Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-08-04
VOL. X.
GOSSIP ABOUT THE FASHIONS.

There have been no very decided changes of
late in the fashion department. Muslins, laces,
and tissues with fans, and other comfortable in
ventiOns of that ilk have reached their culmi
mating point, and people are very willing to
pause and enjoy them, for a few weeks at least,
before turning the leaf to the fashions for Fall.
Ices command premium now, and travellers
are Just coming to a full enjoyment of the cOun-
try advantages; for nothing can be more tan
talizing than to spend a July day in your room,
with rain outside and fires Within sadly musing
on the ride or pic mic which should have been
yours on this very day-an experience which
our cOuntry-gOe have enjoyed to the full this
Summer. How many seaside firtatiOns and
charming moonlight rides have been broken off
by this vexatiOus weather! How many becOm-
ing toilets have lain unworn in their cases,
awaiting the sunny days which did not soon
come
There is great latitude allowed in the fashion
for dresses this season. Flounced skirts, dou-
bic skirts, skirts with side trimmings and skirts
with no trimmings at all. are equally in vogue
Long basques, with the favorite fringe trim
mings. are worn for heavy materials, and belt
ed, infant waists, and short or demi-sleeves, for
lawns and Organdies. Pointed berthes are much
worn with baSques and waists. We have seen
velvet ribbons of various colors, figured with
wreaths Of leaves and flowers in natural colors,
which are said to be destined to become favor
ito trimming in the Fall. Ribbon berthes
composed of Il network of narrow ribbon, with
broad ribbon edge, are much worn with even
ing dresses. Plain barege, with founces woven
in patterns, and chenc grenadines, are fayorite
styles for dress materials.
Morning dresses have long basques, trimmed
with bretelles of lace and embroidery, and bell
shaped sleeves, with a broad cuff turned back
from the hand. The skirts are full, and are
trimmed with lace or embroidery to correspond
with the basque. very pretty double flowing
cin fS oil e. tosl
broidered musllns, jacOnets and lawns are the
materials most in vogue, pink and lilac being
fav0rite cOlors.
Black lace shawls and shawl-shaped mantil-
las of guipure lace, terminating in deep
fOunce, are very fashionable. Barege or tissue
shawls are also considerably worn. Wraps of
cashmere, pOplin, &c, are used for travelling
The styles OF bonnets are as various as the
fertile imaginations of the milliners can posi-
bly, mako them. Field flowers, lotus leaves,
and rice ears, mingled with long grasses, as
well rs pOppies, scarlet cactus, and cameliaS
are favorite trimmings. Chenille straws, with
trimmings of red coral and crimson flowers, are
very pretty, and we'll suited to the country.
Collars continue to decrease. UnderSleeves
arc still very full. Fichus are an elegant ap-
pcndage to a ful-dress toilet, and seem dcs-
tined to retain their popularity We have seen
very pretty one composed Of puffS Of tulle,
finished at the neck by a tulle ruche, and ter
minating in deep fringe Of looped ruches,
spray of flowers being placed in each loop.
Coifures Of black velvet and chenille, with
crimson flowers, are much worn, as well as
lighter ones of lace, straw and grasses.
BlOuses of poplin or cashmere, with q loose
waist and short, full skirt, confined by a belt,
are popular for boys costumes. These have
gauntlet sleeves. and are trimmed with braid
and buttons. For smaller boys jacket and
sElrtcf any favorite material, with embroid
cred pantalettes, bosom and undersleeves. cash
mere boots, and straw cap is worn. Girls
dresses are made with bretelles or berthes, and
short full skirts, plainj GOunced or double.
Plaided silks and cashmeres, and embroidered
muslins, are favOrte styles