, 1877-02-18
FEMININE GOSSIP.

~
Iesc Fork Wor{d.
A droll fancy lately developed at costume
balls-which, BY the way, are in high favor
abroad at the present time-prolniscs to be
quite the fashion. This consists Of travcstyips
the head only, and produces, may be imag-
iocd, both grotcsque and frightful effects; the
ordinary ball toilets appearing in violent con-
trust with the parodied polls rising out OF them.
At a recent masquerade ball in Paris where
this innovation prevailed, elegant dresses fash
ioued after the latest modes were mounted with
NIclusas, Agnes Sorrels, Anna OF Brctasncs,
Judies, Gypsies, Vatican peasants, and other
incongruous heads. Disgusting the head only
proved equally disastrous to 4 harmonious tout
ensemble among the other ser, as in the case OF
thu gentleman who, representing Is Le Monsieur
Rcveille,:' crowned full evening attire with
that at all times most hideous OF head-gears, a
cotton nieht-cap drawn over frowsy hair.
Among tho more pleasing dclineatic~s was
that OF ssThc Marvellous Cat,'' in which the
head OF fine specimen Of tn: feline facc was
seen pecping from out the powdered coiffure Of
LADY robed q Ia mode This same idea was
illustrated on another occasion when entire
traycsty was the rule, with i dress Of white
satin, boytlercd about with soft white fur; aud
gloves and shoes, with claw-like terminatious,
added. The fancy for arraying themselves rs
actresses has likewise possessed the fashionable
world, and ladies a-c actually copying not only
the costumes but the characteristics OF their
models.
Gauze searfs, whicl, arc drapcd in many differ
cnt STYLES, are Ill vogue now, and there have been
several novel adaptations Of them recently.
remarkable specimen worn On TIC occasion OF
Miss Rooscyelt's wedding, over rich toilet OF
white satin. was OF pac-hluc gauzc-a tint
tirhf r1r1
with shower OF stow-balls, the fringe com
posed of artihcial towcrs to n,atuh: Another
unique one, OF the same shade OF blue, was
alive with the designs OF firing swallows
ing the buckle aud bow at tho side. and not in
the centre OF the foot. This will hardly prove
more than passing shim, as It detraets from
the symmetry, and adds to the size Ut the feet.
ut last the victory dark llucs, and cardinal
red is already tnin@ OF the past. Gray Is tho
prevailing color among spring woocn fabrics,
which are showing goodly supply OF exceed
ingIy fine checks. .-.
and more studying the needs Of their respective
compilations, the old idea that this is necessary
only where coors arc concerned having been
long ago exploded. To set off to advantage tl!e
freshness OF blonde or the fairness OF & ret
haired woman, soft, deep shade, :s the black
OF velvet, is wanted. while Tor brunette the
b]acn ought to be cnliycnc1 by 3 glossy appear
ance, such IS is obtained in Lyons satin or silk,
Or even in iaillc-
outside wrap In the antc.rooEs, as. well Tor
formal call as for soircc, that nothing less
brilliant may be seen in the reception-roum
even in daylight, than charming toilets With
coQuettish bonnets to match.
New York ladies, no: content with dressing IN
the taste universally convcfled to thcrl, this sea-
son are doing so, il such Il thing is possible. at
a greater cost than heretofore, the cxtravaeancc
committed Ia the matter OF lingerie being un-
orccclented; night ht,dresscs,-alry trs1es naae
IN of the finest OF linen caInbric and without
laces, which may not brave the mantpulattons
of Misunderstanding their fair wearcrs. any
where from $100 to 800; and other garments in
:Icwclry Is constantly furnishing new dcsiens.
Brooches are worn large, aud arc made to serve
also as pendants. Earrings arc either quite
small and short, as solitaire diamonds and let
and shell balls, or else they arc long and eab-
ball surrounded by wheel is farortte design
for both silver and gold earrings.
4 novelty in jewelry is the Cloisonnc enamel
applied to gold. The grounds are lapls;lazuii
blue, dark yellow, or olirc, almost covered with
brilliant floral DECORATIONS done III Russian
style, OF for lighter surfaces blue and white
enamel are employed on gold, and c1nsstc sub
jects are chosen. For very rich jewclry the
Limoges enamel is used in NEUROLOGICAL devices
and set with precious stones-
Diamonds are mounted to show no gold Rose
pearls in knife-edge settings aud seed pearls
both appropriately worn By bri1cs- Turquotses
are popular in Moorish and floral designs; those
set as riolets, with pearl or diamond mount
nothing new, further than the fact that coral
beads arc worn. Large ameshysts arc again in
fayor. Canoes and intaglios are always in
style and priced BY people Of artistic tastes.
There Is fancy at present Tor iutaglio rings
Ianis-iaZr1ff. and also m1llrhite. RtprH retain