The People's friend., 1894-05-31

looks well. This may be the fault OF
the cOrsetierc or Of the sO-called cheap
drcss1nal1er who, as a rule, makes
point Of attempting the most elaborate
and difficult decrees Of fashion. No
style is too intricate Tor her, and her
courage is the despair Of the true art
list. who can see at glance how the
mOdish mandates Of the hour have
been disobeyed to the letter.
Why does not some latter-day poet
invoke his muse in praise of the blouse? |
It certainly deserves the honor, for
there was never a more useful garment |
devised. to say nothing of its real COM
fort and prettiness. 1t has firm hold
on the affections of womankind which |
nothing can dislodge. | heard of
girl to-day who carried her affection
for it so far that she has made up her
mind to be married in one. l suppose
it will be an edition de luxe as it were.
The picture represents one of the
prettiest models l have seen. 1t is
made Of ceriee colored satin rerveilleu.
with broad bands Of ecru lace lnser'
ton, the large sleeves trimmed to
match. This could be copied in light
blue or pale pink silk with lace trim
mings and worn by a blonde with de-
light to herself and pleasure to her
friends.
The empire gown is bound to play an
important part in our wardrobes this
season. 1t is not the gown of yestcr-
dav. but comes to US shOrn Of all its
monstrosities, and the latest designs
proclaim beauty and grace in every
curve and fold While it is not
claimed for them that they work
wondrOus transformation on the female
form divine. they are undoubtedly eeX'
tremely becoming to the majority OF
women. As a further advantage It
NAV be mentioned, in a whisper OF
course, these gowns look just as well
worn without a corset as with.
l had a glimpse of very pretty
wardrobe the other day for woman
who has a place quite near town ana
who entertains a great many house par
ties during the summer. Her gowns tor
morning were all light pink or pale
blue or of the sheerest white muslin.
I remember one Of dotted swiss, VITA
rose-pink ribbons run through pulf-
inrs. that was particularly pretty.
For evening wear the gowns were
made of crepe or silk with rufies OF
| lace about the low-cut neck and guam
titles Of ribbon tied in bows and loops
placed on the waist and left side OF the
skirt The style of these dresses was
very like the winter dinner gown. only
the effect was much lighter and cooler.
What | liked best was a lovely pink
silk empire gown made with large
Vatican plait and big puffed sleeves
reaching q little below the elbow.
From underneath the Vatican plalt
came two bands of white more RIB
bon which passed beneath the bust
and tied at one side in huge bow with
long ends reaching nearly to the bot
tom of the gown.
In this same wardrobe was an after
noon dress. very pretty, indeed, and OF
which | was allowed picture. This
frOcl was made of crepOn III Mcdlt-
erranean blue. so called because it in
no wav resembles the hue Of the heav
ems mirrored in the Mediterranean sea
The rather wide skirt was draped al
the side in the most approved manner
while across the bottom of the front
was placed a scant ruffle of lace head
/ ed bv wide ribbon folded and bowed
The full bodice mad the lower portion
covered with lace which fell below the
| waist in deep pointed scallops. Th'
stock collar was made of velvet in ;
, deeper hue than the dress, and th'
5 broad belt Of the same material close(
/ under a large paste buckle.
= Just as we were becoming sOmewhd
, weary of the tans and browns. whicl
/ nine out of every ten women you NEE
h wear, some thoughtful artist in tha
: direction comes to our relief ant
places before us lovely shade of gra,
$ with an indescribable soft sheen o
l silver on its smooth surface. At
/ modiste's recently saw dress OF thl
+ gray, and it makes up beautifully es
h peciallv when the skirt has the nev
h style OF trimming. which is pretty ant
t UNIQUE To arrange this trimming tn
/: skirt must be slashed at intervals ant
n broad bands of velvet ribbon passe'
0 through the opening. 1t is usual.
Il put on in rows. but | have seen 1t lit
n ed at the hips to give an apron effect
d and finished BY large bows. AS | said
J. this is a pretty and novel trimming
II but alas. easily copied, which deplor
is able fact will. l fear, soon sing 1t
e reou;em. KATE GARDNER.
s. a Trifle Tired.
-e Barber-Your hair is getting yer