The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-17

I" ARTS, Aug. 15.-I have told you
lately about the prevalence of
the fascinating ruche. 1 have
a. it on excellent authority that
everything will be ruched for
the next six months. All the fete frockS
show the revival of this dainty fashion.
Muslin. taffeta and chiffon are all
trimmed with ruches of various thick
nesses and I am told that velvet also
will be treated the same way. Yet, in
spite of founces and ruches and all
sorts of frippery around the feet, cloth
skirts are kept very plain at the top,
and everything indicates the return of
the tight skirt, popularity known as the
''pullback,' at least as far down as the
knees. Then it is extended to the
breadth Of about twelve yards around
the feet. Truly this sort of skirt must
be cut by a modiste who is a genius as
well as an artist.
How beautiful is a mixture of the
1880 and fifteenth century fashionsl The
colorings are SO exquisite and the work.
manship so beautiful Bodies are near
ly all made in blouse fashion. the waist
line defined by pointed sash or band
All the best frocks worn by the ele-
Eantes are exquisitely graceful. and
these soft, clinging fabrics can stand
Taneta. both in black and pale
shades, is enjoying a great popularity
for fete gowns and various afternoon
entertainments.
Trouviils this year has been very
gay. and the frocks seen there perfectly
marvellous A friend of mine writes
from there that it has been a red"
season and that it made her warm to
look at the frocks but judging from
what one sees at the leading tailorS
II appears to be a white season and the
indications are that white will be worn
quite into the autumn. Red is very
pretty at the seaside, especially in linen
and wolfe. One frock of red wolfe is
made quite plain, with two bands of
red tafleta running round the skirt in a
simple Greek pattern, also down the
front of the blouse shaped waist.
French sailor and plateau hats are
worn with the walking skirt. Picture
hats with ostrich plumes are re-
served for fete wear. AS 1 told you
in my last letter strings are much
worn. The 1880 bonnet will be among
the autumn fashions, and it is said
that brown will be the prevailing color
although the beautiful shades of pastel
blue will not be easily dispensed with.
hear that the opening of the casino
at Dinards was exceedingly well at
tended and that many English and
American women were there There
are some pretty Americans over here
buying the largest quantity of gar
ments for every occasion. In fact, ]
wonder how they can take about trunks
enough to carry them. They have such
dainty lingerie and morning robes
They seem to prefer beautiful fabric:
simply made and are very complete
in their toilets. Their petticoats per.
haps are more elaborate than any.
thing else. They affect the tailor
made for nearly all outdoor occasions
reserving the elaborate frocks for after
noon wear.
I must describe at least one of tn,
charming toilets which saw in prepa
ration for AK and Homburg. This wa
IN white china silk. inserted with me
daIlions of black chantilly lace, will
an outer edge Of coarse cream colore,
Irish crochet. The bodice was made il
blouse fashion. with a double pelerin
collar. cut open, showing a vest mad
Of lace medallions- The shaped hi