Ladies' Column.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 422, 26 May 1904, Page 2

Ladies' Column.

Latest Loodon and Paris Fashions By" MISS ADA. MELLEBJ Lady Journalist, &c. A'GRACEFUL EVBNINa DRESS. fjgjaSS TOUCH of brown fur oa an evenWlm& in % dreaß is VBry beoomipgr, jJggjgSl especially when associated with shell-pink, cream-colour or pate bine softened with old lace. The evening dress sketched wonld work ont delightfully in flesh-coloured or sb ell-pink soft satin or orepa do chine, with hanging sleeves of tinted lace and a berth en suite, the latter, bordered with a ruche of pink ■ chiffon or ecru coloured esprit net, with a band of fur aloßg the centre, the ends of which fall almoßt to the waist. The fur is repented as shoulder straps. Over the hipa the skirt is abirred, and falls to the

ground in its natural folds, with a rnching of chiffon or frayed crepe de ehine aloag the hem, and strings ot lace down the front, these being finished with lace rosettes and 'fans' of lace. The bodice, slipping away from the shoulders, is decorated with a butter-fly-bow of lace, •and is suggestive of early Victorian modes —a fashion very much in vogue. The ceinture should be of panne or soft satin matching the dress ia colour. Pale mauve satin, mousseline de soie, or crepe de chine, made up after the style of the illustration, might suit some women better than pink, and lemon-oolour, again, looks well with touches of light brown fur and lace.

FASHIONABLE COIFFURES.

Present fashions in coiffures are so varied that one or another of the prevailing modes is cetain to prove becoming to every type of face, especially since high and low coiffures are alike worn. Three

modes of hair-dressing are sketched in this colmn, each displaying the fashionable undulation that is so beautifying In the full front view the coiffure is softly waved all round the face and has a side parting, a tulle rosette and aigrette giving a becoming height to the head-

dress. The...aide view shows £ high coiffure dressed with side-oombs said, one of the new 'wing' hairpins of light tortoiseshell, set with gold; and thebaok view! illaßtrateß a pretty, low coiflare, dressed with a white baok-oomb and two wide; winged hairpins.

> FASHIONS. . The keenest interest is taken jwt now in evening fashions, in view of the ho hday season opening out to us, and the fact tna« Christmas alwayß bringß with it a seriesof evening gaietiefl for old and youHg alike. Everyone takes part in the rejoicings of Christmas, and it is neoeasary, therefore, to consider gravely the needs of the wardrobe jast bow, in order to oope sattffaotorily with the oallß likely to be made upon dresses and blouses for evening wear. Tne 1 wise are always beforehand, ana many have already, no doubt, made ample preparations for evening garb, and practically completed their outfits for soirees that may fall during the next month or two} but there are also many others who are, prone to delay, and, for one reason or another, leave until the eleventh hour their decision regarding toiletteß. To them a few hints ouevening dress may prove opportune. Decidedly the most fashionable material for evening dresses of a 'solid' type, Buitable_£or ladies of middle age, is the new supple velvet, known as velours mousßeline,. or velours chiffon. It is produced i$M most lovely evening shades. Failing um a satin gown, applique with lace and trimmed with chiffon, or a toilette of sequined net over a foundation of soft Batin or mesveilleux, would be a choice approved by fashion; and again a lace dress, black or white, sparkling with a few jet or mother-o-pearl paillettes, is a pretty fashion of the moment. _____

Duty of 41,600 was imposed on tfce luggage of Mr Eeginald VanderbUton nia arrival at Boatoa recently.