The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1880-03-21
FASHION TALK.
The Best Materials for Spring and
Summer Wear.

Solid ColorB Likely TO Become Again
Tashionable-Fulle Skirts for
Street Dresses - Trim
mings, Rufles, Etc.
II, ~ the spiritually minded say. every
false line, every antagonlstlc color, every
faithless seam, every vulgar design continu-
ally xiveB out some subtle stream OF evil,
what possible poisons are distilling for women
Ii all the shops, sewing rooms and pattern
depots Of this fashion loving town. II would
seem to become the duty Of clrcumspect
society 70 look into this matter and SEQ that
nothing sophistlcate or deterlorating come
between tho wind and its nobility. But II
has not thus far appeared to perceive its re-
sponsibility, and turns a prompt and acquies-
cent ear to every new suggestion from
Demorest, Butterick, Leslie, Harper, An
drews and the rest, as though the pomp and
attitude Of its source were guarantees OF Its
purity. It is enough to make one sigh for
some garden OF simple delights where all
undue anxiety about dress shall be lulled to
rest. and where women shall be honest, In
offensive and plain, II they like. without los
luX VN5lI o5kl"kGbpDCS Va OoSoAAAA0 VS@oSe0 VI
surprise to critical behoiders.
The prospect just now Is that this happy
carelessness will be found In Salutisland only,
and that there is no missionary field for
dress reformers except In highly fashion,
able direction. 1t may be some encourage
ment. however, to note the fact that fashion
Is patronizlng simplicity just now. and that
Inexpensive fabrics are more admired and In
greater demand than those which are held at
exclusive prices. The varied and beautiful
cotton goods now irf the market offer sup
ply for the requirements OF all tastes and the
means Or all purses. The cotton faille we'll
bears comparison with the silk which It imi-
tates. and its finish is 30 fine that Its effect is
not inferior 70 that of real foulard. Percales
and rinRhams IRE shown In all the new styles
or more costly materials. and we are already
beginning to SEQ some charming cambria cos
tunes on the streets. In refined colors and
tasteful combinations these dresses are fire.
Quently more stylish and becoming than
those OF more expensive goods.
SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS GOODS.
Iron and canvass grenadines, as well as
those which are striped and brocaded, are
taking tho place which can be filled only by
goods OF that description. Buntln4s OF all
styles and colors for these tickle spring
months aud lovely foulard silks are among
leading fabrics for street wear. Some new
American silks In 1oriated designs on plain
backgrounds are likely to become popular,
and are intended for overdresses to be worn
with skirts In which the prevailing tint is re-
peated.
hair line checks 50 small as TO be almost In
distnRuighable Some OF the combinations
are OF scarlet. blue, gold and white threads,
80 delicately blended as TO give subdued
~ tknA nFA1A nxnA kAan
checked silks are quite the favorite style, aud
most or them have three or four colors BLEND
Cd, instead or the orthodox two Of several
years ago.
promises to become popular for summer wear.
| Il has crepe-like appearance and IL quite
elastic, although cotton goods, washing
perfectly and resuming It's wrlnkled appear
ance after the most energetic ironing. It is
usually made up without trimming. stitched
hems forming sufficient garntture, and r.
sometimes called "China cotton crepe
Those patterns shown here have dark
grounds with beautifully executed designs In
mixed colors. Madras xinKhams promise to
young girls. but monte cloths In oil colore
and designs will be also used for the same
purpose.
Colors In many spring goods are much
lighter now than they have been for many
1
suits Of white wool worn with jackets OF fig
ured and striped material. These costumes
are said to be elegant and stylish, and are
not considered expensive, as white wooler
goods may be readily cleaned after 1t be.
Drapery, although still used in most OF The
new costumes, is not very full, and the ten.
dency, which Is only tendency as yet, lie
full outlines. The artistic culture, which Ii
finding varied expression In household deco
ration as we'll as personal adornment, ls moi
prepared to give up the points 1t has gained
and will insist that "a thing OF beauty 10 .
men are apt to stand upon their right to be a
tickle as women, and It IL Just that whimsi
calness that impedes and turns aside the true
thinkers and workers 81 this world.
\ It is reassuring as to the latent power q
indicating return to solid colors 10 dress
fabrics, and the employment Of glaring dyes
will be confined to the small accessories o
the toilet Where mixed cOlOrS are used they
fects. Ia American goods the prevailing
colors, even In lightweight materials. are 9
repetition OF the winter favorites-olive
greens, browns, peacock, blues ana grays
Everybody's old friend, ashes-of-roses, thu
perfection Of lovely colorine In fashionable
estimation years ago, will come back to Ut
with "alienated majesty" In soft spring text
ures. London smoke and Russian gray art
| lowering like distant stOrm-clOudS some
where on the fashionable horizon and maj
strike society ut any moment. Less pleasant
even than these sombre hues are the blightee
greens, sere browns, detected yellows ant
sickly blues that are stealing In among gaye
tints. A sort OF happy Inconsistency seems tx
lbelong to this department OF manufacturing
art, making those who stand and wait fee
that the veriest coquetry rules Its councils.
RUFFLEs, SKIRTS, ETC.
The last new street suits are showing some
what fuller skirts, admitting the stiff petit
coats now In vogue without undue crushing
When heavy materials are used In skirts they
are made plainly, or are slashed on the foot
and plaitings inserted, the depth OF the plait
ings being regulated by the length OF thu
| Overdrcss