The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-15

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90 more 10 prevent fashion from proving
snare They tell girls that Il is prudish, snd
old maidish, 10 object 10 q cat which leaves
the bust exposed, and that fashionable
leaders and authorities wear them
so, and so the mother
may utter her protest; she very often does;
but she il powerless before the combined in
fuence OF the modiste and the desire of the
girl, just entering life, 10 represent the latest
style, and show her pretty person TO advsn-
tage. Yet ii not unfreQuently happens that
such exhibitions are lot only suggestively
indecent but very IN becoming. IL has been
the fashion -of laIe 10 leave the edge OF the
low bodice at the neck quite plain and bare,
with nothing to soften the line of velvet or
satin II its contact with the skin, no matter
what the color. whether white or dusky
red. The softness of youth and the grace OF
American beauty triumph over very severe
circumstances, but the charm which they
exercise is in spite Of the drawbacks of an ig-
ncrant caprice which calls itself fashion;
not aided by il. There are soft satin skins,
SO perfect is color and texture that the rise
of the neck and throat seems only the con.
tinuation of the fine, firm body of the fabric.
But these are so rare ss to claim and receive
exceptional bonors and privileges The ma
iority require gentle medium to soften
lines and establish friendly relations be-
tween any unyielding fabric and the shrink
ing, sensitive, delicate, skin, particularly
when the force of color is added to that OF
texture.
That exsggerations are not needed is evil
dent by the presence at every bali, a. every
evening entertainment, of dresses cut low,
yet IL perfectly unobjectionable manner.
They ay be round, or square, or pointed,
but they are modest and womanly. Low
hcdices are not necessarily Objectionable
nor all high ones unobjectlonsoie. The lat
ter may De cut square or heartehaped, and
LETT open so low in front that almost any
low bodice would be raiment for vestal
compared with it. There Is nearly always
more than one way of attaining an objecr,
and if an exhibition OF that kind Is an OBJ
iect, an edlct against low bodices would not
prevent it. What is needed is self-respect
enough among women to draw the line and
not permit any imaginary authority to in
terfere to the discredit of their own judg-
ment and sense OF proprlety. Fashion
is made by the wills of MANY yielding to
the caprice of one. Much as has been said
about it, there has been little change, or
even modification in fifteen years, and long
before that time. The pendulum has swung
TO and fro, but the vibrations are weaker,
and the distances shorter with every season.
We recur eternslly to the old things, the
simpler and more practical OF former styles,
and are getting rid z ore and more, OF the
cumbersome and unnecessary items and &C.
cessories in our dress.
Not that the dress of women is likely to
lose its distinctive character; there is more
than fashion in the provisions which deter
mine the difference between the dress of
man, and the dress of woman; but We are
certainly, and Notwithstanding all that is
said and done to the contrary, gradually &C
curing the knowledge of tru art in dress;
and the first principle of this is adaptation,
the second differentiation, the third har-
Ldony.
eYNNAsTIc COSTUMES.
Health is a subject much talked about of
late and health exhibitions have become
fashionable places of resort for those with
time on their hands to lounge away an idle
morning, as well as places of interest and in
struction for those who are aware of the i'm
portant fact that health Is, and should be-
the first and highest consideration OF our
lives, and when physicians tell Us that 1t
may be greatly aided and supported by regu-
lar and reasonable movement and exercises,
such as gymnastics, riding on horseback,
and even fencing, which are all alike salu-
tary, We should not fail to impress this fact
on the minds of the young and growing, to
induce and incite them to use their limbs in
every possible way and manner.
Gymnastics, often called cslisthenics,
when prscticed by young ladies and chill
dren, were greatly appreciated by the an
GENTS and have become very fashionable
pastimes in these days, but it is necessary to
have suitable, easy. fitting dresses when tax
ing lessons of the clever and even talented
masters and mistresses especially educated
for giving instruction in such exercises.
The pretty gvmnastic costumes for chill
dren are mostly composed of short trousers
and blouse of gray linen, either orna-
mented with rows Of stitching or emDroid-
cred tastefulIy with border of bright colored
cotton, and drawn in at the waist with
broad belt and buckle, or clasps for young
u a., Il
larly recommended, although dainty
engagements are made up in soft WOODEN ma
terials and ABOVE all dark jersey stuffs; the
pantaloons going down to the middle OF the
leg are butt0ned below, and the blouse.
which is high and closed before. completed
by short pleated skirt, trimmed with col
ored braid, colored pleated frill goes round
the neck opening and encircles the wrists, a
band with sash bow behind makes the cos
tune fit well 10 the figure, yet without
pressure.
1t would be impossible to enter fully into
the principles of gymnastics as practiced by
the pupils, but we can only state the results
and assure our readers that many diseases
of the chest and stomach have not only been
relieved but entirely cured by the daily use
of these excellent and healthy exercises; we
have seen. too, weak growing girls and deli
cate, SICILY looking children rapidly gain
strength, vigor, and elasticity as well IS
fresh, bright, blooming complexions.
FANcIEs.
The topaz is again revived by the fashion
able world.
White velvet is much used for the crowns
OF evening hats.
Fancy aprons are now ornamented with
heraldic devices.
Gold lace is in Introduced in many of the
fancy articles for nice neck wear.
Among the new colors j" Alderney," which
Is the deepest shade of cream color.
For the incoming season China silks bid
fair to take procedure of foulards and tatfe-
tas.
Satchel muffs are still carried. These are
made in very fanciful styles to match the
suits worn when sealskins are laid aside.
Just at present the craze of fashion runs in
the direction of converting what used TO be
accounted strictly useful into something em-
inently ornamental. Even common towels
must be made aesthetic with embroidery in
high art designs.
young Spanish artist has lately received
81 600 from a California lady for a painted
fan of black silk. The subject is represel-
tation of the language of tho fan in three
ways: II hate you" II like you" 81 see
you" and is exceedingly clever, as we'll as
delicate in treatment.
NMYN0DS ~