Rensselaer Union and Jasper Republican, Volume 8, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 May 1876 — A Reduction in Dress Expenses—Good Taste and Economy. [ARTICLE]

A Reduction in Dress Expenses—Good Taste and Economy.

There is evidence that fashionable women and those who cater for their tastes, are taking more sensible and practical views in regard to the importance of making economy a ruling principle in spring outfits. At an opening of fashionable Spring dresses, outside garments and millinery in a leading dry-goods establishment in Boston, last week, several hopeful and noteworthy proofs of a longdesired and imperative reform were plainly perceptible. In the firat place, everything on exhibition was made ip the establishment. Not an imported costume or hat waa to be seen. But such waa the elegance and variety of the show, that the absence of the usual foreign element would not have been detected, unless attention had been called to the novel feature. Good taste, as well aa economy, had an influence in the new departure. It is said that the Importers of French costumes find that they do not sell to advantage. A woman of the best taste prefers to select a suitable material, and have it made in a manner that suit* her style, and make* the garment look when itis worn as if itbelonged to her, and not to some one else. Therefore, while we admire the artji,s-. tic elegance of French costumes it is for more satisfactory and in better taste to be content- with simpler costumes made at home, with some idea of adaptation to the requirements of the wearer. A still stronger reason is found in the fact that articles of home manufoctnre should he much cheap-

er than imported ones, and in these days, when sensible women are doing their best to be economical in expenditure, any change that is at the same time fashionable and less costly, will be looked upon with favor. Oxford suits formed another feature of the exhibition. These are wash dresses made of Oxford plaids and stripes, are considered very stylish, and will be worn for street costumes during the summer. They are all made in the same style, with underskirt, overskirt, and a jacket with a long, loose front. They sell, ready made, for sls, and, of course, to ladles who can make their own dresses, the cost will be much less. Another economical feature at this opening consisted of the revived costumes of embroidered wool materials. Overskirts and sacks in camel’s hair, of a great variety of Shades, were offered for about S3O. To those who have an old silk dress to make into a skirt, one of these costumes nearly matching the color, makes with it an inexpensive and elegant suit.

In the millinery department, a marked feature was the display of hats and bonnets at the low price of $5. Among the hats were included a large number specially suited for school-girls. These low-priced hats and bonnets reflected much credit upon the establishment, and met with great favor from purchasers, as they supply a want that has long been felt, a creditable bonnet which is not costly, nor too good for common wear. Of course there were at this opening exquisite costumes ot the most costly materials, gotten up regardless of expense, and dainty bonnets by the score, costing a small fortune; but when one of the leading establishments in New England makes a specialty of economical attractions, and women approve the plan, we may hope that there is a prospect of reaching, at no distant day, that “bottom line” which is to be the foundation of our future prosperity. —Providence (B. I.) Journal.