Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-07-20

Our numerous lady friends will read
with interest the following from the New
York Gazette. 'eiiD e '''i E,
Il is impossible not to be convinced
that the fashions are becoming weekly
more and more remarkable and eccen-
tric If we were asked, upon the word
of honor, what we thought was the style
of the fashion--to what nationality It
most assimilated we are bound to say
q we should consider il to be the japanese.
We lately noticed several ladies', and the
effect of the round hat, high chignon,
falling sleeves, high heels and short
skirts was altogether Asiatic. In fact,
in justification OF this supposition, If our
readers will look at the plate 1866, they
win find that the artist in copying the
costumes Tor at least one Of them), which
are to be found on this plate, must have
himself had some idea of the same kind,
for it will be seen he has put in as a
background that part Of the park sur
rounding the French Exposition which
is devoted to representations of Chinese
and Japanese architecture. NJ
Apart from an extreme advance in
eccentricity, il can hardly be said that
there is any general change in fashion
for month or two Skirts are as short
and as tight, bodices as close and plain,
where they are plain, as they have been
forsometime, and sleeves as tight. The
hanging sleeve has certainly not taken
SO successfully as it might have been
supposed, seeing the long reign the coat
sleeve has maintained
There is tendency once more TO
revert to the double skirt of varying yet
harmonious colors
Perhaps the newest thing in trim
mings is. the use of the playing card
club as skirt trimming. 1t has the
appearance of the wearer being part of
a hand at whist the more especially that
the whole toilet where the club is worn
appears to look upon this pattern as the
very note Of the entire toilet
Perhaps the prettiest trimmings worn
for bonnets are composed Of spring hay
and huge daisies. They have pretty
pastoral effect, admirably suited to the
style Of bonnets which is now prevalent
The same idea Of harmony leads to the
use in bonnets of wreaths of field weeds
rather than flowers, covered with summer
insects and hies-the real creatures, even
to ants, artistically dried.
For very young ladies', snowdrops and
one rose is accepted, or a few violets very
distinguishealy replace the rose
Brides wreaths are now made to be
quite fashionable, entirely of orange
leaves, the blossoms being looked upon
as passes. i4
Brides dresses are made double skirted
They are trimmed, for the most part,
with bands of white satin, cut on the
cross, also with fringe Of avery deep aud
exquisite character. Knots or bows Of
white satin are also used.
Another shape Of brides dress, of the
very highest shape Of luxury, is Of white
silk covered with princess robe in
cluny. 'tr7
81 One ofthe quaiRtest trimmings we have
seen for very long while consists Of
straw embroideries, diapered with crystal |
dewarops set in tiny sea shells.
Black taffetas, where trimmed with fat
bands, Is frequently remarked to exhibit
embroderies Of flowers on the side bands. |
The peplum has utterly vanished
White silk muslin is much worn by |
people. u rl
All white bodices are trimmed with |
Embroidered silk stockings appear to
be gaining ground.
Black and white checks, the black |
being mere thread, are becoming fash
iouable
A hem founce, in the shape Of
Anting, again appears likely TO be fash
iOnable.
Long ends, falling either from the neck
or waist, are gaining appreciation.
Black lace dresses are becoming a
rage As they are in guipire, they are
very heavy. They are not fitted for wear
by very young people
Close cut dresses in mauye have been |
seen, worn with a tunic of black lace.
Acacia, after a long dssertion, is now |
being worn by young people in bonnets.
Now that out door dresses are worn |
short. much attention is being paid to |
boots. We get them ornamented in va
rious ways, chiefly in the varying shapes /
Of embroidery. In some cases, however, |
they are finished off with little collars,
chiefly in red morocco leather, and
where varying colors are used in these
articles, The heels, which are always
worn high are covered with silk Of the
most distinct color used in the manufac-
ture of boots
Bright blue silk is most in demand |
where muslin Is worn over aay color at /
all The bodice Of white muslin dresses
is frequently made in jacket shape
square and cas NJ the sides
Certainly ihs rage for Hat bands still |
exists Weret them in all materials,
and notably in black and white lace
Lace medsilions are also very lavorably
worn.
Recurring 10 boots, they are very ef-
fectveiy being made IN black saiin, the
heels in these cases being worn still
higher than under other circumstaneeS ]