Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1880-12-23
Vol. XVI. Whole No. 1852. No52.
New York Fashions.
SILK VERSUS sATIN.

black silk dress is now no longer the newt
able thing it once was and this because the
satin family has of late usurped leading
position. Manufacturers have expended
their best efforts upon satin there are differ.
| ing varieties, while importers consider them;
selves at liberty to devise different names
| for what perhaps may be the same thing,
| until the uninitiated doubtless are sorcly
puzzled they wander uncertainty among
high resounding epithets where there is
often distinction without a difference. In
all, We observe toning down of the old
time lustre and in consequence the satin of
to-day is much less conspicuous material
than formerly. In view Of this some of the
leading houses are showing satin skirts ready
made in black and fashionable eolors. The
prices asked are moderate and all that is
needed for stylish costume is to make up
one of thos, brocaded basques that are now
so much worn with skirts of plain goods.
Bear in mind however that satin is not
lasting as silk, being apt to fray out and
therefore in choosing, you will have to put
durability in one scale and high style in
another 1t remains with Yourself which
shall hang heaviest. Just now furthermore,
it seems appropriate to add hint concern
ing the utility of a brocaded basque for the
purpose of replacing a worn corsagc. As We
know to our sorrow the waist of a dress is
often shabby while the skirt remains good.
Don't worry about that used up corsage;
discard il without ceremony and replace it
with one of brocade being careful however,
also to rip off any additions of brccade
which may be upon the skirt. Have it plain
or If brocade there mus. be let il match the
basque, If YOU are about making up
walking skirt, | can recommend the Marcia
as a new model. desirable because at once
simple and graceful, having an ovcrskirt ir-
regularly draped in front and falling in
point at either side. 1t is slightly bouffant
at the back with pointed drapery, and is suit
able for either plain goods or combined with
brocade. The Idalia basque would combine
prcttily and could be- made either Of brocade
or plain material or of the two together.
The Ro>alba model is much more dressy and
is adapted to reception or evening toilet.
1t is close on the hips having the back sep
arated into long sashes gathered at the ends
aud finished with bow. the sides forming
long panels which extend to the bottom Of
the skirt. The train is Slightly rounded,
sleeves to the elbow and neck heart shaped
NOVELTIES
this season consist less in design than in ma
terisl OF course We have new models com
ing up constantly, but after all the same
general ideas prevail. In material however,
It needs only to mention the pladed wool
ems. English cheyiots, the brocadcs of enor-
nous patterns or the universal predominance
of plush, to show that there are original
ideas so far as fabric goes. About plush IN
deed too much can hardly be said. II is
seen in all sorts of combinations both in
costumes and millinery, forms the favorte
material for cuffs, collars and pocket flaps
and frequently constitutes the entire gar
ment- Let stout people beware Of plush
though, no matter how fashionable 1t
never was intended for them as it exagger-
ates just where effects of diminution are de
manded. Nothing is more novel in idea
than cloaks in visite doiman shape. made
of huge brocaded black silk, don't mean
that the material is huge, but the designs
portrayed thereupon are certainly out of all
reason and such as We would in ordinary
times have considered worthy of lunatics.
Large, wide open roses, dahlias or sun flow
ers are chosen and some unique garments
are wrought in pronounced feather patterns.
| must go back and apologize too for having
used the word silk" a moment previous
The ground work of these hrocades is satin,
and it was only from habit that | used the
former word. Elegant cIoaks Of similar
shapes made of plain satin, sicilienne,
velvet or plush and both plain and brocaded
fabrics are often lined with red, old gold or
lavender satin or plush. The Naetta is
handsome model recently brought out for
rich goods such as have been mentioned
though quite suitable really for any class of
goods, being in dolman viste style.
BABY's OUTFIT.
must tell YOU something of the display
of an infants outfit which was an astonish-