Year: 1865




In comparison with other articles of fe- |
male wardrobe, coaks have been some
what late in showing themselves this Fall. |
This week, however, have seen some very
handsome and stylish articles at Miss M. E.
Houston's charming and elegant establish
ment at No. 739 Broadway; and l have
much pleasure in describing them for the
benefit OF the fair readers of this column.
AS we feminines always like the hand
soonest and most attractive specimens 0 |
everything, first will begin with an opera
cloak, which have no hesitation in calling
the handsomest thing of its kind / ever saw.
This article was large and full, circular In
shape, and having the lower corner at the
right side extended into a long end, to be
thrown over the chest, and falling down
over the back below the left shoulder. 1t
was made of fine white cloth, trimmed en-
tirely round with deep, heavy fringe OF
white camel's hair, braided with white and
gold gimp, from which depends a small
chain of gilt, in acute angles, each angle
being marked off with little hollow gold
en- ball. Above this whole trimming lis a
seconi trimming, consisting of five rows of
narrow rose-colOred velvet. The end fall
ing over the back is finished off with tas-
sci OF gilt and camel's hair, and the portion
of 1t which crosses the shoulder is gather
ed in and held with a tassel of the same.
On the other shoulder bunch of knots and
ends of rose-colored velvet is fastened with
a small gold ornament, and gracefully re-
lieves the plainness of the right side. At
the very center of the back is bunch of
rose velvet, with three long ends falling TO |
the very hem of the cloak, each one fir ish-
ed off with small tassels of camel's hair and |
gilt. Around the neck of the cloak is |
magnificent cord of white silk and gold |
. ,1a fnlls
and finished off by two large tassels to
match those on the left shoulder, and the |
corner thrown over the back. This elab-
crate and stylish cloak is suitable for any
degree of full evening dress-theater, con-
cert, ball or opera; and for all occasions,
except ball, it is quite sufficient of itself
to make even plain or ordinary toilet pass
off successful. In the same cloak room
saw the following articles for the street:


A sack of a new cloth, called Alpine, and
suggesting in its rough beauty the grand
eur of the snowcrowned Alps. 1t was of
mixed color, the black ground shining
through the shaggy white covering, like
the rough mountain glimmering through
the snow. Itwas of the so well known and
much admired loose sack pattern, without
any trimming, sleeve epaulettes on the
shoulders, OF black camePs hair, fastened at
each end with very large button, trans
parent as pearl, and much resembling it.
Buttons of the same ornamented each side
down the front, and were fastened across
with loops of fine black silk cord. An
other sack, OF the same pattern, was made
of white-lamb's wool cloth, an entirely new
goods, worn for the first time this season,
and very popular with all our fashion lovers.
This sack was trimmed entirely round with
white camels hair fringe; epaulettes of
ha mn on ch ad or anhi
side of the shoulder with large black but
tons; and ornamented down both sides of
the front, with buttons to match, held to-
gether with loops of fine white cord. Tight
casques are again coming into favor. One,
which admired greatly, was of chocolate
colored cloth, perfectly close to the figure,
and untrimed, except by large buttons, two
at the small of the back, two fastening the
epaulettes on the shoulders, and two rows
down the front. The effect was very fine
the severe simplicity and unadorned rich
ness of this casque forming very marked
and pleasing contrast to the elaborate trim
mings which people of less taste bestowup-
ON their garments. Another was quite
short; but little longer than the sacques,
and was of Alpine cloth. 1t was trimmed
with camels hair fringe, and large pearly
buttons.


1t will be pleasure to many ladies to
know that atthe same establishment, where
they can get any style of cloak, and never
fail of suiting themselves, they can also get
the most elegant and newest Partisan bon
nets. Fascinating as shopping is, it is also
very severe upon the shopper, and few
things can be more welcome to ladies en-
gagged in that delightful but fatiguing em-
ployment than to find some place where
they can purchase their cloaks and their
bonnets, and even give orders for the max
ing of their dresses. This establishment is
devoted exclusively to ladies, and will an
swer all of even woman's demands on dry
goods. With regard to bonnets, / turned
from side to side, from box to box, from the
window to the show stand and then again
to the window, bewildered to choose where
all were perfect. Finally selected the fol-
lowing for description, with some slight
misgiving OF conscience for having awarded
the palm of superior praise to any few,
while felt that all were alike beautiful. Al
bonnet fit for the fair head of bride, of
white uncut velvet, and of classic simplici-
ty and beauty. A long veil of gold spangl4
ed tulle was fastened on oneside, with rich
mass of green grass and spears,
formed of tiny white glass beads;
together with this went a cluster OF
flowers, formed of Magenta velvet leaves;
face trimming, a white band, edged with
white tulle and topped with small green
velvet leaves and pointed gold ornaments,
clustered about one large flower OF white
velvet leaves, with pale, delicate tinted
Magenta velvet; white strings. Another
exquisite bonnet Of pink was trimmed in
front with band of the same, and putting
above it, the band being covered with gold
of half moons. At the eide was placed one
large white rose, and bunch of grass,
flashing with emerald hue and brightness.
The crown consisted of bands of pink over
white blonde, and the strings were divide
pink ribbon. g,.eO ~. s...irI'j


There is to be. slight change In hoop
skirts, corsets and Balmoral skirts, UNDER
stand; and have indirectly heard that Mrs.
Gaynor has lately arrived from Paris, with
oil LOT fula nfa oh L.