The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-12-24
Fasltfoss Ssossiss.

ssss
FashfoH esossir. 55
During the past few days the most eos1-
spicuous articles in ladies' apparel have been
oyershoes and waterproof cfoaks. These are
articles which it would appear admit Of
few changes, but even In the face or q falling
barometer Partisan bellies are equal to the
emergency, and have invented q waterproof
costume at once tasteful and effective. 1t is
made of dark blue or violet cloth, and con-
sists of a long tunic and three double capes,
the former being provided with cords and
tasseis TO let down or loop up panier be-
hind.
Despite the weather, the near approach Of
Christmas has filed the streets with ladies
intent on that most pleasant of all feminine
employments, shopping; and in the inter-
yals OF sunshine and clear sky umbrellas and
waterproofs were discarded, and dolmans
and sacques, Rabagas bonnets and Rubens
hats, coquettish seaIskin turhans, and hum
dred other heart-rendipg devices, became
visible. Men, fortunately, have almost eman-
cipated themselves from the rule of that tickle
tyrant Fashion, and deeper lappels, more Or
less spring to the trousers, plain or ruffled
shirt fronts, and such like minor details, are
the only points in which the remains are dis
cernable of former rule as absolute in mas
culine dress as now prevails in that of the
fair sex
For ladies' outdoor wear the dolman is
supreme. The favor with which it was re.
ceived shows no sign Of diminishing. It de-
serves its popularity, rs it is suitable for all
ages and all figures; besides which it is
warm md comfortable garment. 1t is to be
found trimmed in many ways-glistening
with buglcs and Network, embroidered with
rich black braid, or edged with fur. All Of
these trimmings are very pretty and fashion,
able, and either OF the former may be used
with the fur-edging with excellent effect.
When the weather is cold and bright a
sealskin turban is much worn by young
ladies, and is very plguant and becoming.
The Rubens hat is another favorite. 1t
falls low on the forehead, and is turned up
on one side only. The Rabagas, or sailor
bonnet, is worn far back on the head. It
was first made popular in Paris by an actress
who appeared in one in Sard ou's suppressed
play Of that name. Wells are cut in deep
point, and have tabs fastened behind by a
pin. Tulle closely dotted is the most favored
material, while pale gray and dark green
grenadines are occasionally seen. Cashmere
shawls for carriage-wraps and similar occa-
sions are said to be gradually coming into
favor in New York. They are very expen-
siye, costing from $3.50 to $1,000, but they
are very beautiful and will last lifetime.
These shawls are composed of many pieces,
each of different pattern, the number and
beauty of the design giving value to the
shawl. These pieces are now imported
from Persia and northern Hindoostan, where
they are woven on the rude looms of the
natives, and are afterwards Joined together.
Gold thread is frequently interviewer with
the fabric.
The great demand In ladies' toilettes, how
ever, will be for evening dresses for the balls
and parties of the season. For this purpose
clouded damaSk gauze and grenadines, over
silk skirts and corsages, are most used. The
round Josephine corsage is adopted by lovers
Of novelty, though many low-neck basques
and pointed corsageS are still being made.
The Josephine waist has seam down the
middle Of the front, with u single dart on
each side of it; the back is often made with
out side forms, and is fastened by eyelets and
a silk lacing->tring. A bertha of puffs or of
Grecan folds trims the low-neck and often
conceals the short-pulfed sleeves. 4 wide
belt, with fancy buckle and sash, accompa-
MES this corsage, but is dispensed with by
m my ladies, as it makes a short waist look
too thick and clumsy.
Heavy gros-grain silk, and even velvet, is
used for reception dresses. These are fire.
quently made plain with train skirt, the
back width being very full and bouflant.
In dressing the hair the latest style is to
bring it up to the crown Of the head, where
it is arranged in profusion of putfs, braids,
and ringlets. Two long curls or braids are
still worn by those who do not like the bar
rem effect of the back Of the neck and head
when all the hair is dressed up high. The
deep ruff which is now SO popular has been
introduced to obyiate this defect. The high
Spanish comb is much in favor, also iewelled
aigrettes and darts for ornament. For eve
ming, flowers arc worn. 4 very stylish and
new couture has the front hair waved and
combed up high over friSette. The back
hair is combed up, tied, and then braided in
two braids, which descend upon either side
and are raised again to the middle under
cascade of curls which are formed by the ends
orthe front hair. A ribbon bow is placed upon
the bandcau in front. A simple method Of
dressing the hair is TO comb it up high at the
back and sides over frisette, and form the
ends into broad loops resembling the figure
eight upon the top Of the head. \ fancy jet
comb forms Il diadem.
Anon. MINOR novelties may be mentioned
fans of Russia leather, very beautiful and en-
durable. Lace of every kind is more in de-
mand this season than ever before, and is
used for all kinds Of trimming. A new
shade OF very dark indigo-blue gloves are
worn with the black and dark suits now
fashionable. Velvet sleeveless jackets are
occasionally seen, but they are too cold for
outdoor wear. They are very becoming in
doors, and will serve to hide frTycd dress
body. Roman scarfs, with fringed ends,
are worn for cravats.
Many corsages are made open in front to
the waist with velvet rererS, and displaying
elegant chemiscttcs of Nalencicnnes lace.
These are finished with lace ruff at the neck
and bows of ribbon.
The sailor suits for young girls have be-
come so popular that they are no longer con-
fined to blue flannel, but are made in black
and gray flannel as well.
SUrrosE IT HAD BEEN BoUGHT The Bal
timore american tells the following thrilling
story, but omts to draw moral from the con-
sequences in case the hair had not been origl-
nal Thursday morning, as the mail train
south OH the Philadelphia, Wilmington and