The herald., 1896-12-20
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.?
/ BARGAINS IN GOWNS :
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In the world of fashion, where the re-
quirements for gowns are so imperative,
each season brings new lot, not one or
two gowns, but dozens some from Paris
and London, and others from our own
modistes. The accumulation of dresses
at the end of the season is, therefore,
most appalling, for few of one years
gowns are utilized for another season.
In spite of her love for dress, the Amer
lean woman has practical side to her
nature, and when the necessity for econ
omizing is realized she does not give up
her gowns, her wraps or her millinery,
but she crea tes a market, so to speak, for
her cast-offs-the dresses which she
could not humble her pride by wearing
a second season. When a woman bears
the reputation of being the best dressed
Of her set, she knows that the style of
her last seasons wardrobe was in ad-
vance, and she realizes that many per-
sons would be willing to profit by her ex-
perence and taste and avail themselves
of an opportunity to copy.
A sale is announced, not by written in
vitation but by word of mouth, and it
is passed from intimate friends of the
woman to friends friends. and so on to
the others who may be able to catch the
word as it floats by them. On the day
specified for the sale the friends, upon
arrival at the house, are shown to the
second floor where they are received by
a woman in charge, who may be a maid
of the house or contidante of the seller
Arranged about the room on chairs are
costumes-which have created envy in
the breasts of many a woman at the
opera, the horse show, the Patriarchs'
ball or at state dinners last year-ex-
quisitely beautiful both in fabric and
creation. On tables are bonnets, hats
| capotes, fancy muffs and neckwear, and
hanging about the rooms are coats,
capes, wraps and cloaks. None of these
does my lady intend to wear another
| season.
| The person in charge will give Wis
| itor the price of each garment, which is
usually about one-third the cost price.
! but often the intending buyer considers
+, it necessary to haggle, in order to get
coveted garments for the least possible
price The maid will leave one with the
article in hand and disappear for fey
| minutes, while in the back room she
consults with some interested person
the advisability of letting things go for
less than the marked price. When she
! emerges from the consulting chamber
you will see by her face that the game
| is not worth the candle and the things
must be sold, and the buyer gets for in
! stance, for one-quarter it's original cost.
an imported mantle of great beauty and
exclusive style. about as good as new.
| Buyers at sales of this kind are not
numerous, but many people avail them
selves of this opportunity to get into a
house more from curiosity than from a
| desire to buy clothes.
| Sales of this character are rare, but
when a family Is plunged into deep
mourning just after having a. gorgeous
| wardrobe created for the seasons cam
| paign in the questionable world
sales are not uncommon, and these are
| not restricted to friends, for they do not
always take place in the residence of
| the mourners. The "occasions," as they
say in Paris, which may be secured at
these special sales put to shame any
bargain counter attraction, no matter
| what its possibility.
Such sales have been authorized by
| some of the city's richest and best fam
lilies. Mrs. George B. Mcclellan was
among the first to profit by this practica,
idea. Her example has been followed by
the Edward Kellys, the Astors. the Bel.
monts the Turnures and other of high
social standing.
1t is said that a well-dressed woman /:
! sol6-reDpecting woman, and that th<