WALKING DRESS. A pelisse of lavender-coloured gros de Naples, with narrow lapels ornamented with points, turning back on each side of the bust; each point finished by a gold button. Where the pelisse closes in front, down the skirt, it is cut in square notches, edged by a rouleau, two or three shades darker than the pelisse: a gold button is placed at the commencement of every separation caused by these notches. A plain broad bias fold surrounds the border, headed by a rouleau. The sleeves are à la Marie, with a very broad cuff at the wrist, terminating up the arm in a long sharp point. This pelisse has no collar, and is left very open at the throat; it is finished by a double frill of very fine lace, of a splendid pattern. The hat is formed of gauze ribbons, sewed together in stripes, sea-green and white, in bias, and the strings are of the same two colours: they are very broad and very long. The hat is also adorned with an elegant profusion of green fancy flowers, of the rose kind, and foliage. BALL DRESS. A dress of pink crape, with two bias folds round the border, ornamented each by pink and silver ribbons, in scrolls; at the top of each scroll, which cross the folds in bias, is a bow of one loop, and rather a long end. The body is made quite plain, and a sash ties behind with bows, and short ends of the same pink and silver ribbons, of which the ornaments on the skirt are composed. The sleeves are short, and are trimmed on the shoulders with bows of pink and silver ribbon. The hair is arranged à la Grecque, and the plait in front of the knot behind is entwined with pearls: across the forehead is a bandeau of hair and pearls. The ear pendants and necklace are of pearls. Two bracelets, formed of gold chains, encircle each wrist. FASHIONABLE HEAD-DRESSES, &c. Fig. 1.-Turban of white crape, chequered with gold; the hair arranged à la Madonna. Fig. 2.-Dress hat of white crape, trimmed with painted ribbon, and branches of willow; the hair in full clusters of curls on each side of the face. Fig. 3.-Opera hat of pink crape, placed very backward, and adorned, under the brim, with bunches of field-flowers; a veil of rich white blond thrown carelessly over the back of the hat. Fig. 4. Vienna toque, formed of puffs of gauze ribbons, with an elegant and full plumage of white feathers, playing in various directions. This head-dress is placed much on one side; and one feather reclines on the throat, on the side which is brought down. Fig. 5.-Evening Head-dress of hair, much elevated on the summit, entwined with pearls and gold beads; very full curls next the face on each side. Every puff of hair on the top of the head is enriched with pearls. Wheat-ears of gold and pearls are placed in bouquets on each side of the head, and a row of gold beads crosses the forehead, en bandeau. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.. ON FASHIONS AND DRESS. LONDON, at this season of the year, affords a moving spectacle the most resplendent and diversified. The Opera, and all the other theatres, hold forth their attractions, in a spirit of emulation the most laudable, as it succeeds in amusing their munificent patrons, and gratifying the taste of the scientific, by a representation of all that music, splendid spectacle, and historic art can supply. At the Italian Opera may be now seen, almost every box filled with the most beautiful and distinguished females. Fashion there holds her empire. Diamonds, plumage, flowers, the latter wanting only their native odour to make them pass for the real treasures of Flora, adorn the heads of the fairer part of the audience. At our two great national theatres, a different style of parure is displayed, but, nevertheless, equally elegant. Evening parties are gay, and the costume luxuriant. The exhibitions and fashionable shops present a charming variety of half dress; and the ball-room exhibits a style of elegant simplicity, accompanied by taste, and sometimes splendour. High dresses, of gros de Naples, seem |
