The New Orleans crescent., 1868-01-12
ABOUT THE FASHIONS. ETC.

For the Sunday crescentl
NEW ORLEANS, January S, 1858.
Christmas and New Year have both past, and
after this relaxation of the holidays people are
beginning to look grave again, and prognosticate
hard times.
On New Years there was little visiting COM
pared TO other years. most people feeling glad
when the day was over.
visit to the markets showed them pretty well
supplied with that inconvenient bird, the turkey,
described by some gourmand as :" too large for
one person. and not large enough for twon Toe
prices asked for turkeys were certainly such as to
prevent many family from enjoying the ortho-
doX New Years dinner.
Though there were not as many elegant toilets
made up for Ne Year as usual, there we're some
few worthy of record.
A very elegant pesrl-colored silk was trimmed
with rouleaux of white satin dotted with pearls
The skirt was plain in the front aud sides, but
trimmed behind, the beautiful material falling on
the rich carpet in billOwy folds. The skirt was
hung at the back in large French gathers. The
want was square, alike both in the back and
front. Rouleaux of satin with heavy fringe
headed with pearls passed around the cOrsage
white lace chemiset over fine white cashmere
was fastened in the throat with diamond slide
satin belt and long sash finished the dress.
A very elegant dress for an elderly lady was
Of very rich blue black silk, trimmed with black
The pipings we're of satin. Nail heads were set
on the epsuettes and sleeve cuffs. The Jet fringe
studded with nail heads aud forming crescents,
passed down the front on either side, partially
cOncealing the gored seems.
A very pretty body for a young lady was worn
with rich poplin. It was made Of velvet with
revers and collar faced with satin. The epaulette,
sleeves, belt, buttons and straps Stimulating, but
ton holes upon the shoulders and cuff ponded.
A black silk ornament in the same style with rich
green or blue silk, would be as handsome nearly
as the velvet. The gilet can be made Of the ma
terisl of the skirt of cashmere or cambric.
The short walking dress has certainly become
an established fact But, as no matt tsr what the,
material of which it Is made. it can never have a
dressy appearance, it is folly to cut up hand.
some silks to make them of. Short walking
dresses were intended merely for use, and ongnt
to be made OF plain, dark material. Gray serge,
linsey, wOolen reps or alpaca, the best suited
For travelling in cold weat er, cloth or dresses
made of waterproof, worn over plain bolle-
ward" shirt, is best. The very richest fabrics
are used this winter for evening and visiting cos
tunes. Bright blue, crimson and flame color
| may be seen. When toned down with white lace,
the effect is gorgeous.
very rich evening dress was made OF white
IIish poplin. The skirt trained. Piping of amber
cOlored satin, studded with large pearls. Pearl
and satin trimmings were festooned around the
| skiIt, snd caught upon the sides, front and back
with lace rOsettes. The neck was square finished
with two rows of lace. Basque was edged with
sleeve was coat, the upper flowing; both trimmed
| in the same style as the dress.
Tartans and plsds, in poplin, are quite fashion
able for misses and children, the style ia pretty.
for older persons for the street. it is to9 bright.
Some very efficient Gabrielle morning robes of
merino have been recently imported. The waist
above was open with reUerS and high vest of the
| same material. The sleeves were close, with
epauetes and cuffs the pockets set on straight.
| On the reCe1s, pocket piece and epaulette, were
| embroidered in silk, brght-colored birds in
sects. A very pretty robe was of black, al-wool
| deaine, gored and double.breasted. The back
was loose. but could be gathered and tied inside.
A belt of the same material passed around the
waist on the outside.
Ssshes play quite distinguished part in the
toilet. They are made Of gros gram of velvet OF
Istn, all cut from the piece, or of wide ribbon.
In sleeves there is a great variety. As | men.
| toned some time ago, for paletOts aud sacqles
they are made flowing a Ia Gree, a Ia JtiUe, or in
more fancy styles.