Issue #2 - Roses in Bloom: the young women of Pendergast’s School for Young Roses

[Witch Weekly]

  

[Witch Weekly]

Autumn Fashions With the weather truly taking an Autumnal turn it is time for us all to be changing our wardrobes from the summer silks to the more robust gowns our weather demands, but it is only the careless lady who does not think to first consult the new fashion plates before placing her orders for the coming season. Red continues to be the statement colour of the year, with a turn from the scarlet and brighter tones of the summer to more restrained hues for Autumn and beyond. Burgundy and claret are sure to be the fashionable choices, however as always jewel tones will prove to be popular- sapphire and emerald have also been seen on some of the latest Parisian fashion plates, and deep purple is both classic and suitable for half-mourning when trimmed in black or grey. As far as fabrics go, satin looks to be thoroughly relegated with muslin as the weather turns, and velvet looks to be making a comeback, not only for gowns but also for capes and cloaks. This may be due to the recent patenting of a waterproof velvet by Spell & Son of Paris, which finally makes velvet a practical as well as attractive choice for outerwear. The fashion conscious lady will trim it with brown or black fur, for white is not only impractical but thoroughly left in the last decade. Finally, bustles are well and truly in full swing, with no sign of returning to natural form. Bustles on day dresses may remain smaller, but the ‘shelf’ appearance is highly desirable, and in evening gowns the shelf appearance should be finished with a sloping train to accent the height and drapery, but trains themselves are shrinking in length. Short sleeves and a pointed bodice remain the standard for evening gowns, though the focus of the dress is once again moving from the bodice to the bustle, which is good news for those ladies not as endowed in the chest department as their peers. Pannier-style drapery has been rumoured to be making a return but is yet to materialise, much to the relief of everyone with doors of an ordinary width.

Heavy embroidery in metallic thread works perfectly with the fashionable jewel tones.Dramatic drapery and careful pleating can make even an everyday dress the height of fashion.

  

[Witch Weekly]

OVERHEARD! "If you were any more lovely, you would completely overshadow the day." This sort of flattery is rarely honest, and a lady receiving such bold compliments should be cautious to guard her virtue and her heart.

Don't Fall for Empty Words! While many gentlemen are honorable in their actions towards young ladies, there are always cads out there who seek to take advantage of the dishonestly gained affections of fresh and innocent young ladies. One of the most common weapons such scoundrels use is flattery, and so women must take care to not be drawn in! Keep your eyes ever on the prize of a wedding band. Beware! A handsome face and pretty words do not guarantee an honest heart. "I now understand the Trojan War, for your face could launch a thousand ships." Many men think women shallow creatures who are swept away by assertions of their beauty. While good looks are a potent weapon in any debutante's arsenal, you should never let a man turn that advantage against you! Such flowery praise may mean his intentions are impure, so proceed with caution. "Your smile outshines the sun." While more subtle than the previous compliment, it is what it focuses on that indicates possible danger. He has been looking at your lips, and likely wishes to kiss you. Be prepared to turn away so his attempt only catches your cheek! "My love for you burns like a dying phoenix." Professions of love are all well and got, but don't lose your head over them! Men can be fickle, so hold onto your worth until after the wedding. "It is with the hope of seeing you that I leave my home each day." Be careful! Such comments might hide dark motives. Remember Mr. Sidney Gallagher, who perished in December of 1882! He was hoodwinked by a veela, but other men have shown similar unhealthy focus. Keep him at arm's length until you are certain of his intentions. "My fondest wish is to taste the honey of your lips." Leave his company as quickly as possible! A man who will so boldly admit his desire for a kiss must be hiding much worse wishes! Remember that actions speak louder than words! When in doubt, remember that a courtship or proposal is worth far more than compliments. Words cost nothing, so do not sell yourself so cheaply!

  

[Witch Weekly]

Roses in Bloom: the young women of Pendergast’s School for Young Roses Move over Beauxbatons; student chic has a new home in the freshly opened Pendergast’s School for Young Roses. The finishing school, the brainchild of Mrs. Philip Pendergast, has already attracted an fashionable array of admirable young women and their presence in Irvingly has caused quite a stir among the natives. But who are they? We at Witch Weekly have endeavoured to answer that question, profiling some of the lovely young women of Pendergast's School. Miss Rosalind Pendergast Arguably the Pendergast Rose (if her name is any indication—one wonders if that was intentional!), Miss Rosalind Pendergast is the daughter of Mrs. Pendergast and was Head Girl at Hogwarts in 1883. While currently in mourning following the passing of her father, Miss Pendergast's lovely face and warm manner will undoubtedly secure her a successful match! Miss Tatiana Lestrange Pendergast’s School, it seems, is something of a family establishment! Miss Tatiana Lestrange, a recent Slytherin graduate, is Mrs. Pendergast’s niece. Her father, of course, is Mr. Tybalt Lestrange, but Miss Lestrange has inherited nothing of her father and is instead an angelic young woman who has been spotted in the company of Mr. Sterling Carrow—a fine match, indeed! Miss Minnie Pendergast Another Pendergast, Miss Minnie Pendergast is the niece of the school’s founder. A Hufflepuff alumna, Miss Pendergast has recently lost her father—Ministry employee, Mr. Reuben Pendergast—but appears to be braving soldiering on, and is rarely seen without a smile on her pretty face. Miss Pendergast will undoubtedly make an ideal bride! Miss Brynn Malfoy A Slytherin alumna, poor Miss Malfoy has so far suffered the loss of not one, but two betrothals in the space of a year! Though we at Witch Weekly see no reason why the pretty Miss Malfoy will struggle to secure a third—if the fate of their predecessors does not unsettle prospective suitors!

Miss Fiona Prewett A recent Ravenclaw graduate, Miss Prewett is the daughter of the indomitable Mrs. Prewett and was a prefect during her time at Hogwarts. While few would argue that Miss Prewett is not the epitome of grace, her rather unfortunate colouring will no doubt be a hindrance on her future prospects; what a terrible shame! Miss Fairy Carmichael The rather unusually named Miss Fairy Carmichael—her sister's are Nymph and Unicorn—is the daughter of Mr. Gryffith Carmichael. A modest, endearing young woman, Miss Carmichael is also rather reserved but not, believes Witch Weekly, so much so that it will hamper her prospects; she is far too pretty to go unnoticed! Miss Regilla Cockburn Some young women, of course, are not blessed with the advantages of others and Miss Cockburn evidently lacks the same grace and poise of her schoolmates if her blunder at the Hogwarts Coming Out Ball was any indication (she nearly crushed a fellow debutante and shattered a glass!). But clumsiness can surely be overcome, and there can be no better place for her than such a school. We at Witch Weekly will cross our fingers for her! Miss Ismene Swift Readers will surely be familiar with Miss Swift's mother, Mrs. Ixion Swift, who until recently oversaw hundreds of young women as Etiquette Professor at Hogwarts. She has now accepted a similar position at Pendergast's, and her young daughter has joined her at the school! A former Hufflepuff student, Miss Swift, despite her relative youth, appears to embody all the grace and beauty of her mother. Miss Anais Beaumont The youngest of all current Young Roses, Miss Anais Beaumont, the youngest daughter of the late Mr. Matthias Beamount, is scarcely fifteen years old! A former Slytherin student, Miss Beaumont, while somewhat pretty, is decidely thin though she does have time to fill out before she will be expected to marry.

  

[Witch Weekly]

Letters From Our Readers Witch Weekly Magazine, Your 'what's your actual Hogwarts house' article made me want to set a tower on fire! What I want in a man is predominantly his handsomeness, and none of your options helped me there! How am I supposed to know what my true Hogwarts house is now? Sincerely, A Concerned Bachelorette Dear Witch Weekly, Your horoscopes last week were just so accurate! I'm a Leo, and I had to deal with all of my friends arguing all week. Thank you so much for warning me! Kind Regards, Miss Lion To the Witches of the WW, I had my cook prepare Bubble & Squeaf for my husband, and I've never seen him happier! He was especially fond of the mashed potatoes. If you keep giving us such lovely recipes, I think that my marriage will be the happiest one in all of Bartonburg! Much Thanks, A Married Not-Chef

The symbol for the Leo's zodiac sign. Wouldn't it make for pretty embroidery?The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

  

[Witch Weekly]

  

[Witch Weekly]

October Competition! October is the season for fancy dress parties, as should one expect given that it is the month of Halloween. The Witch Weekly, along with Twilfit & Tatting’s, will gift one lucky reader a custom made fancy dress of her choice, for her to wear to one of the numerous parties that will undoubtedly occur this season. Our winner will be contacted on October 20th, so their prize is completed by the 31st though who it is our readers won’t find out until November! I suppose the most curious should look for the lady with the best costume of the evening! September Winner! Congratulations to Miss Laverne Ornery, for winning the “Most Beautiful Birds In The World” quill collection along with scented parchment with a scent of her choice. The 19-year-old debutante is currently residing with her family in London, after their Wellingtonshire home was destroyed in the fire and shares that the prize came just at the right moment! “I lost all of my favourite writing supplies this summer - it was dreadful! My handwriting became so terribly messy afterwards because I had to borrow Papa’s quills!” Do you want to be a winner too? October sign ups are open until the 18th!

A princess, an empress or a butterfly. You can be that or anything you wish! Sign up today and win a fancy dress from Twilfit & Tatting's!Miss Laverne Ornery, winner of September 1884.