The San Francisco call., 1896-07-19
"A Schoolgirls
Pretty Costume
For Cycling

The same correspondent comments IA
schoolgirl not yet out of her teens. It
was, of course, tailor-made, and was COM
posed of tan twilled cotton canvas. It
had at the sides of the skirt fan-shaped
plaits; the only trimming consisted of
match buttons and tabs opposite to each
other for trimming. The cuirasse bodice
fitted closely and was simply stitched and
fastened at the side. The white pique col
lar fitted the shoulders, and besides had q
rolling collar. A tie of fine null gave a
smart finish to the neck. Two sets of
white pearl buttons broke the rigidity of
the pique down the front A white Alpine
straw hat crowned the pretty head. A
brown ribbon band encircled it and some
brown quills were at the left side. Tan boots
of the same material as the gown were
well finished with russet leather facings.
pretty belt of white leather and
brown wash-leather gloves completed an
ideal costume, but how absurd it does
seem to have had cotton canvas
used for such dress, for we
all know how it shrinks and shrinks,
indeed it seems as though each time this
fabric is washed it shrinks little more,
and it does seem a pity that the school
girl should have to give up her fetching
toilet after its first visit to the laundry.
Let me suggest that in future she should
have linen canvas used instead, which has
first been washed, as she will find it far
more satisfactory, and, speaking of fabrics
shrinking, reminds me that an old laun-
kL,o& 1C i1-olv 10 II
should never be put into boiling or very
hot water, as moderately hot water
answers every purpose and does not
cause the threads to contract. But be-
fore leaving the subject OF bicycle cos
tunes [ must add few more lines from
New Yorker: Whatever costume we may
choose to ride in, the chief thing is to
avoid all masculine suggestions OF shirt
fronts and ties, hats, etc. Nothing is so
revolving as woman aping mems attire.
On the contrary, every woman's habit,
if tailor-made, as it should be, is quite
severe enough in itself, and should be re-
Iieved by feminine grace OF cravate, or
hat, or any little clever touch not inappro-
pirate to the occasion. The jewellers are fit
ting UP dainty wheelwomen perfect little
cases to hold purse, scent bottle, extra
mouchoir and one or two other conven-
fences. if desired. A wheel case, for pro-
tecting the machine from injury when
stored as luggage aboard cars or boats, Is
another sensible contrivance. Name and
address should be printed in full on canvas
in the same lettering as would be used on
trunk"
In France the most fashionable women
wear strictly tailor habits and always a
skirt reaching to the shoe tops or ankles,
but cycling is no longer fad there.
Vulgar and unrefined persons have al
ways, and always will, use common, rank
odors, and no one can supply that delicate
sense which leads its fortunate possessor
to select the most delicate and refined of
perfumes, and let no one imagine that
mustiness or other odors can be disguised
bv the use of strong perfumes. Use soap
and water and look sweet and clean at all
events, even if you cannot have breath
of fresh violets about you at all times.
On account of the ''exquisitely subtle
shades" of the fabrics employed in the
composition of our toilettes, fashion has
decreed that the only correct com plexion
this season is one of "pure cream with
faIntest filterings OF pink on cheek and
chin, and lips of liquid crimson" 1t is
quite interesting, this description, and
further this particular author tells us that
it is now considered ''as little short of
crime to walk abroad with cheeks clad in
the flame of poppies." We at the most
must have no deeper color than 1.-The
heart OF an opening blush rosebud" Why,
until now fancied the heart of blush
rose was of bright hue. have not been
sufficiently observant evidently, but l
shall investigate at once. MARcELLA.