Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-11-16
EVENING STAR.
Eurs.


The New York Dispdteh says IL is a singular
fact that while the columns of nearly every
weekly are graced by long dissertations upon
the prevailing fashions in dry goods, milli-
merry, cioaks, shoes, etc. we rarely see a word
about furs. The wholesale trade also opens
briskly-the demand OF the Western market be-
ing much greater than at any time since the
war. Prices do not vary much from those of
last year; they are. IL anything, a trifie higher
"a variation quite uncalled for on the mart of
the purchaser, as the advance then was some
thing like fifty per cent above the prices asked
three or four years ago-a fine set now costing
Just double the amount for which they could
then be purchased. The ad vance, however, on
imported furs is not so great as on the Ameri-
can, the supply of domestic skins this season
being much more limited than usual.
The regular winter styles will comprise the
expensive sable, mink, ermine, and other skins.
Mink, for day wear, will be most used, as 10 is
more genteel than ermine, which, although
considered a rich and handsome fnr, and only
trife cheaper than mink, Is not nearly as
suitable for all occasions. T or evening wear,
operas, concerts, and the like, they are very
elegant but only in sunny spring weather or
the few lingering days while autumn seems
inclined TO dispute the right of winter, should
they be seen in the streets
The new fur collar, that has just made its
appearance, christened the Eugene, is a de-
cIded Improvement upon those of last winter,
the shape differing, inasmuch as they are now
made with tabs, which form q protection to
the chest, and are quite essential to those who
labor under any difficulty of the lungs. The
cape itself is some WI hat larger, and the tabs are
finished with tips, which impart a dressiness
and grace 10 the general effect.
Sletorines, always cumhrous, are now
worn only by elderly ladies, and those who
already have them on hand. A large Cape
styled the Berthe, is much admired, though
they have not the neat and elegant appearance
OF the tasteful little collars that have become
such general favorites with the young. The
large fur cloak is seldom seen, and, although
comfortable, If not graceful, garment, are not
manufactured. For children, the Siberian
made up in sets comprising collar, cuffs, and
muff-the cuffs, although discarded since the
elOse-htIing sleeve has been in vogue, are quite
necessary TO the comfort of the little ones.
The present style of muff, taking note of size
and shape, is probably more graceful than any
heretofore worn. Time was when muffs could
not be made too large for fashion; and the
appearance OF lady en- OmenGde with one of
these requisites was anything but charming
that is, If II is posi- bic for any absurdity that
can be invented TO rob them of this attribute.
From that, fashion took an unparalleled leap,
and our ladies came out with the most ridicu-
lOus little cOnceits that Were ever dignified by
the name of muff, and supposed to be useful in
lmparung warmth. But the muff of the present
season is sensible; medium in size, trife
smaller than last winter, and, as ever, an indis-
pensable. The only novelty we have seen is
called the pocket muff, intended more particu-
larry for skaters. tits made of mink skin, some
thing in The form of a morocco bag. 1t has
leather back, and the ends are artistically fin
lshed with cord and tassels, while the front of
the muf Is ornamented with the natural head of
the mink. This muf is an improvement, from
the fact of its containing two pockets-one for
the purse and one for the handkerchief; and
we only wonder that something of this kind
has not been thought of before, so very inse-
cure depository for things valuable has the
muf always been considered, for anything so
universally patronized. The pocket muff is
also supplied with cord which passes around
the neck' thereby giving an opportunity of
Withdrawing both hands, if required, while
skating, without danger of losing it. The col
lars TO match are very marrow, being made of
one skin, the head and tail forming the lappels
in front IL looks somewhat singular at first,
but so readily does the eye accustom itself to
everything Ogtre in fashion, that we doubt not
they will be much worn and admired.