Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 August 1876 — Fashion Items. [ARTICLE]

Fashion Items.

The favorite fans of the season are Australian or Indian birds on navy-blue silk, mounted on tortoise-shell sticks; European birds, such as the nightingale, linnet, swallow or sparrow,’on ecru silk; fishing sails, painted in the cream shades on pale blue; and chalk landscapes on gray faille. Flowers, landscapes and birds are subjects always fashionable as designs for fans. ■ The fan of fans in Paris at the present time is painted on kid, and has the sticks quite plain on the right side and carved on the left. Figure fans are quite out of date. The newest novelty in the jewelety department is a set? for the ears and throat. Strange ornaments are made of scales and claws, to be worn in velvet diadems and bows. Scarf bandeaux on hats have suddenly come in vogue. A hat with pointed crown, made of coarse straw and called the “ Celadon,” is a popular shape for country wear. • - • ■ An effort is being made to revive the fancy Straws of 1840. Silver ornaments are very fashionable this summer. Silver Byzantine chains of open patterer with a large cross suspended on them, an, much worn. The most serviceable dress for traveling is some kind of dust or brown colored bege of French manufacture; it wears and stands rain best. Tunics, with sleeveless jackets, are worn longer than last year. For dressy occasions fancy grenadines are in great demand. Indian shawls and Persian shawls are cut up to make mantles for seaside wear. For carriage and evening wear in Paris red is much worn, also pale blue, but veiy little white; cream color abounds, and is covered with gay embroidery. Polonaises increase in variety and complications. Simple traveling costumes are made of Scotch gingham; their trimmings consist of either plaitings of the same or Smyrna lace, and the mode is a polonaise worn over a black silk skirt. English mohair makes a serviceable traveling drew. Gold braid is more used for handsome dresses than was expected. Floral fringes for trimming evening dresses have met with success. , Batiste and silk are being mixed in one costume this season. Serge, especially white serge, is very popular.—JrF. Wld.