Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-05
TALE OF TEA GOWN.
Is 1T TO DE CALLED HEREAFTER A
CHOCOLATE GOWNf
That the Latest Fad-severaI New
Crnynts-Some Exquisite Wedding
Finery - smooth Hair various
other Fashion Suggestions.
Uorrespondence Of the Dispatch.)

correspondence Of the Dlspatch)
NEW YORK, December 4-Never were
there so many delightful novelties in
tea gowns Perhaps we shall in future
have 10 call them chocolate gowns. A
number Of swell New York women are
now serving chocolate at the witching
hour hitherto consecrated to tea. The
idea comes from Paris. and is an accept
able novelty. There is a special French
chocolate manufactured for this purpose,
and the beverage is no more trouble
some 10 make than tea. Whether the
innovation becomes general or not is not
TO the point, however, just at this writing.
The new models to wear at the function
are the interesting thing TO be chronicled.
One Of the most charming is shown on
the lady in our illustration. who has step
ped out from behind the portieres, and is
pausing for our inspection. Her gown
is Of pale beige wool. with pale-blue SILK
%stripes. The skirt trains slightly at the
back. and is separated from the bodice.
The side has a panel of plain beige, on
which the striped material appears 10
button dow with buttons of hlagree sil-
yer. The blouse corsage is confined at
the waist by a sash Of pale-blue sauh'
The p|lastron is Of mousseline de sole,
also the large cravat. The large. square
reyers Of blue satin are ornamented with
demonstrations OF lace. Pale blue hose
and kid slippers of the same til accom-
pany this dainty toilette.
More elegant still is the gown worn
by the young matron, who also appears
IN a blouse model. 1t is softest ivory
crepe de chine, trimmed profusely with
exquisite ecru lace. The transparent
sleeves are Of the lace, which forms a
drapery over the shoulders, falling in
stole ends nearly TO the foot Of the skirt.
This has a deep hounce of the lace The
blouse is gathered 10 a yoke, richly en-
crusted with pearls and silver embroidery,
belt Of the same. with two decorative
tabs falling in front.
Next this ivory white dream Of lowell
ness is a gown Of pink crepe, trimmed
with pink chiffon, cream lace, and cream
satin ribbon. II can be repeated by the
clever woman who wishes 10 be economi-
Cal. in any color cashmere.
The lady who turns her back to us
next claims our attention. Hers Is u
gown in pale salmon pink surah. The
front IS fun; the sleeves are composed
Of frills Of narrow white satin and ecru
+o'' 4AntillVi. Inc NlAe ldNS SOA~A A"T
IN front 10 the waist line.
The matron who e the only dark
robe has selected an art myrtle-green
yclyeteen with yoke and epaulets OF a
Ialer shade OF green rep silk. The YOKE
has small gatherings IN etwee folds.
The neck and epaulets are trimmed with
a line net lace, which adds a softness 10
ihe silk: the back and front Of this model
hang I'm graceful folds, although the SIDES
and back under the Watteau pleat nj
closely 10 the figure.
The lady whom she is addressing
wears a robe Of pale-biue cashmere. The
epauiets and long streamers In front are
edged with lace insertion and baby ribbon.
The yoke Is covered with rows Of gather
ca baby ribbon. The collar matches. The
iuli sleeves have hanging frilis edged with
the same insertion and ribbon.
4 specially notable teagown, which Is
10 be delivered the day before Christmas,
IS in blue plush-a material which Dame
Fashion has rescued from its long seelu-
sion and restored 20 her high favor once
more. IL seems particularly adapted 10
the making OF teagOwns, and IT looks
lovely when, as IN the case In point, IL Is
arranged with applique bands OF ivory
gulpuTe. and rosettes OF paier~hlue SIX.
II you VIII stop 10 think you will see
how effective the combination really is,
and then comes the contrast OF a fuli
front Of mellow tinted point d'esprit deco
rated With ruchings OF blue SILK.
There are. Of course, dozens OF other