The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-08-29

With the coming of the fall season
comes the question of dresses for our girls
large and small, and to renovate those of
last season and how to make those that
are new.
There are so many pretty designs for
making dresses for girls of all ages that
mothers never seem to tire of planning
and making for the loved ones.
What is there in this world prettier and
sweeter than little girl with stylish and
well-fttine dress2
The prevailing styles show con tinued
favor for the blouse, much reduced sleeves
and preference for cashmere and serges
oyer all other materials for autumn wear.
1t has been the rule of late years to
dress children very much after the fash
ion Of grown people. Therefore when it
is stated that hlouses are correct the fact
is noticed all down the line, and when we
learn that much lace and many ribbons
Will be worn we look 10 see mites of 4, as
well as girls OF Is, bedecked after the
same manner if less lavish than their
mothers and elder sisters. The French
people hold that 30 doing is a mistake,
and Partisan models for children are
DAdnncO 1AOlb lAo SlduQ point OF Simply"
ity,. whatever else may be in vogue.
. As yet, in spite OF our inherent love for
French fashions, We have failed to follow
their suggestions.
Unfortunate and ruinous as the custom
may be, our little folks are allowed less
individuality and are too often over
dressed.
At the present time women of all ages
wear youthful styles. II might be more
fair to accuse the elders of usurping than
TO criticize fashions for the young, but the
general fact remains true none the less,
and simplicity might well be preached 10
the mothers, on whom rest the RESPONSE
bility Of clothing our girls.
School gowns should be simple above
all else. Many mothers in moderate car
cumstanCes have been made TO feel the
burden of com plants from their children
because they were not so well dressed as
some others in their school. The well-to-
do mothers who patronize the public
schools should give this their attention,
and should strive to overcome q custom
which may never have occurred to them
as being detrimental 10 less fortunate
children.
All mothers should unite in this one
effort to com bine comfort, utility and
simplicity. The ideas of dress or appear
ances are m eking marked inroads in our
public schools, and the effect is depress-
ing, as it serves to make the less fortunate
child feel more keenly its financial condi-
lion.
While I am writing on this subject my
thoughts 60 back many years ago, and
would not some of my readers this morn
ing bear me company for a little while,
as know some will feel at home, for
see again a little girl of II years going to
school, neatly arrayed with a pretty
giugham apron covering the entire dress
beneath. Twas pretty, because of its
simplicity Twas the ordinary sacque
apron, made high neck and full
long sleeves, with two broad sashe,
thai made pretty tie in the
back, ruffle of the goods or of lace was
the finish for the neck and sleeves; in a
cool climate plaids, either as an entire
costume or in com bin alton, make an ex-
q cellent effect and have the additional
merit of wearing well.
The cashmere made with accessories OF
bright-coIored materials IS dura bic, stylish
and emInently suitable for the Norfolk
and the blouse waist. The latest blouses
9hauld open IN front with chemisette be-
"neath, but while these are dressy and eff.
iective they are rather elaborate and fussy
Tor school wear.
Certain characteristics are so far in
.herent in all the imported models for
early autumn wear. Indoor gowns oil
wool are fplain weave. Street costumes
either plain or checkered. The former
showed the blouse slmost universally
the lattey either the blouse or jacket