The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-17

seems impossible to get dressmaker TO make
skirt which will escape the ground. she
will promise faithfully, but alas the promise
is not fulfilled.
Somehow, even if one has dress made at
home under ones own supervision, in spite OF
the best intentions it takes downward dip
at the back and obstnately refuses TO remain
at respectful distance from the ground.
When reaction does take place, which IL In
evitably will some time, we shall in all proba;;
bility be like the Scotch lassie IN the OLD
ballad who wore her gowns killed up TO her
knee"
There is an awful possibility in the future
which tends toward the revival OF crlnohne;
already some dresses are seen with reed run
in at the bottom of the skirt TO give IT the
flare" now deemed so desirable; it Is almost
as Objectionable as the old time filter, which
necessitated setting upon the ragged edge
of ones chair that-that Is. II one did not desire
to make a too liberal display of ones lingerie.
observation-disclosures and hose will become
necessity when the hoop is an established
fact. as ones intimate undergarments VII be
liable To be in evidence and must fulfill all
requirements.
lust as we have reached the utmost extreme
of attenuation and learned how TO compress
our limbs in the smallest possible space
fashion
loon or a bell and 10 and behold we obey. her
dictates and perambulate the streets looking
As if we had lust been blown up about the
foot and fattened at the top; cone would
fittingly describe our ungracetul proportions.
We are otherwise Louis XIV. 10 the oack-
bone we wear long waistcoats OF clotn WIN
brass buttons, or more magnificent ones OF
howered brOcade which look az II they might
have been cut from the train Of some court
danes best gown. These walstooatS are
stately and rather becoming to tall women
but one should never sit down IN them or
they will wrinkle and take upon themselves
shapes not altogether symmetrical. One
must. therefore, have stsnding-up gowns ana
sitting-down gowns. which necessltates lou
OF them Then every woman has her gown
made with long hip-pieces, which gives IL
uatchy appearance not altogetber desirable.
These fashions will probably outlast the sum.
mer, but, thank heavens, 1t will be the last OK
them. ,
Fashions change so suddenly that one en-
Joins upon the dressmaker's girl TO hurry up
in transit lest when she is bringing home
ones best gown the mode has become passe.
Nowhere is this so marked as IN America Ior
an American woman Is miserable II she Is not
garmented in the very extreme OF la MODE.
Even though it be unbecoming she cannot be
persuaded that it IS not beautiful, ana
sheathes her form in gowns that would
make a variety actress blush. and perches on
her head something by courtesy called nat
lint which much resembles a soup-plate gar
nished with ribbons and flowers and which
cannot be persuaded 70 remain at proper
angle.
The masculine shirt has come in with the
warm weather accompanied 10y the inevitable
four-in-hand tie, tiny gold studs are worn
down the front and link cuff buttons at the
wrist. Stitched Derby hats of cloth or
iaunty low-cTowned sailors are suitable 70
wear with the white shirt; also the oxford
sash or belts of OOZe leather studded with
nail heads.
The ROumanian vest is SNOWY and suitable
for full dress occasions. 1t Is OF heavy Spanish
lace run with golden threads and worn over
cOrselet of velvet or brocade embroidered in
cold and precious stones the full sleeves are
of crepe starred with gold and gathered into q
band Of studded passementerie; the COL
lar is extremely high and stiff with gold en-
brOidery
Flaring collars cut slightly low are comfort
able for summer. although few Threats are
perfect enough TO be reverted without some
thing soft interposed between the skin and
the hard line of the collar. Chiffon carelessly
folded is the most becoming thing. although
rather expensive: fine null answers almost
rs well. and for those who are fond OF white
wash-net is economical. as 1t Is not injured by
washing Linen collars are a thing of the
past which is an infinite relief 10 those whose
thrOats have been rasped by constant contact
with starched neckwear; let us pray that they
never be revived.
The cay season is almost at an end. dancing
and dinner parties being for tho nonce
abandoned. Private theatricals are the rage