By the mid-19th century, when color plates were most popular, backgrounds had graduated from a single chair or column to elaborate indoor and outdoor scenes. These scenes included activities such as attending a ball, an afternoon at home, promenading in the park, and an outing at the seashore. By the 1880's, American fashion magazines were including activities other than those of the leisure class. Often one would find color plates with a suggestion of a professional setting, such as figures with a typewriter or sewing machine. American periodicals often included the machine maker's name in an attempt at advertising.
Collectors can find colored fashion plates in many places.
Antique dealers and art galleries will charge top prices. Secondhand shops, charity outlets and small antique shops sometimes have framed prints hanging on the walls above furniture, often with lower prices. Other inexpensive places to look are frame shops and second hand bookstores in small towns. As much attention should be given to the maintenance of fashion prints as to their acquisition. The value of a piece can be drastically diminished by improper care.