Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/552

 DRESS 528 LACE SCARVES The many Uses and Value of Real Lace Scarves— An ideal Wedding Present— Such Scarves may be Worn on the Shoulders, as Fichus, as Mantillas, or as Hoods AMONG those dainty dress accessories which are always graceful and never out of date, long scarves of fihny lace must hold a place of honour. Many a portrait painter owes to them a deep debt of gratitude, for they have come to his aid times without number, softening the angles in some instances, and in others concealing an ex- uberance of outline with equal amiabiUty. For wearers of all ages, too, the lace scarf can be successfully adapted, since it rtiay serve appropriately as a baby's christening veil or as a head-dress for baby's grand- mother, who will be well advised to bring the long ends round under her chin, and to fasten them with some quaint old-world brooch set possibly with garnets and seed pearls. A long and fairly wide scarf of fine real lace is a possession of which any woman may be proud. In the present, for her own use it has infinite possibilities, and in the future she likes to think that it will be handed down as an heirloom for generations to come. When, therefore, rich aunts and fairy godmothers are debating as to their choice of wedding presents, let them always remember that a long lace scarf makes an ideal gift, and that even if the bride receives two or three such scarves, she will easily be able to find a good use for them. It is not within everybody's means, of course, to purchase long scarves of fine real lace, but excellent imitation laces can be procured nowadays, especially in Limerick and Mechlin patterns, which are almost as effective as the real thing, and easily within reach of the most modest purse. Our sketches give some picturesque suggestions for the arrangement of a Mechlin lace scarf measur- ing about two and a half yards in length by fifteen or sixteen inches in width. No matter how the scarf is arranged, the lace itself will be left intact, and will not need to be cut or damaged in the slightest degree. As a Fichu One of the most becoming ways in which to wear a long lace scarf is to drape it lightly round the shoulders, and to allow the long ends to fall on to the front of the skirt. The folds give width to the shoulders, and make the waist appear small by contrast ; while the cascaded draperies, coming to a fine point, give length and elegance to the figure. The black velvet bow which holds the folds together at the waist lends a touch of distinction to the fichu. In the case of youthful wearers, a single rose might be substituted for this velvet bow, and the folds of the fichu might be caught together higher or lower to suit the figure of the wearer. It is a pretty idea, too, to catch up the lace with a velvet bow in the centre of the back, thus giving that cape effect that is always becoming. As a Shoulder Scarf The figure, of which a back view is given, shows a simple but graceful way in which a lace scarf may be used to give a finishing touch to a simple evening gown. Considerable care is needed to drape the folds lightly but securely round the shoulders, and it is a good plan to fasten the scarf to the bodice on one side with quite a small brooch or jewelled pin, so that there shall be no risk of losing it in a crowded room ; but this must be arranged very carefully, or it may tear the lace. As a variation of this arrangement the scarf may be folded in two, lengthwise, and the folds caught together with a few firm stitches at a dis- tance of about half a yard from the end. WTien the scarf is draped round the shoulders, this will give a burnous effect, with a pointed hood of lace. The point might be weighted with a gold or silver tassel, which can easily be removed when the wearer wishes to arrange her scarf in a differ- ent way. As i Hood Old English lace scarf of early 19th century work. The Brussels ornament above the scarf is intended to serve as an end for narrow muslin scarf A lace scarf makes an ideal evening hood, as it gives a surprising amount of warmth, and its