The record-union., 1897-04-18

This is emphatically a season of
TRANSPARENT fabrics and queer combina-
tions of coloring Black, fortunately,
is still fashionable, but the checks,
stripes and plaids of the rainbow
hued, large meshed materials are some
what dazzling. In gray and the differ
ent wood shades are some exquisite
tones and these. fashion is good enough
to decree, need not be sacrificed newt
ably to strong contrasts, but
may be made up with lin
ings to match or with black or white
or some pale yellow. A plaid of brown
and yellow is made up over cerlse
lining and does not look startling, so
accustomed are we to vivid contrasts,
while a blue-two shades - made up
over orange is so successfully treated
as to look exceedingly smart. Black
over bright china blue is an old favor
fte, and a gown of black canvas, a
basket-weave pattern, profusely trim
med with ruffles edged with black satin
ribbon, and black satin ribbon on the
waist, which has full front of china
blue was one of the smartest gowns
exhibited at a fashionable opening last
week.
Red made up over black, and with
black trimmings to tone down the too
vivid effect is smart, and for country
wear will be very fashionable this
summer. For the city red gowns are too
conspicuous to be recommended gen
erally-indeed, in choosing a summer
wardrobe, where the gowns are to be
worn should be a matter for considera-
ton. Fashion sanctions the wearing
of brilliant colors in the city in the
spring, but there are many costumes
quite suitable for watering places that
in town are so marked as to be abso-
lutely vulgar.
"A very thin material which has
cord like poplin is one of the newest
things and as yet there is not enough
OF it to be had for it to become com
mon In a snuff brown a charming gown
of it is made up over black. The skirt,
separate from the lining, is finished
with a wide hem, inside of which is
quilting of black satin ribon; and on
the silk lining is double ruche, which
gives pretty flare. The waist is tight
fitting at the back; in front there are
four overlapping jackets the top one
of which forms epaulettes over the
sleeves; each of these jackets has a
quilting of the black satin ribbon in
side the edge and on the outside is
narrow bias fold of black satin. A
full front of green makes a charming
contrast of color, and relieves what
might be too dull tone.
Fashion is making no rapid changes
3ust now, but is moving quietly and
steadily. Most Of the styles are set
tiled for the season, though some min
or changes will occur during the sum
1ner. There are things most beautiful
to see for all classes and purses. Al
ready there is an aIluring show of rare
and wonderful productions from looms
and workrooms, and every incoming
steamer is bringing additional contrl-
buttons to the already brilliant and
novel display Great, however, as is
the elaborate exhibit, still each class
and grade of fabric has its own partic-
ular uses-for tailor gowns, for uaV-
cling. shopping, visiting, receptions, for
the home. the wheel, the beach, etc.
The materials for demi-dress occupy
great world of their own, and the In
dia gauzes, French muslins, batistes,
crepes de Chine fancy silks in delic-
of like character, fulfill their destiny
On dinner and evening toilets of the
most sumptuous or dainty description,
which viii begin to appear during Eas
Ner week, and increase in beauty and
charm through the entire summer sea-
son of 81.
The filmy summer shirt waists ere
fal
And it is a more enthusiastic welcome
than ever before The shirt waists to
be worn by the summer girls of 81
are well deserving all the admiration
they are receiving. They are better
Cooking than in other years, and are
made with more care. The materials
used are more effective. Many odd lit
tie touches in the way of frills and
groupings are introduced, and Incl
dentally they are more expensive. The
new shirt waists show the only large
sleeves of the season.
Those which are demanding the high
est prices are made of transparent fab
rics. They are so sheer that the color
beneath them shows through effective
~. Linen is much in favor for there
transparent shirt waists. 1t is always
in the soft fawn color, but comes in a
variety of different designs. Some of
the newest patterns have much the APP
pearance of gTenadine. Others are ex
ouisitely embroidered with flowers
This material sells from 80 to 40 cents
yard. 1t makes shirt waist of great
beauty made up over geranium
pink silk or any brilliant color But
when silk proves too expensive a lining,
it is a sensible plan to wear with such
a shirt waist a colored batiste corset
cover
new material which bears the
French name of neigeuse is to be much
used for shirt waists this season. 1t
comes in number of pale shades and
is carelessly fiecked with white. 1t
sells from 80 to 40 cents a yard
The Swisses are prettier than ever
and are showered with spring and
summer blossoms. These fiower-stamp-
ed Swisses can be bought for about 80
cents yard.