A GLIMPSE OF FAIRYLAND

[Welland Telegraph, 17 April 1891]

A reporter, attracted by the pretty things displayed in the window of Mrs. Crysler’s millinery rooms, dropped in to get a more extended view and talk about the spring styles. While an ordinary every-day newspaper reporter may not be a connoisseur in that department devoted to the decoration of ladies’ heads, he is an average  judge of what looks nice, and when he stepped into the showroom it was only his natural bashfulness conduced by the presence of ladies, which prevented an outburst of adjectives of admiration. The display of millinery is truly magnificent and comprises so much that is exquisite and fairy like, that the limited space at disposal in these columns prevents an adequate description. In opening the millinery business here Mrs. Crysler struck the key note at the outset by engaging Miss Somers, a milliner of artistic taste and practical experience under whose designing genius and deft fingers the raw material is transformed into visions of entrancing loveliness, and whose acquaintance with what is fashionable and becoming and what is not, makes her a valuable aid to assist ladies in choosing what is suitable. The bent of fashionable head gear this season has run into laces and flowers, plumes and feathers appearing on only a few of the new shapes, although they are still in small demand. Almost every pretty flower is used, but lilacs, pansies and roses, are most popular and fashionable, popularity giving preference to the two first named. Most of the hats are turned up at the back with a wealth of brim in front. Among the numerous new styles is the Ploct, trimmed with flowers and ribbon, a very pretty thing on a young lady. Toques are still very popular and several were displayed in various styles of trimming, but the prettiest were those in gray with lilies or pansies. The white Leghorn, a broad brimmed hat with a wealth of white fleecy plume, was like a glimpse of fairyland, and is a very popular style. The Resida, a French shape, is another handsome hat. The “Peek-a-boo” is a cute little thing, and one on display, trimmed with black lace and yellow roses, was a captivating article which drew much admiration. Then there is the Langdon and the Aurora, and many others, all of which vie with each other for public favor, and seem to receive about an equal share. For children the Leghorns and large flats are most in demand, and very pretty they are when trimmed with ribbon and wreaths of flowers. Nearly all colors are used, but light shades of gray, blue, rose and heliotrope worked in pretty combinations are the most admired. Mrs. Crysler has commenced most favorably, and is sure to receive the liberal patronage of ladies of Welland who appreciate her efforts to please and the remarkably reasonable figures at which the goods are marked. Every lady should call, and though they may not purchase they will be cheerfully shown all the goods.