Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-12-04
Fashion GOssip---Tho Bali Season in New


The season of balls and sociables has
commenced early. and with great ac-
tivity, The Assembly" the most ex
tepsiye Of terpsichorean associations,
and which aspires to be sort Of Amer.
lean Almack's, meets at Delmonico's s
fortnightly. The "Imperial and the
Fifth Avenue" at the residences Of the
members fortnightly also. Refreshments
are served upon these occasions, and 1t
was remarked with great disgust, that at
very stylish mansion, recently, where
grand conservatory opened upon the
dining-room, that the lemonade was
made with brown sugar
The feature OF the dress at the re-
unions is one that has never before been
remarked Of young American women,
and that is the almost universal adop-
ton Of the decolete or low -necked style.
Heretofore, low necks have been the
exception, now they are the rule, and
covering where it is used seems to be
employed only to conceal the want OF
physical charms, not the charms them
selves.
Beads and French jewelry are in
greater vogue than ever. Necklaces Of
pearis with festoons and pendants, mock
iaces of spiral gold with magnificent
lockets attached and chains falling upon
the bosom in ten to fifteen fine strands,
are among the ornaments which have
taken the place of the modest lace tuker
and pulled waist of past seasons. 1t
must be conceded, however, that but for
the prevalence of certain thinness Of
arm and general contour, the present
style of dress is extremely favorable to
the delicate beauty of young, highly
bred American women.
The gored and trained skirts, almost
sans crinoline, cling with Infinite grace
o the slender figures, and are managed
with such ease, skill and grace as many
a court lady might be proud Of Then
the hair combed up from classic temples,
rolled, slightly frizzed, and confined by
classic bands, shews the small ears, the
clearly cut profile, the pure arch of the
throat, and other distinctive character
istics of American beauty, which is more
remarkable for delicacy of outline than
splendor of coloring,
An exception TO the rule, however,
was observed in the case of brilliant
blonde the other evening, whose toilette
was so exceedingly becoming as to de.
serve notice. 1t consisted of white Irish
poplin, cut upon the severest antique
model and trimmed with white point
applique lace. The body was very low
an square, the sleeves mere band over
a putting and frill of lace. A pearl
necklace, deeply festooned, strings OF
pearls arranged as bands in the light,
profuse hair, and ropes of pearls fes-
tooned as girdle about the waist, con-
stituted the ornaments.
Pure white toilettes, and very light,
transparent fabrics, are now rarely seen
in ball room, and are consequently very
distinguc. A few years ago thin tarlatan
or tule dresses could be made up and
trimmed at almost nominal cost, and
were therefore worn almost universally
by young ladies, to whom they are the
most becoming of costumes, and who
found it easy to wholly or partially renew
them as often as required. With the
advance in prices, however, and es-
pecially in trimmings and labor, thin
dress, fragile as it is, has become almost
as costly as a silk, and it is therefore
found much more economical to purchase
one or two light silks each season, and
with others that can be remodeled, form
a wardrobe always available, and that
can be turned to account in other direc-
tious.
1t is said that the Princess of Wales
never buys a new dress without special
reference to its making over" qualities,
and it is fact that ladies Of the highest
class are much more apt to be thrifty
and study economy in their dress, and
the management of their households,
than those of the lowest Jennie June
TO Louisville Courier.