FOR PRESENT WEAR.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9323, 25 January 1896, Page 3

FOR PRESENT WEAR.

Few mantle 3 are worn by ladies of any age. Some trimming is added to the dress bodice of lace with long ribbon ends in front, that quite does away with the need, and then the collars often render them superfluous. In the latest fashion plate 3 sleeves are represented as increasing in size. Puff sleeves are on the side of an advance, and there is a sprinkling of draped sleeves. Fulness is preferably pleated at the top to being gathered. The large collars, which threatened to exhaust their day too soon, still remain, conceptions in silk and satin, fine lace and embroidery. They may be worn as the only ornament, but the high collar and belt generally correspond. j Crepons are still the materials most distinctive of all classes. Cottons are very much worn this summer, and some of these have an old-world air in pattern that is a charm. The blouse, the most usurping factor of our dress, is said to be losing ground. We question this when every day is a revelation of the favour it enjoys. It is indeed the subject of much outlay and design, and could not easily be laid aside, for the season at least. The cotton blouse is as übiquitous as ever, and no detraction can be offered it in the hot weather and the comfort it offers.