Los Angeles herald., 1909-03-07

~ all times of the year the early spring is
a the most bewidering regards the dress
n problem. If the summer plans are definitely
~ settled then the question of what to provide
for the summer outfit is not nearly puz-
cling as when there are many opinions to whether
seashore or inland shall be chosen; whether the trip
abroad shall be taken early or late or whether the
season shall be spent at gay watering place
or paces or whether there shall be comparatively
quiet time In ones country place.
Fashion demands so many different changes of
dress for the who is devoted to society ana
to whom society is devoted that invitations are
showered upon her. She must look smarty gowned
at all times and to fulfil that requirement necessi-
tates keeping constantly well ahead of the times.
Just at the moment the winter wardrobe generaily
speaking, needs replenishing This has been long
season. as Is always the case when Ash wednesday
falls on so late date. Even the most complete OF
outfits has felt the long strain 1t Is not considered
smart to put on spring gowns too early-oniy tne
Southern trip permits of that-and yet the winter
street gowns, for instance are quite too old friends
This Is the season when the palmer tailor MADE
gown Is planned, aud no matter how many gowns are
required there Is always room for it. Later the more
elaborate styles will take its place. but now the serge
chevot, simply made, is in great demand ana
there is much rivalry over the different models Both
plain and figured chevots are fashionable and tnere
was never known such variety of colors ana pat
terms. Black, dark blue and dark purple, In quite a
new shade, all smart, and there are several new
weaves that give two tone effect, but so cleverly
blended that first glance it to be all the one
color.
Braid and Buttons Still Popular.
Braid buttons and satin folds and facngs still
the favorite trimmings, but too much trimming is
considered most undesirable, and the smarest gowns
rely entirely upon the perfection of their cut and
finish for the individuality which makes them SO no
tceabe. They not exaggerated in design. Ihe
waist line is placed or indicated, in a more rational
position, and while effort is made to make the
wearer appear slight possible there is enough
material used in the skirts to prevent the hdeous APP
pearance of scantiness of material and too tight MT
ting garment All the new street skirts are wider
around the hem, and while they cannot be correctly
termed wide they give enough room to walk comfort
ably. There among the newest models several
that have peas, but these pleats are inserted well
below the hips for there still the preference In favor
Of the long, and nearly fiat figure as pos
sble
Last autumn some few of the leading dressmakers
in Paris exhibited among their smartest designs
tailor gown with coat so long that it entirely COW
cred the gown which it worm This coat
was tight fitting at the back and sides and gave a
straight front effect 1t recalled to memory
poonase of oden days and was in Its first appear
ance not greeted with much enthusiasm as 1t was
almost and too striking to be becoming to
any but the favored few. The same style appears
this spring. but with such notifications will be in
favor of its popularity. A woman with good figure
looks well In such costume, and consequently 1t be-
hooyeth every woman to become possessed of good
dgure--not difficult task in these days. when
Serge rather than cloth is chosen for these long
and they invariably made most simply, trimmed
only with braid-and not too much braid-and buttons.
white tie or jabot may soften what to many would
be the too masculine severity, but the beauty and
style of the garment are shown in perfect workman
ship 1t is fashion that while apparently easy to
copy, requires most careful treatment If rightly
rendered 1t is extremely smart and becoming, but
badly carried out 1t is TOO much like loose house
gown.
Wraps and coats are necessary to comfort in the
cool days of early spring and in fact all summer
In use for driving and motoring especially. smart
wrap is not easy to find, for as rule loose wrap