The fancy for stripes as well as plaids is shown by the dresses in the illustration of the autumn fashions.  The figure standing in the centre of our boating picture at the English lakes, shows a blue flannel or serge, made up with a striped material.  The vest and revers show the stripe as well as the underskirt.  The back of this dress is shown by one of the distant figures.  The other wears one of the new blouse bodices, which will be the style of the winter.  In the larger of our illustrations is shown the general tendency of the day.  The cloaks and ulsters are of plaid, and there is but little change in the shapes.  The girl in the sailor’s hat shows one of the full white under-vests, the jacket being almost of a Breton style.  The edge is braided, and so is one panel at the side of the skirt.  The two bonnets, one in each picture, show one with strings and one without.  They are not quite so high, and both have the horseshoe crown, which, as the last summer novelty, bids fair to be adopted for the autumn and winter.

The pattern for this month will, I hope, be a surprise, as well as a great comfort, to those of my readers who select it, and who wish to attain to the greatest amount of comfort and hygienic advantages in their underclothing.  The pattern in question is a combination nightgown, or lady’s “pyjama,” and is a novelty which will be found of much value and comfort.  It consists of five pieces—­front, back, lower back, and two sleeve pieces.  The method of putting together is carefully indicated by marks in the pattern, and no difficulty will be experienced in the making-up.  The amount of material required will be from 41/2 to 5 yards, and calico, flannel, or swansdown, or the new cotton flannel, may, any of them, be used to make it.  For the winter season it will be found to supply a great increase in warmth, and, to the invalid, a great comfort, as it fits closely, will not form creases, nor “ruck up,” as the ordinary nightgown always does, to the discomfort of the wearer.

Each of the patterns may be had of “The Lady Dressmaker,” care of Mr. H. G. Davis, 73, Ludgate-hill, E.C., price 1s. each.  It is requested that the addresses be clearly given, and that postal notes, crossed so as to be eligible only to go through a bank, may be sent, as so many losses have occurred through the sending of postage stamps.  The patterns already issued can always be obtained, as “The Lady Dressmaker” shows constantly in her articles how they can be made use of.

The following is a list of those already issued:—­April, braided loose-fronted jacket; May, velvet bodice; June, Swiss belt and full bodice, with plain sleeves; July, mantle; August, Norfolk or pleated jacket; September, housemaid’s or plain skirt; October, combination garment (underlinen); November, double-breasted out-of-door jacket; December, zouave jacket and bodice; January, princess under-dress (under-linen, under-bodice, and skirt combined); February, polonaise with waterfall