Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-07

Ftnagnticently dressed lady at the bali,
not excepting the hostess, her grace Of
Richmond. That exalted lady is herself
less Handsomely attired than the little
gpyerness, who explains the extra mag
nificencs to her husband by saying that
|it il not paid for. The garment is an
exquisite affair. but not according to
Thackeray, who, az you will remember.
records Mistress Rebecca as ieploring
the pallor impaired to her countenance
by her pink bail gown. The gown in
1.-THE play Is creation Of palest green
satin and lace embroidered in silver.
quite as reasonable for Becky as any
more simple toilet, according, at least,
to her system of shopping, which is to
buy in the highest market and never
pay anything at all. The gown has an
imposing train which gives dignity to
the petite little figure OF the wearer.
A run Of exquisite lace ana good bit
OF soft white chiffon adorns the shoul-
ders. On her head, contrasting with
her bronze hair, is headdress OF some
anomalous but very becoming material.
Next to Mrs. Crawley In the mag
niheence Of the ballroom scene is honest
Ameiia, whose garment, charming as Il
looks, Is too pronounced to be adopted
i
Of white satin set upon short waist Of
lace and trimmed below with a broad
band Of embroidery and deep flounce
Of chiffon. The gowns Of the mere su.
pers in this scens are, some OF them,
models for fashion leaders to copy. One
especially graceful in :ts lines and pref
" In Its design Is Of white silk and
chiffon, trimmed below with deep lace
dounce and having q long redingotc ef-
feet created by the use Of garlands Of
roses drawn down the front OF the dress
and around the hem Of the skirt. The
sleeves are pulled with couple OF lay
ers Of chiffon over the silk to give them
softness. Ono could not but notice, the
grace Of the chiffon scarfs worn with
many Of the gowns. Sara Bernhard 10
said to have recently introduced them
in Paris, where they have become the
rage. Draped e.bout the body Of slen-
der woman their possibilities for grace
are infinite.
The handkerchief bag as an accessory
to the toilet has already been taken UP.
In Becky Sharp are some novel and
pretty suggestions for its construc-
tion. The one which Becky wears with
her Puritanical garment in the flrst act
II worthy Of consideration. 1t is made
apparently OF gray Six and trimmed
with little bands Of black velvet rib
bon. In it the guileful Becky keeps her
notes, her purse, her powder box and
her handkerchief. to say nothing OF
numerous ct ceteras. The handkerchief
bags are with us to stay, so 1t is worth
while noticing the deft way in which
the ladies of the play manage them.
They are attached by long ribbons to
the very short waists and dangle to
about three-quarters Of the length Of
the skirt.
A marvel Of becomingness is the tea
gown In which Becky receives her
morning callers. 1t is 30 very neglige
that one is tempted to wonder II Ia
dies OF fashion in that period really did
receive their admirers and friends In such
decided deshabille. It is nevertheless,
most becoming toilet of rose pink silk
falling open over triple petticoat and
Jacket Of white lace or chiffon. In the
last act. In her simple dress Of yellow
trimmed with black velvet ribbons. CO.
quettish and well gowned to the last,
Becky proclaims her French blood. with
Its browning instinct true to the last.
NARY KIRBY BEARD.