HINTS ON FASHION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1382, 25 May 1878, Page 17

HINTS ON FASHION.

(Compiled for the Witness.) As xnight have been expected, the Spanish mantillas have beoome a set and studied fashion. The late wedding truly showed how economically these could be worn, and how becoming they were. For conrenienoe and simplicity nothing can surjpaßß them, and being so much cooler than Either hats or bonnets, their use will doubtless be general, for whilst covering the shoulders they also act as a good covering for the head. When a mantilla is worn, a natural flower may with effect be added just above the left ear, the hair being applicable in any form. This article of dress and now of fashion would have long ago come into repute had it not been so economical ; but even in this, like all other obstacles, it has had to succumb. Its meatnets will be its ruin, for it will at onoe descend, as all good things generally do, to the kitchen before it has properly found its way into the drawing-room, Nothing could possibly have come to hand more to the point than this mantilla, for it is just what was required for tho theatre or evening out-door. Like costumeß, every one has a set mode for hair dressing ; and as there are several that might be ÜBed to advantage, I will mention one or two of the most prominent. Fair hair has the advantage over all, for any style worn is becoming. Dark hair, the plainer it is dressed the more becoming it certainly is, b'lt there are two modes that ladies of fashion practice with dark hair. Either raised high above the forehead and falling in curls at the back, or in straight braids drawn tightly over the temples, after being tied together with a bow at the back, as long m the natural hair will admit, it falls in loose and careless curls. These styles are both fashionable and becoming, the latter more especially for young and pretty looking. As I before remarked, fair hair can be dressed almost anyhow, either as abovementioned or Grecian fashion, with bands of black velvet and gold traversing the head, or in short, flat curls all over the head. < With a black velvet band and a •mall diamond star, the hair looks superb, graceful, and simple. Whilst writing, I will mention a few "words upon veils. One in particular is a double veil called "Poudre de riz." Any lady can make it for herself, it is so simple, consisting only of a black and a white tulle sewn together, edged with black lace. A black spotted net lined with white tulle answers admirably. No one can say that it is not becoming, for the effect produced is almost an olive skin. Of course, it is only for winter wear, being too warm for the summer. T6 those who wish to shelter their complexion^ this is the veil, but it must be worn quite tight to the face. 1 will now mention one or two dresses whose beauty has made them conspicuous, leaving admirers to ape and copy as their means and inclinations allow them. Here then is a dinner dress of mauve silk trimmed with ■>elTet, with a train skirt, headed by a Mais, with a plaiting of velvet. Polonaise of the Princesse shape, of silk, trimmed to match the skirt, buttoned down the front with two biais bands of velvet down each side, on which are placed bows of silk. The bodice is of the V shape, with large lace collar over, fastened with a bouquet of violets. Sleeves only to the elbows, with revers of lace. In the hair small bouquets of violets. As can easily be imagined, this dreßs is exquisite ; for what conduces to beauty more thau when nature aud art combine to make perfectness ? Here, again, is a walking-dress of grey silver Cashmere, brocaded with black. The skirt, which is a train one, has a box plaited flounce at the bottom, and immediately above the same is a band of black velvet edged with fringe. > The polonaise is edged with grey fringe and velvet, mixed with black chenille. Paletot, with plastron of velvet. The three seams of the back are trimmed up about six inches with velvet and buttons. The front is edged with fringe and velvet. A double collar, one of Cashmere, and the other of velvet. Coat sleeves, with Tevers of velvet and Cashmere and buttons. For an out-door costume, this is neat, pretty, and not over and above expensive ; but as there is no stated or fixed fashion, this like others may be copied or rejected by its admirers or otherwise.