THE ART OF BEAUTY BUDGET YOUR WARDROBE AND SAVE MONEY

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28413, 21 October 1957, Page 2

THE ART OF BEAUTY BUDGET YOUR WARDROBE AND SAVE MONEY

(By MARILtN USHER ana IVI RIIVLSI This is New Zealand’s first fashion fortnight and the whole family is budget happy—spending dad’s money as if it grew on trees. But hold it! —■ Fashion may be elusive, but she will not run away.

Organise your wardrobe to set what you really need. You car save precious pounds, and per haps discover the urgent need foi that indispensable basic dress t( carry you around the clock, ii which case the purchase of ar irresistible printed silk would b( impractical. Plan your budget. You maj find the pound stretches furthei

than you thought. You also may discover it easier to reach your husband’s pocket-book the next time you approach him with: "Dear, I saw the most gorgeous hat today.”

Long term fashion investment takes careful thought and consideration. Study your wardrobe, analysing every possible coordination of style and colour, not neglecting shoes. gloves, scarves, jewellery and other accessories. Actually, many a welldressed woman depends on these to transform the ordinary basic outfit into a variety of attractive ensembles. Now let us take a look into your wardobe to see how you rate as a practical shopper. Let us divide your wardrobe into four categories; under garments, daytime wear: cocktail and evening wear; casual clothes and their respective accessories. (1) Undies are an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe, since the fit of your bra and girdle affects the fit of your dress. Proper support is important, varying with the needs of the individual. Your salesgirl will advise you. White is the most useful colour, but this u- flexible, depending on your wardrobe, kou should own at lea»t two girdles, since these usually ’ake 24 hours to dry. Three bras should be

included; one long line to give smooth fit to any tight bodic e A word about wash ng long line bras—use a soft mush for the

boned parts as ruboing bones together will weaken them and never boil elastic garments oi wash them in very hot water. Three slips should see you through the season. Half-slips are more serviceable and less bulky under dresses than the fulllength ones. As a point of interest —Dior lines all his trocks completely, making the use of slips unnecessary, as he objects to then bulkiness. Do you possess one good crinoline to wear undei your full skirts? And do you own half a dozen pair of briefs'. (2) Select one or wo basic col ours to carry through your daytime wardrobe. Most women relj on black. It is most serviceable and a foil for bright accessoi les. Brown, grey and beige are next in popularity. Navy, a spring time favourite, is lovely, but if you are starting from scratch consider its comparative limitation? Red and white are wonderful but for long term investments serve better as accessories. Jersey, soft wool, silk and the numerous serviceable synthetic?, such as terylene, have a year round appeal and are ideal for your collection Linen and colton, most consistent of the summer fabrics, have taken another giant step towards new popularity since their appearance in a variety of weights and textures. This

combined with their tub-happy, wrinkle-proof condition makes them unbeatable With coloui and fabric in mind. 1 let us see what you need for a' well-rounded wardrobe. One versatile all-weathei coat t< see you! through spring showers and take you out for country walks. It [could be one of the new water-

proof tweeds, simple, with the interest lying in the fabric and perhaps in a single large button or a huge pocket. Two contrasting suits: one casual and loose-fitting (the bloused back is stylish); the other very plain in colour and design, that you can dress with crisp white or the flattery of stripe, or the gaiety of a dotted scarf. Two adaptable sheath dresses that you can add to with accessories as gaily or demurely as the hour calls for. It should serve as smart business attire with the freshness of a single white carnation or a crisp white collar; and become a striking success for evenings with a long string of iridescent beads and a bright scarf as a cummerbund.