Sir Alfred: … I happen to want to celebrate. I want to be seen in your exquisite company. I want the whole world to know that I am the most fortunate of men in the possession of the most magnificent of wives. I want to swim in champagne–and paint the whole town not only red but red, white, and blue! (going toward her) I want everybody to see how much I adore you (taking her by the shoulders and looking at her)–always have adored you, revere you, and trust you. Also how much I hope you have of warmth for me. …
Daphne: But my darling, I worship you.
Sir Alfred: Then put on your most outrageous dress!
Daphne: Shall I wear the purple, with the plumes at the hips?
Sir Alfred: By all means. And let it be a purple lesson to me.
from Unfaithfully Yours.
A Dress A Day 
Daphne: Ah. The purple one. The color of the royals, purple is. I’m a queen in your eyes, aren’t I, darling? SA (brusquely): Forget what I said. Leave the dress in the closet. Remain naked for my eyes to feast upon you. Speaking of Brits, there has been criticism that Camilla should have worn more dresses on her U.S. visit because they’re more flattering. It’s funny because I’ve heard that older women look better in two-piece outfits than dresses because it breaks the line. I think Camilla looks better in suits for that reason. What do y’all think?
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Oh, the purple! With the plumes at the hips! Every time I see Unfaithfully Yours I long for the purple with the plumes at the hips! And all it represents.
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VintageCrochetGirl–there’s a great bit in a Nancy Mitford novel about queens, duchesses, etc, looking frumpy because royalty are too grand to look nice. I’ll see if I can dig it up and email it in for Dresses in Literature. Actually, Nancy Mitford novels are goldmines of dresses-in-lit.Cari
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Hiya! I just discovered your site, and I’m obviously reading through your archives and loving every post! I had to comment on this one because we just saw this movie the other night and I loved that scene. I almost wish it had been shot in color.Heidihttp://absintheknits.typepad.com
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