Fort Worth weekly gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1889-07-04
LADIES' COLUMN.
The Philosophy of Dress and Color
Principle in Fashion.
in Dress-A Want of it Dis
tracing Descriptions that Hint at
Appropriateness-Tea Gowns.
A Leaf from an Etiquette Book Cor the Benefit
OF All Who Gather Around the Home
Table-FOIbIes of Fashion.


OF All Who Gather Around the Home
Table-FOibles of Fashion.
The despotlsm of fashion is never more
clearly discernible than when the rage
for some particular color is prevailing,
and the apparently perfect satisfaction
with which it is worn by all, regardless
of complexion, eyes, hair or figure. Not
long since sitting where swiftly moving
female figures formed kind of kaleide-
scope. of color, bewildering as was the
vision, at last the tired eye of the writer
rested on what might be termed without
violence to English. symphony in color,
It's effect upon the eye trained to proper
contrast and combination being the same
as to our ear keeuIy alive to harmony
is that of music unmarried by discord-
ance.
A tall, queenly figure passed, the foot
stepped firmly upon the floor, every
movement indicating a proper use of
well trained muscles The head was
poised gracefully, the bust well thrown
forward, and the weight of the podv
moved by a free action of the hip Joints
that sent each foot onward from these
pivotal points. The bearing was of
woman who knew herself and availed
herself of the knowledge; this becoming
more apparent in a careful study of her
dress. The material was some kind of
soft gray wool, the skirt accordion
plated, the bottom left unconfined and
having FIVE rows of MORE ribbon half
inch wide set OH it. At the back there
was a slight drapery, and the basque
had a full set of mOire small
revers, in puffs the top of the sleeve
and a dainty bow at the cuff, ribbons
crossings from the right side to the left
of the skirt that were tied in loops, the
ends reaching to the skirt trimmings, a
moderately broad brimmed gray hat
with a bunchy cluster of lilac flowers
completed the costume that was so per-
feet in its appointments that one almost
feared there must be some thing to mar
it. A turn reveals a pink cheek OH
which the color came and went, and
Irish blue eyes alight with friendly
chances made the picture perfect. That
cheek was pink enough for the gray and
the blue eyes completed a charming con-
trast which remains unrivalled Now
lest some one crush of frantically, -
thal's woman's phrase, and
purchase a costume exactly like
it, it may be well TO caution her to ex-
anime herself and see that the conditions
are all hers.
Tan color has been a rage and has
been bindly adopted. A little woman
not long since drew up her chair for
confidential chat; her smile was cheerful
and her tones soft, two most charming
qualities, but the tan color spoiled the
interview. Years ago the little woman
had been a blonde, but the color had
been washed out. The skin was tan and
tightly drawn over sharp cheek bones
and prominent teeth, the lips thin and
cOlorless, the eyes lack luster and the
hair that had passed through crimpings
innUmerable, matched in color the dress
that had been made a la mode. Even
the veil matched the complexion, and
the woman reminded me of sole
leather well tanned All the while this
devotee to tan color was chatting, the
listener was mentally clothing her in an
ample black lace made over MORE of q
becoming shade, and topping the bird
like head with a lace bonnet where
bright flowers nestled in careless pro-
fusion; to crown all the discontinue,
when she rose to leave, in her going
there was no relief in the uncertain
step and wTiggling of the body. Why is
It that amid teaching to dance, training
the singing voice and the many accom-
plishments that are deemed the essen
tials in q modern young woman, women
are not taught to take an erect position
and draw in the abdomen; then the
chin will be in its proper place, the hips
viii turn inward, the spine straighten,
and all by one motion. By posing for
ward in walking the weight viii come
on the balls of the feet, and a line let
fall from the chest will strike the toes
1t is worth months practice
for it will grace dignity to the carriage
1shich helps pretty woman and makes
at ugly one attractive.
#Df course we have been told many
zines this season that green is fashion
able, but do not be like the woman in
tan; be sure you can wear it before you
purchase. Then, too, remember there
are many shades of green. Perhaps the
most uniformly becoming is lettuce
green or a pale sea green. Either
is made up prettily with waist and skirt
of soft silk with drapings of silk muslin in
empire style, with straight skirt and
short, full waist, over which must hang
in straight folds white en- broidered null
or lace from belt TO hem. SurpIice folds
of the lace cross the waist in front and
behind, the ends being hidden under a
broad sash of the soft green silk.
Neglige gowns were never so pretty as
now; the tea gowns have come down
from their high place as reception toilets,
but although used solely as morning
dresses there is no less pains taken III
making them.
The backs, as a general rule, At the
figure, and have a short train gathered
on the basque, or the fullness let in in
fat pleats at the seams, and the back
cut en- princesse TO the edge. The di-
rectoire coat fronts and sash are often
employed, and prove very effective. A
tea gown of this style is very
handsome composed principally of
cIaret- colored Arnure silk, over n skirt
and waistcoat of pale brocade, showing
stripes of pale green MORE and cream,
strewn with pink rosebuds. a simulated
folded sash of Armure crosses the waist,
and the rnyPrS and pOllar are Of the Same