The Washington herald., 1912-04-07

that suggests that famous court Of France,
but by no means have accepted all its
features. When one can see a costume
made Of sof: Dolly Warden foulard COM
bined with satin made up into paniers
and with a befrilled bodice side by side
with taffeta costume consisting OF q
straight narrow skirt of plain color with
a little short jaunty coatee Of the same
material fiowered and trimmed with the
plain, and the two costumes bearing the
names Of designers of equal repute, II be-
comes evident that there is a wide diver
gence in prevailing styles, and that variety
makes the one all-noteworthy condition.
What the house Of Paquin considers its
most noteworthy model Of the season
means a straight simple skirt of taffeta
with little coatee Of brocaded velvet,
such as has just been described, while
costumes designed on the Louis XVI
model are as different as well can be.
Undoubtedly the two will come together,
to some extent at least, before the season
is mature, for such combination is almost
inevitable, but the gowns that will result
from an attempt at combination will be
something belonging to themselves. not
really an outgrovth Of either style. What
careful women need to consider at the
moment is how to select and adjust pre-
vailing ideas to their own needs and to
select the wardrobe that will meet the
requirements Of the season without run
ming to any extreme. One Of the most
notable authorities on the subject Of dress
asserts that the secret Of elegance is found
not in the size of the wardrobe but in the
care with which it is chosen, that one can
be better dressed with a few costumes
OF good material, becomingly made and
suited to the individual, than with an
unlimited number Of carelessly selected,
and such words are words Of wisdom
indeed. There are features to be found
in prevailing fashions that make it prac-
tically easy to provide a necessary, even
generous number Of changes without
undue extravaganza, and the little coatee,
as they are called, are as practical as they
are fascinating. Some Of the very best
houses have set the example Of these little
accessories made Of material in contrast
with the skirt and it is easy to see how they
can be utilized over more than one gown
and varied in many ways. A really fas-
cinating costume that is being completed
for spring trousseau consists Of mod
erateiy narrow two-piece skirt of two
toned taffeta that reflects colors Of blue
to describe. The skirt is slightly gathered
at the top and is trimmed with a rather
wide fat putting Of the material at the
lower edge. With it is provided a little
coatee Of cream colored tafeta, lowered
over with the quaintest possible design.
This little coatee, II is expected, also will
be worn over lingerie gowns to make a
charming effect. What are known as
cuirasse garnitures are extensively made
OF lace and Of various materials, lace
They completely transform a
plain gown or bodice and create a costume
that is dressy and attractive in the ex-
treme. Not alone the coatees, but also 1
sleeveless little over blouses Of taffeta and ,
messaline are to be worn over white
gowns and the Greek tunic, that has been
so often, is unfailing in its
effect. Some Of the most attractive brides ,
maids costumes that are being planned |.
for Easter week are made with these I
tunics OF the new two-toned messaline j
over skirts Of lace Aouncing to be as fas- I
rinating as well can be.