IN FINE ARRAY!

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 306, 19 September 1908, Page 11

IN FINE ARRAY!

C DEAR 'Mama,— _ kiow v '"' l^c ln . back-blocks you will be eager for city. gossip and glimpses of gossamer and silk. ■•» ■ • - ■ m ° n ™S 1 betook-myself to town—l 3 had heard whispers which sot my stupid heart j a certain pit-pat, which a medical man might term the - result of the latest mode a 5 la the Economic. • 1 you've do idea of tho sensation . which overcame mo when I reached this establishment's millinery window. • It was dressed out in the most'cunning fashion a background 'of trellis-work 'in white wood and pink satin ribbon, a lawn a ? r a , 6 ra^ e^e 3 path dividing two sections of. fashionable chapeaux. In the centra,/on' a conspicuously elevated "stand, was a most wonderful 1 confection - -of lace, feathers, flowers, ribbon. This represents the extreme fashion in. headgear now being shown in Paris. The hat is nine'feet in circumference and three in diameter.' Imagine its proportions, and tho daring of those Parisiennes! What a nation they arc —but, oh, how smart! Five huge feathers adorned tho crown and swept regally adown the sides and back; Beautifully-tinted pink roses" (of quite normal size) made a delicate splash of colour, interlaced with swathings of deeper-shaded ribbons, which hung gracefully down behind. The hat itself was J of a richly-toned ivory tulle, the great brim lined with fluted lace. I did not inquire the price—I do not want to wear it! Indeed, it is only a model for show, for comment, and wonder. "I should like to wear it!" Miranda exclaimed aloud to me (Miranda joined me 011 the Quay), and a foolish woman at ; hcr side who overheard tho 'remark said; sotto voce, to her friend,. "I should liko to see her. How outre!" She must have taken Miranda quite seriously—the duffer! We made our way upstairs presently to tho millinery department. Mama, I hardly know where to start. There were so many creations, all so bewildcringly dclightfuU There was a "Charlotte Corday" in tuscan and white lace, with shaded blossoms in pink, mauve, and green. It was sold while we were admiring. (I believe it would have suited me!) A charming hat was of ecru straw, tho crown zone-shaped, smothered in fluted chiffon, while a large brown rose and bright grasses _ adorned the left side. This was lined with fluted chiffon, and was sweet. For' an elderly lady (somewhere about your own age, dear Mama), there was a biscuitcoloured satin straw applique over a drawn chiffon shape. A handful«of smoke-blue ribbon and a great bluo osproy finished tho front at a right angle. I liked immensely a double-brimmed brown filet lace shape (it was so uncommon), with a band of gold and dim brown galon coming around the tall crown, while the large, single rose in a soft pink'shado made an effective contrast. _ Inside the two brims ran a twisted piece of pink satin charmeuse, notched about every two inches. .A well-known pretty girl was trying on a champagne silk straw, wreathed in shaded wallflowers and silk. It was so simple, and exquisitely chic. (I wonder whether she took it!) A dim-coloured puce spotted silk net on a wire frame wound with the same tinted ribbon, and roses amid the foliage, which caino around tho crown, was quite elegant, the most quaint little green bud 3 being, numerous, and so pretty! A stand full of black picture hats made me thoughtful. They.were so striking, and I thought of you. Black crinoline and beautiful plumes on a well-coiffured woman—well, you know, dearest! Very picturesquo was a palo bluo silk straw —tho zone crown being swathed in brown and pink tuile. One largo brown rose and leaves on tho right side, and opposite a huge rosette in brown tulle, edged with pale blue silk lace. Doesn't it sound smart '( 1 was much taken with it, and wish my birthday was .soon! I noticed how greatly flowers are still-'in favour. They adorn a hat entirely, or'are mixed with ribbon 6 and feathers —perhaps it is by reason of their simplicity. Tho ready-to-wears were very smart and useful. For mornings and windy days they are so comfortable. Quills apparently are the' correct adornments for these hats. You get them in all • colours, and so large! " There were several picture hats suitable for gardon parties. The tones of tho trimming were charming—nearly all pastel. Now, I hope you will have a really good conception of the Economic's display in millinery. Papa and I miss you horribly, but we want you to have a really happy timo amongst the country cousins and the sheep. Dear Mama, au revoir! GEM. P.S.—Do you think you might manage to let me have that pucc-colourcd Hat to go with my cream shantung ? It would bo very charming.—G.) 6700 :