The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-31
ELLEN OSB0RN'S
FASHION LETTER
Beautiful Costumes Worn at MidWinter Dances,
Delight in Which is Somewhat Dimmed by
Perplexity as to Where to Receive.

other. and occasionally hnpping into the
air In the iivelier movements OF the dance
is a spectacle that OF late has exposed
stately ladies to the giggling ridicule OF
irreverent youngsters.
Unless one has abundant locks or very
secure pins. Il needs but the change or
word TO make II s,lll sadly true that, "un-
easy lies the head that wears crown
Evening dress both for debutantes and
matrons is more regular this winter IMAM
last That is TO say 1t Is the fashion 10
have two sleeves alike and not 10 attempt
clownish contrasts between the sides or
ones bodice. The result is greater dig
nifty and elegance Of dress. with now and
then a slight sacrifice Of picturesaueness.
A wilderness Of transparent stuffs is
I'm vogue. especially for the young girls
whom, December introduced into society.
Miss lIary CrOcker. who as dement's
multi-miliionairess, is credited with wear
ing an evening dress but twice before dis
cardlng It. has appeared IN lovely gown
OF two sorts OF lace over two petticoats'
one of chiffon and the other of satin
The upper part OF the dress is Of an eX-
ouisite creamy silk net draped at the
corsage to give a clinging, Jacket effect
and then falling in a graceful tunic Upon
this exquisite background leaves ana
flowers, some OF cream guipure lace ana
others CT blafk gauze, are appiqued' anu
these are flecked here and there with tur'
quoises.
of q deep flounce Of black lace over white
six. and tho long. narrow train flowing
out from the waist at the back is again
Of the net with cream and black applica-
tons.
The bodice is cut very low, as Is now
the mode. and Is sleeveless, large bow
of black and turquoise blue velvet being
pla,cd on each shoulder Turquoise blue
velvet studded with turquoise is intro
duced also among the lace folds OF the
corsnge This lace and jeweled robe is
mounted over white chiffon and this ia
turn over white satin.
SIMPLE GOWNS.
Simple gowns Of white spotted net arc
worn by many Of the seasons debutaHtes,
with dainty furnishings of lace and rib
bon. ruchlngs about the low corsage and
tunic Coral pink velvet ribbon encirclins
the waist and tied in n snood In the hair
| is a favorite finish to such a toilette often
| IL happens however that the girlish net
dress is mad. to CLEAN and glitter with
spangics that rival in brilliancy an en-
press jewels. Single sequins are not
heavy enough. so they are sewed on double
or triple and the brilliant embroidery de-
signs really cover robe from neck 10
hem.
Miss Marie Winthrop, one OF New YORK
famous beauties. wears such a dress. hers
. Is of faint-tinted yellow satin yelled with
fainter yellow chiffon finely plated and
flmy ad all ageam with silver spangles.
! The low bodice IS sOftenCd with tulle ara
lace, and from under this trimming peep
out pink aud yellow velvet -oses.
A useful evening dress made for wo-
man, who, though no longer young, is
charming and much admired, is made Of
a wear-rcsisting. black dotted-silk Sauze,
trimmed with endless rufies Of black
chiffon. The bodice also is OF chiffon,
with a lovely piece Of old application sur
tulle frilled on the right shoulder auc
caught with a knot Of pink roses, the
lace crossing to the left hip. The other
side OF the bodice is outlined with roses,
/ and below the flowers an intricate en-
broidery in fine steel beads forms beau
uful flower designs which surround the
shoulders and are carried down upon the
bodice and then on the skirt, where they
make the richest and most beautiful de-
co-atitns.
In the hair pouf OF three roses, I'm
isheJ with a black gauze and steel-span-
1 gled butterfly, fastens triumphant black
osprey The gloves and shoes are "
black suede. and the fan Of hand-painted
black gauze with a dropping trail of roses
and tiny steel spangles. An altogether
desirable dress where black. rich and not
too brilliant is called for.
/ might add, perhaps, that although de-
signed to be decolete. a guimPe and
sleeves Of delicate black lace have been
provided 10 adapt the costume for dinner
and informal wear
SEA-GREEN SILK.
A pretty dress worn by Miss Anna
Dodge. who is a tall, graceful girl with
an abundance OF wayy light hair, Is COM