The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-19
THE WOMAN OFFASHI0N
THOUGHTS ON THE QUESTION or
EASTER ATTIRE.
First the Love OF n Bonnet" and All Its
Appurtenances-The Charming Gown to
be Worn on This Occasion.

II is too bad that Easter comes so early
this year. We can scarcely feel bright
and fresh and blooming, and wear the
gay sprngy air that so properly accom-
panies this festive season, when, only
short time before. the snow fell fast and
the wind blew keenly In our faces. We
have not yet had time to accustom our
selves to the thought of soft, baimy
breezes. bright sunshine. clean. beautiful
streets, gay throngs Of women clad in
fresh, spotless attire. and flowers spring.
ing up all over in token OF a changed
season. We have held up oar dresses
so long to protect them from the awful
mud which splashed from below and the
teeming rains and binding SHOWS that
fell from above, that our arms have not
yet lost the weary feeling that has arisen
therefrom We have kept our mackin-
tosh, our rubbers, our umbrella, our
stormy weather skirts, and all the other
precautions against inclement weather
in a prominent place for so long that II
will be strange to see In their stead a
beautiful new gown, a dainty Easter
bonnet, spick and span parasol, pair
OF lovely, pale-colored gloves, ana all
the other things so dear to the heart Of
women I'm spring time. so behtting the
fresh garb which nature also wears.
But we shall be far ahead Of nature this
year That young damsei has not yet
clothed herself In her new garments,
and she seems 10th to prepare herself
for them. Whereas we poor mortals
have not her independence and must
perforce. willy-nilly. don our smart attire
at the appointed time.
So begin to get ready, fair maid, and
let me give you a few words Of advice
before you begin. Make your bonnet
a go-between. not too decidedly springy,
nor yet not particle wintry. TO ac-
complish this you must procure one or
those dainty, new straws. all fancHuily
twisted and worn so that they scarcely
look like straw Get very small one,
and II will be all the more appropriate.
or, better yet. get tiny shape, cover
II with a ieweled crown and a fancy
straw edge. The straw must always be
of the genuine straw color that bright
shade. SO like sunshine. The jeweled
crowns are very beautiful. some of them
made all of pearls. row after rows large
pearls and small pearls, running out IKE
the spokes of a wheel, but more closely
some of them are gold bars and emeralds.
others are rhine stones and gold. Jewelled
bugs and flies will also be quite feature
OF the coming hat Some flies have I'M
| mense wings and would need large mai
| IN hold them. These are brilliant col
| ored and produce most gorgeous eHccts
| Even the aigrettes have taken new
| form; for they now arise from feathers
| that have been drawn into sort roll
instead Of curling as before, and no ends
| are visible. one little gem OF hat
that will come sunniy forth on Eastei
day is made of yellow gauze, and mas
| fine nearl ornaments standing In front
dotted here and there with rhine stone
TO catch the suns rays. IT IL nat
not a bonnet, but exceedingly small an'
| lovable.
Another one that could not possibly b
resisted is made of particularly fine. opei
straw. so fine and open that the pale-blu'
| silk lining shows between the strands
II has graceful gold ornaments in from
and three beautiful plumes. Such
pretty combination, Is Il not? All tn
trimming on hats seems TO have com
round to the front. We see not ever
little bows and loops at the back OF tn
new hats
Another one is so pure that you scarcely
dare touch it with the tip or your htti
finger II is a shape covered with Whlt
gauze and pretty folds OF fine lace. II
between the folds. all around the edge
peep out great turquoises that are fast
ened around the brim a straw ornament
wing-shaped. Is all that it has for trim
ming In front.
I could talk forever on the fascinating
| bonnet question, but must regretfull'
pause 10 take up the spring costume
! There Is no use OF talking-you must ac
| tually have a considerable slant 10 you
| dress. In other words, your breadth
must all be cut very narrow at the wais
| line. and be allowed full swing at tn
feet. At the back in particular grea
| fullness Is disposed in plaits so that IN
| dress may nave ample opportunity Z