Matters Feminine.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 749, 27 February 1915, Page 7

Matters Feminine.

ADVICE TO BRIDES. For steering her barque in the voyage of life These rules I'd recommend to each newly-made wife— To loacTup'the ship with "true love" to the brim, Make '.''first mate" of herself, but "the captain" of "him." On the rocks of "bad temper" to "ne'er go to smash, From the iceberg- of 'cold scorn'' to make a bold dash; When the "waves of adversity" threaten the barque Let the, "first mate" be helpmate, and so make her mark. Let her boldly face danger, and stand by her crew, "Loving kindness," "faith," "hope" and "unselfishness" too. Let her honor her "captain," and so may her ship Sail in safely to port at the end of the trip; For the ocean of life has its shallows and shoaTs, Most fatal to barques manned by young, thcughtless souls. It resembles a sea to both bridegroom and bride, For, omcoth sailing or rough, it depends on the "tied." THE "LUDCATE" BLOUSE AND SKIRT. Ever popular is the costume which corsists of a perfectly' plain skirt and blouse of "mannish" design, such as is shown in the "Ludgate." Note the smart way in which the tuck pleats are arranged on the blouse. These are stitched in box pleat effect, and end in neat gathers at the waist. The collar may be omitted, if a low neck be preferred. As for the material, any kind, either thin cr thick, can

be employed for such blouses, though perhaps the most serviceable cf all for general use 1 is a stcut washing silk, since this may be easily washed at home over and over again and still kept, fresh and new. The "Ludgate" skirt has five gores, and is finished at the back with a wide box pleat. This model is charming for middle-aged women as well as for youthful figures,, and develops especially wdl in the light-weight woollens, such as broadcloth, serge or cloth. ■ • . TIMELY HINTS. By neglecting certain simple arts and ordinary precautions a great many pretty girls fail to make the most cf their beauty, and by attending to these arts and precautions a great many plain girls make up for nature's unkindness to them. Plain ghls, with brains, need not envy beauties. The plain girl who knows the nature of men is likely to be more popular among her masculine acquaintances, and to-make a belter match in the end than the haughty and careless beauty that will not stoop to conquer. Every girl should strive to make the best of herself physically, temperamentally, and intellectually. For the body moderate, regular,, and wellplanned exercise is necessary. Exercise not only keeps a girl in healthy and' produces col mr and a clear skis, but it builds up the physique, lays firm flesh over her bones, ant * makes curves. The hair should be well brushed, and dressed with some regard to the contour of the face, skull, and neck. Every girl should know something of the manicure's art, too, and groom her nails with skill. An erect, graceful carriage adds much to the girl's attractiveness. Backbones are given for a purpose. Gawkiness or slouchiness in standing or walking destroys tender roots of regard that may be sprouting in a man's breast. Any woman may acquire a good carriage by carfe and practice, may dress her hair prettily, and have beautiful finger-nails. Neatness in. dress is the main characteristic of a well-groomed girl. She gives attention to details of attire. She is aware that torn facings, ripped skirt bindings, spotted garments, loose or missing buttons, open pocket holes, pins where hooks should be, unpolished shoes, soiled or worn-, put -gloves, untidy linen, rumpled ribbons, and belts out of place co-oper-ate in making a bad impression. Good clothes react on the mind. The knowledge that one is in good form and correctly attired changes one's whole bearing and gives one a poise. Some shrewd observer has remarked that the consciousness of being well,, dressed imparts a blissfulness to the human heart that religion is power' less, te bestow^