WINTER FASHION HINTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8351, 11 February 1913, Page 5

WINTER FASHION HINTS

There is a tendency to reinstate braiding as a fashionable trimming, and this will certainly find support among that very large class of women who like to feel that their clothes represent beautiful handiwork rather than extreme conceptions of fashion. A dress that is finely (braided can never be ineffective, even though it is plain and unobtrusive in other respects. And it is a matter that should be made a note of that braiding is always more effective on a dark than on a light colour, and should be done either in black or self-coloured braid. White is the only possible exception. Colour contrasts in braiding are almost invariably an error of judgment. In a very charming example of the latest development of the braided dress the material is a smooth cloth in bottle-green—a favourite shade at the moment. The skirt has two deep tucks, -which are intended to give the effect of a triple skirt, and at either side there are panels of fine black silk braiding. which taper down to sharp points. The crossover bodice is braided on one side, while the other is a double rever of fine needle-run net, the chemisette and collar being of the same. The threequarter sleeves are braided about half way up, and are finished with a narrow fold of the net. A girdle of green and silver encircles the waist, with long tassellod ends. A small close-fitting hat of green velvet, surrounded by ostrich feathers of the same shade, completes a costume which is in excellent taste and will commend itself to Englishwomen more than many of the extreme, though undoubtedly beautiful, designs which Paris sends us. For the dressy blouse, ninon has still the preference; still it is made up over lace, and still is the trimming placed more on the foundation than on the outside. The mystery effects produced by veiling are still in great request, and effects that arc new in the colour-unions seem still to be possible. One rather pretty style of blouse, partly of soft satin and partly of shadow lace, is made with yoke and sleeves and collar-band of the lace; the satin forms the lower part, and this is tapered off to form two or three

points, coming right up the figure two of the points continuing into the shoulder seam, the middle one ending just, above the bust. All the points can be shorter if desired; the idea is a development of that still to be met with on many an evening gown and many a smart indoor dress made with skirt of the corselet pattern, the points being continuations of the skirt, already high. Underwear is very important. To be warm and slim is what we shall want to be this winter. A great many Frenchwomen now wear the silk maillot, but others still cling to the delicate lingerie for which they are renowned. It must be of such fineness that it docs not count, however, and with it common-sense suggests fine Shetland vests. No petticoats are possible, so silk culottes must bo worn for tailor-mades. The only petticoat one now sees in the wardrobe'of a very smart woman is in crepe do Chine or mousselino do soie, and it is very narrow and clinging, except round the feet, where it may be accordion pleated. Over such carefully prepared underclothing a clinging velvet or charmeuse dross hangs beautifully. Some velvet dresses are being carried high up to tile throat, where they turn back into a Aledicis collar, and the long sleeves have stiff fanlike movements over the hands. Sashes of moire, with handsome bow and long ends, trim such a dress very well.