This is a short two layer cape ensemble. Very simple in design.  The velvet I used is a shine velvet. I don't know for sure if this type of velvet existed but the effect could be made with silk velvet and a iron. I trimmed it with yellow velvet ribbon. This type of cape would be worn for a fancy evening or night on the town. The ridicule is a simple drawstring bag with tassle on the bottom. 
The bonnet would be worn with a elaborate hairstyle. This type would be worn back further on the head. Little bits of ribbon were saved for just such a hat. Ostrich feathers were used as well as other exotic bird feathers and were prized by upper class women. 
A lady would never be caught with a suntan. Lily white skin was a symbol of the refined set. Parasols kept the sun off your face. Ladies did not carry umbrellas, those were for men and rainy days. The parasol was small in comparison. Many times the parasol would be decorated with fringe and lace work. This one was made from a purchased parasol. I hand sewed fringe to the lower edge and used the corners from cotton napkins to make the top two layers. The napkins had embroidered corners. I keep a piece of ribbon on the handle to tie the parasol up when not in use.
     I love to make hats and my son loves to have his picture taken. This is a straw hat with green ribbon and peacock eye feathers and bundles of the feather bits along the shaft of the eye feather. This style would work for the Civil War era as well as most others up to the 1940's. 
This bonnet started as a woven hat I bought at Walmart. I traced around the brim for a pattern piece and measured the crown to cut a circle and had gathered it under the ribbon trim. It has a curtain at the back. It kept the neck covered for modesty and protection from the sun. The bow does not tie. One end slides in the middle loop so even if the bow loosens it still looks tied. Whatever you do, if you wear this style of hat, please don't put it on like a baseball hat. The crown should be far back on the head. Remember the ladies who wore these had lots of hair at the back.
Another straw hat with peacock feathers. The hat pin has vintage glass beads. Mom made it for me in about 3 minutes.