Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1876-01-01

mounted with silver, which may bt
attached or not, at pleasure, bu
which areusually purchased in order
to in sure complete outfit, and varI
ed to suit the fancy of the wearer.
| Chatelaines of either of the pre-
cious metals are most distinguished
aud greatly coveted. They consti
tute, therefore, very desirable gifts
rs they do not lose their value, bul
are priced as hei=looms.
Neck chains and pendants are los.
ing prestige, and so also are the ties
bows, and ornaments which have re.
Gently been worn SO profuscly at the
throat. Ladies of acknowledged
taste, and especially young ladies,
now dress their necks very plainly.
"A tulle ruche at the throat, lace
end clasped by pin which forms a
pendant, with earrings to match,
constitute all the decoration that is
permitted for all ordinary dinner O,
cat home" toilet, and for very young
women the fussy bow aud lace end
are dispensed with entirely.
Necklaces are of course employed
for full dress, but "full," that is loac
dress, has always been the except
ton in American society, and is now
more so than ever. Indeed, the com
promise which American ladies have
generally adopted, of square or V
shaped bodice and demi-long or elbow
sleeves, finished with lace, has now
been largely accepted in Europe as
fulfilling all the requirements, and
were it not for the etiquette of the
Court of Queen Victoria low-neck ed
and short-sleeved dresses for matrons
and women past middle age would
be unknown.
A noticeable feature of the new
dresses is the length of the waists.
The difference in this respect be-
tween the dresses of five and even
three years ago and to-day must be
compared to be appreciated. 1t will
then be seen that we are fast drifting
towards the smooth forms of the
middle ages, and, that the "moyen-
age" bodice which we have revived
is not mere name.
The distinction of black toilets was
remarked early in the season, and
the beauty of many which have been
worn at recent weddings and enter
tainments deserve special mention
One-a princesse dress of black vel
vet-was almost covered by mag
nificent princesse overdrcss of Hon
iton lace, caught up high and held
back with trail of superb roses.
Another noticeable dress was of
very rich black silk, trimmed with
pale blue feather trimming ;and a
third, all black, peculiar from its
plainness, yet exceeding stylishness
of its effect. The bodice and skirt
were i'll one, the back of the bodice
cut very long and descending in
point. Below this the fulmess of the
skirt was massed i'll two small length
wise poufs, which terminated in a
train. The trimming
consisted of very rich broad braidS
and cable cord, the latter used as
chain by which gathered poke,
was swung to the side and a fan OF
black ostrich feathers lowered to its
proper position: The neck was high,
the sleeves long and close at the
wrists, and somewhat rocco effect
produced by broad turn-down collar
and cuffs of rich old lace.
Pockets are not only useful but
essential with the narrow skirts,
which are so tight and plain over the
hips as not to admit of any pulling
apart so as to admit the hand into an
inside pocket. They also require
)e:ticoats shaped as nearly as pos
'ible to correspond, else the whole |
.lfect is spoiled. To attempt to wear
tournure of any size, or as a sep
lrate article of dress, with any OF
he recent designs of elegant toilets.
would be to produce most ludicrous
ravesty of STYLE and exhibit deplo-
able Ignorance. Scal-brown and bot
lie or ''invisible" green costumes are
.mong the finest complete street
ollets for winter wear. Seal brown
re usually composed of silk and vel
'et, and are worn with scal-skin
ackets, a piece of the velvet also
cmpOsing the bonnet, which is trim
ned with brown feathers and cream
olored lace or tea-roses.
The dark-green costumes areof silk
nd velvet, silk and cashmere, or
elvet and cashmere, and are accom-
anled by hat of wOOd-cOlored felt,
with dark-green velvet-a
road wing or bird, and a wreath of
nted leaves with scarlet berries
nder the brim. A silk jacket, fur
ned, is a proper addition to this
The gloves for street wear may be
'al-broWn for the first dress and
ood color with the second; but for
lsiting, ivory, cream or very pal e
lmeO ;ints.
Evening dresses are composed
most universally OF two or three
orlcs-of mixture of striped gren-
line and taille, of damask gauzr
yer silk, OF embroidered crepe dt.
lllie III the form of long, sleeve
SIS tunlc over velvet, to which velvc,
eeves are added. Lace sleeves,
rough which the arm is visible
ON the shoulder down, are as fash.
nable as last year, and usually !.
rmluate below the elbow in lace
I'LL IS, very scant, and ornamented
lth ribbon bow. Flowers have :
rely been used in such profusioe
they follow the line of diagonal +
Ids or scarf upon the front of the
1T, simulate several aprons, and r
ther sweep off i'll large trails at the
ok, or till i'll Il side where the tie =.
ok has left convenient space.
WEIGHING The BABY.