ntly
short, the back cut square at the neck, and folded in a handsome Watteau
plait at the center, with a full ruche effect. A yolk portion of silk
fills in the open neck and is sewed flatly underneath to the back. The
side seams are curved so that a clinging effect is produced at the
sides. Jabbots of lace extending down the front, and a prettily bowed
ribbon at the right shoulder, with a standing collar at the neck, and a
linen choker collar give the finishing touches to the toilette.

Velvets and velveteens seem to be taking the place of silk, and are
really quite as cheap. In fact, velveteens are cheaper, as they are so
much wider. A suit of velveteen is fashionable for any occasion--for
receptions, church or street costume. The redingote or polonaise is very
stylish and pretty, especially for a tall, rather slight person. For a
young miss the close-fitting frock coat, with pointed vest effectively
disclosed between the cut-away edges of the coat fronts, is much worn.
The latter curve away from the shoulders and are nicely rounded off at
their lower front corners. An underarm dart gives a smooth adjustment
over each hip, and in these darts are inserted the back edges of the
vest. Buttons and buttonholes close the vest, but the coat fronts do not
meet at all. The coat and long-pointed overskirt can be made of any
heavy material, but the vest should be of silk; a deep box-plait on the
bottom of the underskirt made of silk to match the vest will make the
suit very stylish and pretty.

There ought to be great satisfaction among the wearers of bonnets and
hats this season, because they can so easily have what they want--big or
little, plain or decorated, as they please. For a person with dark hair,
gold braid loosely put around the edge of a velvet capote is very
becoming. Bunches of tips are worn much more than the long, drooping
plumes, though both are fashionable; while birds--sometimes as many as
three on a hat--are often preferred to either. We notice upon the street
a great many elegantly dressed ladies with but a single band of wide
velvet ribbon fastened somewhat carelessly around the bonnet and tied in
a bow under the chin. Unique it may be, but undoubtedly the taste of the
wearer, would be the verdict of the passer by. In fact, one can scarcely
be out of the fashion in the choice of a bonnet or hat, but care should
be taken that it be just the thing for the wearer, and that it be
properly put on.

I firmly b