OUR LADIES' LETTER.

Evening Star, Issue 4312, 21 December 1876, Page 3

OUR LADIES' LETTER.

Very great improvements are taking place in young ladies' boarding schools in France. The heads of these institutions generally enter into partnership with English and Germans, skilled in the modern principles of education, and so far prove their good sense. The peculiar characteristic of the reigning fashions is their sobriety. There is an absence of everything "loud," despite the continued weakness for red. Colors, still of two shades, are cream, blue, maroon, &c, in stripes or plaids. Woollen, velvets, and brocaded silks are materials much worn; and the polonaise, princess robe, and Breton costume are in high favor, the first two being among the indispensables. Mantles are in velvet; and when in cloth, match the i toilette, and are perfectly straight to below the waist, fitting at the end like a cuirasse. Silk embroideries in relief are general, and hats like dresses are trimmed with feathers. The fashion has returned to mother-of-pearl buttons, with corresponding real or simulated button holes in varied silks. For visiting, black velvet and sicilienne are much worn, and for the house, cream and sea-blue cashmere. Plush and Bilk are favorite materials for bonnets; the scarf running round, crossing behind, and drawn to the front as strings ; two feathers, of different shades, suited to the gauze or plush fall behind. The borders of some hats are trimmed with chenille in two colors, metal ornaments, in any patterns, form as usual aigrettes for hats. French ladies have won a great victory : they are at liberty now to take a railway ticket for their pet poodle at the same time as they purchase one for themselves, and to keep the animal with them, if the other occupants do not object.