Ladies' Colume.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 405, 11 February 1904, Page 2

Ladies' Colume.

FASHION AND THICQS FEMININE - * By MISS ADA MELLER A STRIPED FLANNEL DRESS, ijj ■OOLLEN materials, such as delaiaeß, flannels and bo forth, are | in season all the year round, mkT || are as necessary in summer as in winter. Qualities vary, of coarse, adapting themselves to all temperatures, and so we are conveniently suited with woolly ' materials be it August or December, and, , moreover, are provided with an infinite - range of choice. For river wear, or for ;• the seaside or country a striped flannel costume is one of the most serviceable ' that can be chosen, washing well and giving excellent Wear. Made up in the

coat and skirt utjla, or with a blouse and skirt, the flannel drees can be equally smart. There is ihe charm of simplicity about the striped flannel drees sketched in this colnmn, the ground of the material being cream, while the pin-line is in black, and the cuffs, stole collar and belt are of powder-blue cloth. The blouse is arranged in a wide double box-pleat and fastens at the left side j the little stolecollar is not, therefore, stitched down to the dress all the way round, but a portion of it is left free and attaches itself in position by means of hooks and eyes.

A BBEAKFAST GOWN. It is very useful to have in one's wardrobe a loose-fitting robe to slip into for breakfast, if one happens to be a little behindhand in the morning, and an idea for a simple breakfast-gown, that may be useful to those interested in this colnmn, is suggested in the accompanying sketch. Dark bine cashmere, with stitched bands

of dark red or tan-colour, would be suitable for the robe which, it will be observed, is made with a short bolero or Empire bodice, turned back with a lace collar, edged with a muslin frill and finished with a big rosette and streamers of dark blue surah silk, with a few little tucks on the ends. At the neok is a tucked vest and collar-band] of muslin 01 suxah silk.

BROWN SHOES. The appreciation shown to brown shoes is responsible for the production of some very dainty specimens of foot-gear in brown leather. No longer are brown shoes selected only for tennis, boating, and such like purposes, but are used equally for smart wear. There are various shades of brown leathern worn, z 1 some verging almost on red, while others . have a greenish tendency, and midway ■■/' there are, of course, many grades of tan. The shoe with the deep tongue and metal slide, independent of either buttons or laces, is one of the most convenient styles worn; while as a set-off to an embroidered or open-work stocking, the best choice rests with a low-cut shoe, with possibly a single bar across the instep and a very charming walking shoe in tan leather is latticed across the foot in front. THE COMPLEXION. The soft velvet complexion derives its best encouragement from massage combined with the use of a good skin food. Now, although toilet specialists are making their fortunes by the visits of the rich to their salons, ifc is an easy matter for those who cannot afford to , engage the services of the expert, to do wonders .tor their complexion by their own efforts.. The dry 'parohment* skin can be much improved by being rubbed, 1 in circles, with a good complexion cream, or pinched and masseed with olive oil, after which it should be cleansed and brightened with diluted Eau de Cologne or some other astringent. \ Vapburiee the face when the complexion is muddylooking, aud follow on with the oil or cream bath as suggested;; wipe away the grease, after the ekin has been thoroughly well nourished and masseed, and use the Era de Cologne as advised, or powder the faoe with oatmeal dust. The steam bath or vapouriser, should only be used now and then, as it is apt to enlarge thepores j but it is, the best of skin purifiers, enabling the pores to discharge accumulations that, if allowed to remain, check the free action of the skin and cause the muddy complexion frequently complained --■ of. .•■.-"": .;. .-■••, : i ,'i-.: ■■.:,.. .; .