Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-29

ground, with hair-l.ne stripes in blue
green, yellow, and red Is a popular de-
sign. Plaid hose sometimes have a light
background, with even more delicate
colors forming the broader checks. The
plaid invariably reaches almost to the
bend OF the knee. 1t is finished with the
plain color predomnating In the stock
ing. The plain golf stocking with a
plaid turn over at the top Is now re-
garded as passe. The golf stocking in
demand at present Is plaid of the neu-
trail tints which have characterized oil
athletic hosiery to date.
An oddly IN the way OF hosiery IS a
stocking Of cobwebby fineness and woven
OF cotton. 1t Is intended for women who
cannot wear silk and do not like Isle
The texture OF these stockings appears
so fragile that one would deem II small
economy to buy them at s275 a pair II
Is almost impossible to believe that these
transparent. gauzy hose could be the least
bit durable, but IL Is said that they will
wear as long as any stocking woven from
choice cotton. The yarn used In their
manufacture Is selected and fawess.
In silk. for evening wear, there are some
lovely new patterns. An entire instep,
composed OF chantilly lace seems A wa ST
of good material. An elaborate design
in lace medallions Is outlined In seed
pearls, and Isle hose with bands OF In
sertion revealing the flesh beneath forces
the belief that styles In stockings this
season are extreme.
And to keep these gaudy coverings in
place are shown pretty array of garters
with some quaint and cute buckles. Deco
rated elastic comes In new designs just
now. Collecting garters 10 match an as
cnrfrnQDf of rolOrad hocforr O., A.
ger young woman's occupation for the
moment.
Variety Is the spice OF iife," q fact
which is recognized by the world of fash
Ion, with the result that we are constantly
treated to the new and startling in the
realm OF finery. Outre is a word but
seldom heard nowadays. because the gene
raj taste has gone through such a reno
waiting that what short time ago would
Impress one as the height OF uglness is
now considered, and very correctly, the
acme Of good taste.
Flarlng pinks and vivid fcarlets are now
set in the most amiable way together.
They seem as II made for one another.
while pinkish violet and brilliant Dutch
blue are the kindest friends. One OF
Vlrots gowns OF spring, which will first
see the light OF day on Easter Sunday,
provided the sun shines. is clever COM
bination OF these two latter colors.
The skirt is made up Of plain, smooth
surfaced cloth, with reversible side OF
violet. 1t has nine cores, all of them as
wide as possible at the front. and sharply
pointed at the waist. There Is a lining OF
brocaded violet silk. which shows bril-
liantly when the skirt Is lifted
The bodice is in the form OF an Eton
jacket, of violet silk, brocaded with big
rings OF gold and black. Ii Is drawn
smoothly across the back. ending in sharp
points at the front. Under this is worn a
smooth vest, OF the blue, overlaid with
rows OF the narrowest black velvet Rip
pies Of the blue fare out over the hips
faced with violet.
Broad revers spread over the shoulders
bordered with an edging of heavy gray
lace. A high stock OF violet velvet sets up
about the throat. and is topped by lot
OF lace squares falling over II. With this
gown Is worn a jaunty little narrow
brimmed hat OF dull-blue straw, all full
of fancy figures. The brim is faced with
blue velvet. and a big knot OF gray-tinted
lace forms the outside adornment.
How very often a smart gown Is utterly
ruined by the wearing Of an ugly hat or
inappropriate gloves. Much OF this is the
fault OF indiscrminate shopping. One
thing chosen without reference to the