Ladies' Column. [Edited by "Clio." )

Evening Post, Volume XLVIII, Issue 131, 1 December 1894, Page 1 (Supplement)

Ladies' Column. [ Edited by " Clio." )

rhe Editress will be glad to answer any questions pertaining to fashions oi cookery. FASHION NOTES. It is now some time since we discussed undergarments. I mean, of course, such things as nightgowns and camisoles, chemises and combinations, all of which go to swell the sum, total included in the word ! underclothes. The fashion at tha moment ' would appear to tend towards coloured underwear of every description. There are (says a correspondent in a Home paper) the all-silk garments, which the weulthy aeem to prefer to those of all; wool, but which, 1 hasten tj assure them, are far from possessing tho valuable qualities of tho latter, although I for one cannot help admiring the fiitcinutiug appearance of those duiuty all-silk garments iv pale pinks, pule blues, md even delicate mauve-", which are showing at the leading outfitters. Now, a few words as to the successful washing of such fabrics. Flannel or stockingette should always be washed iv warm, but not boiling, water. Soap the articles thoroughly and leave to soak, then rinse in warm water very qufekly, aud hang to dry without ringing — merely squeeze the water out gently, and dry as quickly as possible, fcipun silk under- vests and combinations may be washed in the same manner, and these certainly have the advantage of not shrinking in the same way as those of wool, which are apt to felt with many washings, and thus get hard and uncomfortable. The best remedy is to have all woollens carefully washed at home in the above manner ; and here let me say that I have found from personal experience that natural-coloured woven woollens do not t-hrink in the same way as do those that have been bleached white, and, therefore, much as I admire pure white underwear, I am compelled to recommend those of a pepper and salt shade on this account ; and, again, these natural coloured woollens are always to be recommended to gouty subjects, on account of their reputed anti-rheumutic attributes. Now, let us consider the long-cloth combinations and night-gowns, which by-the-bye, are not now made of longcloth at all. This doubtless appears an Irishman, and I must explain that now-a-days sprigged muslins and jaconets, coloured zephyrs and batistes, to say nothing of soft silks and twills, are all pressed into the service, and take the place— not unsuccessfully — of the old-time longcloths. Not by any means would I infer that these coloured aud fancy underclothes axe the only wear, for I know dozens of sister women who still climg with affectionate persibtency to white lingerie ; yet these coloured garments are the mode, and it does not need a fashionmonger to prove to you that la mode is at the moment ruling the world of women even more stringently than the has evtr done before. Therefore, my readers, those of ' you who would follow such degiee, see that you fashion your chemises and your knickers, your night-gowns and your camisoles, are trom some of the above-mentioned flimsy materials, frilling each and all with an abundance of lace and insertion, and finishing all with tiny bebe ribbons in various hues. To the economical I would add that this fashiouable craze need not add very considerably, if at all, to your yearly outlay, for suoh materials cost very little per yard, and are so soft and easy to manipulate that it would be folly to suggest having them made by other fingers than your own. Kniokers may be fashioned from a variety of materials, including serge, tweed, diagonal, cashmere, silk, satin, cloth, nun's veiling, or moreen. Again, they may be knitted to shape by the adept, and in such case should be partially lined with chamois leather. Theße knickers take the place of ordinary petticoats, and if comfortable for everyday house and street wear, how much more are such garments a necessity to those who spend their holidays after the above manner ? No underskirts will there be to get wet and "draggled " if my suggestions are successfully followed, for these knickers may be as warm or as cool as you please, providing you choose your material according to your wonts. Then, taking the mountain climber and angler into consideration, I suggest that the skirt dresa be cut to reach barely to the ankles, and bound with leather some nine inches deep all around the foot hem. Good stockings and stout boots must, of course, be provided, and J like to see well cut gaiters matching the material of the dress, or else out from the same leather as that which binds the skirt ; but these are not a necessity, and as they require to be beautifully made, add considerably to the expense of the costume. As I am on the subject of these under garments, I would tell my readers — theu, I mean, who are far away, and have no means of seeing for themselves Dame Fashion's latest vagaries — that the most fashionable knickerbockers are made of accordion-pleated silk or nun's veiling, thus giving a fulness not attainable by the illustrated garments. Such flights of fancy are not, however, for the thrifty, but only for their wealthy sisters, who can afford, if it so pleases them, to order afresh every day of the week, nor do I consider such chiffons worthy the attention of busy womankind, but rather recommend to such readers the buperior wearing qualities ' serges and tweeds, which will brush .' clean and pack without damage.