The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-19
FOR WOMEN'S READING
IN THE SPRING THEIR FANCY TURNS
TO THOUGHTS OF CLOTHES.
What to Wear and How to Wear 1t,
with Some Incidental Hints ms to
Social and Household Matters.

The special ambition of the average wom-
an. says fashion writer, is to get into her
skirts some cord or braid stiff enough to
make them stand out so as to give her
as nearly the shape of pyramid as possi-
BILE. There are little strips of closely-woven
fiber that are used for this purpose; but
these break down and get out of shape al
most Immediately One of the best arrange
ments is hard twisted cord stitched into
a thick cotton band. Row after row of this
is put in. making band something like an
inch wide With a corder in the sewing ma
chine this is by no means long or difficult
task. Another homemade device is strips
of fiber cloth cut on the bias folded over
and stitched through half dozen times.
There is. however, very little need to
worry about spreading skirts for it is said
that their doom is already sealed in Paris
and that the limp and c1ingingsis to follow
the recent spasmodic effort to get as near
to hoops as possible. 1t will be a great
blessing to femininity when this fiaring
goes out, for there is more vanity
and vexation of spirit to the square inch
in these spreading skirts than in anything
that has afflicted womankind for the past
decade.
The plain skirt remains. although a few
some draperies are already on exhibition.
But the handsome, severe, plain skirt is too
pushed aside by more elaborate effects. The
markets full of handsome costumes.
A dress of camelS hair has nine cores in
the skirt and each seam has a band of
inch-wide galloon set over it. The waist is
eose fitting with very wide revers and ga
or the front, the joining being entirely con-
cealed.
There are little. pocket-lid shaped basque
skirts-a suggestion of the return of the old
time short basque that was, in many re-
spects, the most desirable style that the
ad0nfa6
Sleeves are as large as ever, and some au-
thorities say are still spreading. new
wrist to elbow on lego mutton sleeve.
The galloon meets at the cum and spreads
as the sleeve widens; the upper ends of the
or the ends are doubled over and make
loop, which is left loose for about an inch
will be trimmed in this same fashion with
ribbons about half to three-quarters of an
mer sewing SEWN is ALREADY Under way, the de-
mand for velvet would suggest autumn rath-
er than spring.
capes of velvet, also enormous quantities
of velvet ribbon for trimming. Skirts have
ribbon Of graduated widths. These are set
on about half an inch apart, and are very
pretty if the material on which they are
fabrics should not be used, although this is
frequently seen; but the most appropriate
ribbon or some of the lighter weights of
satin or gros grain.
Figured velvet is again popular, and a
very handsome dress is made of Grape wool
goods and velvet brocade. The combination
is unique, but very stylish and, as the ma
terials are handsome, is, necessarily, very
elegant
Plaids are one of the new fads; whether
in WOOL silk or velvet, the demand seems
to be increasing. A handsome costume re-
Gently made to order is of putty-cofored
broadcloth and black velvet. The skirt is Of
out velvet embroidered in jet. The bodice
is of velvet with lapels and cuffs of cloth
and cut work. With this dress there is a
rather deep velvet cape with two collars-a
large one of cloth and open work, the other
of velvet, both being deliberately trimmed
with jet. ruche of ribbon, closely plated,
finishes the neck and there are very long
ribbon ends and loops falling almost to the
hem of the skirt.