WHILE THE KETTLE BOILS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 15, 6 October 1939, Page 11

WHILE THE KETTLE BOILS

Dear Friends, Perhaps it is reaction from the last few weeks of tension, but to-day I am feeling frivolous and comes pletely feminine, so I am tempted to talk about clothes, Despite the existence of war conditions, fashion moves on. Styles may be modified by the military trend, but even a world war cannot blot out woman’s age-old instinct. If we found ourselves condemned to wear flour bags, there would still be the competitive spirit. We would experiment with fringes and tattings and emerge triumphant in the latest thing in sacks! However, with the shops so full of lovely things we need not dwell on thoughts so mundane. Have you noticed how short some of the daytime dresses are being worn? Well, don’t be deceived. It is a swing to the extreme, and these flashes are shortlived. Only the young and the near young can wear these successfully, and the most suitable length is a couple of inches below the knee, The shorter frocks give us the opportunity to wear to effect becoming stockings and shoes. Catherine the Great of Russia is reputed to have been the first woman to wear silk stockings, and she certainly started a good work. One is likely to get bewildered amongst all the shades in vogue to-day, but a pretty safe rule to steer by is to choose a skin-tan stocking for day wear-essential with black shoes and a black costume-and for evening wear a shade the colour of the skin. Evening shoes are briefer and gayer than ever. You can twinkle the most audacious toes beneath your dance frock-and get away with it. The well dressed woman, however, bars anything showy for day wear. Suede, kid, and patent leather are always popular, and the two-tone shoes are extremely smart with a matching ensemble. Gabardine shoes are also an excellent investment, as they not only look smart but wear well. By the way, a word about sandals. If you have wide feet don’t be tempted by this style. They may be attractive, but they are definitely not for you. So much has been written about style that there seems little remaining to be said. My own idea is that a style is successful only when it combines grace with utility. If you look "always right" for every occasion, then you possess that enviable gift -style. All of us at some time are faced with "that formal occasion" when we will run the gauntlet of critical eyes-and usually we are over-anxious to appear at our best. An outfit that would be correct and smart for any such function is a well cut black redingote worn over a patterned silk frock. A coloured belt can be worn of the same shade as the colour motif of your frock with a matching handbag, A smart black hat and shoes complete the picture. A final word about hankies. Add a couple of large chiffon handkerchiefs to your collection. They not only look feminine and graceful, but they give you something to do with your hands. Till next week, wt deggie Yours cordially,

Cynthia