ITEMS FOR LADIES.

Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 71, 29 March 1890, Page 2 (Supplement)

ITEMS FOR LADIES.

The various serge-like materials are remarkably good in colour and texture. Broken plaids, defined by double lines of bright colour that interlace the background in an attractivo way, will be found most useful for young people's wear. The very nowest things in plaids are, however, the clan tartans of rather large design, and green and blue in colour. These, 1 believe, aro the true Fife tartan, besides which there I are said to be 140 different Highland and family tartans, so that the choice is a large one. Green is still extensively worn at balls and evening parties. Pongee silk still continues in great favour for evening wear. It cannot be affirmed that all fashionable women are wearing costumes that match throughout, since thero is no longer one universal mode of dressing. However, it is very certain that tho fashion of wholeness in the make-up of certain costumes is very popular. The light, powdery-looking tulles are still to be worn on hats at all times and seasons. Tiiey may be mixed with any kind of trimming, be it ribbon, velvet, or feathers, and also used for voils going round large felt hats, and tied in a bow under tho wearer's chin, an arrangement often charmingly becoming to a fresh young face. Accordion pleatings are still much introduced into the composition of ball-gowns, but they are more deftly managed for thin materials than they used to be, und not only is the outer tulle pleated, but the foundation silk also, giving much additional spring, and adding to the ease of movement of the wearer. A new kind of veiling with rather large chenille spots at immense distances apart has been lately introduced, but haa not met with a favourable reception. The spots are so far apart that iv all probability only one covers any part uf the face, and the offoct is either grotesque or so eccentric that few really elegant women care to adopt this new net, and prefer that which has smaller chenille spots at closer intervale, and which serve to enhance the brightness of the eyes and of the complexion. A material frequently employed for demi-toilettes is fine white cashmere, bordered with aband delicately embroidered in gold tinsel. Pelt hats are large, flat, and broad-brimmed ; some have the brim turned up into a peak in the middle of the front ; others have a perfectly straight brim. All are very much trimmed with featuera. Panels of astrakan and seal skin are greatly in favour for trimming dressy toilets. Eed continues to be much worn ; indeed, for morningr drooooa it has ha A a recent revival. Large-patterned stuffs are now in great favour for dresses, and even more liked as material for elegant carriage-mantlos, doubtless because the large plain surface and full sleeves tend to set off the pattern to the utmost advantage. Plain dark velvotis often combined with coloured damask, and the whole trimmed with handsome fur. Pancy hat pins are now receiving special attention. They are made #.ot only with agate, amber, and pat's eyp heads, but even with handsome gavufif and amethyst ornaments. Probably fchfi most beautiful pins aate from our grandmothers' treasures, and without alteration can bo made use of, as also some of the costly #pd elegant buttons which once adovned gome old ancestor's lace frill. All eau be adapted to modern purposes. The latest novelty introduced by Parisian modistes in large blue butterflios, not iutimatiou, but the re#i f.uil-sixed tropical butterfly, with its tropical metallic gloss, such as are chiefly or only foufi4 m Mexico and Brazil. A new idea for bonnets is to make the crown of cord pesseinenterie, and insert it in a plaited chenille brim. Velvet sleeves and vest are worn much with soft woollen and rich brocade, which form grossing bodices and match the skirts. Ice made from water that has been boiled in order to prevent infection, £s the latest novelty. The luxury haa to bo paid for at an advanced price upon the i*eu.al quality of ice. The socaliea Eiffel lace, with its deeply - indented poinfcj, has changed its colour without at all losing its popularity. Not long ago id was only seen in white and ecru, now it is mujch made in black silk, and worn with light Hvoss materials, pink, light blue, olive gnsen, *#. Great is the variety of Joyely nets shown for ball gowns — some being enriched with tinsel threads, others having pearl and others feeflds worked in them. There are beautiful crepes and gauzes in Bhrjrup pink, maize, orange, the new ' and Joyely greens, sky, may.r,es, and brilliant reds, while full lace jskipt* &re pretty and ,us.ef u).