The Topeka state journal., 1905-10-21
Of Interest
TO Women.
A MAZE OF BUTTONS.
FancifuI Ways of Applying Buttons as
a Trimming.

Thegood, old-fashioned purpose of the
button-that is, the utilitarian duty of
fastening garments-has disappeared
this season in the maze of modes in
which it appears as trimming. From
the Kate G4reenWaY clothes of little
Miss Four 7 ear-OId to the demure
dresses of her picturesque grandmam-
ma, 1t forms the principal garniture,
but its novelty thi sseason lies in the
manner in which it is applied rather
than its own brilliant or unique beauty.
On chlldren's clothes especially the
button appears in most unusual ways.
one little garment is characterized by
huge discs covered with black satin or
namenting bands of white broadcloth.
These bands of black buttons extend
around the neck and wrists, while one
long band holds in the fullness at the
back of the bobbing knee jacket close
to the edge.
For an older girl a one-piece school
dress has the square yoke and front
box Dleat outlined with round button
moids covered to match the principal
color In the gay-hued plaid. Similar
buttons on stitched strap trims the
sleeves from wrist to elbow.
On miladi's frocks and suits the but
ton adorns every little tab and every
kind of strap, while cloth and metal
buttons mingle on the same garment in
bewildering array. If stitched bands
curve in scrolls, a line of small velvet
or metal trimmed buttons follows the
hand. Applications of velvet in wind
king or geometrical patterns show velvet
covered buttons at each twist and turn,
tiny brass buttons being employed in
similar manner.
LapeIs both on long and short coats
fasten back with simulated or real
buttonhoIes on rows of pearl or cloth
discs which extend from the neck to
the bottom of the skirt. Vests of
plaid or striped goods gain a double
breasted effect from two rows of
enameled buttons, which match the
material of the coat. If the coat is OF
mixed goods buttons covered with the
same will ornament a plain vest.
Each pocket, too, must have at least
one button garniture, while the edge
of a collar is often encircled with
small discs met by cross straps of
braid.
A triumph of the tailors art was a
cloth suit with tWO-inch straps OF
braid ending in fiat, round mo1ds Gov-
cred with cloth of the same color.
These we're appliqued at short inter-
walls around the entire front and pos
tilIion back as well as the cuffs Of the
sleeves, On the skirt three rows OF
four-inch straps ending in buttons
each separated by an inch, formed the
heading Of a deep hem with stunning
and unique effect. Simulated over
skirts or panels have cloth covered
buttons fastening their edges over the
lower hounce or ruffie, the appearance
of a buttonhoIe being effected by short
| loops of narrow braid.
Evening fFocks are no less favored
than tailoFed-looking costumes. Rhine
stones and imitation buttons follow
some vine or scroll design in lace
meshes and give the effect Of jeweled
I lace. Delicately hand-palnted discs
! hold sleeves in pretty puffs. Tiny
painted cloth buttons dot broadcloth
straps that trim neck and bodice OF
cloth and lace gowns. And one hand
some frock showed a line of opales-
cent buttons with a large imitation
pink pearl at the center of each
adorning the side opening from top
to bottom of the princess cut.