The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1870-03-18
CHIr-onAT ON FASHIONS.

"Natali." In the New York Sunday
Courier, in response to desire On the
part of many, that fashion writer's
would either publish dictionary ex,
planning the words and expressions sc
commonly used, or that they would
explain the meaning of their articles
thus answers few of the questions:
The Marie Antoinette flounce is a
wide founco which falls ever the skirt,
differing from the Spanish founce,whIch
is Joined to it. The Marie Antoinette
sleeve has the form Of coat sleeve at
the top, and descends little below the
elbow, where it is flowing. 1t is
LEM tbened by ruffie, which is very
full. The Pagoda and the Oriental
sleeves are open from the elbow; the
latter, which falls over the arm, is
wide and flowing. The Vatican fold
is that bread box plat which is gene
rally seen on the back of mantles The
Metternich mantle, which is worn by
elderly ladies, is made with side capes,
which drape the arm like a sleeve; it
has belted fronts. Trimmings, which
is said to form castellated points, has
the points sometimes running in oppo
site directions, itstead of all one way;
these points, if such they may be called,
are square instead of being pointed.
The beaver brand mohair, of pure
shade of black, with silk finish that
gives it new lUstIe, is among the new
goods to he intreduceSfOr spring dress
es. They are admirably adapted for
summer wear, as it is far lighter than
alpaca, and will make up as effectively
as silk.
The importations of silk this spring
show two colors prevailing, grisdille, or
iron gray, and the ecru buff OF last sum-
mer. These same cOlors also run
through peplins, mohairs, eplDgeline,
ard all the wash materials.
The grisdille silk for suits is made up
of white and black stripe, almost too
small to be distinguished. The heavi-
est importations have been made in this
color, our merchants deenipg it will be
more popular than any other.
A novelty that will be introduced this
spring is a water proof black silk. 1t
is fine gros grain that has been dipped
in q solution of catuchoue, which, it Is
said, renders it perfectly impermeable.
This preparation renders it quite
heavy, and per consequence, it will only
be used for mantles and other habits.
Among other black silks adopted for
suits are the three ply corded silk, called
"Cyclops," known by having white
stripe on but one selvedge; the drdb de-
LIONS, with 'satin-like lustre, which
will not crack or split in the folds, and
ia of too close texture to hold dust;
aud Stewards brands of silks (made ia
Lyons to suit American tastes), which
are Familiarity known as those of Bon
net or Ponson.
For durability and hard wear, the
Family Silk" imported by Stewart, is
very popular, but for choicer use the
"Imperiap brand, with satin face, is
preferable to all others. Stewart also
imports another brand, known as the
LEGION of Honor" which is generally
acknowledged by ladies as service
able fabric, and moreover it is three or
four levies cheaper than the Family"
brand.
American brands of silks are gaining
a deserved popularity for serViceability
Many of them are superior to some OF
the imported silks, completely rivaling
them in texture and beauty of finish.
When our home manufactures come to
he better supported, and when our Ia
dies will Danish the nOnsensical idea
that silk to be pure and genuine must
bear an importation mark, a much
heavier business will be done in Ameri.
can silk; though the trade in the home
made fabrics is nothing to be ashamed
of even now. Our fine black gros grains,
known as "Cashemire de Sole" and
"Casbemire d. Anerique," are handsome
enough TO suit the most fastdou taste
either for promenade suit or house
dress.
Fur country wear the durable black
popi ms of American manufacture are
exceedingly popular. They have no
lustre, and will wash like a piece Ut
muslin.
An endless variety of fancy silks is
presented, but the most fashionable tor
evening and dinner dresses are pale
tiuts of a single color, either the new
green, flesh or skin color, the many
shadowy rays or the pdOa, which is
lighter than the peacock shade in vogue
last autumn.
Brocaded silks are largely imported,
and arranged according to the present
fashion, form a very picturesque dress.
They are arranged with punched up
tunics or trains over white petticoats,
and trimmed down the front with vel
vet bows and a profusion of black lace.
So much for silks.