The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1905-04-02
HE promenade costumes for early
spring show such diversity Of de-
sign and idea that 1t is impossible


- sign and idea that 1t is impossible
to affirm this or that Is "the
fashion" Jackets short, medium and
long; skirts full and befrilled, or hanging
in simple long lines from waist to hem, or
cut plain In the new umbrella" or circu-
lar shape, with moderate trimmings laid
on from the hem up to anywhere from
TO 20 inches, but In a few points all the
many modes conform. Take your choice
and fear not that you're not fashionable.
The skirts are fitted to the hips by fine
tucks or plafts, the fullness faring out
from about the knees, though there are
exceptions to this In robes of very sheer
materials. where few rows Of shirrings
confine the fulness just below the waist,
1t flowing free thence to the feet, the
skirts being frequently as much as 8 or
even 10 yards around the hem. A marked
feature of these latest imported models
is the use of chiffon velvet and panne In
the trimmings; this on white and dainty
colors being varied by bright textured
silks-silks. in fact, enter very largely
into the trimmings Of most gowns, even
when velvet is used.
A magnificent gown, made by Doucet,
is of Havana brown chiffon, a firm quail
ity, the very full skirt falling over a taft
feta slip Of considerable width, though
not as wide as the chiffon. in the hem
of which is inserted a band Of princess
haircloth. The 1ounces are cut circular,
almost plain, and edged with tiny ruffles
OF the chiffon; the hips are perfectly ft-
ted with narrow shirred hipyoke.
The skirt was trimmed to knee depth
with velvet. cut in Grecian key pattern
from the web. the bands about three
inches wide, straight band running
along them hem. These bands are pipcd
and edged with tiny ruffes of soft, shiny
silk. The corsage is fulled and drawn in
easily and trimmed in the same way as
the skirt, as are also the pulled sleeves.
A deep folded girdle of the silk confines
the waist which, by the bye, is not nearly
as pointed as the earlier models. The
full waist Is mounted on a perfectly fitted
lining, the seams feather-boned, so that
1t may retain suppleness, although fitting
snugly. The treatment of the upper mart
of this beautiful gown is also novel.
There is guimpe or deep yoke of rich
white lace, over which the bodice is car
ried in two graduated braces, edged with
narrow velvet bands and velvet buttons
on the shoulders. The lace opens in front
showing an inner vest and high stock
of the velvet with smart little bow In
front. The sleeves drop off the shoulders.
showing the lace. the big puff being
caught to the full lining and ending in q
double frill over the elbow. Then comes
the long. tight cuff of white lace to tho
hand, with two wide velvet bands like
the rest laid round. This is indeed q
beautiful model, as it may be developed
with equally charming effect in many
other colors. In very light shades panne
velvet would look best, or the key pat
tern can be carried out in silk, or ribbon,
with the ruffies of chiffon. Such a cos
tune is rich in suggestions.
Another lovely model, just imported Is
to be copied for a set of bridesmaids
frocks fc- an Easter wedding. This, too,
is full Of pretty possibilities, and it is SO
simple that it can be easily carried out
It is of six muslin with a raised dot;
the top part of the skirt is moderately
full and fitted by a few rows of shirring.