"We cannot say enough how welcome true spring will be. In these days of gray and wet, it is hard to think that it will all soon pass, and that once again the warm rays of the sun will grace us with its presence.

"The fashionable woman knows however, that it is never too soon to plan for what she will wear for the season. Indeed, no later than February 15th it is necessary to have laid the foundation for updating the wardrobe. One must have already made choices as to style and fabrics, and have engaged the couture house of choice for construction. Any time afterwards, and all such places will already be engaged, and you will find you must wait many weeks and have only the fabrics already rejected by others.

"The desires of the elegant woman remains very attached to the current silhouette. There can be no question of modifying or changing the overall lines of garments - as the narrow and slender form is still the rule.

"So me must rely on the change in fabrics and trims to supply a fresh new look to things. Woolens have been used for so many years, that we are throughly tired of them. Cottons may be light to wear in the heat, but they are of little interest.

"It is silk taffeta that will reign supreme in this years fashions. It was the most desired fabric at the time of the Directory, when men themselves wore taffeta breeches and coats - all adorned with lace. Could this be an indication of a return to that era?

"Among all the silks, taffeta as it is made today is soft and light and not at all brittle. Some are woven so that they appear to change in the light. Such as a soft caramel brown with a black over-glaze that sometimes looks bronze, and sometimes looks light tan depending on the posture of the wearer.

"It is certain in these new taffetas we will see striped and floral patterns. A strong favorite is a pigeon colored background with small, pretty geometric shapes.

"For trimmings, braid and macrame are much in favor. We see fringe and brainwork which is stitched down in many colors that compliment or contrast with the background fabric. Long bands of such work sometimes with added embroidery is also popular."