Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-02-17

ID then that the majority OF tue
smart world of the city con-
gregate in some established spot,
to exchange the gossip of the mo-
ment, take stock of the costumes worn
and incidentally sip of the beverage
that is supposed to cheer but not in
toxicate. Any afternoon Of the week
from until 6 o'clock all the long list
OF we'll known restaurants will be-
found to be crowded with beautifully
dressed women and observing men, all
apparently on pleasure bent and all
taking their time of relaxation in the
easiest and simplest manner possible
Dress, however, is the weighty con-
sideration Of this particular hour,
whether one goes to see or be seen.
and IL 1t is for the first 1t Is only q
question of whether one prefers to go
to the Ritz and look at world wide
celebrities and multimillionairesses or
to the Volney and see half the fash
ionable. Americans of Paris and most
Of the pretty actresses from the the
aters and opera.
AS matter OF fact, the latter place
is decidedly the more amusing, for
1t is recognized truism that pretty
Partisan actresses are far better
dressed than are world wide celebri-
ties or even milliouairesses. At the
Volney one is reasonably sure to en-
counter Lavalliere, whose tailor made
frocks are pronounced to be the
choicest of any worn; Norma Della,
the prettiest actress on the French
stage, whom Bechoff-David delights to
dress aud who exploits all his latest
creations; Mile. Provost and Nine.
Sorel, who are rivals at the Coincide
Franchise and equally dispute the
palm of being the best dressed wo-
man in Paris; Cora Laparcerie, who
Is eccentric but chic; Mile. Guett, who
wears hats In way no other woman
can, and hosts of others who might be
mentioned.
Velvet Costumes the "Cry.-
1t is a foregone conclusion that
each and every one will be wearing
the latest cry, whatever 1t may be,
whether of frock, cloak, furs, hat. or
Incidental, and if one really goes 10
see one must attend strictly to bust
ness and not allow ones attention to
,, wander
Just now velvet costumes with furs
are almost universal, and although
many of the former are black there
are numbers to be seen in other col
NJ &C. hoy
| and so are certain shades OF gray aud
brown. Any number OF red costumes.
too, are to be seen, but these are gem
orally made Of ratine, or velour de
laine, Instead OF velvet. Simple lines
prevail, especially for velTets, many
showing redingote effects, which are.
If anything, palmer than princess
gowns.
One Of these seen recently at tea
was worn by Nine. Sorel and was OF
deep violet velvet. so dark as to look
black In certain lights. In the back
it showed an unbroken line from the
collar 10 the narrow band OF skunk
about the hem, the waist being drawn
In gently to the figure, only just
enough to give it slight curve. The
front OF the gown was little draped
from the right side to the left, and the
skirt position fastened on the hip with
several small passementerie buttons
and loops. The remainder of the skirt
was quite plain, with fur band at
! the bottom.
The bodice was soft looking, that
effect being given it by large revers
Of white satin that were unlined and
by the blouse beneath, which was
mass of creamy lace ruffles and puts
Of tulle. The neck Of this blouse was
rounded, and In front there was a
crush bow OF black satin, with short
ends that fell among the lace ruffles.
Newest Of Russian eIousoe.
Another costume seen on the same
occasion was totally different in
style, and just as fashionable, as this
exemplIfied the newest OF the Russian
blouses. The material was striped
velvet of two shades Of gray, both
dark and OF a warm. rich tint. The
skirt was narrow and showed a tiny
band of plain gray satin on the left
side, which was partly covered by but.
tons and loops on the velvet skirt.
The coat was long In the skirt half
and short wasted, the fastening be-
ing far on the left side, under a stun.
ming buckle Of dull gold.
The neck Of the coat was finished
with a rounded collar of satin, which
was slightly pointed at the throat
and showed a second collar OF velvet,
with sharply pointed revers. The
sleeves were long and close, and from
wrists to elbows they were fastened
with buttons and loops to match the
skirt
The belt was feature OF the
blouse, being of satin laid In many
folds and fully four or five inches
wide. These wide belts worn on
Russian blouses are new and give an
entirely different look to the garment
from those worn last season.