The Washington herald., 1913-03-30
Expert TELLS Of the
Fly MARGARET WADE.

According to the advices from the fash
Ion centers abroad. there is no radical
change in the general appearance of the
well l-dressed woman of to-day and the
same individual this time last year, n
comforting assurance at first sight. but
one that does not bear close scrutiny by
the really ambitious maid or matron who
feels that not to have something new
in the way of attire is not to be in the
line of progress.
The narrow skirt. the high waist line,
the surpice neck outlined by collar
or fichu, continue with us. Plain, street
clothes with the most gorgeous of even
ing apparel. are still the rule among the
most conservative of weIl-dressed women
while the newest wrinkles, according 10
a recently returned traveller from Europe.
are not wrinkles at all, but smooth fitting
curved lines. showing the contour Of the
figure. without the heretofore draped ef-
feet that quite properly accompanied the
straight-lined skirt and coat.
For the woman who does not care par
ticularIy to be in the extreme of fashion,
there is no marked difference in the cut
between this years and last years
clothes. For her more discriminating sis
ter. however. the bodices and the jackets
will ell show the curved line
In the matter of evening dress. as
shown at several smart balls which have
already enlivened the spring season,
notably that of the German Embassy. on
Monday might. the trains are a little
longer, the drapery along new lines. and
the bodiCes in nearly every case quite
close fitting. all significant changes in
fashion.
If Mrs. Wilson and the new Democratic
administration really hope TO put INTO
effect certain promised reforms in the
way of dress. there is no time like the
present for beginning.
According 10 a not unfriendly foreign
critic at the flower bail on Wednesday
evening. that was either the most
American. or the most unAmeriCan
company he has seen in his extensive
travels all over the United States.
AS matter of fact the smart COM
pany assembled in Mrs Bradley's pri-
vate theater to aid a worthy charity to
the tune Of s. apiece, was neither a
representative Washington company nor
a representative American company.
Most of the women present, whose
dress and Jewels excited the comment
of their less opU!ert ncighbors. were
comparative newcomers in Washington
smart circles who bring to the Capital
the standards of dress OF many and
widely different localities.
The White House family was not
represented in any way. neither were
there any high Officials or the admins
tration present. The appearance of dla-
mond tiarras by the dozen, chains or
rubies. emeralds that once were the
property of queen. and ropes
of pearls used with prodigality
Of beads. all at a pay-as-you-enter hall
are just as offensive to the conservative,
welI-bred washlnGtontan as TO the
Co. 4,us.z
idea OF American social life back to their
countries.
Countess Won BernstorfT welcomed her
'ests on Monday evening in one OF the
smartest of brocade creations. light blue
on a ground of rich cream white satin
This was made in the conventional. but
always modish fashion adopted by this
best gowned matron OF the diplomatic
circle. The trained skirt showed a low
drapery at the Iett front. the bodice cut
surplce back and front also emphasized
the already mentioned snght change or
line.
The Countess Won Rernstorf although
the possessor OF some OF the most beau
tiful jewels in Washington. limited her
self to the use OF diamond neCkIa %.
She also wore during the entire oven-
ing a scarf of spotted ermine. as she
is still unduly susceptible to a change of
temperature in consequence oc recent I
illness.
The Misses Wilson. who went or from
the navy yard to the German Embassy. !
all wore pretty and effective gowns made /
dancing length with smart accessories in |
the matter OF slippers and hosiery match |
ing the several predomInating CoIors
Mrs Margaret Wilson'S white char |
peuse gown had an overdress OF pale |
blue chiffon
Miss Jessie Wilson also wore white !
charmeuse. but with tunic of deep |
green chiffon, the latter heavily erbroid- |