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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 4 (July 2, 1934.)

Our Women's Section — Timely Notes and Useful Hints. — Fashion Notes

page 42

Our Women's Section
Timely Notes and Useful Hints.
Fashion Notes.

There is no gainsaying that these cold days are drab. Friend sun, cheery no longer, greets us less warmly and less frequently. Day by day we crawl into our cosiest outfits, hoping that soon a faint warming of the atmosphere will allow us to don something slightly thinner and less obviously utilitarian. No; I'm not forgetting the gay jumpers. But don't you agree with me that they are so necessary that even the gaudiest reminds us of the cheerless days?

A pessimist, am I? But wait till one of our sparkling days—glittering frost spangling the grasses, fences, roofs, at early morning; the sun, faintly warm, casting a net of silver sequins over the cold blue of the sea—then enquire for my pessimism, and you'll find not a trace. On the evening of such a day, when stars icily be-diamond the black velvet of the night, oh! it is good to be alive.

And on these evenings, when frost brings an extra tinge of colour to the cheeks and feet jig as much for joy of life as in the cause of warmth, all the young, many of the middle-aged, and those of the old who believe in being as young as they feel, join in winter revelries.

Now, being feminine, let us consider what we will wear for the forthcoming festivities.

Materials are so fascinating. Velvets range from rich, thick-piled chiffons to lustrous “wind-swept” in marvellous patternings. A great advantage of the latter is that they do not crush or mark. Remember that velvet, though one of the more expensive materials, outlasts all others, and retains its smartness, especially if the style chosen is that that will not date. For velvet, of course, have velvet shoes and bag to tone.

Silks and crepes come in new weaves. Note specially the varieties of crinkle crepe, matelasse and wind-swept satin. Lace is showing in new cobweb designs, which make up most becomingly for dance or dinner frocks. Gold and silver tissues are marvellous, and are used in combination with other materials, such as velvets, for evening gowns or wraps. Sequib nets, also, are adding to the glitter of the dancing season.

Colours. —Black and white (the combination in which a Parisienne feels smartest) are sweeping the world of evening fashions. Or if not white, combine silver with your black. The off-black shades are ravishing, and for those who prefer warmer tonings, reds of all descriptions are rampant. If your forte is a charming daintiness, you will be pleased to know that pastel tints are very popular. For debutante, of course, nothing looks better than white; for the girl who does not look her best in dead white, or even in white and silver, the faintest of corals or a very delicate maize can be charming.

Style and Cut. —Aeroplanes are stream-lined, cars are becoming more so month by month, experiments are being made with stream-lined trains, and women, not to be outdone, are stream-lining their frocks. That effect of well-made slimness is obtained by even the more robust in a “streamlined” model. To achieve this effect, the cut must be rather intricate. Frocks fit closely to the knees and then flare (but less than last season). Necks are high in front and low at the back, the most popular shape being a deep V. Frocks may be sleeveless, have cape sleeves, or a small cape. A touch of fur on the latter is smart. Some models have ruching at neck, sleeves and hem; but with a ruched neck-line beware of necklaces or long ear-rings, as these give a top-heavy look. Wear bangles for ornaments, and perhaps a hairband.

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Let me describe a charming trio of velvet frocks.

(1) Evening. —Sleeveless, slim fitting, round neck in front. Flat velvet roses round skirt where flare begins.

(2) Dinner or Bridge. —Slim fitting, fairly high neck, round in front, chromium ornament for neck finish, sequin net sleeves.

(3) Afternoon. —Velvet sleeves, stream-lined skirt, little oyster vestie. All charming, all slim-fitting, and all beltless.

Now for a deb. frock. I saw one carried out in white, intricately cut, but with an effect of simplicity. It was finished with a bow and sash ends at the side of the back, and an ostrich feather posy (very new, this!) on the left shoulder.

Small evening coats are short and loose. A white fur coat or cape graces the smartest occasions, but great care must be taken to keep the fur absolutely white. Nothing looks worse than grubby white fur. I saw a beautiful evening wrap of chiffon velvet knee length, lined with white satin and with a white fox fur collar.

Accessories. —This winter the “extras” are specially interesting.

Necklaces are evolved—daringly, beautifully, intricately, plainly—from rock crystal, metal, diamente, brilliants, beads, semi-precious stones. Those in metal are reminiscent of the old Victorian silver necklaces. (Will the locket be revived?) Gowns are ornamented with clips in chromium or brilliants. To stress the neck-line also are diamente shoulder straps, sequin capes (glorious over velvet), capes of accordeon pleated georgette frills, ruchings.

Gloves. —For evenings these mostly match frocks. Velvet is a popular fabric.

Shoes. These also match frocks, and may be made of velvet, satin or glace. Styles are plainly cut court, or elaborate sandal.

Bags. —Again the accessory matches the outfit. An envelope shape is the most popular. Materials are satin, corded silk or velvet. Some bags are beaded, others have ornaments to match those on frocks. White, beaded with crystal, is lovely for the debutante.