Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-03-01
PORTALS new YORK LETTER

New York, Feb. %. launching the
other day at Sherry's during storm,
my companion, VINO was looking at the
sweeping, almost courtlike, trains worn
by milady of fashion just now, said,
"1 es, this truly is .the rain of the
reigny day skirt" And I replied just
then, as Mrs. p. Suffern Taylor came
in natty short skirt, land it is the
reign of the rainy day skirt Both
hold sway, but it is surprising what
hold the short skirts have taken upon
the smart set. The short skirt is no
longer an old worn skirt cut off; il no
longer bears the stigma of the strong
minded, female suffrage sort: it is no
longer telegated to suburban clubs; it
has an individuality of its own Sapd
has taken place today in milgdy's
wardrobe that nothing can usurp, On
Fifth avenue on rainy days, or even on
days when the walking is bad, or
coming in on suburban trains. or at
the cafes and matinees when Old Sol
is hiding his face, the short skirt
reiens. The tailormade girl is in evil
dence in all her trimness and smart
effect | saw yesterday smart looking
girl coming in on the Tarrytown train
she had on an attractive rainy day
costume, and as she walked along tho
platform of the Grand Central station
mentally took notes.
Her suit was built Of army blue golf
| cloth; the skirt. quite up to date, was
short to the ankles, fitted smoothly
over the hips and had the required
| flare at the bottom. The seams of the
| skirt, as we'll as those of the coat, were
strapped and stitched. The underside
| of the cloth was of gay plaid, which
| in the coat showed in the turn of the
| collar and revers. The coat was very
short and husg open, showing red
knitted goR waistcoat. There were
pockets fore and aft in the chic coat,
and at the throat there was correct
white stock and broad Ascot of pique,
caught with plain gold cravat pin.
The tailor gown has its place, and UNI
recorded regulations that are carefully
observed by the good dresser. With
the rainy Gay tailor-made suit, the
little perquisites must be correct the
tie, gloves and boots must be of the
best style.
1T is mistake said society
girl to ne the other day, ''to wear
sloppy old shoes on rainy days; how
absurd it is; on those days one wants
ones ankles to look the trimmest y
Another skirt / saw was black and
white check cloth. The cutaway coat
was of black diagonal cloth, and with
this was worn a white waistcoat and a
white tie. Though of soInbre black
and white costume of this sort is a
bit conspicuous, and it has style
that nothing else can surpass.
Trimmed hats are more frequently
than before worn with the rainy day
suits. Though there is a striking
dearth of plumage, there is a plofit
in plumes, breasts and wings, and
their popularity, however temporary,
opens out vexed question to the
millinery trade. The "Autobor
sooioty'' gets the blame of This con
dition Of things, though one is inclinee
to think that good taste has deal t.
; do with it, for flowing plumes do lool
! a hit out of place with a severe
costume
l The popular Fedora is still with us
,, though bit changed in shape. TIL,
crown is now lower and it is creasee
i, around, instead of lengthuise. Thu
: Rough Rider hat has been RELOCATED X
= Eighth avenue. A light felt Fedora
! simply trimmed with bird OF a ga,
scarf, is considered au fait for thu
tailor made costume.
! The new spring styles predict yer.
!, gay season. In fact, the leadinl
I Oouturieres exhibit f1ambouysnt color
: and combinations that a few years az
q would be considered only suitable TO
= indoors. There is to be a deal Q
: braiding. One cachet is silk tailor
i made suits. These are made of Elai
q taffetas, with stitched bands of con
= trasting colors, or of plaid and chec
a taffetas trimmed with stitched band
=" of the contrastin color silk.
10 The reign of the flannel shirt wais
70 shows no abatement. They are ven
- finely stitched and tucked and made {
ia delicate colors, and worn with lace an
e silk neckwear present dressy appear
auce, altogether incompatible with th
original flannel shirt waist.
Dame Fashion is getting out he
Lenten styles and in few days tth
r. busy mcdistes will be plying the need
II over the summer gowns of rnilady {
,e fashion. With Ash Wednesday will ia
"a the curtain that divides the gay fro,
.. the penetential season. Someone aske
~ me the other day why it was Gale
q "Ash Wednesday," In the church Il
Of day is called Caput Jeiunii, and in til
es Roman Church it is the custom
We make the sign of the cross in ashes c
10 the forehead, saying, '.Remembe
ld man, thou art of dust, and unto du
m thou shalt return" Portia.
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