London and Paris Fashions.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 204, 29 August 1896, Page 4 (Supplement)

London and Paris Fashions.

(FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.)

Regent-street, July 2. A very Btnarb hab, which would prove becoming to almost) all wearers, ia the subject of my Bkefech in Fig. 1 this week. Ib is of felb — for ielta lasted longer than usual bhU Spring, the white ones having come bo stay for coma months hence. The shape of bhia model ia something of bhe boat family, bub has a more decided crown perhaps, and bhe back of tho brim turns up. The colour ia a eofb ihado of green ; and the brimming consists of fan bows of green volveb across the fronb, with bwo long pale fawn-coloured wingß ; and knobs of velveb bows ab bho back where bhe brim burns up, bwo of which may bo eeen above the crown, as our sketch clearly indicates.

I saw another emarb chapeau showing the novel mode of utilising the flower stalks aa part of tho trimming. Thia hab is also felt, of a pale fawn colour. Ifc is trimmed with big bowß of fawn and violet Pompadour ribbon, and fawn quills, in front; and at tho back wibh two largo clusters of violets on either pide, both on bhe brim and under ib. The Qowora are caught firmly together half-way down the stalks, which are then left to etick out spray-like from each cluster.

In.one of tho now playe in London early in> the summer, quite tighb sleeves were worn in a mosb stylish "gown. ' Personally, I do nob believe in the immediate advanco into popularity of this sorb of sloove ; the frilled epaulebto is likely bo be called into requisition bo soften its outlines, and, indeed, this makes ib much more becoming, and can be made either in canvas or in cloth to match tho fkirb, or in chiflon or net or grass lawn, whichever it may be that torms tho foundation bo the indispensable embroidered bodice.

Blouses are still made, and I sketch a lovely summer one. It ia a dainty confec-. tion in fine Cambridge-blue nainsook, with horizontal insertions of buff-coloured lattice-lace, and fingerings of the revived 'Picot' work laid lengthways down tho sleeves and on eibher side of bhe broad white satin ribbon cumulating a graduated waistcoab. Down the fronb are natty little rosebtea composed of a rather wider make of tho buff coloured 'Pioob' lace, and the bands and bows that enhance the smarbness of bhis blouse all match the ceri'tre pleat. The whole confection, we may add, is made up on^a lining of lighb-blue sateen of a very fine texture, which really answers the purpose of silk capitally.

I have lately seen some cyolisba with whibe boots. They look horrid, and remember, when you bake bo bicycling you cannot wear either bighb stays or tighb shoes, or, in facb, tighb anything. Boots are liked by many ladies, as they save the ankles from possible knocks againsb the pedal, etc. My last sketch is designed for spring showers, which come on so suddenly one has no chance bo don a cloak before bhe damp has spoilb one's gown. Ib is made in beige cloth with mother o' pearl bubbons and turned down collar in maroon velvet; close-fitting back spreading into godets. I noticed also a very pretty gown of wide meshed black canvas. The back ot the bodice is tucked perpendicularly, and is striped with black satin ribbon, while the fronb has a yoke of black satin covered with guipure, with kilbed chiffon putting in an appearance in bhe centre, bordered wich a broad band of jeb. The abort basque is headed with a band of the jeb again, shaping to a poinb in the centre, and the skirt of bhis is cub with a very narrow front breadth bordered wibh bhe e"cr.u guipure, and full ub bhe hem, bub falling closely round bhe hips. Evening capea are most elaborate. A pink glace silk and frilla of rainbow sequina was lovely. Roselle.