóiem a noção de que o coração é danificado por espartilho. Mas no século XX ligou-se o aumento da pressão arterial quando o tórax está apertado.
Pulmões
Dor ao respirar.
A constrição do espartilho, se muito apertado, impede que pulmões se expandam completamente ao respirar. Antes que o bacilo a tuberculose fosse descoberto, argumentava-se que a pressão extra e trabalho adicional dos pulmões fazia as mulheres mais vulneráveis à doença.
Circulação
Dor nos movimentos constritos
No século XIX, acreditava-se que o uso de corset acarretava palpitações cardíacas no coração e na espanemia, ou a falta de oxigênio no sangue. Essa alegação foi desmentida já que não há evidências para apoiar o dano circulatório causado pelo espartilho. 
Peitos
O uso de espartilho não pode causar câncer de mama, talvez ocorra redução do tamanho dos mamilos. Mulheres Vitorianas acreditavam que o espartilho causava abscessos mamários, uma inflamação comum do tecido conjuntivo na mama; no entanto, a mastite é causada por bactérias e, portanto, não há provas de que roupa de qualquer tipo possa ter levado à condição. 
A mastite é uma inflamação mamária que ocorre com ou sem infecção. A mastite com infecção pode ser lactacional (após o parto, ao amamentar) ou não lactacional (por exemplo, dilatação do duto mamário). A mastite não infecciosa inclui inflamação como por exemplo, reação a um corpo estranho. Abscesso mamário é uma área de infecção localizada com um acúmulo de pus como proteção, podendo ou não estar associado à mastite.
Estômago
Mal estar, má digestão
Os médicos vitorianos acreditavam que, em um espartilho bem amarrado, o estômago seria incapaz de se agitar corretamente, dificultando a digestão completa dos alimentos. Essa condição é chamada de dispepsia, mais comumente conhecida como indigestão. Pode causar constipação e dificultar a ingestão de uma refeição considerável para o usuário. 
Fígado
Os médicos vitorianos acreditavam que o fígado sofria muitas complicações, ficando cortado devido à localização das costelas como resultado do estreitamento, e que o fígado se tornava aumentado ou deslocado. Outra possibilidade era congestão mecânica, o resultado da pressão colocada na veia cava inferior, obstruindo assim o fluxo de sangue. Hoje em dia se acredita que o câncer de fígado é muitas vezes o resultado dessa veia bloqueada pois não é capaz de filtrar o sangue ruim no fígado, resultando em uma infecção cancerosa.
No entanto, os espartilhos não teriam tido um efeito drástico no fígado, meramente espremendo e alongando-o, e pesquisas modernas mostram que grande parte da função hepática pode ser perdida sem causar problemas de saúde. Estudiosos avaliam que a grande variação na aparência do fígado pode ter confundido os anatomistas que realizavam autópsias no passado.
Cólon
O espartilho pode ter ajudado uma dieta pobre em causar constipação que, se grave o suficiente e não tratada, pode eventualmente levar à morte. 
Entende-se então que caso a dieta fosse rica em fibras, o risco seria consideravelmente menor.
Útero
O útero, acreditavam que os médicos vitorianos, sofria mais com a contração, não se desenvolvendo adequadamente devido à inatividade dos músculos abdominais. Outros acreditavam que toda vez que a bexiga ou o reto se esvaziavam, o útero era incapaz de ser içado de volta devido a ligamentos fracos, causando dor na cabeça e nas costas, incapacidade de ficar de pé ou andar e menstruação imprópria.
No entanto, essa linha de pensamento se baseava em muito poucas evidências e na suposição de que o útero era um dos órgãos mais importantes no corpo de uma mulher, e é improvável que o útero realmente sofresse de espartilho. 
Vesícula biliar
Médicos vitorianos acreditavam que havia uma relação entre cálculos biliares e tightlacing, o espartilho causando extrema perda de peso. 
No entanto, os portadores de cálculos biliares mais comuns são mulheres até hoje, e é improvável que o espartilho tenha muito a ver com a doença. 
Músculos
Dor muscular
Usar um espartilho por um período de tempo muito extenso pode resultar em atrofia muscular e dor lombar. Os músculos peitorais também se tornam fracos depois de um aperto estreito. Esses músculos enfraquecidos causam uma dependência maior do espartilho. 

strange remains

moldar o corpo para uma forma mais "civilizada" que a natural

royal college of surgeons

Curiosamente, vários esqueletos disponíveis para estudo no Musée de l'Homme no Museu Nacional de História Natural de Paris e no Centre for Human Bioarchaeology no Museum of London mostram que as (aquelas) mulheres viveram vidas longas enquanto passavam por essa transformação esquelética forçada pelo uso contínuo do corset (mudar a forma do corpo de uma mulher para a figura de ampulheta deformando as costelas e desalinhando a coluna). A expectativa de vida ao nascer na França e na Inglaterra nessa época, Vitoriana, era entre 25-50 anos, e a idade da morte era entre 50-60 anos para as mulheres, mas as mulheres analisadas atingiram ou excederam sua expectativa de vida. Isso não é indício de qualidade de vida, mas evidências de longo prazo de corsamento, o que confunde a noção que o espartilho era somente prejudicial, a crença médica antiga de que causava morte precoce.

Apertar não é perder, seu corpo não aprende assim

As famosinhas chamam de instrução de cintura, que tal? Waist training. Aprende, tá, fofy. Tem que ser fina, não importa meus chocolates e cervejinhas.

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Especialistas modernos – médicos, nutricionistas, esportistas - dizem que realmente não funciona. Duh! A redução de centímetros não existe apertando o corpo. Se você não queimar a gordura alguma área particular do seu corpo, ela vai ficar quietinha lá. Pode empurrar seu estômago para dentro com os pneuzinhos junto, mas toda a gordura voltará para onde estava quando soltar o corset, não importa quanto tempo você usa o espartilho. 

espartilhos x feminismo

Todos os dias, lidando com novos desafios, mulheres continuam descobrindo novas maneiras de adquirir seu poder. A roupa é a casca exterior com a qual nos armamos todos os dias, algumas vezes é imposta por razões sociais, religiosas, culturais. 
O corset foi ‘obrigatório’ por séculos, hoje é... escolha. Moda. Um dia podemos querer nos vestir como princesas extremamente femininas, outras de calça e camisa como um homem, outras de vestidão largo esconde tudo. E tem os dias, benditos, de camisola. 
Antes da 1ª Guerra, qualquer mulher respeitável tinha que usar espartilho em público, era roupa para mulheres de elite, até as mulheres trabalhadoras se esforçavam para usar. A estrutura que define a forma da cintura e prende a liberdade da respiração tornou-se um padrão de vestimenta e a pressão social é o grande problema. 

Figurativamente e fisicamente opressivos. 

Tudo para parecer "apresentável" em público. 

Agora a questão é: 

você se veste para você mesma ou para agradar outras pessoas? 

É uma vítima da moda?

gizmodo

bj

para escrever isso, pesquisei aqui, aqui, aqui, aqui, aqui e aqui. Leia na fonte.