MANTLES FOR THE PRESENT SEASON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 32, 9 August 1890, Page 15

MANTLES FOR THE PRESENT SEASON.

Long mantles are still worn, ami in lace and such light materials will probably continue to be, in change with short jackets for more dressy occasions through the summer. The design in our illustration this week shows one in mignonette vicuna cloth ; it is tight-fitting, with half angel sleeves, and is trimmed with dark, olive green velvet, and chenille drop fringe the same colour. The sleeves and Medici collars are lined with mignonette Surah silk, and a pretty bonnet to wear with this is made of mignonette flowers with a green and gold lace butterfly.

One of the nicest materials introduced during the just passed, and present seasons, is the brocaded cloth. It is made of both thick and thin consistency, the thin of course being the one now in use, is most artistic looking, the colours and patterns being of the best, and wears capitally, besides being very fashionable. We show a walking mantle made of this fabric in No. 2 sketch. It is of a subdued electric blue shade, the brocaded pattern being a shade darker ; it has long angel sleeves lined with silk of the darkest tint, and has corded fastenings down [the front of darkest shade also.

A small black velvet bonnet trimmed with white lilac goes well with this mantle, which makes a good visiting as well as promenade toilet, and also does very well for wearing over an evening dress to a Concert or Theatre, as it is very dressy-looking, besides being warm and comfortable. Of all important items in dress, two of the most important, without doubt, are good gloves and l>oots. We do not, by ‘good,’ necessarily mean expensive, but neat in appearance, well shaped, and really well fitting of all things. However stylish or costly a toilet may be, it cannot make a well dressed woman if these accessories are at fault, whereas a perfectly plainly attired one will look a lady if boots ami gloves are right. Vulgarity is bordered on in anything at all showy, such an elaboration of buttons, white stitchings, or patent leather for outdoor wear in shoes, though any {iretty fancifulness is admissible ami attractive indoors, lad taste is also approached in wearing either shoes or gloves too small; and too large, they undoubtedly, besides, looking ugly, soon look shabby, so that care must be taken in the selection at the lieginning, to obtain, and keep, a nice appearance afterwards as long as possible.