Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-01-10
New York Fashions.
HOW WE RECEIYE-CARDS-CO
OIFFUREs-HOLIDAYP PRESENTS,
&C.. &C. Hr

CO1FFURES-HOLIDAY PRESENTS,
&C., &C., sc.
Correspondence of the Staunton VINDICAToH]
NEW YORK, Jan. 9th.
The piece de resistance of the season is
the New Years costume. I do not mean
by this that it is the most expensive, but
tits the one which from first to last we
think most about. And is it not reason
able that it should be so? If one ball
toilette is not quite perfection, such de-
fency may easily be remedied on occasion
of the next ball, which will come soon
enough afterwards. A sin committed is
easily atoned for. But, as we all know,
the New Year comes but once in twelve
months, and is in consequence of CORES
pondlng Importance. Then, again, there
is as much difference between ball, din
ner, or any other social occurrence and the
New Years Reception, as between the
review of regiment and that of brigade,
or an entire army, if you come to that.
For the First of January the New York
belle collects her entire forces, sending
north, east, south and west for the gather
ing together of her admirers, and in mot
ley array they present themselves at her
summons. Limping old gentlemen of
three and four score jostle against un-
f1edged school-boys, who tenderly and in
secret nurse infantine moustaches, and
white necktied clergymen do battle with
sinners in the general contest Of gallan-
try, which goes on. So you see my lady
the divinity whom the company come to
worship. Again, it may be remarked that
the celestial beings who set themselves up
for an annual homage, like those who
come to do them honor, need not be of
any particular age 1t is delightful
thing to feel that, although one may have
left sweet sixteen far behind, yet it is just
as allowable to call in the hair-dresser and
do ones best to look captivating, as when
one was in reality a belle many years ago.
If an elderly lady spends some hundreds
on her toilette, and practices before the
glass in anticipation, why there is her hus-
band, arrayed like an exquisite of twenty,
in all the elegance of broadcloth, swallow
tail and white kids, who has gone out to
pay his VOWS of devotion to debutantes
young enough to be his grandchildren.
The invitation card for New Years Day
does not differ from the visiting card, ex-
cept that in the left corner is inscribed
"Jan. 1st, 1879. The sending out of cards
is optional. Some ladies issue them broad
cast; others prefer to know that their
friends hold them in remembrance with
out such reminder. The card left by a
gentleman is in no wise conspicuous.
Cards variously ornamented are in exis-
tence and are used, but they do not belong
to the better classes.
COSTUMES.
New Year receptions are favorite time
for the introduction of novelties in cos
tune, and changes which affect the tone
of dress for the remainder of the season.
This year can discover nothing very diff
ferent from what has been seen, yet there
are opposite styles-one as fashionable as
the other; for while elegant toilettes are
made with the corsage close on the hips,
others are pulled out, and with the panier.
The Minerva dress is a stylish design lately
introduced, but, as affording variety, the
Adrienne prlncesse dress may also be men
toned. The Varina tram combined with
Mar, elaine basque would be very suitable
for an evening dress for young lady.
Polonaises are by no means discarded,
and in this special style the Renvia has
been recently presented. Mrs. August
Belmont received in dress of black vel
vet, combined with brocade; Mrs. Astor,
in a brown satin, united with crimson and
brown brocade. A handsome
RECEPTION TOILETTE,
was of Nile green satin trimmed with
white lace made close corsage, high neck,
elbow. sleeves and square train, satin boots
. to match. Provost side buttoned kid gloves
OF very pale green, exquisitely carved gold
earrings in fan shape, with gauteline
wrought in design to correspond gave
finish. A rich toilette was Of garnet satin
com bined with gold and brown brocade,
The vest, sleeves reaching to the waist
and the front of the skirt was Of satin,
while the train, made full on the hips,
square on one side and rounded on the
other, was of the brocade. Half high shoes
of garnet satin, side-buttoned white kid
gloves, enameled earrings brooch and
gauteline gave completion. In general,
however, 40 such elaborateness of costume
is requisite. A black silk with ruchiug
and iabot of crepe llsse or lace with modest
jewelry is considered quite nice enough for
ladies in good position. Some quite fash
ionable ladies also have their dresses made
at home, since with the aid Of patterns it
is comparatively easy to do so. Apropos
of this, 1t may be added that the Singer
Machine Company announce that they
have taken a gold medal at the recent Paris
Exposition and have won the first prize on
more than two hundred other occasions
Last year its sales increased by twenty
thousand, and this year the advance is es-
timated at sixty thousand. Veal remem-
Der that after the Chicago fire, when the
relief committee furnished sewing ma
chimes to the needy women of the city, that
out of nearly three thousand applicants, a
majority approximrating twenty-five hun
dred chose Singer Machines. The princi-
pal features are great simplicity united
with strength, so that while easily man
aged 1t does not readily become injured.
In consequence also of perfect adjust
ment OF parts, the wear is even through
out.
GO1FFURES,
The style of dressing the hair is always
affected by the shape Of bonnets, and this
Seaaan. as thau need a Gniah of Tho hoal