OUR HOME LETTER.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 71, 21 January 1882, Page 297

OUR HOME LETTER.

London, December 1. Dear Observer, — The most noticeable change in out-door garments is the general adoption of the tight-fitting driving coat ulster, of which I have several times spoken. It is now called the Newmarket ulster, and, both as a water-proof and dust-coat, takes tlie place of other wraps. It looks well on any one who is not very stout and whose waist is not very small, but particularly quaint and pretty on children, who like it better than the Mother Hubbard, as it gives free play to the arms. It is mostly worn in black, chocolatebrown, and tan colour, generally with a poke felt hat of the same shade, trimmed only with two puffy silk rosettes, which look a little like oldfashioned pen-wipers. The popular umbrella and stick handle is shaped like a shepherd's crook, or bishop's crozier, the effect being gained, it is said, by boiling an ash stick till the wood is pliable, then bending it and leaving it to cool.

-I am always afraid of venturing on such delicate ground as male apparel, but it seems to me that men wear spats more than they used to, and gloves very much less. For walking and shooting, shortish dust-coloured waterproof coats, made with what ladies call a yoke and with few pockets, are most in vogue. For morning dresses I can only renew my recommendation of pink or grey gingham for young

girls, and chocolate sateen trimmed with cream lace for those who are older. For better dresses, Madras muslin or soft Indian or Japanese silks. Stiff silks are very little worn, except moire antique watered silk, which is used a great deal for trimmings, sashes, &c. Shady hats of cream lace will be found both pretty and serviceable. For black dresses, jetted lace is more used than ever. It may be bought at prices varying from 3s 6d to 10s a yard, according to the width ; or they can be manufactured at home for a very small amount by buying jet bugles and beads and sewing them on lace, following out the lines of the pattern. Bead trimming of all sorts is much in favour, and, if used in moderation, looks very well. The gather bodice is still most popular, generally with a sash or braided waistcoat, but occasionally in dresses cut princess shape. There is a kind of stamped velvet that elderly ladies wear a good deal, which looks very handsome, and, I am told, wears well. The pattern is of velvet, the ground in silk of a lighter shade. Bracelets are still out of favour, long gloves and mittens taking their place. I do not know if I have ever mentioned that bangles in the daytime are especially to be avoided. — I am, &c, DoRETTE.