The age-herald., 1898-01-12
Early Hints of
Spring Fashions.

The spring styles already being dis cussed by fashion writers, one of whom thus writes:
 White, that has for so many years becn considered suitable only for the very young, wil be appropriated this summer by maids and matrons alike, by women or all ages and sizes, who will robe them selves in immaculate lilylike raiment with all that feverish universal approval that goes to constitute a perfect fad. White goods houses-either pampering to, or lead ing the taste of the dear ficl1le feminine public have excelled themselves this year in the attractiveness and novelty of thick and thin colorless fabrics. The lack of the wearisome question of harmony, contrast, etc., will be amply atoned for by the apt combinations of severely stiff epaulets, collars and other appurtenanccs, with soft folded fronts, clinging sash draperies. and open meshes, that half disclcses the cx- Quiste color of neck and arm.
 Grenadines from thirty-nine to forty-five inches in width are shown in exquisite de- sign. including plain net weaves, open and close alternating checks and thick and thin stripes. Fine white figures on plain net grounds are also admirable.
 While we shiver in furs, almost tTansIar- ent dotted Swisses are being prepared for us. Piques are asserting themselves and insist upon retaining if not exceeding their usual favor. Among the splendid novelties is pique broken with bars of lace in baya- dere effect. Others instead of being solidly pique are embossed in stripes of raised de- signs, some showing leaves. some spots, and some representing coral-like clusters, interspersed with open medallionS, shapes or squares of lace weave. Of course. no color is introduced. They are said to be enchanting.
 A shily new material Is cotton mousseine de soie One might readily ask, "Why cot tonY when silk mousseline |, inexpensive .4-I.. At.f,- mon cotton, however, but Egyptian cotton which, woven with silk, lends itself admira- bly to be printed upon. So far all the de- signs seen in this fabric are decidedly and delightfully."- Parisian, and have all the eff feet of more extravagant materials.
 Madras is this year, as 1t was last and will ever be, most commendable wash material It will be used extensively for shirt waists, having been varied from the old plain madras by the introduction of white stripes, checks and irregular designs on solid colored grounds, as well as glowing colored checks, plaids and stripes, that seem almost to stand out from the dull colored ground. Satiny silk striped zephyr gtnghams are shown in new and beautiful colorings. The designs and choice of shades are entirely different from any formerly manufactured. To be sure, the material remains simply gingham, and the designs are glngham designs. still to the regular buyer they will be appreciated as unnais- takably season novelties.
 Toulard, :that happy medium between spring and summer stuff, Is now reviving. A great diversity of patterns is shown. The colors are brighter and more varied than formerly. The fayorite touard combination of white and blue will not be abandoned although the shade of blue will not be as deep as before. Porcelain blue will un- dCabtedly be popular. and the ground, in- stead of the figure. viii be white.
 As has been said. pieues may be counted