The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-06-06
11deas for dWomen


With the near approach of the month
OF roses come thoughts of the commence
ment gown of the sweet girl graduate-a
frock in the annals Of a woman's life
second only in Importance to her we'd
ding gown.
Whitehall white. of course-is the
ideal dress for such an occasion, but
there need be no restriction of choice on
that account, nor monotony of appear
ance in the rosebud garden of girls, for
never was there greater variety of styles
than at present, nor prettier nor more
becoming fashions from which 10 choose.
However costly or however inexpensive.
a graduation gov should have first of all
the appearance of simplicity. that giriish
simplicity so lear to the hearts of the
old-time writers of romance: and, sec
ondly. it should be eminently becoming to
the wearer.
If economy be the watchword in the
selection of such a gown by all means let
it be pure white, and for the purpose use
India linen. a very pretty quality of
which may be bought for IS cents a
yard. The skirt, which should be made
over the same material, or even a ten
cent lawn, may in Difference to fashion
be much trimmed, and this gives the
airy diaphanous appearance SO much de-
sired. Three tiny ruffles, either simply
hemmed or edged with narrow lace or
ribbon make a pretty finish. or a deep
Paquin hounce, graduated in depth, and
finished with a full double quilting of
itself. top and bottom, is extremely
raodish.
For the bodice there is an embarrass-
ment OF riches in trimmings and de-
signs. The all-over tucked waist and
sleeves is a charming style, and If each
tuck be edged with narrow lace. or baby
ribbon gathered very full, one has a de-
cidedly elegant effect. which costs moth
ing much but the time of the needle
woman. A high white satin stock and
girdle. the former pointed at the back
and edged with lace or ribbon to match
the tucks on the bodice. and the latter
finished with a tiny rosette in the front.
or ending in a sash which must fail
cutie to the bottom of the skirt-and lot
we have a charming gown which COM
bines the win virtues of economy and
appropriateness.
If. however, nothing so sordfd as money
need be considered, then let the material
of the a1i-important goru be of pure
white organdie. or silk null, and let it be
made over white taffeta and TRAINED
lavishly with real lace. but above all
things avoid an appearance of over
elaborafeEess as there is nothing so OPP
posed TO the canons of good taste as an
ovard,aeSal x-o,,,r o;ri
Between these two extremes, however,
there is a wide choice of materials; there
is the all-over embroidered muslin, the
dainty dotted Swiss. the crisp dimity Or
batiste and a host of other suitable fab
RIGS.
A pretty gown. designed for wear al a
June commencement. was recently seen
at a fashionable modiste's and, as 1t de-
parted from the all white tradition, is
worth more than a passing word. The
fun skirt of white o~rgandie was frilled to
the knee with tiny ruffles, edged top and
bottom with narrow black velvet. and he
meath. on the organdie drop skirt, was an
1S-inch accordion pleated founee of or
candle, which was trimmed with lace.
and gave much fufines to the graceful
skirt. The full bodice was made with a
round yoke. edged with a double frill Of
organdie. which. like ruffles on the skirt.
was finished with narrow velvet, while a
distinctly French touch was given to the
whole by a stock and girdle of rich yellow
satin.
A marked feature at Lakewood, N. j.,
during the fashionable season just passed
was the short skirt used by women for
walking and all general out-of-door wea--
The short skirt was not confined to bicy-
Gle riders or tennis and golf players. In
the streets of the town. along its promen-
aees. or in the parks and WOODS one rler
everywhere smartly dressed women wear
ing this convenient and comfortable walk
ing skirt. Its vogue was so great as 20
show something more than a particular
preference for neatness and convenience
in walking, says sHarper's Bazaar"
The skirt most worn was somewhat
longer than the bicycle skirt. 1t comes
just below the shoe tops, clearing the
ground by about four inches. 1t hangs in
even folds, and IS of about medium
width. Many such skirts are not bound
on the bottom. but faced with a wide
piece of the dress material, and finished
with many rows of machine stitching
The Sk1rtS are OIL clOIn OF NDiAeu cH6NlotS
of dark shades. A very smart c%ostuaoe
included such a skirt of gray cheviot, with
a scarlet Jacket of smooth faced cloth,
plain linen collar with tie, and a gray felt
hat of round soft shape.
For seaside of mountain wear by sum-
mer visitors, or for travelling, or for gen-
eral wear in the country by those who
are much out-of-doors and on foot, these
short skirts are valuable. They have al
ways been comfortable and convenient;
but to preach common sense on the SUBJ
jeet to those who follow style more than
their own ideas of what is proper IS
usually time and breath wasted.
But If the use of short skirts has been
stamped with the approval Of fashionable
society people their use is likely to in
crease this summer and it would be a
wise plan foy every woman who wishes to
do what is correct in such matters to see
to it that a well made short walking
skirt is among the necessary articles pro-
vided for her summer outfit.
Now, when a woman Is set between
the fires of economy and an occasion for
a good gown. she cannot conquer her
situation more completely than by in
yesting first In a skirt of finest black