The Monmouth inquirer., 1898-03-10

One Of the newest novelties shows q
clock work of open work lace which IS
fully two inches wide at the heel,
spreading so as to show ON either side
Of the front when it is on the foot, and
apering up to a point on the side. Ih1s
is sometimes in contrasting shade,
but the effect is prettiest when II
matches the stocking. Blue silk stock
ings, embroidered all over with tiny
rosebuds, are another novelty, and pale
blue silg stockings, with a beautiful
design in black Chantilly lace over the
lnstep, are another fancy style this win
ter. The exquisite patterns in the lace
work designs in pale blue pink, green
and lavender stockings are more like
works Of art than ordinary foot gear.
The latest fad in stockings for street
and house wear are those Of plaid silk
and fine Isle thread These stockings
green and black plaids, with large cross
oars of bright gold.
The newest and most extravagant
item of the sreason is the Russian
blouse of baby lamb 1t is moderately
close at the sides and back, has the full
front approved by fashion and fairly
full frlll about the hips. The revers,
collars and cuffs may be Of the same or
contrasting fur. A good deal of ermine
lis used and sealskin is liked very much
in such combination.
Opinions differ as to the comfort
derived from the different materials
from which underwear is made, but
there is one thing which admits of no
doubt. and that is that while silk is ex-
ceedingly warm, soft and pleasant to-
the flesh. 1t is at the same time by no
means the healthiest substance for the
undergarment In proof Of this, partic-
ular observation has demonstrated that
silk stockings will make the toughesa
ard healthiest feet moist, wet and ten
der. until walking becomes painful.
A silk scarf worn round the neck next
to the skin will in nine wearers out OF
ten produce sore thsoat. Silk makes
the neck hot and moist, and the first
stray breath of cool air that strikes the
skin feels like drop Of iced water and
will produce cold. Silk seems to have
the faculty, as contrasted with wool, OF
opening the pores and melting per-
spiration, and if it will do this with the
feet and neck there is every reason to
believe that it will produce equal sus-
sceptibility to cold when worn about the
chest and limbs. Those who wear silk
stockings invariably have tender feet.
The rule that applies to the male ap-
plies equally to the female. Silk under
clothing may be very comfortable, but
perhaps the advocates of dress reform
would do as much good if they would
discuss carefully the hygienic value OF
the material as well as the cut and
style of the undergarment.
The latest and most desirable slde
combs are small, of she'll, or amber, and
handsomely decorated with finely cut
steel. Sometimes the steel is merely a
narrow band of beads: again it is ara
hesuue. OF pointed, 81 rounded or
series of fieur de lis or clover leaves
The variety is limitless,s and as the
are expensive and not very easily
copied in a cheaper comb, they are c2A'
sidered very chic. The matron q
maiden who possesses a stock OF unset
gems has her combs of gold or silver,
set with precious stones, and many Wo-
men who are known to be the owners
Of beautiful jewels, and who wouid'
never be suspected of wearing an mn
tation gem, buy the almost perlect
counterparts of their real gems whlc
are shown in the shops in order to pre-
serve their more expensive combs
They urge in explanation that tn
combs are so apt to fall out Of the soft
fluffy rolls of hair. Amber combs just
at present seem to be more in favor
Than the darker she'll especially for a
woman with moderately light or reai
blond hair. The most up to date ones
are studded with colored stones for
evening wear, and if carefully chosen
to harmonize or contrast with the colo
of the hair, these brilliant ornament
are very becoming.
Some sort of headdress is a posltlv
necessity for up-to-date evening dress
and headdresses seem to increase in
size as the season advances. Three
feathers. either black or white, with
jewelled aigrette towering high at on
side. are not unusual. and young iadie
wear flowers. as a substitute fer tn
jeweled ornament Blue, in eli the