The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1901-04-13
NOTES OF THE FASHIONS.
Latest in WaIlxiug Jackets and skirt
MOdeIa-PFetty Dress Dec-
oRati6ua.

A still greatly favored. simple, but
effective trimming FOR the edge OF
dress skirts Of silk, light wool, and cos
tune satin is narrow shirred or
plated ruche of the dress fabric, fin
ished on each edge with band of bebe
velvet ribbon. When this decoration is
used, the ribbon forms portion of the
lace, chiffon, or other trimmings of
the bodice and sleeves, says the New
York Post.
The newest designs in cut-work in
cloth or velvet are outlined either with
a tiny thread of gold cord or chenille;
and girdle-ends, collar, and rever- points
trimmed with the brightest cut-work
have little gold ferrets or sequins as a
finish.
The assertions made some time ago
in this column that the sheath-shaped
skirts with a fiaring fullness about the
lower portions would remain in vogue
have materialized very faithfully
among the latest importations. This
flare is accomplished in various novel
and attractive ways, and, while the soft
beautiful materials Of the season con-
tribute their share in the svelt cling
ing scheme of fashion, the prevailing
modes carry it out to perfection. In
one sense fashions are more than ever
eXacting, since they demand faultless
forms with almost fragile slenderness,
to demonstrate their dominant charms
but the notifications exploited by the
modiste are legion-their artistic
mantPuIations and changes producing
the essential cachet, and rendering
these styles not only possible, but like
wise most attractive to women of near
ly every size and figure.
The elegant covert suitings, which
differ from the covert cloths in being
lighter weight, are, however, of iden-
tical finish and cOIoring, and, there
fore, more desirable for an entire cos
tune or the long fgure-length redin-
gOtes. The advance weaves for early
spring costumes appear in pale tan,
cedar brown, aluminium and opal gray,
and black; and also in warps of blue
and silver, fawn, biscuit color, and
pale Teseda, that are crossed with
wefts of dark sable brown, linden
green or pale old rose. Equal in favor
with the covert suitings are the ad-
mirable whipcords of very fine dag
onal weave in closely woven Saxony
wool and in all the fashionable color
ings.
Velvet decorations in countless
shades and varieties will be in marked
demand in the trimming of smart
spring gowns Black will take its
usual precedence, but generous use
will also be made of handsome shades
of Vert Russo, orchid mauve. and pre-
late purple Ia superb tint, like a dark
pansy petal, but with a glow of Grim
son on the surface), becoming tone of
Roman red, a very beautiful one Of
pinkish violet, called amethyst; and
brown and green in innumerabIe rich
and elegant dyes.
Black satin-faced or veIvety kid
finished cloth costumes will take an
important place among new modish
gowns, suitable to wear at any time of
day, or at any demi-dress function. A
stylish Vincent creation, sent to Amer
ica to be used as model for handsome
gowns for spring concerts, teas, and
small dinners, is made of black satin
faced cloth, lined throughout with
pinkish violet silk; with matching pet
ticoat, and tucked and hemstitched
vest; the Tevers faced with the beau
tiful color, but the silk almost hidden
oy elaborate designs in black velvet
cut-work The tucks forming the
yoke-top of the blouse vest are stitched
in black, and the front is fastened
with small onyx buttons.