Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-05-04
A Reduction i'm Dress Expenses
Taste and Economy.

THERE is evidence that fashionable
women and those who cater for their tastes,
are taking more sensible and practical
views IL regard to the importance of max
ing economy a ruling principle in spring
outfits. At an opening of fashionable
Spring dresses, outside garments and
millinery in leading dry-goods estab-
lishment in Boston, last week. several
hopeful and noteworthy proofs of long
desired and Imperative reform were plain
ly perceptible. In the first place, every
thing on exhibition was made in the es-
tablishment. Not an imported costume
or hat was to be seen. But such was the
elegance and variety of the show, that the
absence of the usual foreign element would
not have been detected, unless attention
had been called to the novel feature Good
taste, as well as economy, had an influence
in the new departure. 1t is said that the
importers of French costumes find that
they do not sell to advantage. A woman
of the best taste prefers to select a suitable
material, and have it made in a manner
that suits her style, and makes the gar
ment look when tits worn as if it belonged
to her, and not to some one else. There
fore, while we admire the arts
tic elegance of French costumes il
is far more satisfactory and in
better taste to be content with
simpler costumes made at home, with
some idea Of adaptation to the require
ments Of the wearer. A still stronger rea-
son is found in the fact that articles of
home manufacture should be much cheap
er than imp orted ones, and in these days,
when sensible women are doing their best
to be economical in expenditure, any
change that is at the same time fashiona-
BILE and less costly, will be looked upon
with favor
Oxford suits formed another feature of
the exhibition. These are wash dresses
made of Oxford plaids and stripes, are
considered very stylish, and will be worn
for street costumes during the summer
They are all made in the same style, with
underskirt, overskirt, and jacket with a
long, loose front. They sell, ready made,
for SIS, and, of course, to ladies who can
make their own dresses, the cost will be
much less.
Another economical feature at this
opening consisted of the revived cos
tunes of embroidered wool materials.
Oyerskirts and sacks in cancels hair, of a
great variety of shades, were offered for
about $40. To those who have an old
silk dress to make into skirt, one of
these costumes nearly matching the color,
makes with it an inexpensive and elegant
suit.
In the millinery department., marked
feature was the display of hats and bon
nets at the low price Of So. Among the
hats were included large number
specially suited for schoolgirls. These
low priced hats and bonnets reflected
much credit upon the establishment and
met with great favor from purchasers, as
they supply want that has long been
felt, creditable bonnet which is not
costly, nor too good for common wear.
Of course there were at this opening
exquisite costumes of the most costly
materials, gotten upregardless Of expense,
and dainty bonnets by the score, costing a
small fortune; but when one of the lead
ing establishments in New England
makes speciality of economical attrac-
tons, and women approve the plan, we
may hope that there is a prospect of
reaching, =. no distant day, that " bottom
line" which is to be the foundation of our
future neutrality-suspicious. (R. T.
Journal.