The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-20

~ ARTS, Dec. 27.-It is hardly likely
that the remainder of the sea-
son win develop anything re-
"A markably new in material, cut
or general outline. The styles
have been assured for some time, and
they are varied and exquisite enough to
satisfy the most exacting. All the cou-
turiere,s energy is now directed toward
the construction of gowns to be exhib-
lied on the Riviera in a few weeks.
The ideas expressed in these creations
are always harbingers Of what viii be
worn in the early spring by the less
fortunate mOrtals who cannot select
their climate. but must wait for it to
come round in the natural course of
events.
But we have no cause whatever for
grievance, as the woman of today has
much for which to be thankful. So far
as fashion is concerned. her lines have
fallen in pleasant places. Nowadays
instead of looking her worst Dame
Fashion allows every woman, no mat
ter what her years or type to look her
best 1t is a foolish woman who neg
lects to do this. Think of the opportu-
mites offered to the thin woman even
when she has to wear evening dressl
Instead of showing an expanse Of
scraggy neck and arms she may veil
both with lace and chiffon. In fact,
bare arms are at a discount. There is
nothing more becoming to a thin wom-
an than the full, transparent chiffon or
net sleeves. To avoid a suggestion Of
the dowdy half high neck I always
think that the evening bodice should be
cut very low and filed in with wide
tucker of some pretty, fluffy net or
gauze. On the other hand the woman
who wishes. like Hamlet, that her too,
too solid flesh" would melt may be
sylphlike in a glove fitting princess
frock- But what we should guard
against is letting our fancy for novel
ties lead US into exaggerations.
Our waists are getting a little too
long in front. Our hips are padded out
of proportion. and if we are not careful
sleeves will become ridiculous. The
person who tries to make a vogue of
these eccentric fashions is the French
shOpkeeper who wishes to please the
English and American markets. The
chic Partisan is never guilty of wearing
these absurdly outre modes. which in
the countries mentioned are often con-
sidered suggestive OF the French model
There are a few women who make the
simplest and most inexpensive garment
look like it had hailed directly from a
smart Partisan atelier. These are the
joy dressing. We are modified editions
now OF 'ye olden times" but it is the
fashion of 1928 to 1880. Of what was
termed the romantic period in France.
that interests US most and which is in
huencing most strongly the modes of
today.
Nowhere are the revived influences
more pleasingly adapted than in the
tea gown. The sure test of a graceful
woman is to be found in the way she
wears q garment OF this kind OF all
the dowdy sights on earth is the wrong
woman in a negligee- These comfort
able deshabille or robe d'interieur are
an important item of the wordrobe as a
matter not only of cost, but of neces-
sity. There is no hint in these modern
luxuries of the old wrapper" however
dignihed it may have been in appear
ance Beautiful designs are created in
silk, cloth and printed velvet and crepe
de chine in which my lady may fasci-
nate her afternoon guests.
One particularly charming hostess