Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-13
Chain Purses Passing Away and
Leather Ones Now the Favorites.
(New York Sun


One Of the most conspicuous accessories
OF a woman's toilet is her purse dor she
invariably carries it in her hand. AS
result, womankind is judged not only by
the inside of the pocket-book, but by the
outside.
Fashions change in purses with remark
able rapidly. For a year purses Of
leather have been absent. To-day the
chain purses. which put all others I'm the
background. are passing, and leather Is
the material most in demand.
THE sales in leather purses and card
cases." said a salesman in a store with
a reputation for fine leather goods. ARE
larger than they have been in years, and
the articles are certainly more gorgeous
than ever before. Women demanded
them in rare shades to blend with novel
ties in rich costumes. and the dealers
have supplied the demand. The newest
thing Is tiny purse, shaped exactly like
a chateaine bag. This is worn on
long chain as was the toggie purse. Two
materials are used-leataer and silk.
Those made of silk are exceedingly popu-
lar and effective. and We keep in stock
the most fashionable shades OF purple,
green and red. Card-cases mounted in
plain silver. silver gllded. aad pure god
are made Of he same material, and are
lust as expensive as handsome leather
card-cases OF course, we make them to
order to match the costume. Small side
bags are also made Of silk. They are just
Il tiny coin purse.
.'The prices OF leather coin purses and
portemonnaies vary according 10 their
mounts, of course but there Is no reason
why a woman with the most limited IN
come should not carry "a real seal mark
ed down to 4S cents 1t is possible 10 buy
"A really handsome well-made leather
purse for 81, and from that they run up
TO so. This little portemonnaie retaiis at
the latter price. II is made or monkey
OIL nd Handsomely
gold. iewelled.
"Card-cases. which, by the way, are
designed TO carry cards, and only eards,
are exceedingly rich in design and color
this season. Inc most popular, ere Inaue
OF leyant or crushed morocco. This mate
rial treated in this way, obtains dun
finish which tones down those ultra
shades so sought after. Look at this one
OF a r.Ch. reddish violet color. It's corners
are enamelicd, the new antique finish
being used. Most OF the coiored leather
cases are emDellshed with enamel.
Lizard. elephant. and snake skins
hold their own well. and are
mountsd In silver. gilded, and deliberately
iewelled. They vary In pricei from IL 10
S8o which Is the price OF this one made
of elephant skin. The corners are solid
gold. set with genuine diamonds and
em4ralds ] wish omen would earn that
card-cases are made TO carry cards. They
stuff them full OF samples. keys. money.
handkerchiefs. and "A few other things,
and wonder why they break out N the
sides. IL is economy 10 own both a purse
and card-case. Tor then neither is taxed
beyord its usefulness.
zone Of the latest things out Is a very
small chateaine- bag. made OF pure white
calf-skin. with a rough finish. Ii is mount
ed I'm silver. gi'ded with a bright finish
and is worn with belt OF The same ma
terial similarly mounted The whole
thing looks as IL II might be made o,
white monkey skin. and Is exceedingly
effective with dainty summer gowns. The
price OF the bag Is SIS. while the belt Is
only S75 The woman who cllngs TO her
chaIn-purse to-day Ia behind the time
Leather is the correct thing"