The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-02-09
FASHIONABLE NOVELTIES.


The most recent innovation, and the one
which excites the most comment, is the
scarlet" or, more properly, the peasant
petticoat, to which allusion has been made
in previous letters; but as the subject is
exciting good deal of remark. and already
a profusion of structures and criticisms
from the press, it is well for the ladies to be
thoroughly posted in regard to it. 1t is
also necessary. because few are likely to
know anything concerning it from observa-
ten or experience; American, and espec-
ially New York ladies, being too nervous
respecting their feet and ankles to adopt
mode which would subject them to criticism
in that particular. Besides which, not
withstanding their love and novelty, they
have neither courage nor independence,
and will not venture on any decided change
unless it is endorsed and accepted by large
majority.
l have before stated, and it is very gen
erally known, that the idea was introduced
by Queen Victoria, who observed it in the
costume of the peasant girls at her estate
in Balmoral, Scotland. 1t was quickly
caught by leaders of fashion, both in France
and England. who walk much more than
women generally are accustomed to N this
| country, and at once appreciated the ad-
vantage of it. Lady Gore Ously brought
| it to Washington, but her example has not
! generally been followed, and it is not likely
to be looked upon as anything more than
caprice.
| Why the name scarlet should have at
tachcd to them, is not apparent, as they
are never seen in that color, with the ex-
ception of a very few in which the embroi-
derry was done in scarlet wool. Neither
are they made of flannel, but of fine all
wool material, more than twice the thick
ness of ordinary flannel. The most ele-
giant are plain dark crimson, green or purple
elaborately embroidered in border about
quarter of yard deep round the bottom
The next in quality have the upper part
stamped in small black bayadere stripes
and the lower part in an imitation of en-
broidery, which forms border of flower:
or palm leaves. These can be obtained fo
four dollars each. The more ordinary one
are finished with simple black bayader'
stripes, which grow somewhat broader to
wards the bottom. These can be obtained
for three dollars. They are worn over
small quilted hoop, and in length reach t.
the ankle or the top of a gater boot.
The dress which is worn over, is loope
up on one side so as to display portion
the border of the petticeat,-one hand be
ing able then readily to raise the other, an
preserve it from contact with the pavement
Nothing can be imagined more coquettis
and attractive than this idea, which is ais
at the same time effectual ia preservin
garments from the ruin which is sure
follow any attempt at walking for at lea:
six months out of the twelve.
In fact, the difficulty attending this, an
the labor of carrying the great mass {
skirts under which women were crushe
previous 20 the advent of hoops, has doub
less done much towards producing the di
like of physical exercise, the bodily veal
ness and debility which is characteristic
. our country women. Thus any metho
ought to be considered blessing, whic
6 would remove these evils, and not outrae
o correct ideas of good taste and prophet
. | Even the fair demurrer at the Peasd
petticoat forget, while objecting to tt
!, possible erpose of an ankle, that the u
graceful hitching up of the dress in hs
weather, generally leaves one part of tt
d person far more exposed than this po
). sibly could, while the rest of the robe, t
gether with the fine white skirts. are le
draggling in condition suggestive of an.
n thing but neatness and purity.