Frills and Furbelows

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 3, 14 July 1939, Page 12

Frills and Furbelows

Some day maybe, when New Zealand’s history has a few more than a hundred years to its credit, we shall lead the way in the fashion world. At present, of course, we follow a couple of seasons behind what is being worn in Paris or London. This state of affairs, however, has its advantages-we are able to discard the more extreme fashions, and by the time we are ready to buy our spring clothes we know more or less what styles have come to stay. Here are a few whispers from overseas which sound intriguing. Instead of the conventional white, brides are wearing veils of misty blue tulle, which sounds both romantic and becoming. "Stop Red" is a colour which, to both motorist and pedestrian, needs no explanation. Use it in your accessories with a dark outfit, as a handbag, gloves, belt, or even a bolero jacket. But beware of overdoing it; one accessory is enough; you don’t want to look like a motorist’s nightmare. We've also been hearing great tales of this peeping petticoat vogue, but it will take Colonials a while to decide whether this really looks eoquettish-or careless. However, one very practical exponent of this mode is an ensemble which begins with a plain white tailored frock, navy spotted, having a pleated frill round the bottom. Over the top of this fits a short navy fine wool bolero jacket and a skirt constructed on the apron principle, just an inch or so shorter than the frock. This skirt is split about nine inches up the side, and the whole effect is really very charming.