Vogues and Vagaries

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 306, 17 March 1928, Page 21

Vogues and Vagaries

(By

Madame Jeanne Varrez)

I Afternoon dress is now in a category all its own. Though the jumper suit will always have its whole-day advocates, so to speak, the afternoon toilette is engaging the attention of the designers who are busy with Southern wardrobes. Navy blue georgette fashions quite a number of the prettiest models, which are simply made, with some attractive side drapery. A little striking but well-chosen jewellery supplies a decorative note for an ensemble that is kept invariably within the bounds of uttermost simplicity. Little hats are draped to suit the face, and though the typical Parisian elegante insists on the matching chapeau, it is quite chic to choose a model in a definitely contrasting colour. Thus red is seen with a navy or black toilette; and blue and black or two shades of beige are equally smart. All shades of green are now being worn both in Paris and on the Riviera. For evening wear, green-and-silver is the best-liked theme. Smart day clothes illustrate th e green vogue in shot silk-and-wool tissue. For bright sunshine, there is no doubt that lime green holds a special allure. Under such climatic conditions it looks really lovely. I made a note of one charming new sports suit in lime-green cashmere—beautifully fine in texture—made with the box-pleated skirt that is still one of fashion’s favourites—and a jumpertop, worn with one of those distinguished and decorative cardigans that have a dull silver woven into the wool. The matching sports hat was of green felt with a larsre silver arrow

[ Curiously enough, brown seems to be having another revival. It is worn with cream and pale-hued cloths almost as much as black. Very modish are brown kid and satin shoes, trimmed with gold. Wonderfully becoming afternoon frocks of thick parchment-coloured silk have silk and wool broideries worked with brown intermingled with threads of burnished gold. The new mushroom or deep ivory tones look wonderfully well with a black or dark brown coat materis,!ised in fine cloth or rich satin. • * * We are promised some exciting millinery ventures on the part of individual hat-artists, now busy with their early collections. Hats are to be much more decorative than heretofore, and will give scope for exquisite handwork and embroidery. Flowers will be “in” again, too. Models at present flaunting their bizarre eccentricities in the casinos are not to be taken seriously. The more permanent new creations will depend for their effect on beauty of line and the fine handwork aforesaid. Meanwhile, one sees many fascinating little hats of straw in pale beige and pink, with bands of woven brown wool adroitly and becomingly worked in with the straw. * * * All manner of neck ornaments, including collars, scarfs, fichus, jabots and ties, are to be used in a new style. Instead of being detachable as during the past season, they will form an integral part of dress or coat, cut in one piece with the yoke, or even, in the cas© of some models, with the sleeves.

INSPIRING ADDRESS RAETIHI W.C.T.U. At a meeting of the Raetihi Women's Christian Temperance Union held recently, at which Mrs. W. H. Scarrow presided, a farewell was tendered to Mrs. McCowan. Mrs. F. Pederson made eulogistic reference to the services rendered to the union by Mrs. McCowan during her term of membership. Mrs. McCowan in thanking the members for their kind expressions of sentiment, suitably replied. “Francis Willard Day” was celebratd by Mrs. Godlej r reading a paper on the life of Francis Willard. The members heartily welcomed Mrs. Perryman, editress of the official organ, “The White Ribbon,” who was present. Mrs. Perryman gave an inspiring address on the organised effect of the great work being done by the union, and in her remarks stressed the need for more prayer and faith. She said they must never know defeat, and an appeal was made to those present to give their best interests in the work of abolishing the drink traffic. Mrs. W. H. Scarrow thanked Mrs. Perryman for her able and interesting address and said she hoped it would bear good fruit in helping to make the members more eager to carry on the good work. Ensign Lillingstone closed the meeting by pronouncing the Benediction. A NEW LINE OF WORK “CENSOR OF ETIQUETTE” New lines of work for women ore being opened up in all directions nowadays (says a London writer). For instance, it has just been announced that Mrs. Wilfrid Ashley will add to all her other activi ies by becoming the director of home arts, customs, and costumes in connection with the new Elstree film colony. It is believed that a woman—and especially a woman of Mrs. Ashley’s capabilities—will be able to arrive at the right atmosphere for British films by creating the correct English environment, which is so often lamentably lacking in the American films which portray English life. It was at first said that Mrs. Ashley was to be a “censor of etiquette,” but she herself says that this is not true, although she will probably have a good deal to say in a.ny question of social custom which may arise. Hollywood has an English censor of etiquette in Elinor Glyn, who exercises great authority over all social manners.