The Washington times., 1901-09-15
EARLY AUTUMN FASHIONS.
The American Blouse Popular for
European Children.
Little Ones Now Wear Comfortable
Ciofhes-Berthas and Large Lace
Collars Worn by Girls and Boys.
Scotch Costumes for the Latter.

PARIS, Sept. 2.-Our children are at
present enjoying a real period of happi-
ness as regards their clothing. All that
was formerly cumbersome and oppressive
to their little bodies has been definitely
suppresse and removed. Thanks to
their present light and suitable clothing,
the movements of their bodies are un
restrained.
For little girls the most suitable gar
ment is the American blouse. cut large
and the fullness kept in by a leather belt
or by a ribbon placed low around the
waist. Nothing is more graceful for lit
tie girls from the age of three to seven
or eight years. These blouses should be
made decollete and with short sleeves,
or, according TO the season, with high
camps and inner sleeves, if prudnet peo-
PIE do not care to copy the English style.
Large embroidered bertEas, in Irish
point. cut either low or high, If the child
wears a CAMP. complete the toilet.
Inner sleeves are made like the other
ones OF white. blue, yellow, or black.
straw hat, ornamented with large bows
of ribbon or of mousseine de sole. gives
a pretty effect. A white petticoat of per-
Gale or nainsook with a very long cor
sage and short skirt ornamented with
more or less elaborate embroidery, the
Indispensable drawers also ornamented
with embroidery, and the little maiden is
clothed.
Much attention is now paid to the coif-
fure of children. The long hair is drawn
up on one side and confined with large
bow of ribbon placed well forward, a
large bandeau crosses the forehead and
the hair is drawn upon either side with
two buckles or with little ribbon, gen
orally white.
For little boys the Russian blouse has
succeeded in general to the long white
baby robe. This blouse, usually short be-
hind and in front, with or without reVeIs,
is made in liner popiin or lightweight
cloth or in liberty velvet. These last Two
materials have the prettiest varieties OF
shades.
The large collars in Irish point harmon
ize perfectly with the Russian blouse
with its pleats that are held IN place py
leather belt.
The large sailor collars of linen, trim
med with fine lace. are also very charm
when one must think Of putting little
boys into knee breeches. the sailor style
is always most appropriate The breeches
are left loose above the knee and the very
full ones are no longer worn. The long
breaches, called elephants legs. are
not worn until later, when the boy Is
seven or eight years old. They wear
either the puffy shirt or one drawn down
the Knee breeches are fastened at both
sides, which makes II easier to put them
on than when fastened in front.
Boys go into focks very late Their very
long stockings come half way up their
legs.
From eight to ten years Of age they arc
dressed in a manner to resemble little
men. Their costs are amply cut, with a
waistcoat Of the same material and with
short knee .breeches. The round collar
and a fancy cravat make them look very
attractive. A white straw hat with a
simple ribbon completes this costume.
One sees also many Scotch costumes
with the kilt peated I'm Scotch tartan, Q
long blue or black Highlander's jacket
and clan bonnet. This costume, wher
correct and made with taste, is very pret
ty. 1t is neither fantastic nor mediocre
and can only be made well by specia
tailors, and generally in England.
The question of aprons has special in
terest in the consideration of children
costumes. IT is well to start with th'
idea that an apron is not an ornament
but an object of necessity. In truth, IL Il
not easy to discern the utility of making
these aprons very ornate or elegant.