The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-10-06
New York Correspondence ofChareston Mercury
FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE.
Grand Opening of Fall MiLlinery.

prevailed in the vicinity of the fashinnabl,
millinery establishments. preparatory t.
the grand opening of Fall and Winter Fash.
ions, which has just taken place. The pre-
parations are always conducted with the
utmost secrecy; the lady proprietors being
in a constant state of nervous agitation foi
fear their stray visitors should be unfortun-
ate milliners. in search Of pattern or an
idea. When, therefore, new goods arrive,
or as soon as the tasteful creations are
completed in the workroom, they are packed
away in close boxes and guarded by Argus
eyes until the cventful morning arrives wheI
they can be exhibited in all their glory. Ia
spite, however, of this excessive care and
watchfulness, the most remarkable coinci-
dence occur in material and design, espe-
ciaNy where the idea presents any claim to
originality. .s-t a+ .-
The size of the bonnets fcrthis season has
decidedly increased. advancing much further
upon the head, but retreating at the sides to
such an extent, as to form nearly point
over the forehead. The crowns are often
sloping and fanciful; the curtains still
deep.
The materials are velvet exclusively, in
every possible varety-Fancy, Terry, and
Imperial. The decorations are feathers,
and velvet flowers tipped with marabout;-
both are very beautiful and costly, and the
blonde used is frequently ten dollars per
yard. ..r
The most elegant white bonnets form
prominent feature at all the exhibitions, and
are usually ornamented with long, full,
fancy ostrich and marabout plume, placed
across the front, over the edge of which it
falls like fringe, dropping in curled clus-
ters at the side. These are sometimes re-
placed by rich white fringe upon twisted
barbe of silk or velvet, and produces also a
very stylish effect. .a-
All the more elegant bonnets are made
cided contrasts, such as black and onetre
"a rich shade of yellow,) mallow and Grim
son, drab and brown, or drab and blue; oil
these combinations require much delicacy,
taste and judgment in their adaptation and
arrangement.
A very pretty bonnet is made of drab
fancy velvet with an open front and crown,
the former covered by wreath of geranium
leaves in crimson velvet; the latter ty
branch of the same, which trails down upon
the curtain. The same idea may be re-
peated, with fine effect, by substituting
brown oak leaves lin velvet) for the crimson
geranium.
The display of rich dress goods this sea-
son exceeds all previous experience, the
stringency Of the money market seems to
have had no effect on the enterprise of our
merchants, or else their faith in the feminine
power of obtaining what they very much
want, is too firm to be easily shaken.
The "Laise de Cote," or side striped
robes, seems just now to be superseding all
other styles; but the costly designs SO
easily initiated, and reproduced in cheaper
forms, that it is certain to neutralize its
fashionable Importance, thus leaving the
founces and double skirts the front rank in
expensive materials.
Pink, blue, and rose -colored silks have
side strips and founces of white frosted
velvet, which looks like rich embroidery
of pearls. Others have handsome cbintz
designs in blended colors, on ground of
white velvet, the silk centre being !SeUres
blue or fine drab.
With the increased beauty of design and
value of foreign fancy silks, has also ap- |
peared much finer shades and combinations
of colors; the difference can hardly be ap- !
preciated except by comparison, and this
is particularly the case in few instances. |
Brocade is also in vogue. but is worn
principally in black, white or corn color for |
rich evening toilettes.
Basques-A Costly Cloak.
Basques for house wear are cut more |
moderate depth and are worn for morning |
costume. Full dress is made without bas- |
ques, either half high and cut square across
in the old Louis XIV style, or low and worn
with lace fchu. Open bodies, with high |
chemisettes, edged by narrow lace frill, |
are also worn, and sometimes small square |
collar with cuffs to match. ...
Basques for the street are taking the form |
of a coat, with rolling collars, military cuffs,
and pockets with lappels. Made of dark
green cloth and long skirt. they form a
most becoming riding habit in the latest
Partisan style. For this purpose, however.
the body must be open in front, to display
the linen bosom and studs, and also the |
crimson silk vest, fastened by narrow
strap across the throat, and mosaic buttons,
the strap being covered by black velvet
bow. Gauntlet buckskin gloves, and round |
cap of black velvet. complete the costume.
An accidental visit to one of the largest /
establishments in this city, was repaid by |
the sight of one of the most costly and ele-
giant cloaks we have ever seen, made to
order for lady in New Orleans, costing
$3.50.
The wide sleeves so fashionable at pres
emf. are now distended by crinoline As well |