FOR THE LADIES.

Evening Star, Issue 4051, 19 February 1876, Page 1 (Supplement)

FOR THE LADIES.

~~ tUhiss. GILT AND SILVER NOV tke eo n Silver, gold, and steel enter l scant coi position of at least half the ek of tl tumes and a considerable number ; ack< winter wraps. Here we have a loose j >i< in grey cloth, trimmed with silver br» mixed with steel and dark grey, and sm rounded by skunk. There a cream-colored carriage-cloak, edged with marabout fringe and braided with black and gold. A black cloak Merveilleuse coat braided all over with narrow gold, silver, and black braids laid on side by aide, and bordered with black fur. There is no end to the combinations, and they are as various as the tastes of the maker

and wearer. It is the same with the toilettes, but here is one specimen of a costume composed of dark-blue silk and cashmere to match. The skirt has one flat plaited flounce ; over it is worn a long close-fitting polonaise of blue cashmere, made open behind, and somewhat draped, with short jockey basques at the back. One row of gold braid, interwoven slightly with blue threads, surrounds the tunic; and runs Up the front of the polonaise, which is fastened by means of small buttons hidden underneath the braid. The sleeves are also of< cashmere, with gauntlets braided with gold and plaited frills of silks. The hat which is worn with it is of blue velvet, a long white feather curls over one side, and a cockade of bows of blue ribbon is fastened in place by a gold brooch. A second costume consists of a skirt of black velvet and a tunic and cuirass of light cobalt blue cloth. The tunic is merely an oblong piece of cloth, plaited a little behind, and allowed to fall open on the left side, where it is slightly draped through- the handle of an aumoniere pocket in blue gimp and silver thread. On the tunic are sewn, very closely together, eleven rows of silver braid, about an eighth of an inch wide, alternating with Bleven rows of blue alpaca braid to match the sloth. The cuirass, which is very long in the basque, has seven rows of each of the braids arranged in the same way; it is Fastened down the back by small blue silk buttons. The sleeves are almost tightatUng and quite plain, with the exception of i few rows of braid The bonnet to suit the iress is in black velvet, compressed at the ndes and turned up in the front, where a :oronet is placsd, composed of blue and black velvet, w.th loops of silver braid and i large bunch of tea, roses on one side ; a roll of blue velvet and some bows decorate she exterior.

' PARIS FASHIONS Iff DECEMBER. The age of gold was Bymbolised in antiquity by a young and beautiful woman, in golden robes, holding in her hand a horn of plenty. The age of gold seems to have returned. The ladies appear to have only golden toilettes. In any case these are splendid. Costumes and hats covered with gold; collars and bracelets in the same precious metal; belts and sashes in gold, andgaloonsof gold over every seam; and, as if all this were not dazzling enough, there are large crescent earrings in gold and chains for the neck, resembling that of London's Lord Mayor. The best way to avoid falling to the age of iron is not to be dazzled or dazed by all this glitter. The cornucopia is embodied in the shops, which are crowded with very handsome articles, artistically arranged of course, and as tempting as the forbidden fruit of old. There are magnifi-cent-figured silks in flowing and light patterns, in delicate or sombre shades, juvenile-looking or sedate. Two tones generally predominate—dauphin and Nile green, violet and pale rose, brown and straw, &c. A very elegant evening dress, that has been much admired, consists of a training jupon m dauphin green velvet over Nile green silk; the side is raised sufficiently high, over a false jupon in plain velvet, corresponding in color to the jupon already mentioned ; a drapery of pale blue taille, with face, ornaments the part raised. The corsage is low-bodied and square in front and is made of plain velvet; trimmings, blue faille lace. Hats are excessively masculine ro appearance, and are loaded with plumes rather than feathers; the latter becomes thusi very dear. The white felt Reubens has the feathers placed very much behind, imparting a bold look to the hat. It is all very pretty, but too loud. The Prince—not the Princess, remember—of Wales is garnished with ten small feathers on the summit, and falling coquettishly on the sides ; it ought only to be worn by young persons and in a carriage. There are other hats more sedate, with soft crowns and double curtain, trimmed behind with a tuft of falling feathers, with strings, etc., tying in front. Ribbons are v «ry 'general and very rich ; often in two shades. These auxiliaries of. elegance are a necessity for finishing an evening toilette; this, with sumptuouß passementerie of embroidered loaanges in gold and silver, leaves nothing to be desired. The high corsage for evening wear tends stiU to mount higher ; the sleeve, however, is very often transparent, m white tulle, etc., with lace entredeux. However, this fashion cannot be considered as elegant; it is a contradiction for a lady to have the shoulders covered, and the arms bare. The Russian corsage is again coming into favor, with its large plaits. White and cream are colors largely to be met with in forming the basis of many toilettes, and are associated with trimming of dark velvet. Blue and plum are in request for infants and young girls, with white galoons or piping.