The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-20

learn to recognize our own and proceed &C
cordingly. Our study ought also To reveal
to us our defects and prevent our dressing
in way to emphasize these, as. 10 give the
usual broad example. stout woman
should not wear spots, nor a tall, thin
woman longitudinal stripes. The same
caution applies. Of course to color, ana no
llow-compleXioned woman of any Judg-
ment VIII be induced to attire herself In
pinl. or green. no matter whether these
happen to be the most fashionable tints.
While there is very great Importance ana
influence in line and curve, the value OF
color is, perhaps, more generally under
stood. The old adage OF dressing up 10 the
eyes and the hair is one worth bearing In
mind Much also depends on dressing up
to the character. Some brilliant personal
tiles can delight and exhilarate the eye by
wearing striking and splendid colors, In
which more Quakerish temperament
timidly and anonymously. And again. the
more subdued coloring that would bring
out the native dignity and sweetness OF
such a temperament would appear insipid
and hampering TO a girl of pronouncedly
animal spirits In the second place appro-
priateness has to be considered, and IL Is
astonishing how frequently this is neg
lected. The general principle will no doubt
be conceded at once A trailing velvet
dress that would look extremely handsome
in room in winter would appear. even on
the same wearer, ludicrousy iucongruous
If worn on the street in the height of sum-
mer But where the ncongruity is less
glazing it is too often triumphant. Except
in cases where a desire for display tri-
umphs over the instinct for comfort and
convenience working dress is almost In
variably picturesque. Passing workmen in
review-the street NAVY sweltering at ease
in his convenient neglgee, even the butch
er in his blue smock and apron. the cow
boy in his $40 hat, the artist In his blouse
or velveteen coat-their costumes all de-
light the eye as well satisfy the reason.
1t is significant, this close connection be-
tween the useful and the beautiful; but 1t
needs to be more universally recognized.
FEMALE DEPRAvITY.
What is the innate depravity In the fe-
male mind that makes a woman prefer to
be "stylishly'' rather than appropriately
and becomingly dressed? One can but en-
courage individuals to study, not the cur
rent fashion plates. but the works of true
artists, both ancient and modern. till their
eye becomes so used to truth and beauty
of line and color that it can no longer toll
crate distortions and deformities and dis
cords.
A dressmaker who understands her bust
ness will know better than the average lay
woman how certain artistic effects are to
be obtained, and her help should certainly
be sought when We are composing new
gown; but we must be able to impress upon
Her our own IDEAS. ArtlStlc IaSnlOn jour-
mails, too, providing useful suggestions,
would shortly make their appearance to
supply the demand when once 1t began to
be uttered. A journal of this sort, sup
ported by some of the leading English art
lists, was once actually started in London,
and was fascinating to peruse-but failed
for lack of capital. Even this abortfve at
tempt, however, may be reckoned, we trust.
as q straw that shows which way the wind
is blowing AS for color, Natures beauti-
full and subtle color-harmonies, who can
ever hope to improve upon? Nothing is
better for purposes of color-study than
collection of moths. Go to the moth, thou
be wise. For there are to be found in
finite variety of color-combinations, from
the most sober to the richest designs an
propriate for both summer and winter gar
ments, and for indoors as well as for out
doors. More brilliant and iridescent color
ing, suitable for evening wear may be
found In an aquarium of fishes. Then there
are always the flowers, which suggest tex
lures as we'll as tints. And there are rain
bows and sunsets and dawns for those who
dare to be radiant
Nowadays there are two classes of wom-
en- who pay reverence to fashion; there are
those who change their manner of dress I'm
order to be different from the rank and
file, as well as those who change 1t in order
to be like others. The desire for distinc-
ton, though as yet may only be matter
OF habit with the leaders of fashion, is not
ar unworthy one. and there is hope that II
will outgrow snobbishness, and with good
motives, spread throughout all classes
When individuality dictates fashion then
will be the time of the emancipation of
women In its truest and deepest sense;
when they shall have overcome. not merely
the artificial restrictions of outside laws
but the weakness and follies of their own
natures