London Fashions.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 999, 24 April 1891, Page 5

London Fashions.

(FROM OCJR SPECIAL COR RESPOND ENT.) London, February 27. Children’s frocks are quite as important to them as our costumes are to u». I strongly object to little ones having any say in their own wardrobe. It is derogatory to the grace aud innocence of a dainty little damsel to be able to criticise and compare her frock with her little playfellow’s. ‘ Mine is velvet, and cost so much. What did your mamma give for yours V

The firßt illustration this week shews a very useful yet stylish wrap, being a cosey suit for a little woman of about seven to nine or ten, made of light and dark brown check. The coat comes” quite to the hem of dress skirt, and it has a double cape with turnover collar (these being much made for children this eeason, even for tiny mites of

4 years) of the same, and corresponding * Tam o’ Shanter ’ caps. Checks for children’s clothes should not be too large, as a gigantio pattern on a small figure looks somewhat comical. Dressing children has really become an art. One of the latest things in cloaks for autumn wear is a little reefing jacket in dark blue. It is of the fleece-lined Bedford cloths made double-breasted and edged with a silk cord of white and blue. Tho collar cau be turned up about the ears, aud is lined with white Aatrachan. The cuffs are also of that, and the buttons, of white pearl, are sewn through and through. It is a very ohio little coat, and just exactly what is needed for autumn.

There is not a very great variety of choice for mantles for elderly ladies, but the model from which I made my second illustration struck me as being rather out of the common, and worth introducing to my readers’ notice. The Viaite, for scuh it was in form, was of dark blue habit cloth and trimmed entirely round with black bear fur. The novelty consisted of stripes being formed on the cloth by rows of narrow blaok silk braid being sown closely together (four or five), just sufficient spaoe being left to divide them only ; then an equal spaoe of the cloth left plain, and the braiding again. This visite had a very pleasing and stylish appearance, and would be found to harmonise well with most dresses. The bonnet is of dark brown velvet, silk and * tips.’ Another outdoor wrap worn by a friend of mine is so pretty I must describe it to yon. I have seen others like it, all made of velvet, generally old blue, old green or Venetian red, sown with large stars in gold passementerie. The fur epaulets are framed with insertions of embroidery, wnioh extend down on the mantle in double stole-like points. This dainty little garment is bordered with fur and lined with 'old gold satin, and has a charming Hanry 11. collar—one of the very latest and most stylish of novelties.

My third illustration shows one of the many distinguished designs in mantles now to be seen in the leading tailor and modiste s establishments for the winter season. It is made of very thiok but soft biscuit-coloured cloth, perfectly plain but for the few pleats at the back of Bkirt, the front of bodice portion being drawn into waist by folds in place of the usual darts. Tight-fitting sleeves of the cloth have over them half angle sleeves of biscuit coloured cloth and ve’vet check, the collar of the same, and thick kcotted-silk cord ornaments finish throat, waist, and sleeves. With this is worn one of the chio little Spanish hats, either in felt the same shads or dark brown with corresponding pompons. I must not neglect to call your attention to the charming collars now worn with indoor costumes at afternoon teas, receptions, and literary soirees. These are made up in all styles and materials. One is in white gauze, sailor style behind and graduated to a long point in front, trimmed entirely around with Chantilly lace gathered on the gauze and expanding into a large cluster in front, and set off by a bow of ivory ribbon, Another consists of a yellow satin ribbon run with gold threads, with narrow laoe laid upon it. Still another is made up of an embroidered pointed yoke and straight collar, set around with a broad raffle of crepe do chine in large gathers, and still another consists of a broad turn-down collar of flowered silk, with a jabot of the same material, _ „ -Roselle.