The record-union., 1896-04-12

signal for spring fashions in endless va
riety, the churches were well filled and
the Easter bonnet made it's appearance
in all it's bravery of lace, flowers and
feathers. The question What are we
to wear?" seems to have been settled
most satisfactorily. The most difficult
minded and fastidious will not be hard
to suit, judging from the fine display
the millinery shops afford us.
Fancy rough straws prevail in great
variety of shades and shapes, and are
more in demand than any other founda-
ton, while Milan, leghorn and jetted
horse-hair braids are also used in the
large picture hats. Hats instead Of be-
ing worn back on the head as formerly,
are to be worn far forward, the brim
projecting over the eyes, which will be
found a most consvenient and agreeable
change when hot summer days are upon
us
Tulle lace and chiffon still occupy a
prominent place in trimming, while
quills are used more than ever, four or
five being placed on one hat; wings and
aigrettes are also still employed. Jet Is
used very largely indeed on hats Of all
sizes and shapes, in ornaments, lace,
On the rims Of hats and whole crowns
being composed entirely Of this snowy
material. Turbans are in great favor,
more SO, perhaps, for spring wear than
any other shape. All hats are adorned
with flowers in quantity and quality to
suit the purchaser. Some hats present a
regular flower garden appearance, ow-
ing to the floral garniture with which
they are loaded
A remarkable weave in ribbon has
the warp Of gold thread and woof paint
ing in pansies and other flowers of rich
colors. Good effects in gold and silver
also appear on a groundwork Of solid
color in satin ribbons of all shades.
While the most conspicuous features in
headwear are the large and medium
sized hats. small hats and toques will
continue to hold the same prestige that
has been accorded them during the past
season.
The pretty, cool-appearing shirt-waist
will be worn more than ever this year in
conjunction with the much-favored
straw dude hat in black or white, which,
though deviating slightly from last
years shape, is quite as pretty as ever.
Waists will, 1t is decreed, be worn out
side the skirt, confined by belt in some
of the new designs in beltwear that are
shown in any style and at any price de-
sired
Tan shoes will be worn again, am
glad to say for nothing is more becom-
ing. or looks half so jaunty and sum-
merry for the outing season whether for
beach, country or the mountains. The
tees assume this year what is called the
half-dollar shape, which 1 think is not
so pretty as the Romeo and Juliet ef-
feet, but will be more favored by some.
Fickle fashion soon tires Of her adorn-
ments and longs for a change. True
variety Is the spice Of life," and in
some directions is absolutely necessary
to our well-being, but it often strikes
me quite forcibly that the idea OF
change Is being wrought out regardless
or law and order as regards some mat
ters which come under my observation,
and sometimes wonder If people, who
In this world are SO hard to satisfy, they
who long 50 unremittingly for a change
will ever be entirely suited. should kind
Providence permit them to behold the
other side OF the pearly gates.
I wonder II we Califcrnians, who have
been ushered into life amongst orange
blossoms, golden fruit and waving palm
branches, ever really appreciate our
privileges. We take 1t all as a matter
of course, and only when some Eastern
visitor begs to be allowed to pick with
his own hands a real live orange from
a real live tree. do we awake to a realiz-
ing sense of the beauties by which we
are surrounded, and in whose midst we
Give and move and have our being
Only Just the other day a gentleman
about to return to his home in the East
asked this favor at the hands of the
writer. In order that he might be able
+o tell those at home that he had really
taken an orange from its parent stem
himself" adding that his people ha6
never seen an orange growing upon the
tree. and knew only of the fig tree whai
4deas they could gather from seeins
one supporting life from the confines Of
tub. sheltered from the rdgors of ar
eastern winter in the living-room of 8
bonsxs. This is an old story to Eastern.
horn people, but some of our native sons
and daughters are still, ignorant of sucf
Facta as these, and it may cause then
+o appreciate the advantages of our Col
<en West more strongly than ever be
fore
Fancy paying six bits apiece fo'
rastar lilies! Yet / was assured by al
Oreronian, who left Portland week o.