Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-20
FREAKS OF FASHION.
ELABORATE DRESS AT AFTERNOON
GARDEN AND LAWN PARTIES.
Demonstrating Gowns witch Mimic
Yachting Costumss-Eiegaat sud
Picturesque Bathing Attire.
fcorrcsnnndencn 81 thn Rlchmond Dianntch.l

NV YORK, August 19.--Evening social
functions are seldom enjoyable during
the heated season and save for the weekly
"hops" at the big resort hotels no eve
ming affairs of note are taking place. AS
seasonable compromise we have the lawn
or garden party, which is On especially
favored form of entertainment at the cot
tage settlements and 10 the suburban
towns, where the residents arc blessed
with extensive grounds. It's not unusual
10 include dancing. "a well as music ana
conversation and refreshments in one OF
these gatherings. Sometimes large hoor-
ed tents are erected tor this express pur-
pose. Dress at an afternoon garden-party
is most elaborate.
CHARMING CREATION.
Among an assortment Of gowns designed
for such occasions and inclnded in late
importation wa3 charming creation OF
mauye-sllk grenadine, with O serpentlne
pale green eilken stripe through Il, when
produced a sci -es Of horizontal waves
across the skirt, as it was made up. Inc
skirt was made ID the prevailing shape
close at tee hips. with full, taring black
lace bounce, quite is inches uetp'
and headed with big bows OF RIB
bon--rale-green and mauve in COM
hiuation. The skirt was made up over
foundation of deeper hellotrope tai
feta. with n chanCeahle effect, giving
green and SILVER shgdinCs IN certain hghts.
The waist was surrounded across the
shoulders with full Bertha OF black lace
caught up IN festOOns with knots OF I'D
bon like those seen on the SKIRT. over
this was o short collarette of pale-green
n,,rOir velvet, slashed very oddly into a
fantastic but decidedly artistic shane.
Inc sleeves reached almost 70 the elbows,
consisting OF single putfs OF the velvel,
made in the prevailing manner-that IS 10
say, tho fullness extended downward ana
out from the arms, hut gave no additional
height on the shoulders. They were COM
peted with deep falls Of black lace caught
up with rbbon bows. Mauve SILK gloves
and hos were worn. with green suede ties.
STEAMER DRESSES.
For those who "go down 70 the sea in
shlps'-more especially on the big Atiau-
tie liner come steamer dresses, or ocean
travelling dresses, winch almost mimic
yachting gowns nowadays, although they
are not so elaborate. ono IN havana
brown twillcd serge has skirt showing
the SQUARE. almost fajiier sklrt with SIDE
siashlnqs Of white surah. III close plaIts.
The square front panel il enhanced with
rows OF white braidlDg, SIX or elgnt deep.
a REFER ehape is given 10 the jacket
which has. however, very deep, tuiuel-
down square collar, notched over the
sleeves, and lined with white suTan., Inc
sleeves have n moderate degree OF iulness.
Underneath a low vest OF white plque is
buttoued across a IDannIsh huen SKIRT
finished with the accessories OF stanGlng
collar and tour-in.han tic complete.
TOO ELABORATE.
Bathing attire is becoming too elaborate
10 be Altogether senGible. for one likes
moderate degree of freedom In the surf,
and full uudOd sleeves with immense
capes or Berthas are not calculated 10 Sc
cure IT. A dress which combines PIC
turesgueness with q certain Jaunty ele-
gance, and whlch, at the same tune, lett
the wcarer comparatively free from IN
comfortable restraint was III sage-green
serge. The tunic was made with a very
deem pointed yoke, outlined ana
elaDorately covered with conyerglng
lines Of eerpentine braid IN White
The sleeves were loose, without fuliness,
coming almost 10 the elbow, terminating
with braided edges, and leaving the arms
unconfned. The tune and knickerboek-
ers formed a single garment, the latter be-
inc full. terminating just beyond the
knees sauarclv. with braided trimming,
the skirt made quite short and, oddly
slashed with white serge and trimmed
with row after row of white serpentlne
braid. Green stockings and whige sandals
with a white linen bathIng-cap CONNECTED
the toilet, which, it Is almost superhuOtS
to say. was OF French construction.
GAY AID BRILLIANT.
Carriage toie"es are particularly gay
md brilliant affairs now. In the late sum-
mer time. A recent instance was III "a
mauve.aud- white striped silk, combined
with mauve-silk crepon. The zouove
Jacket and full gathered and pulled sleeves
were of the striped silk. Below was "A yes.
of crepon almost hidden by a cascade OF
lace. constituting a jdbDt from the meek.
The skirt was of the PLAIN material
lounced with ilutlng of the striped SILK;
to CORES pond, finished with deep. Tich
fall of Brussels lace and lined throughout
with white silk.
FASHION NOTES.
The blazer this year is conspicuous by
its absence.
The modest women are wearing leather
colored hose almost exclusively, hut II Is
snId that white Is TO prevail during INC
fan. .,,
Gray silk and gray undressed kid gloves
| accompany u very large percentage Oh
summer i0htfs. ,.
whelmlnc proprotion of big, white leg
I horns. the brims turned mp behind with
| rhinestone buckles and the garnlture be-
ing either Amencan-Beauty roses or white
| ostrich plumes.
| Ten-cloths are what all the girls are
| working. White hands daily with their
| dainty designs on hotel pIezzas tnrour 4
the summer days, and it looks as thou. n
! the town season will be surielted VITA
| "5-o'clocks" III order to display the beau
| ties OF tine tea-cloths.
Slender girliah figures look never so
| dalntIly, ftungly attlred as IN the snowy
| French batiste5 with their tiny. family
| colored patterns. They ore combined
with surah and lace, or with the hight
! striped summer silks that have SO con-