The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-20

q shoddy quality. This is the most foolish
kind of extravaganza. far worse than that
which makes unwarranted OUTLAY for a real
~ fine costume The unworthy velvet rig
viii begin 10 give itself and its wearer away
after a very few wearings and once it
shows its faults ii is very quickly practical
ly ruined. A little greater outlay and lit
tie better Judgment in selecting would have
resulted In gown that would give good
service As such dreadful failures are in
creastng In numbers it behooves the own
ers OF the other kinds of velvet get-ups to
keep them as nearly spic and span as pos
sible, and 1t also proves to others the wis
dom of going without a velvet Dress il one
OF good grade can't be managed.
The temptation to take risks in velvet is
strong. so much may be said In behalf of
those who make mistakes. Velvet is very
stylish now. its standing for the winter is
assured. and IL seems more than likely that
the special favor 1t is enjoying will last
through next spring. Many OF the currently
favored weaves are extremely light, and
surely will not be laid aside so soon as the
weather begins TO become mild Consequent
ly velvet dress just now has possibilities
Of better service than are usual Choice of
the particular kind of velvet to be used isn't
as easy as it is at times unless the shop
per's mind is fully made up, for the shops
seem to contain all sorts that ever were.
She who has special weakness for some
special sort Is TO be congratulated. She who
has to look about before deciding will find
so much that is attractive that she may
become quite distracted before her choice is
made. Plain. figured, embossed. ribbed-all
these are in evidence In many varieties.
with almost innumerable novelty sorts.
Some lace trimming is advised by most
makers, and il hardly need be said that
when the gown Is done il will appear 10
better advantage If worn with furs that
harmonic. Sof. silks have many advocates
as lining for velvet dresses. and IL seems
pity to note this extra expense at time
when silks are out of 1t as lining to most
materials.
The tailored suit Of cloth, with long coat
remains much liked fashion, and is es-
pecfally fine considered as a medium of
dressy and stylish simplicity. 1t is not free
of exactions. demanded of the wearer, since
the natural figure for it should at least
be fairly good But given this. and a tailor
equal to supplying accurate fit. and the rest
Is easy. Little trimming is needed for such
a suit; a good deal will be faulty. Simple en-
Enlistment of bands. straps. braid. passe-
menterie or cord will suffice. A sug-
gestion of what is safely right is given in
to-day's initial picture. Here maroon cloth
was self-banded and stitching did the rest
except for lower sleeves of silk to match the
goods. Ii Is in the sleeves that considerable
elaboration is permitted to those who like
1t, but the more highly wrought the sleeve,
the palmer the rest may be.
With such dresses the gowns of soft WOOL
ems turned out by stylish dressmakers are
in the strongest possible contrast. for the
latter are much elaborated. Not only is the
cut complicated, but trimmings are rich
and profuse. several kinds going to a gown
very often. Sample dresses OF this sort ap-
pear at the left and center of the next pic
ture. The first was wool suiting trimmed
with cluny lace and beading, the latter
coming on the lace, the goods and in
the pendants that in one form or another
show on at least one stylish gown out of
two The other dress gray wolfe. with
stirring, black velvet banding and guipure
lace for its ornamentation. Dyed laces ap-
pear on many dresses OF this grade, and
are an admirable medium. Luckily it Is