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Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3103, 28 January 1879, Page 1

UNKNOWN

Ladies who. a few yes^^^^^^^H hare considered the idea aPl^^^^^^^^| array themselves in the glor^^^^^^^^J robe known as a " tea-gown/Hi^^^^^H to display themselves to, the eye«|^^^^H admirer*. The reason, perbaps^l^^^l very far to seek. Certain adTentuiW^B dames who determined, some y< ara sipceT^ on the invasion of man's • stronghold—the smoking room—-arrayed themselves for conquest in. bewitching rohes de chambre. Their less enterprising sisters, not quite daring, to follow; them to nocturnal extremit.es were unwilling to be defrauded of tho opportunity of addng another weapon lo the arsenal'of toilet; hence the origin of the tea-gown. Of course, it in no way resembles the dressing gown of utility. It is of elaborate desigu and infinite coat. It is worn for about an hour in the day; and yet, on a country-house visit of more than a week, the same must on no account be exhibited more than twice, if, indeed, so much may be allowed. It is absolutely use* less, and utterly ridiculous ; but this is not the worst that may be said about it. It is, to all intents and purposes, a deshabille ; and so great is the force of association that the conversation is exceedinglyapt, nay, almost certain, to become desha-

billo as well. The gentlemen in housea where tea-gowns prevail relieve themselves of their shooting attire, and reappear very frequently in gorgeous smoking suits; there is an ease about the whole proceeding that favors laxity and discourse, and advantage is generally taken of the latitude afforded. At their first beginning tea-gowns only put in an appearance when the beverage form which they take their name was dispensed in the hostess' boudoir,, and only a rare and favored specimen of the opposite sex was admitted on suffrance. But such old fashioned pru-: dery has long been thrown aside in the eager desire for more admirers of such becoming raiment; the tea-gowns have descended to the drawing-room and the hall, and hare become more marvellous in the transit. With the graceful neglige toilet there has come in a habit of lounging, which is certainly of most doubtful grace. Hands are Hot unfrequently to be seen clasped above or behind the head, thus often liberally exhibiting the arm by the falling back of the loose sleeve; feet and ankles are lavishly displayed, as dainty slippers are rested on the fender; more ardent spirits recline in ostentatious repose on various sofas. It is considered the thing to suit the action to the attire, and exhibit it in the supremacy of ease. In some very Bohemian establishments it is voted a bore to dress again for dinner ; that meal is partaken of in the easy masquerading attire, and, as a not unnatural sequel, there is a prompt adjournment to the smoking-room and a brisk demand by the ladies for cigarettes.—London World.