FABRICS & FASHIONS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 32, 1 November 1933, Page 5

FABRICS & FASHIONS

Shopping Suggestions

(By

“Jane.”)

Time was—and not so long ago either —when in the ballroom, or at some function that entailed the wearing of the best bib and tucker, you could spot the out-door woman at a glance, by the patches of sunburn on her neck and back. Now, with bathjpg suits and evening dresses that follow the same lines, and the predilection for sun-bathing, most of the outdoor women have that absolutely even bronze that can look quite ravishing even without powder. In order to attain this delightful effect, the bathing suit is a very important factor of the modern womans wajdrobe. It must be adequate, but without an inch of superfluous material, and cut and coloured to give a gay and dashing note to any beach or swimming pool it may adorn. The fashion for white suits seems a waste of opportunity, when dazzling stripes, or harlequin sections, brilliant shades of primal colours, or black with touches of red or white, can be so attractive. Practical Bathing Suite. The styles made popular by “Mr. Cochran’s young ladles” are. practical as well as beautiful, and their designs have been copied and modified for general wear. At the moment every smart woman Is contemplating the collection of her holiday needs In the way of beach equipment, and will find it a fascinating pursuit, because of the wonderfully complete stocks being shown in the shops. There are loose-fitting bathing wraps, too; sunshades that fit into useful bags; sandals to match the most adorable rubber caps and belts; and everything in the brightest and smartest colours. Summer Undies. Silk stockinette has presumably established itself as the favourite material for undies in all seasons, for it belongs to the modern closely-fitting dresses. The question is merely one of weight and, always, of wearing qualities. Manufacturers have done marvels with that fatal tendency to ladder that was the catch in all the first woven fabrics, and a recent discovery renders that difficulty almost non-existent The finest and most cobwebby texture of this elastic material, in exquisite pastel shades, can be relied on to last even longer than its appearance would suggest possible, and It should be a spur to the buyer to know that the loveliest and most practical garments are made of it in New Zealand. Shoes that Match. This year of grace 1033 will be remembered by women chiefly as the year of bargains. Prices have tumbled and tumbled till even the achievement of the famous Humpty Dumpty pales in comparison. Shoes have made an important contribution to this state of blessedness, which is .a merciful thing in view of the craze for matching accessories. Red shoes, to match a red hat, bag, and gloves, and worn with a stringcoloured outfit, can be had for quite a moderate price, and will impart to your feelings in wearing them, all the satisfaction required to give your appearance that self-confidence so necessary, but till lately, so expensive. AU colours are to be had in light-weight summer shoes, in a variety of designs, and the coming months should see the kaleidoscopic effect of last summer’s caps and hats dropped to the pavement’s level.