The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-12-08
Latest Fashions
At The Capital
BY WADE

With congress again at work on
Capitol hill and the seasons debutantns
dancing afternoon and evening in the
newest and prettiest of frocks. the So
cal season may be considered estab-
hshed, although official Washington
stu clings to the idea that the sea
son is a well-defined period between
Jan. and Ash Wednesday.
notwithstanding the now accented
TACT that there will be no official en-
tertaining at the White House and the
very natural depression in the admin
lstratlon circle by reason of the presi-
dentS continued illness, dinner parties
are Almost as numerous as ever, with
smart dressing restored to a preWar
basis.
Miss Margaret Wilson Is remaining
also continuously in Washington and
apparently is taking more interest in
general society than in any previous
season, with a well stocked wardrobe
OF day and evening gowns, all showing
the Influence of her European travel
and the skill of the Partisan modistes,
VINO never were more anxious to please
thelr American patrons than right now.
Dlning recently at the Belgian en-
bassy, Miss Wilson wore a trained
gown Of white satin, draped in pale hlue
tuIle. The latter showed a pannie ef-
feet, while the extremely narrow line
at the ankle is modified to suit TIE
american taste Of the presidents
daughter by means of a deep flounce
of gold lace.
This is one of the straws showing the
direction of the wind in fashion land,
and holding out a hope that . wider
skirts will come in with the flowers of
spring, if not in time for the mid-win-
ter gatherings at the Southern resorts.
Another Paris gown worn by Miss Will
son with much grace is white satin,
embroidered in very delicate touches
OF silver. This, too, is a trained model
with closely draped skirt and ungirdled
bodice, cut lower in the back than in
the front.
A question Of sartorial dignity and
the time to wear a hat which injected
itself into the halls Of congress when
Representative Jeanette Rankin of
Montana took her seat as first woman
elected to that body, found an echo in
the British parliament on Monday,
when the American-born Lady Astor
took her seat as the first woman elected
to the house Of commons. with the ad-
vantage all on the side of Nancy from
Virginia"
Throughout her entire two years of
service Miss Rankin declined to accept
the conventions of Washington and ap-
peared each day in the house. modestly
attired, but bare-headed.
Not only at her desk, but in commit
tee rooms, corridors and the house res
taurant, the feminine legislator fol-
lowed the Montana fashion by remov-
ing her hat Immediately on reaching the
capitol.
Lady Astor, on the contrary, at all
daytime sessions, is wearing a hat
an English round hat" Of conserva-
Nt.yn al. -IN-- H-1 a. ia -
vcrely tailored black serge suit, white
blouse and smart English boots-made
to order-otherwise they would never
fit her.
This is a business costume, for bust
ness hours. and even though a British
Albemarle, assumed business obligations
peeress, the former Miss ~Langbhorne of
when she entered politics and now
stands ready to comply with the same
in dress as in everything else.
In taking her seat with her hat on
the new M. p. establishes a precedent
for all Corners in legislative halls, which
might well be followed on both sides
OF the Atlantic.
Mrs. Baker, wife OF the secretary of
war, is wearing one of the bright
green evening gowns, showing society
is responding to the cry for color in all
kinds of apparel, This is silk crepe,
mounted ION gold, with gold lace form
llS nlOIb lldH nail Nnt DOulIt. |
Mrs. Baker wore this gown on her
last evening in Washington before sail
ing for Panama.
Mrs. Hampson Gary, wife Of the |
American cobsul- general at Cairo, who
is spending the early winter in Wash
ington, wore to one of last weeks teas
a black lace demitoilet on a foundation
of black satin. The bodice was made |
with low square necked lining and un-
lined sleeves.
Mrs. Gary, who Is being very extern
sively entertained, topped this effective
costume with a large hat Of silver lace.
|
If it is a sowing machine for Christ
mas, Bry's has it. adv. |