FASHIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 79, 1 April 1908, Page 10

FASHIONS.

In winter (writes a Paris lady) especii ally we turn with joy towards the contemplation of the house frock —an ambiguous term which can be applied to. a variety of garments that are donned indoors and are worn without a hat. That in itself is a relief, for nowadays most of us live in our hats and our coats and skirts. The house frock of to-day*, to be practical, must be a sort of garment that we can lunch in, that is delightful to wear at five o'clock, and is also possible to stay on and play bridge in. Never was fashion better adapted to successful garments of this kind. For instance, the new draped double skirts in the softest crepe de chine and velveteen lend themselves admirably to a graceful trainin" garment for wearing indoors. The distinct advantage of velvet will appeal to many girls who have a limited dress allowance. TAILOR-MADES ALL THE " GO." Tailor-mades are all the "go " just now in Paris —tailor-mades of soft cotton velvet called frantet, which enjoys great popularity for the time being. The jackets of these costumes arc open to show a large frill composed of fine rows of superimposed pleated linen, which presents quite an original aspect. Each row is set in a little frame of pierced hem. Similar material, also pleated, and surpassed by. a narrow pleat at the corners, forms the collar. The necktie, invariably of satin or taffeta, ought to be of the same colour as the costume _or that of the feathers which adorn the hat, or, at least, of a hue which harmonises with them. Trimming in lace-tulle to match the dress is largely employed in the more ornate costumes. The latest coats show a tendency towards increased length, the half and the three-quarter length being universally favoured. Long coats do not always suit short figures, but other shapes are to be had in the form of boleros or coatees. For winter wear the long coat is certainly warm and comfortable. Bolero models are again represented with long basques or habit-skins, made to closely fit the hips. If the figure be not too ample this style looks exceptionally well, even on short women. The question of ball gowns is always one of the most fascinating secrets to unravel during the present season of the year, when the greater part of the new dress problems are so far wholly unsolved to tha majority of women. But one of the most salient facts which has come to light regarding them, and which has unquestionably received the seal of La Mode, is that jewelled effects of all kinds will form one of the most important features of the designs.

The design given this week is for a simple afternoon home dress to be made up inexpesively by the intelligent little dressmaker. It is a simple and graceful design for light powder-blue cashmere or some softly falling material of a like nature. The bodice and sleeves are made in a series of folds, and there is a simulated waistcoat of a thick make of lace.

This illustration, shows a hat which-is admirable for wearing withtaUor-rnades, in tan. Leghorn, lined with black, trimmed with black m_rquisette tulle and two wild blackbirds. .

I atora-yn think it is _iprs di__aJ_ i___

anything else to gefc smart millinery for tailor-mades, and for such, cases very often the ingenuity of the English milliner surpasses that of the French. \ t

A PRETTY AND ORIGINAL DESIGN. This graceful frock is of a bottle-green cloth with applique of black Isikand large black buttons. The hat is a dark green felt with silk bows and fruit round the high crown, and failirg on the brim. ODDS AND ENDS. In striped materials black is very often combined with a colour. Fawn cloth, in well-stitched bands, and as pipings, is used as trimmings on coloured cloth coats. Turndown velvet collars to match something on the hat appear on some smart coats. The three corner hat is again in evidence, one point coming not directly in front but over the right temple.