Fashion and Things Feminine.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 8, 29 January 1915, Page 3 (Supplement)

Fashion and Things Feminine.

By IDA MELLER

A SUMMER TCNTC DRESS. The economically disposed girl, who cannot afford to be extravagant in her dress or adopt extreme modes, may be very well content with the simpler fashions, which are, after all. the mostbecoming and are often preferred by the high-class dressmaker to the more eccsntnc designs. The greatest success is. indeed, often gained, even amid iho best fashions, by the simplest toilettes, and fortunately for those who makj their own dresses, there are numbers of pretty designs of the simplest construction wherefrom to choose, that are at once fashionable and smart. Nothing could be prettier of their kind than some of tli3 plain little frocks of sponge-cloth or cotton crepon, that are seen in all sorts of light and dainty colours for the summer, and are made in the all-in-one style with the simple relief of collar and cuffs of white lawn, pique, or some silk material.

A great feature, indeed, is made of " nard" white collars on summer frocks and coats, and, in truth, the severe white on frocks of lime-green, brown, saxo blue, or cerise crcpon, or on coat« of dark blue serge, is no less charming than striking. The white collar overlaying a coat collar is a favourite to'uai. and, of course, one of the most popular

fancies of the summer is tlie soft Medi-i collar of lawn attached to a vest of the same and worn with open-fronted bodices and coats. A delightful touch is given by these little accessories, that are. moreover, easily got up at home. A simple, pretty style for figured crepon, or foulard, is illustrated, a feature of t!i 0 dress being the wide sash of soft silk or satin that encircles the waist. Tho skirt, fastening in front, is qaiw plain, and the tunic has for its soic trimming a twin row of buttons- covered in material to match the sash, lha tumc is out to a very becoming shape at tlie neck, where it is filled in with a chemisette and frill of white lawn, similar frills appearing at the wrists. .Nothing could be simpler or daint'er in tho way of a summer frock tlnn tlus charming model, which would u~yel',p well in cer'ee or blue foulard or printed crepe, with black satin sash and buttons. It is an easy pattern for the homo dressmaker to copy. WHITE LINEN" BLOUSE-DRESS FOR A GIRL. The morning blouse that promises to bo the favourite in tlie seaside outfit of

girls is the new, lorng-waisted. sailor blouse, that is very much more import-ant-looking than the ordinary Blurtwaist. White pique and linen dresses, made with plain skirts, and the new sailor-blouse tops, aro very smart-look-ing for morning wear, and navy-blue or

indigo costumes in th? same style are also Decerning. The feature of the new. long blouse 's that it is either laced 0 r buttoned tor a few inches from ttie neck, but is closed on tha lower part, the garment being slipped over the head. Sometimes the blouse i.5 gathered into a plain band of material ac the hips, in other instances it io smiply hemmed and hangs straight. Tho sub seams may be closed the entre length, or left open for a few inches at the bottom, where, possibly some lacing is introduced if the neck of the blouse is laced. Oth?r designs, again, introduce box-pleats running the length of the blouse, and these are .suggestive, rather, of the Norfolk style. A diwss with the new long blouse 's illustrated, and this might be carried out all in white linen, tho blouse touched up with facings of dark blue on i\\s collar and cuffs, or the blouse only might be white and the 6kirt of navy serge. Anyhow, tho design is new anil tho correct style for seaside wear.

THE BLOUSE. No difficulties present themselves in the making of the blouse, sines the pattern is quite simple. The quantity of 42-inch material required is 2] yards, and the paper pattern is in six parts. These include half the front of th? blouse, half the back, one sleeve, half the -collar, one cuff, and the breastpocket. The diagram indites ths manner 0 f disposing these pieces on the material folded lengthwise. The straight edges of front, back, and collar should bo laid to ths fold. The sleeve and cuff are cut out in duplicate. In making up the blouse a few inches at the end of each sid© seam are left open. Tho fold of the material must W iiit open to tho depth of the front placket, which, after being made neat, is linhhed with buttons and button-hole*. A -sash is worn round the waist, but is not essential.

THE SKIRT. Composed of two pieces only, ihe skirt is easily made. The seams are at the sides, and a placket must be arranged at the left- side. About 2J yar h of 42-inch material are required. Tho diagram shows the two patten pieces, front and back of skirt, laid to the fold.