WHAT THEY ARE WEARING AT HOME

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 62, 19 November 1881, Page 152

WHAT THEY ARE WEARING AT HOME

(by ottr lady cobbespondent.) Grange, Lake Coxistox, Westmoreland, October 6. Dear Observer, — I am afraid that a perfectly veracious account of "what people are wearing" up here at the Lakes Avould not much assist your readers. To tell the truth, your correspondent is indulging in a much needed rest at Professor Bj.'s Lakeside home, whore thick boots, rough black serge dresses trimmed with braid, toque hats, and riding-coat ulsters are tie rigeur in the day ; and old garden-party or bridesmaids dresses of Madras muslin do very Avell for the evening. One novelty, and only one, I noticed before leaving London, and that was very pretty. It consisted of feather hats and bonnets. The hats are a revival of a fashion that Avent out about three years ago. They are small and close-fitting, with or without a brim ; some shaped like a jockey's cap, and covered entirely Avith the breast of an English or Indian pheasant, or any other bird with equally small close plumage. A great many are made of the bright blue green breast feathers of the peacock. These, though the cheapest, are not desirable, as the colour is most trying and the feathers look ruffled before Avorn. Equally to be avoided are the feather jockey hats, though, on children, they look very well. The feather bonnets are very pretty, and, as they do not spoil Avith rain, are durable as well. They are a princess shape, made of feathers, and very becoming and lady-like. The price of the hats vary from 15s to £2 ; bonnets are rather less. A hat avoulcl not be a good investment for summer, as they are rather hot and give no shade ; but almost every bonnet or hat Aye see now is trimmed with a large or small amount of the breast feathers of some bird, matching the dress. Ido not know if it is yet time to tliink of summer dresses, but, if it is, the zephyr gingham dresses in pink and grey, Avorn last summer in London, though generally adopted, Avere so intrinsically pretty, they never became vulgar. The pink is most becoming to brunettes, and the grey to blondes. Madras muslin, both in cream and colours, is also cheap, pretty, and useful. All kinds of Indian and Japanese silks, both in light and dark colours, were worn by people of all ages, and found both light and durable. These latter fall naturally into such graceful folds that, draped in any way over a sateen foundation, they make a pretty dress without any trimming. For all these materials gathered bodices are worn, and, as a rule, plain narroAv sleeves. Puffed sleeves have fallen into disrepute from being adopted indiscriminately by all square set, broad' shouldered people, asAvellas by the slim figures to which they are adapted. It is only the same story as it Avas in the 15th century,' as the portrait of many a burly dame by Titian and Palrna Veechio testifies. For evening dresses, the shallow, round cut, is much more generally Avorn than the square, and transparent elbow "sleeves, or narrow sleeves almost to the wrist, go with it. For young girls and slight figures, sashes are much Avorn. A broad black sash is worn Avith print or muslin dresses both in the day time and for the evening. All day dresses are worn quite short, and most evening dresses just to touch. The marquise style, Avith square cut, pointed bodice and elbow sleeves, a petticoat of silk and train of brocade, looped up and drawn back rather tightly over the hips, suits elderly ladies and stout figures best. Many girls now are distorting naturally graceful figures by the abominable habit of tight-lacing. I hardly know how to describe the exceedingly ugly effect this produces Avith the present style of dress. In proportion, as the waist is compressed, the hips become enlarged, and as this is no longer concealed by the all round crinoline of the reign of Queen Anne, the result is most unpleasing. — I am, yours, etc-, Dorette.