SYDNEY GOSSIP.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 35, 29 August 1891, Page 324

SYDNEY GOSSIP.

Dear Bee, Avgvst 10. The shops just now possess ouite a charming appearance, especially noticeable after the' dull sale windows of the last month or two. Now that the new spring goods are on new everything is bright and pretty—excepting the weather. Dainty figured delaines in all shades and designs, form the chief light dress materia], while for heavier wear there are soft hairy tweeds with large patterns in various colours and shapes— spots, cone shapes, and others much resembling the old-fashioned Paisley pattern. The prettiest tweeds are called Epsom, Kicker, Camel, and Cotele. lam told at the leading shops that spotted fabrics and very little else are to be worn, from the neat French cambrics to the most expensive costumes. Millinery seems to have reached perfection, as all the necessaries for that art—surely it can be called nothing else—appear to be lovelier each year, especially as regards artificial flowers. They are so natural that in some cases it is really hard to tell them from nature. This spring field flowers are to the fore, blue cornflowers and buttercups being the favourites. The hats are decidedly airy, and quite large again, lam happy to say. One I saw to-day had a large brim, and small cone-shaped crown, the whole being composed of sprays of lilies of-the-valley ; an edging of palest green chiffon, and velvet bows of darker green at the back, gave an effective finish. One thing our mothers, I'm sure, will be delighted at is the return of the good old-fashioned flower-brocaded ribbon, which they so much admired, and which is well adapted for and most effective in both hats and dressy caps. For wear just now the Bond-street hat (so suitable with a tailor-made costume) is ultra-fashionable. The trimming is simple, generally a broad band of velvet, with bow and quill feather at the side. Gloves and stockings are always expensive items in a lady s wardrobe, and I am afraid are going to be still more so. The correct thing is now to wear silk stockings with open worked fronts to match each costume. In gloves, gauntlets, which had a run some seasons ago, are again in vogue. Madame Bernhardt is to leave us by the Mariposa tomorrow. Her season closed on Saturday night with a scene not easily forgotten. On the fall of the curtain at the pathetic conclusion of ‘La Dame aux Camelias,’the applause which rained on the artiste was continued long after she had bowed her acknowledgements. The audience were asked to keep their seats, and a few seconds later the curtain was raised, showing the stage occupied by Madame Bern hardt, surrounded by the members of her companv, and many well-known Australian actors and actresses. After immense cheering, the waving of the French flag, and numerous floral tributes being handed to the great actress, the curtain was again lowered. t At a ball given at Pott’s Point lately, there was something quite new to be seen in the way of table decorations. The long supper-table, instead of having the customary white damask tablecloth, was covered with crimson cloth, the flowers used (of which there was a perfect show) being buttercups, daffodils, and beautiful variegated leaves. The candelabra and other accessories were perfect, the whole making, indeed, a handsome sight. New Zealanders can compliment themselves on their being ahead of Sydney people in some things—Sydney people, who flatter themselves that they are so quick at picking up anything new. The barn dance, which you have enjoyed for the last two seasons, is only just being heaid of here, and is, as elsewhere, quickly becoming greatly favoured among enthusiastic dancers. A well-known Sydney lady has evidently found, as many others have, a difficulty in suiting herself in the way of servants. From this has sprung a new idea, and the question, ‘ Why have half educated, and sometimes in a big place like this, objectionable servants about one's home?” Why not employ ladies f It certainly does not sound practicable, but Mrs Dailey is determined to try her ‘ scheme,’ and if it is to be a success, she is the one to make it so. The three ladies she has at present are well considered, and of course, they do not do the rough work. They have a private sitting room of their own. and once or twice a week are invited to spend the evening with their mistress and her friends. It all sounds very niee, but do you think it can lai *

Aroha.