WHAT WE ARE WEARING AT HOME.

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 23, 19 February 1881, Page 232

WHAT WE ARE WEARING AT HOME.

{By our Lady Correspondent in London.) London, December 30th, ISSO. Dear Observer, — I feel a little diffident about beginning my letter this time. I should like to give you a word of warning as to things which are developing into "bad style " here. But then how often have I been told that advice and dictation are just the things the colonies will not take from the old country. Even all this way we have heard what you say of us. Now, we are slow, behind the times, and as I know, dear Observer, you hate personalities, I won't say which lady in Auckland it was Avho said she'd "as soon think of getting fashions from the Maories as from the British Isles." Of course it is only for your ovj?i sakes I try to tell you what is worn, but still remarks will rankle in a sensitive nature. Boys' hats are only worn for riding or in rough weather with an ulster. A hat called Tarn o' Shanter, made like a broad lowland bonnet, only in black velvet or plush to match the dress, is much worn by servants and shop girls only. A long, tightly-fitting ulster, made in dark cloth, cut up behind, like an old-fashioned driving coat is also to be avoided as characteristic of Americans, or of rather a fast set in London. A velvet redingote, or long basque bodice, cut away at the corners like a boys' coat is another abomination much patronised by a certain set. They suit some slight figures, but should, never be worn by stout elderly ladies. Fig. 1 represents a mantle, which is both popular and: lady-like ; it is a long cloak, gathered in from the shoulder to the neck in about five tight runnings, short full sleeves are placed in slits cut about the heighth of the elbow. Round the neck and sleeves is a ruffle of black lace, or of the material lined with old gold or some bright colour, down the front any trimming of a simple description may be placed. The most usual is a puffing of the same material, gathered in about every six inches, so that to a very vulgar mind it resembles a string of sausages. The cloaks are made generally of black material, silk or serge, or to match the dress. There are much worn as opera wraps. The back has a trimming of ribbon loops or "bow with long ends. Fig. 2 represents a dress, which is characteristic of a very pretty style. It is of fine Indian muslin, white or cream-coloured, with lace to match, ■ The waistband is very broad (four to six inches) and is of pocket handkerchief silk, with four or five perpendicular runnings in front and at the back. This is the only s2k on the dress, unless the frill at the bottom of the skirt. The whole is simply composed of a number of fine runnings from which, the material is draped. The sleeves are clear from the shoulder, not showing any short sleeve of lining beneath. If Indian muslin is not at hand, ordinary book muslin produces the same effect

if the starch is washed oiit and it is ironed before it is made up. If it is wished very little coffee is sufficient to tint 14 or 20 yards of muslin, but of course it will not wash white. At a large public ball the other day several of the best dresses in the room were composed mainly of white Indian muslin. I send yon a sketch of a velvet redingote. Doubtless they are worn in striped velvet or plain, or in silk materials over cashmere, but their grace or beauty may be doubted, as unless made in materials' to match they have the effect of cutting the figure in two pieces. I forgot to mention a pretty ball dress (fig. 3) of salmon silk, with pointed bodice, and short puffed sleeves, long box pleats coming up to a point at the waist in front, train not looped up.