REVIVING CUSTOM FOR MEN OF “SAY IT WITH FLOWERS”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 77, 16 December 1949, Page 6

REVIVING CUSTOM FOR MEN OF “SAY IT WITH FLOWERS”

At the beginning of the century flowers were an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe—and of her romanceXShe wore them on her hat, on the skirt of her gown, at her Waist; and she was wooed with the choicest posies her beaux could, offer. ' ,

Now fifty years later, Interflora, the world-wide florists’ distributors are reviving the custom, “Say it with Flowers.”

But to say it effectively with flowers the recipient must know the language too; and for those who do not, here are a few translations to help you “decipher” your corsage. The crimson carnation means fascination. How many men wear them as buttonholes? The rose means, love; gardenia, refinement; jonquil, “Can you return my love?” purple lilac, first love; white lily or orange blossom, purity; and the delicate sweet pea, “Your qualities like your charms are unequalled.” Posies On Shoes A corsage may be worn on the lapel of your suit or dress, but also in more decorative and unusual ways. A pompom of tiny pink and blue blosoms can decorate the instep of an evening shoe, with the same flowers threaded on a black velvet ribbon to be worn at the neck and wrist, adding charm to an old-world formal gown. The shoulder strap of a ball gown (may have single straps) can be entirely covered with pink carnations, or on a square neck/may be softened 1 with a frame of blossoms. The evening Dorothy bag may cascade trails of roses, or single gardenias collar of a full black evening jacket. An added touch of glamour is a matching gardenia on the front of an evening bag. Dress designers are realising also the charm that flowers can add to a well-cut gown, and many dresses have- belts and collars with special slots for a corsage or buttonhole.