Meaning Of "Dry Goods Are Up" Phrase On This Cdv?

Not sure if the phrase has lost its original context over the intervening 150 years, or if it was just intended to indicate a reason for the woman leaning forward, thus revealing her risque (for the time) undergarments.

I'm not 100% convinced that the stamp originated on this piece, but it was interesting enough to pick up.

One definition of dry goods: textiles, ready-to-wear clothing, and notions as distinguished especially from hardware and groceries. So yes, it was a "risque for the time" remark about the dress being elevated.

In the mid-late 19th century, there were economic depressions that caused the prices of goods and commodities to sink. So it would be common to mention that the value of something had risen ... and perhaps point to the hopes that your wealth had increased as well.

So this is a double entendre, as recollector mentioned, that textiles (the commodity) as well as her actual skirt are elevated ... leading to some degree of excitement in both cases. Don't forget, ladies underwear of that time was open in the middle.