The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-23

decision decides the predominating
note for spring. The dressmakers are
all asking themselves these questions
No wonder. The up to date mondaine,
say these persons, is becoming more
and more difficult to please each year.
No sooner is a mode launched than
the capricious patron is clamoring for
something new. "How do you man
age each time you are asked for nov
elty?" I inquired from Monsieur c.,
whom found busy composing gown
Monsieur c. shrugged his shoulders as
only a F'renchman can Novelty does
not exist" he replied. There is moth
ing new under the sun. A style re-
vived to suit the silho--ette and re-
quirements of the day rejuvenated with
the latest materials and trimmings be-
comes a novelty If the before mem
toned style has not been adopted for
five or six years" I received the Same
answer wherever 1 applied for infor-
nation. One long suffering artist
after much hedging admitted that az
far as he could depend upon feminine
caprice he thought that coat and skirt
suits of heavy satin would be very
chic in the spring. In support of his
theory this sartoria1 conjurer showed
me a costume of leaf green satin that
fitted the figure of the mannequin who
wore it for my delectation very snugly.
The coat was simple in design, with
one long rever that brought about q
graceful diagonal line from the Shout
der to below the waist at the left side.
But the skirt-that was the master
stroke. 1t was excessively long and
absolutely unadorned save for a line
of self covered buttons that ran down
the left side. This 1upe probably
rested a good three inches on the
ground except at the left side, where
it was caught up in three small folds
Just above the hem to allow the long
pointed shoe now in vogue to assert
itself. A description of this draped
skirt may sound bizarre, but the effect
it produced was normal and attractive.
Apropos of shoes, illuminated leather
has been pressed into service not only
to bind milady's dainty little prayer
book, but to cover her equally dainty
little foot. Yes, Illuminated leather
boots are the latest extravaganza in
footwear, and the shoe must match
the gown. The directoire frocks ofrer
abundant opportunity to show an un-
usual shoe and ankle. Many girls are
wearing anl1lets of pale green or yell
low. The superstitious say such
bracelets on the ankle are lucky If
they are gifts. In less conspicuous
shoes those having black patent
leather vamps and dark gray suede
pearl buttons of so small a size that
they would tax even The historic pa
thence of Mr.. Job himself to button.
Our fingers, too, have a new treatment
in the matter of ring adornment. In
our love for consonance we must now
have two rings that match, but are
different merely in size, one for the
third finger and a smaller ring for the
"pinkie" This distribution of digit
ornamentation is vastly preferable to
the indiscriminate loading of fingers
with rings of all sizes, shapes and
colorings. Such a mode makes for re-
finement and artistic effect. It seems
to me that we are being Influenced by
the perfect taste of the Japanese in
many things pertaining to sartorial
matters and with decided advantage
to western ideas.
Look critically at the smart costumes
you see every day and I think that you
will agree with me.
CATHERINE TALBOT.