The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-06-29
SERGE AND MoHAlR WORN RI
These Said 10 BE the Most Popular
Materials, But Others Are Much
used-some Suggestions as
toMaking,
]. BY MayMant,o',n.

lection 90 DukGe1lSOIHes S1ol4iAiiS oAiA 80
NECESSARY weight. Yet, while all this
IS true beyond dispute, there is con-
siderable range OF choice offered, both
as 80 material and design. and no mean
opportunity for tho display OF taste.
unquesuonably the popular materials
ere serge and mohair. but In both Is
much variety to be found and tatfeta,
fine French flannel and pongee must be
eddsd before the list becomes complete.
stlk Is always liked by some people and
has tl1e merit Of being ideally light, but,
IN nay opinion, clings too closely when
wet to be advisable for the many who
spcrAd O generous portion ct the bathing
horr on the beach or playing In tho
edge OF the sea Black is the preferred
and. indeed. almost universal color and
Is peculiarly smart trimmed with white.
EGng light and holding almost no water
the taneta IS unquestionably q delight
to the swimmer and, well made. can be
y ern by her without the objection re-.
fs;red to above. A really chic suit or
detsd for Newport is Of tho material
with shield, collar and band at tho lower
edge Of the skirt OF white stitched with
rae. The touch Of brilliant color is pic
t,Iesoue and seems suited to the beach
Nsptpne While it never becomes agrees
sive or uverdone. Another suit is OF white
and Is stitched with black. but this is
better suited to q private beach than 10
any large resort For general wear moth
ing IS SO good as black, blue OF gray. Ex-
perience teaches that they are quieter
and more elegant where any publicity
IS Involved and they undoubtedly take
.ir:t 1auk among fashionable colors, but
white IL always pretty worn by young
folk when the beach is private or re-
served for a few families. 1t does not
fade It takes only q rich yellow tone
fiom exposure to salt water and sun
and can be made .char1ningly effective
White nohair with bands of white braid
IS exceedingly attractive and white serge
IS light In weight while sufficiently why
to retain its set even after a Vigorous
swim.
Serge and mohair are popular, and de-
servedly so. AS a rule, costumes made
for our smart women are simple but
some novel effects are seen, and there
are always a few French models that
are pretty on land. whatever they may
be after plunge. French women take
their salt dips under conditions different
from our own. and are, therefore, al
lowed greater license. What our smart
est women aim to accomplish is perfec-
ton of cut and that air of distinction
tina: comes of perfect style and finish.
Such a suit will be effective the season
through whereas a more elaborate
model will become bedraggled and hope
less after buffeting with the waves.
One of the smartest, most elegant suits
remember to have seen was fashioned
from an Elton jacket that was past its
original service, and q skirt of black
serge. The clever girl who did the work
found herself suddenly invited to the
shore without time to have a costume
made, and being an unusual figure,
could not depend upon those ready to
wear In her dilemma she remembered
the serge suit. The skirt was cut off
short ard finished with a hem and bands
of narrow black braid. The Elton, which
was made with a square collar, was left
untouched, except that the sleeves Were
cut short and trimmed. For Wear be-
meath It was made a sleeveless blouse
OF black silk and boomers were hur-
riedly made from 1nohair. When the
owner Of the whole dressed for her daily
dip she tied a black sash, with short
ends, about her waist and tied her hair
IN O kerchief OF Turkey red. Unconven-
tonnl as the suit was. 1t. made q great
success and found admirers by the
score. Tho bit of bright color given by
the kerchief made focus and was bril-
liant without being conspicuous. Among
a big houseful Of young women. all we'll
provided with this worlds goods. no one
could be found whose bathing suit was
no chic or fitted so well. Another econ
omy that might well be borne In mind.
is the use Of partly worn or shiny silk.
We MI know how discouragtng is taf-
feta In this latter way, ever, when the
quality Is good. It may comfort some
readers to learn that gowns quite IN
presentab1e for other occasions can be
utilized for tho sea bath with marvel
Gus success. The shiny condition and
the semi-cracked state that is 30 apt to
como about, both disappear when wet,
! aud II the silk be still strong. will not
Interfere with good service.
Poagee suits are shown and are charm
ing exhibited on lay figures that never
take O plunge but are less serViceaoie
and, / fancy less presentable when Wet.
than the 1nohairs or even tho SILK A
yrey pretty one, however, is too new to
pass undescribed, especially as there
may be many who Will not agree with
my point Of view. The skirt is Kilt plat
ed and hangs to the knees. The blouse
q laid IN wide tucks, that suggest
stitched plaits, and is made in sailor
style with a big square collar OF the
plain material. collarless shield and
are boomers and at the waist is knotted
a sash OF the pongee. Others again are
box plated and some few are plain. but
think it is generally conceded that
when such thin material is used 1T should
be made full The pongee has the merit
Of enduring the water well and is light
in weight whatever criticism may other
wise. be made. In addition: to being used
as a foundation material it is seen as
trimming to black and il this form is
much TO be commended. A really hand
some black silk costume has collar,
shield and sash of the natural pongec
and makes a most charming effect. The
a5rt tan on the black is admirable and
the materials Unite most harmoaiorsly.
Eriiliantfne, the one standby and nniNer-
sal friend is shown In O multitude OF
shapes and in many combinations. One
of the newest and most effective suits
] have seen is OF steel gray and is
trimmed with bands OF black and white
brand "A very pretty girlish model is
in white and has stitched bands of silk
es finish. But the great majority are
blue or black, although some dark red
models are 20 be seen tina: are undenia-
bly, effective. Imported examples are