Godey's Lady's Book

GODEY'S LADY'S BOOK
Philadelphia, April 1850

DESCRIPTION OF FASHION PLATE.

Figure 1st.—Opera dress, of light silk or ture satin, low in the neck, short sleeves, and ornamented over the skirt by a triple puffing of the material, with knots of ribbon of the same color. Cloak of pin satin, surrounded by ribbon quillings and a deep flounce of black lace; a similar trimming finishes the broad loose sleeves. A graceful hood of black lace over pink silk, fastened lightly under the chin. White kid gloves and a fan complete the costume.

Figure 2d.—Dress of an invalid, or rather convalescent.—Robe of white-spotted or embroidered cambric, with a deep flounce. Dressing-gown of white or any light-colored cashmere, with a rich embroidery surrounding it, lined with rose-colored mantus silk, closely quilted. A cord confines it at the waist. The full cambric sleeves are displayed at the wrist. A pretty morning-cap of white-spotted India muslin is relieved by knots of green ribbon. Embroidered slippers, ornamented by a small rosette upon the instep, ease the feet.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.—An opera dress should be arranged more for contrast with a crowd, than with reference to the individual taste. It is not as if the wearer would be moving from room to room; she remains fixed in one position and under a brilliant light. Hence, pure white will not do for the dress circle; there must be something to relieve its plainness. Opera cloaks, if made of white satin or cashmere, should have a colored lining, made so as to be displayed. Ermine and sable were much used the past season as a trimming. Hoods for evening parties through the spring, should be made of some light material that will not crush the hair when once arranged. Those knit or crotchet of worsted are apt to do this, though they are very comfortable in the depth of winter.

Dressing-gowns of printed flannel, cashmere, or chintz of a cashmere pattern, are still much worn. No lady should be without one, both for comfort and convenience. They are almost indispensable for the sick-room or in traveling. The one given in the plate is an admirable pattern. They may be lined throughout with silk, or, if considered too expensive, of any light material faced with silk. A very pretty dressing-gown can be made in a most economical manner, by any lady of good taste and a little ingenuity. Embroidered slippers, now so fashionable for a morning dress, are also cheap as well as comfortable. Some very pretty ones are made of plain cloth, bound with a ribbon that contrasts in color; with rosettes of the same.

EXTRA FASHION PLATE FOR APRIL.

[ Plate - 39K ]

Figure 1st.—Morning dress of pink and white organdy, with four flounces scalloped and bound. The waist is folded very tastefully, from the band on the shoulder to the ribbon girdle, which is a pink centre with a broad white satin stripe on each side. The sleeves are long, and quite full at the wrist; a small collar of embroidered cambric about the throat. The cottage bonnet is of China pearl straw, trimmed in a most tasteful and simple manner, with a rich ribbon the same as the girdle, and bouquets of white convolvulus. White parasol, fringed.

Figure 2d.—A fanciful child's dress, of blue silk, trimmed with pinked ruffles upon the skirt, waist, and sleeves. An under-dress of white cambric comes close to the throat. Short pantalets of embroidered cambric.

It will be seen that the hair is no longer worn in those broad, descending plaits, but is made to fold about the head in a Grecian braid. This is a new and becoming style.

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