The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-29

for years been wearing demi- toilette, in
stead of full dress. at the theater, and as
natural result all women OF rank in Eng
land are gradually following her example,
which is certainly most sensible one, for
the fashionable full-dress bodice is really
cut very low, and rather unsuitable in
public place; besides; even the best-ar-
ranged theaters abound in draughts, which
are too frequently fatal in their results
when allowed to fall on bare shoulders. A
London correspondent mentions Won
derful cloak just noted by her at the Ly-
ceum. at was of heliotrope milroir velvet,
with a copious collar in chinelle. So full
was it that the folds of the fur lay over
and upon each other in rich confusion,
showing the white satin lining" The
same writer tells us that the newest shade
In hair is copper, and | presume a few
women will be so absurd as to tamper with
their tresses, but the number of women
who rouge and who dye their hair is, | am
reioiced to say, rapidly diminishing; in
deed, "the set depend upon exercise,
massage and careful grooming for their
compilations of milk and roses and beauti-
full heads of hair.
Jewellers should make their fortunes
this season, so remarkable and unheard- of
is the demand and craze for precious
stones OF all description and specimens OF
the goldsmith's most exquisite work.
Opals are enjoying much favor in most
great social centers, but the fair Paris
iennes seldom care to possess them, the
superstition affecting many. For nv part
l prefer opals to diam onds, rubies, sapphires
or emeralds; indeed, to any precious stone,
for In choice opal every color CLEANS and
never does the stone look twice alike. At
the present moment the national flower OF
Scotland is a fayorite design it being
used to form tiaras, corsage bouquets and
skirt ornaments. The leaves and buds are
composed usually of emeralds and the
blooms of diamonds, and are costly trifes,
beautiful as ornaments and acceptable as
gifts.
Have you seen the new crown Derby
ware? One artistic vase has alternate
panels of pale-blue and rose and handle
Of gold. Jeweled designs on pale-green
grounds are more lovely than any have
seen, and the latest Royal Worcester has
creamy white ground, with glazed finish,
under which are rainbow tints, and Doul-
ton ware has under glaze decorations of
flowers that mingle together and graduate
from very light to dark shades" Many
women East have been making quite fad
of collecting beautiful china and glass. At
the present moment Dresden china is the
favorite and art glass ranks before Vene-
tan and Bohemian. Here our fair hos
tesses are equally enthusiastic over secur-
ing beautiful rare pieces of glass and
china for the adornment of their homes
and tables and many are the temptations
now offered by dealers here who cater ex-
cellently well to the demands of fashion
and culture.
TIE quaint Dutch article of silver which
/ spoke of a few weeks ago has been
highly appreciated here, and in New
York the demand for it is very great. 1t
is now combined with glass, vases and
perfume bottles, being quite lovely. Bon
bon boxes and salt-cellars OF this silver are
specially designed for cabinets, such as
tiny chariots and miniature boats.
Now that real lace is in great demand to
complete even the simplest costume it is a
welcome holiday remembrance and one
easily sent in a letter. Even scraps can
be used, as cravats can be made of lace
entirely or merely edged with it, and
shortly our bargain tables will be piled
high with imitation laces for they have
gone entirely out of fashion, except for
children's cotton gowns.
The newest stocGs are being finished
either with large outstand bows at the
back or with two pretty little puffy
rosettes, one on either side, of creamy
lace.
| have just been asked what would be
best to have visiting gown made of which
is to be worn by a stylish woman OF linn
tied means, who usually depends entirely
on the streetcars when visiting; further
more this dress must be suitable to wear
when shopping. Any dark or medium
shade of handsome cloth, silk lined, and
made by one of our best taiors, would be
suitable. 1t can be made more dressy by
making the waist of velvet or fur; for in
stance, have the skirt and sleeves Of black