The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-04-08
New York Fashions.

There is nothing more noticeable in
the recent importations Of dry goods
than the rare and delicate shades which
distinguish most of the fabrics. 1t
must be confessed that these tints are
exceedingly attractive to the eyo--so at
tractive, that ladies, when purchasing,
are too apt to be beguiled by the beauty
of the color, without giving n thought
rs to whether or no it will be becoming
to their peculiar complexion and style.
A fact which should be considered in
the selection Of the new colors is that
many of the tints which appear very
charming in the bright daylight in which
they are purchased. lose half their beau.
ty when submitted to gaslight, which Of
course renders them unfit for evening.
This is true Of the pieon or peacock
shades, which are either green with
blush cast or blue with Il grcenish cast
aud it may be stated as a rule that MI
dark shades OF green and blue or pur.
pie aud lilac lose there beauty under
artificial light, while scarlet and orange,
light greens, light brown aud the yari,
GUS other light tints, such as tea rose
and blue aud ccru, grow more brilliant.
OF course the same may be said of lints
suitable for evening when submitted ia
the light OF day.
As there never was time when the
fashions were more varied than they are
ut present, people have very little excuse
for dressing in manner unbecoming
to their particular style OF form aud feiI.
turc yet VIC every day see very stout
ladies adding to their stOutness by OK.
ceedingly bouffant paniers and looped.
up skirts, while slender ladies, falling to
take advantage Of n style which is par.
ticularly suited to them, frequently con-
tent themselves with slight loopings OF
almost straight hanging skirts.
WHILE SLAsHfD JACKETS md the
favorite tight fitting or half tight fitting
polonaises, are becoming To short
figures, the circular NANTES, capes, and
talmas should be avoided. Very deep
and elaborate trimming, consisting Of
LOUNGES and pufIs. upon an under.skirt
makes short, stout person appear still
shorter. 1t is not pleasant to be told
that dress fabrics have risen in price in
Europe, yet such is unfortunately the
fact. The price which must he paid for
handsome costume here is already SO
high that We believe any increase on
this side must have the effect OF rcduc-
Ing the wardrobe of many Of our city
fushionables.
SILKS of the finest quality are $3.50 a
6 a yard, which with making and trim
ming makes the cost OF the costume about
Sl75a $50, and two or three such dresses
are generally considered necessary in
what our society papers, would call a
society lady's" toilette. For other
handsome fabrics suitable for the street
or house vesy high prices arc asked
Among these materials is the camel's
hnir serge, which ranges from So to
2.2j II yard. We have also camel's hair
cloth for polonnises, which displays the
small amure figures and delicate soiled
colors, md which costs n large sum. OF
course these materials drlpe handsomely
and purchasers ARE told that the cloth will
last u lifetime, butin'the various changes
which fashion renders necessary, we
doubt whether this great durability will
ply for the present cost of thematerial.
Other handsome fabrics for spring and
summcr-which include pongee sPrges,
pongee foulardJ, serge foulnrds, gren.
adines OF good quality aud the fonlartl
silks with Dolly Warden figures-range
from $50 to $500. All these materials
make costly costumes, yetwe cannot fully
sympathize with certain fashion writer's,
who express great satisfaction ut what
they calla reactionin favor of less expen.
sivc fabrics for street and lionso dresses.
Good fabrics are occasionally bought for
u moderate sum, but MS rule vs. doubt
the economy Of buying poor materials
which may cost a little less money, hut
which require as much or more trim.
ming, anO which cost rs much for max.
ing as the best material,