Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-11-01

breathing Ol nope tildt 81! iilS" SI,-
nal.
A missionary upon returning from
foreign field was asked woman's
first question regarding the female
natives. The question was, WHAT
did they wear?" To this he replied,
"a string of beads, and smile"
Apropos of the foregoing, it would
seem that the same fashion has
struck among the civilized peoples.
Smiles we have according to the ma
ture and temperament, but beads we
must have if we expect to pe+ any
where in fashionably dressed COM
munity.
Beads are distinctly feminine, and
add to a costume that last little touch
of something essential to milady's
wardrobe The fashionable shops just
now are filled with nifty little hats
for fall street wear. They are snug
fitting, but would appear much the
same if not relieved from common
placeness by clusters and festoons of
beads adorning them. Some of them
have loops of beads in oriental de-
sign hanging over the ears in imita-
tion of Salome's ear rings. Others
have tassels of beads dangling care
lessly over the left eye. There are
beads of all descriptions adjoining
these bOnnets. Large beads Of bril-
liant jet. small beads of all shapes
and sizes in brilliant colorings, and
smooth round beads of coral. which
lend a refined tone to the black tur-
ban of soft velvet. One little hat that
to me was roll brimmed
sailor of black velvet faced with cloth
of silver. From the side dangled
festoon Of silver fringe which seem
ed to enhance the vivacity of .ha
youthful face beneath it.
Pocahontas in all her glory was
never arraycd in the Ike of beads
one sees today in the shops. Whethn"
on bags, dresses. hats, or what not.
Powhatan would have traded his in
terest in half the colonies for a sec
ton Of one down town window. and
while the beaded bags so popular twJ
or three years ago are periodically re-
ported to be passe. they are still hold
ing up.
Another feminine style that bids
every few years for extinction, is the
mesh purse. 1t persistently comes
back each year in different shape tC
conform with the fashions Of today.
and we welcome it's coming, or rather
it's remaining. for no purse imparts
that distinctive touch Of refinement
to the afternoon frock as the dainty
mesh bag of dull gold, or FURNISHED
silver.
One welcome departure in woman's
wear shown in the shops Of Wash
ington and Alexandria, are the simple
Peter Pan dresses with collars and
cuffs Of white kid, and soft brown
leather. Nothing is quite so sensible
for the business girl who is tired o.
the accepted shirtwaist-and-skirt Of
flee attire.
We note that the sport coats for
women are being each season pat
termed more and more after the SEN
sible STYLES of their big brothers top
coats. We recently looked longingly
at a number of these in an exclusive
shop window. They were featured in
the soft colorings of autumn, the
greens, and browns and mouse greys.
and were indeed Sporty" The sleeves
were cut in one with the yoke, and
from this, draped gracefully in cir
cular effect the warm homespun
from which the coats were fashioned.
The collar rolled hiph around the face.
If ones wardrobe allowance is limited.
it is safer to invest in substantial
weather proof cloth coat. than in an
claborately trimmed cloak.
A mighty pretty thing in its sim
plcity, the beauty lying principally
in the material employed, is dinner
gown Of soft black satin crepe. Sleev"
less. and with plain round neck. the
bodice blouses plainly at the waist.
The skirts falls closely to the slender
figure and g narrow runic at the side
falls in graceful lines to the daint"
slinur heels. A touch of dull gold
outlined the otherwise severe edges
Of the dress
.Just about the last word in snug
appearing rigs for winter wear. is
the three piece suit which is growing
into favor like everything. 1t con-
sists of a cloth dress cnt on tho
straightest lines. and belted loosely
A three Quarter circular cane of the
same material is Worn with it, and
the third niece of the costume con-
sists Of detachable collar of fur O.
some hushv variety. such as racconr.
There is no costume natter than this
for the flapper or girlish matron.
Tho crtnst thines we have seen in
euit This fall is little affair of
midnight blue. The skirt is verv
rla;n. and short, hut not too short. Il
SC 1onr enough 10 Een, the knees