The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-03-31
TEE SPRING FASHIONS.

The New Styles The nInteriaIs-The Changes
and Novelties in Dresses -BOnnets and Hats
kid Gloves, ParasOIs, Etc. Etc.
The advent of Spring and moderate weather
brings renewed care and activity upon the ladies
by reason of the necessity for fashioning new
dresses, bonnets, hats, wrappings, and the
Wherewithal- to- be-clothed generally.
In view of the event it becomes them to pre-
pare early, so that when the mild and sunny
days do come they may be found ready, and
may be able to give attention to other things
embarrassed by the cares of all-powerful Dress.
The importations of spring goods show a great
variety of new and beautiful fabrics The rage
in silks is the light and durable Japanese"
which have most extraordinary power of keep
ing free from rumples and creases The ma
jority of these silks in dull colors, but some
few more brilliant ones can be had. A certain
shade of blue in this article is pretty.
Blue-black silks still the fashion, and will
in all probability increase in popularity as the
season advances. Black silk of some sort is at
present the almost universal thing for walking
dresses A new variety of waterproof silk is
now introduced which is destined to become
fayorite. 1t is heavy and has satin gloss,
which it never loses on account Of the caout-
chouc solution used in its manufacture. II re-
sists the rain completely. The price is from $3
to $5 There are many light neutral tints of
silks, among which a silver-grey is conspicuous.
In many of the grey shades the distinctive color
is given by means of tiny figures in stripes on
cross-bars of black and white, instead of the
usual mixture throughout the material.
The general prices of silks have been much
lowered by the fall in gold Those over $5
have been reduced about 81 on the yard Lower
priced silks are about fifty per cent. cheaper.
good, desirable change from the heavy
winter materials is serge foulard of silk and
linen, which is the same as Japanese popln
but soft and with a satiny appearance. 1t comes
in gray and blue, and is twenty-seven inches in
width. The price is %. 1t is rather thick
material, but it feels cool. 1t does not crush
easily, and is used both for suits and house
dresses feature of the spring goods is the
use of bright colors in fabrics which before
came only in dull tints. In cotton goods and
alpacas the brightest colors, as pink, blue,
purple, and green, are found. There is great
variety of delaines and alpacas, with large
printed borders, but none of very especial
beauty. Among the wash goods some hand
some percales come with printed borders, deli
cate border design of imitation lace being
remarkably tasty. They come in light, buff,
and drab linen colors, and are either plain or
striped.
The ladies are warned against the purchase Of
the japanese poplins These are made of thin
silk and wiry cotton. The silk is said to veal
through Immediately, and the black of the cot
ton stains from perspiration. The cost is nearly
the same as for light summer silks
utdoor dresses are mostly in the form of the
old short round suits just touching the instep
This fashion, combining both healthfulness ant
comfort will long be worn in some form or othe
by al ladies with good common sense. For thu
house round skirts with court trains are worl
in full dress, and the train is removed TO
danciig. Half trains only worn for ordinar'
home toilet, and many discard the train alto
gether except for state occasions For stree
dresses round waists are altogether worn, tn
throat liver than in winter, with band stitche
on the otside fat not standing as before. TIL
pointed hroat is not so open as last year, but
preferreoby young ladies. When low, 1t is ihe
with the Robespierre handkerchief of silk
solid coloiwith border of white lines. Shoulde
are high, whout trimming, save fiat band; Il
back as natow as possible. The length of Il
waist is nalral and low darts are made to pT
serve the frs outlines Of the form.
Sleeves shoed to the arm are still worn
the street, II the old-fashioned pagoda al
lowing sleevare revived: and sleeves compos
of two puffs, hth cross-cut fold between, al
finished with rufIle, are employed for rich d
ner-dresses an indeed, for handsome in-do
dresses of any escTiption.
Jackets ftte to the figure, and cut aw
from the front display pretty vest, are
biph vogue for iouse wear. The vest is of
trimmed with brow bands of velvet, eds
with gold cord aoss the front, and is faster
with small fiat 1T buttons. The jacket