Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-17
FASHION AND BRAID.
THIS AND DRESS TRIMMING DECO
aArroNs OF THE TIME
SOUYACHE is IN THE LEAD.
Popularity of the Russian BIousc
Results I'm This rcnchant Of IN.
Dame Who Rules Us--Jet Garni-
lures without Limit.
correspondence OF tho Dispatch,

Correspondence or the DiSpatchO
NEW YORK. October 1.-THE coming
OF the Russian blouse has made braids
and dress-trimmings dual queens OF
FASHIONS realm. They have everything
their way and they are sufficiently
charming to make IT all quite excusable.
IT has, indeed, been very long time since
there have been such stylish braid effects.
While there is no restriction so far as
color is concerned, by general consent
black seems to be the most frequently
worn. 1t is quiet. and always possesses
certain elegance that no other color
that ever graced a woman can equal. That
is. probably, why 1t is the most fashion
able and leads all else. although brown
and navy-blue, as well as green, are used.
Hercules braid is always stylish IN widths
Of from one TO three inches. or narrower.
This braid IS handsome and attractive.
whether placed in straight or curved rows.
upon whatever it is intended to ornament.
Loop-edge braid is among the novelties
Tor this season, and comes in all colors.
as well as black. Sometimes one edge
and sometimes both have the loops
according 10 tho use to which II is put
For the bottom of skirts. only the upper
edge has the loop. while for other pur-
, rs the double edge is preferred. This
braid IS used both in straight rows ana
scrolls, and lends itself admirably to
either. steel and plaid effects are also
seen. But. perhaps Soutache braid is the 4
trimming OF the season, par excellence !
IL is used for the Russian blouse partic- /
ularly. and for skirts where more than |
one width OF braid is wanted. 1t comes 4
In all the plain colors, as well as steel 1
and silver-gray, and brown and gold COM
binations.
Tubular braids come in an endless va
riety of widths and colorings. and are
put on either plain or formed into pat
terms Ike the fat sort. They lend them
selves very readily TO the more compli-
Gated designs which are so fashionable
just now and are found also in steel
effects and different combinations. al
though plain black is in first place
Titan braids are also seen both alone
and combined with other bralds. ana
braid covered buttons are occasionally
used I'm connection with these trimmings.
But Of whatever kind, braids of some
variety are a necessity for tailor-made
and plain cloth dresses OF every de-
For dresses Of a more elaborate kind.
yokes, bands. and revers are simply COW
cred with spangles. beads, gold cord
Six embroidery, and whatnot. Some OF
the jewelled effects for evening and bridal
ioilettes are especially lovely. especially
white pearl. The Russian blouse front is
quite the newest thing I'm this line 1t is
made Of net, thickly embroidered with
beads. Narrow bands to match the bead
md silk embroidered effects decorate the
1lain material Of which the rest Of the
JlCuse is formed.
Jet VIII be seen on many OF the fine
Costumes, and I'm many different forms.
}oieros, yokcs Muscovite fronts, vests,
levers. and panels for the sides or front
4 dresses are all made Of jet. both on
Jack and colored foundations. Jet gar
litures and bands on mousseline or net
eem TO be lmitless, and will be used as
accessories for costumes of almost any
oterial or shade. Black trimmings are
istincty a feature OF the season. both
\ velvet bands. fur. braid and Jet, and
III be used for cOlored dresses as much
3 for black itself. Some OF the jet trim
lings are relieved by a touch OF steel,
hich adds materially to the effect.
The new buckles are almost too pretty
o wear and the assortment Of designs is
cwildering. Never before has so mu "A
inc, and thought been bestowed upon
lese small but necessary articles. They |
ONE In jet, steel, gilt, enamel. and many
them are richly and beauti-
lily jewelled. Some OF the more
Xpensiye ones are in medallion
Irm. and these are especially in
anded TO be worn with the plaid silk
ouses so much in favor this fall.
uckles are used for decorative purposes
. rosettes and bows. as well as for their
ore Legitimate use on belts. All of the
ndsomest sashes and folded belts are
iished with buckles. large one being
orn on the front and smaller one for
e narrower portion at the back.
Belts as well as buckles have taken a
W lease Of life, and no fashionable ward
be. may be said to be complete with
{ several different styles being required
r different occasions. For dress wear,
yer. French gilt and Russian enamel.
thickly studded with jewels, are the
rect thing. Some OF the oxidized Sill
r ones set with emeralds and amethysts
2 very chaste and beautiful, and have
3 advantage OF harmonizing with most
prs novelty IL formed pf mi inf al tgroe