The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-10-18

comfortable than common 81 gown"
was asked after the saleslady had bowed
out a fault finding customer.
"Well. she replied refectively, as a
pair of dimples grew into the corners of
her mouth, sit is difficult to say. While
cheap robe may be equally as COM
Portable. you can see for yourself how
much more beautiful these finer dresses
are. The first requisite of such
wrapper is that there must be nothing
scratchy about it. Everything should
be soft and yielding to the touch. So
the more expensive the material the
more down-like it is, and consequently
the more comfortable. A gown is, you
see, the diametrical opposite of q jersey
from modiste's point of view. The
one is made to fit closely, bringing every
curve into relief. The other is worn
more loosely than day dress could be
worn, and is shorter and more open than
street or ball Dress
Further information was vouchsafed
to the effect that orders for these ex-
pensive goods came almost entirely from
this city and Brooklyn. Occasionally
southern girl purchasing her trousseau
in the city would order two of the
dresses, but from the wealthy residents
in New York came the greater part OF the
custom. The tendency to richer night
apparel seemed - be growing and all
elaborate trousseaus purchased recently
included expensive gowns of this class.
In two of the larger stores visited
special dressmakers were kept who did
nothing but work on these garments, to
such an extent had the demand grown.
Besides, q large portion of needle
women's time was devoted to repairing
the originally expensive lace marvels.
"These things" the forewoman ex-
planned, pointing to two gowns On a table
near by, "are continually being brought
to us to be mended or to have little rents
in the ruching or lace work carefully re-
paired. That is one reason, apart from
the first cost, why only very wealthy peo-
pie can afford these luxuries. To lady
that Kicks at night, or who is at all rest
less, delicately made gown is an ex-
pensive investment. The least careless
movement, causes tear, which takes
time, trouble and money to repair. We
have had this garment returned half a
dozen times for repair within three
months" holding up fimsy net.
another expense is the laundry work,
which must be carefully done, after the
removal of the more delicate lace. Taken
altogether, one of these robes is more
trouble to the wearer than pet poodle"
and the speaker glanced across the store
to an ecru poodle that was quietly masti-
eating lady's silk train.
Across the street large mems furnish
ing establishment advertised might
shirts for presents" Inquiry elected
the information that quite trade in
shirts of this description was carried on,
and that the purchasers, in most cases,
were ladies'. "They buy them for their
sweethearts first, their husbands and
brothers next" softly said the young
man with the banged hair who presided
over the department. 1T is getting
quite fashionable for lady to present
her fance with an elegant robe de mutt.
Young wives, too, like to surprise their
husbands with such testimonials Of affec-
ton. Then we have class of customers
who purchase these shirts for their own
wear. Most of these are dudes, l be-
lieve, though occasionally an old man
who is about to commit matrimony Sec
ond or third time invests in pair of
high-priced shirts. Oh, prices range
from 50 to $40, according to material,
workmanship and amount Of lace used.
You won't have one to-day, then? Good
day."-N. Y. World.