The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-10-12
FALL FASHIONS.

A New York correspondent says:
The nrncipal feature of the fall styles is the ex-
treme briliance of coloring and the costllness OF
the materials used in this respect y great dlf-
ference is observed between the present and preceo
ing seasons Last fall anything would do provided
it was cheap enough; now, on the contrary our
merchants find the greatest demand is tor their
choicest fabrics.
A perfect mania appears to exist for PlaIds, IN
very high colors; and plaid velvet is principal ac-
cessory on nearly all fall bOnnets. With the rage
for plaids another fashion has been introduced,
bringing into conjunction two cOIors never before
permitted side by side, but which is now consider
ed the very height Of Ia ntORc This Is brilliant
shade of green and bright dark blue, alternating In
square blocks They form the "42' plad-the pet
plaid of the fashionable mountaineering the CO.
iors, of course of the 42d regiment tScoch), after
whom it is named This plaid is imported IN very
rich silks for dresses barred with black vel
vet and in the form of velvet makes supurb Dor
der for black velvet mantes
For winter bonnets, velvet is the only material
used in Lyons, terry, spotted and imperial and the
most elegant styles are in SINGLE OF contrast OF
two solid colors The decorations are simple but
exquisite and extremely distinguished; rare conf
fires and J0rJcS of lace being very much used and
the flowers or feathers only slightly added here
and there consisting of the rich tropical kinds,
made with the rare dclicacy of Partisan art which
almost tranSccndS nature.
Small figured black silks, with the ground very
thckly covered, are considered extremely elegant;
they are also imported supcrbly brocaded i'll colors
A few robes in pale lavender have been received,
with flounces decorated with bouquets of flowers,
Jr0chce upon white ground, terminating Ill rich
fringe.
\ very beautiful novelty in evening dress silks
is of plain blue green white or str1w-coorcd silk,
with double skirt the upper one of which Is
covered with rich lace pattern in velvet or broca-
ded satin. This reaches nearly to the bottom,
where it is enclosed in splendid festooned border,
which also extended at intervals up the skirt, sepa-
rating it into stripes \ border to match accom-
panies the lobc to trim the waist and sleeves.
ParasolS and sun umbrellas replaced by
the most charming little shades, in solid coors;
gccn lavender, brown and drib, ornamented with
a border of swanSdOwn marabOut, d ed the same
shade as the silk. The handles very short, and
the tops round and fiat, with centres of glass or
enamel.
SHAwLs AND CLoAKs-THE ''BALMORAL"
SHAWL-The "mantle" shawl, with the lower cor
ner rounded, is the novelty of the season, and the
Balmora is the prettiest we have of this style
1t is composed of material i'll black and
white check called "basket' cloth, very soft, thick
and warm. \ deep double border of bright plaid
velvet is attached and terminates i'll thick fringe
of goats hair.
The NEST stylish garment for fall, especially for
young ladies' is the olondisc called i'll this style,
the princess Frederic" 1t is basquinc of
very graceful and elegant shape, which fits every
form, and imparts certain air of dainty cog"ctric
which is wonderfully attractive. The material is
dark, glossy cloth: Ornamented with border OF
dark, rich plaid velvet on the ample dropping
sleeve and rather decp-poin collar.