The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-04-20

~ ARTS. March 1T seems to me
we are taking time by the fore
lock in the matter of fashions
here in Paris earlier this sea
son than ever before. There is a per-
feet fever of anxiety abroad as to what
to wear and buy in the feminine world
not only for the present, but for months
to come. Sufficient unto the day to my
mind. would be a more comfortable
watchword for the stay at homes. as
hardly anticipate that an entire selling
out of materials in the French shops
will come to pass in the next few weeks.
The woman who waits viii have a
chance not only Of purchasing just
what she wants in materials, but the
styles themselves will be more assured
later.
For the southbound traveller it is an
other proposition. as summary crea-
tions for sunny climes" are an abso-
lutte necessity. and one the couturieres
meet each year.
Lent has been depressing as for sew
eral weeks. and my lady. having recov-
cred from physical ennui is now ready
for the fray once more. and as the so
cial world is at a standstill her energy
is venting itself thinking about her
millinery instead of her sins.
life saving station in the penitential
season, and the divine Sarah" has Civ
en- us another pleasure in her portrayal
Of Racine's heroine in "AndromaQue. p
Stin that was a mere oasis in the des-
ert. Plays may come and plays may
go, but fashions go on forever. and the
present spring STYLES are even more al
Turing than those Of former years Our
minds will be given a good exercise in
sartorial gymnastics. jumping from one
century TO another in the details of a
single gown. AS regards spring cos
TUNES. in spite of the fact that one sees
a number of white and colored hecked
tweeds and cloths the popularity of
serges and fine face cloths by no means
abates So far the little sack plated
boleros and stole fronted coats share
the honors with the pouehed bodices
and coats. which latter show no signs
Of extinction.
In lightweight spring coats quite the
Bmartest are undoubtedly those which
TT either tight or semitirht to the fig
ure in three-quarter length. having
cape collars deliberately trimmed with
lace and velvet applique Some of Tho
tweed jackets have a collar and inne.
vest of plain cloth ia a contrasting col
OF and are braided in scroll designs.
must llpt AnAEel Ane particularly afTraC-
tive copper and oXidized buttons WIFI
porcelain centers which decorate mos
of these jackets The plated boleros
falling just to the waist line. are yer,
jaunty and becoming and are finished
with innumerable sutchings and strap
pings Of the material which goes int
their makeup. and this is very apt TO b,
some Of the canvases or voiles so mucl
in vogue.
Although the wolfe is such a beauti
ful material for gowns. it hardly lend
itself satisfactorily to the coat. bein.
TOO thin to stand the necessary press
ing.
Among the many smart black an,
white costumes one sees there are :
number of vivid red and blue ciotl
frocks which are very chic. Thes
strong. definite shades are quite as pop
ular for the moment as the pale color
we have been promised for the late
spring months They are worn witt
various stoles and are almost uniformr
trimmed with braid. tasse1s or fringe.
II Is inevitable that fashion shouI