LOOSE LEAVES FROM GEMPS DIARY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 294, 5 September 1908, Page 11

LOOSE LEAVES FROM GEMPS DIARY.

"Some talk of cricket and some of la crosse," so the old football song tells us, but I and my sex talk of something far more interesting and exciting. Sly dear Diary, now that dinner is over i and this evoning is mine to do as I will with, I intend to turn over the purchases for the day,' and for a couple of hours at least revel among my dainties. This has been a busy dajr, and I confess my mind is full of • fripperies. Oh, it is divine to be a woman, and deck oneself in .purple and fine linen 1 We are all akin to Solomon, are we not? v I scarcely know whero to start; my eyes are dazzled with sheen of satin and silk —satin that makes you feel so satisfied, especially in the knowledge that you liave bought at half its value. On, you most adorable of chiffon taffetas 1 What a frock you will make, and—yes, surely, surely, I may fancy I shall look sweet in you; yot you only cost mo ss. lid. per yard. I chose pale blue for myself, but it was difficult when overy colour conceivable flaunted itself before one's gaze.. Then, two Jop silks for blouses, the newest shade, just Is. 6d. a yard, and such quality 1 My own little book, wherein I entor all my sccrots, how often I have had to cast my envious eyes upon pretty things, while a little demon,whispered, "Pass on, pass on!", But to-day he left mo severely alone, for every article displayed was at such an absurdly great reduction, and I didn't dare just pass on. For the rammer, at all events, I am fitted out. 130 very tender, oil most faithful book, for I am a mere bubble now —so light and happy I feel—everything is rainbow hued. 1 couldn't scold to-night if I were indeed Mrs. Caudle, for see how sweet my blouses are. For dinner or afternoons is a white lace, inlet with folds of pale blue satin, with tlie dearest chemisette of tucked net sleeves, kimono fashion, price' 295. Gd. And here's a delaine of blue- and whito, so smart for morning wear, only 9s. lid. It was difficult to chooso, because there were such piles of them, all different colours and styles. Then I espied many whito embroidered lawns to be disposed of at 2s. lid. and ss. lid. The palo mauve crepe de Chine cost mo 15s. 6d., and the cut is so chic.

I grew bewildered amongst tho costumes. It was so hard to choose—overy one smart, every one oheap. But a blue Sicilian, braided, at £4 45., I lost my head over — and bought. There were sacs and semi-sacs, tight backs and Russian,' all reduced. Flannel dressing-gowns for a mere nothing— I bought a shrimp - pink ■ with a big collar, edged with sillv embroidery. The green underskirts,, frilled and rucked, for 2s. lid. were sweet, but I've nothing in green in the way of frocks, so had to pass them by. How important our neckwear has become. I shudder at the memories of past days when we wore stiff-lined collars, buckram and bone I Oughl but how different now. If I were the happy possessor of an eighteenth century picture I should stand before and study, the fashion ; of the lace ruffle and cravat, and buy my own as nearly like it as possible—and it is possible, for a whole line of these cunning atfairs were for inspection at quite a low figure. Quantities of Valenciennes all-over lace, charming for blouses, were offered for Is. lid. a yard, the width being 18 inches. ■ When I behold tho camisole embroidery I felt queer. I had bought so much, and my purse was getting light. But —well, I hesitated, and I was lost. I took enough for six, the whole lot costing, me 6s. Should Igo on? The fancy-counter fascinated mo. Oh, I must, I must! _ Cunning little safety brooches, with imitation coral, Is. each 1 Now these aro so sweet to fasten the collar or a bit of lace, so I grew extravagant, and purchased twol Fancy hatpins I cast longing eyes upon, but set my teeth and ignored: A pretty, fair-hairod girl in a grey iand white flannel suit (which she informed hor friend was bought theirs for 275. Gd.) was buying cushions and a cosy. The rose-pink cushion of .flowered satoen with a deep full frill she paid 3s. lid. for, and tho cosy of green and rose 3s. 9d. Later on I met her again amongst tho ribbons. She'd take six yards of the mauve satin at 9Jd., and three in pink and white stripe for 6£d.. A charming nattier bluo silk, wide enough' for sashes, J indulged in, paying only Is. 6a. a yard for. It will look delightful over my ivory silk, and Dick has a weakness for blue of that hue—something about matching my eyes he once said—but this is a digression! I shall certainly write and tell Belinda about the filet lace. At 6d. a yard, it makes a shamofully cheap frock; but oh tho sweetness of itl With a yoke of the imitation cluny lace at 6d., and a touch of satin, it would be charming. You can purchase in white or ecru. ' At tho Manchester department I became keenly alert again, though I was tired, and it was nearly closing time. Linon Duchesso runners with laoo centres and edging for 8!d. I giggled into my muff; I felt like a thief, taking so much for so little, but that was tho Economic's fault, not mine. And I am trying to persuade mother to tako a bedspread embroidered Mount Mellick in linon, doublo-bed size, at 17s. 6d I Oh I I admit 1 am ashamed to write up the bargains. It makes one feol guilty, but we are asked to buy, so it is splendid. I'm growing sleepy, my diary; perhaps tomorrow I may add a little more. What a placc that Economic is, though, for cheap and pretty things'; and how tho throngs surge the whole day long. Always scrambling, afraid pf being left 1 6396