Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1881-01-13
FASHION,
Costumes for January-Nogc itie
and Extravaganzns-Pr
IL. 81,

|
and ExtrAvaganzns-Pr
Styles for the Season.
Special Correspondence of State journal.
New York, Jan. 8.-January costumes
are of importance because they give tone
to those worn during the season which
par epcelle,cs liz ons of social festivity
Now has commenced grand round of
dinners, afternoon teas and balls and the
toilettes worn at this time ore sate guide
as to what will please the feminine mind
until warm weather shall nscossitate the
bringing ia of fresh novelties. Materials
for full dress and evening wear have never
oaen quite no dsringly magnificent 80 At
present. Fashions touches are bold ard
she hesi;stes not to bring about conbiua-
tious effective ir the extrem me- The hand
soonest dresses saw were gotten up by
Lord d. Taylor and not few of them
merit special description.
A black velvet, made with train was
illumined by bouquets of gayly coiored
silk embroidered flowers. The bouquets
were of different sizes, aud, placed where
ever it seemed convenient, were sewn en-
the veiv5t in applique style. Asother deli
| cateiy beautiful costume was OF pale pink
brocado covered with large sprays of
roses combined with pale pink satin and
crystal passementerie. third equally
beautiful costume was gold coiored:
fourth, heliotrope; fifth, pale blue;
sixth, pure white.
Lack of space forbids too minute q
specification OF details, but the conclusions
drawn are that basques and trimmed skirts
are chiefly seen; the peedful variety being
given by different dispositions of material
and trimming, and in different shaping
&C., of the corssgs. Trains are not Of
extraordinary length, and the favorite
shape Is a compromise between the
g nuine square and round, for now We
Lave rounded square. Sleeves reach to
the elbow and necks are either high
square or heart shaped; the latter often
closing at the throat and opening below
The tendency to very large fig ares in
brocades for handsome indoor dresses is
overwhelming. The same can be asserted
IS regards brocade for opera oloaks, which
never were so striking as at present.
Almost universally they are in viste or
dolman style, and covered with oonspicu-
ously large floral, serpentine or feather
| patterns.
The coquetry in muffs Is surprising.
| Plush or some ether heavy material is cut
| into fanoiful shapes, lined, bound and tied
and occasionally even finish of white
lace is added on the edges. The result is
something ever 80 pretty and coquettish
quite shaming, indeed, the staid muff of
former days, Besides, these innovations
are economical, since the lady of inge-
nuity can contrive one for herself; or, if
she cannot, the pattern houses come to
her aid, as they bring out cunning little
models which may be followed. The Olga
is one of these, SO far indie ed has the
coquetry in muffs extended, that artificial
flowers, gold lace and embroidery are en-
ployed to give finish, and it readily be-
comes apparent that with such liberty one
can easily manufacture something attrac-
tive to the eye. Wadding is placed inside
and often perfumed so as to impart deli
cate fragrance to the glove.
The present hard winter has brought
out the fur capes which were put upon
the market two SEASONS ago, but which
the mild weather prevented from becom-
ing very successful. These cold days
however, ladies are glad to cover their
shoulders with anything so warm and
thus they are becoming more and more
into favor Plush capes too are comfort
able and stylish and with these are often
added pair of adjustable cuffs. They
give novel finish and if the contracts art
rightly applied, one that is often very
effective. Cuffs of fur are not unfre-
quently worn as an adjunct to the fur
cape and you must remember that here
the muff also should be of fur.
Plush collars are becoming novelties for
indoors the more SO as there is a wide
range in color, and, therefore, they serve
to tighten or subdue the costume, just as
may be desired. OF course, there is a
white linen collar or ruching against the
neck. Most frequently ruching, because
Sara Bernhardt has left behind her rage
of all kinds. They never were in such
favor nor carried to such extren es. Crepe
lisse in new styles is in much demand aud
lloe rulings come in for their share of
popularity. Both are in such variety that
special description becomes impossible, but
in all kinds, the Sidenburg favorite brands
3 are most desirable as being most fashion
able and the best made.
A notable extravaganza is an enormous
! bow of wide satin ribbon worn on the left
side Of the corsage just above the waist
! line. II replaces the huge bouquet of
flowers which has been fashionable and
, the fact that all symmetry of figure is
{ destroyed by the employment of such
addition to the toilette, does not initiate
at all against the prestige given it. Gilt
: trimmings are extrsyagantly brought for
ward Nothing forms more stylish
' edging than several rows of gilt braid
gilt and silver brsids are frequently alter.
mated and sashes of soft sursh silk are
D caught on the ends by tassels of spikes Of
J gilt. Especially on independent hasques
8 that are utilized for different skirts are
a finishing of gilt in favor. Here a popular
, method ia to run three rows of narrow gilt
4 braid around the edge of the basque while
8 the sleaves pocket and collar are covered
q with gilt embroidery. Gilt trimmings
would. of course, be too pronounced for q
3 brocaded basque of mingled colors
Therefore plain cloth or velvet are the
. chosen materials; the former being mos,
suitable for wool skirt; the latter for Q
trimmed skirt of satin.
In spite of ali the handsome things Of
v which fashion writers tell you, do not for
J get that it is possible enough to be
; fashionably yet simply dressed wool
costume of good quality is always nice
i enough for the street; long redingotes art
4 uupretentious and servicesble, as those
u worn by men, and the hat or bonnet neec
not be in any wise expensive. There err
Thousand gay novelties desirable enough
: if one can afford them if one cannot
). there are more ways than one of being in
II extensively yet stylishly dressed.