SHINGLED HAIR

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 140, 14 June 1924, Page 15

SHINGLED HAIR

AND OTHER MATTERS.

There ia no doubt, that "shingled" hair is not nearly so becoming as the "bobbed" style, for the comparatively close cut brings to light the fact that very: few women have well-shaped heads, writes a correspondent of the "Australasian." In many the clipping discloses a large concavity at the base of the skull, a defect which is completely hidden when long hair is twisted into a knob or. coil. Then another frequent drawback is a tendency for the crown of the head to be disproportionately high. All these "skeletons," which have been innocently hidden, are now brought out for criticism. The ideal head for the shingled fashion is one not too large, and curving from .the top of the crown to the nape of the neck. The width in front across the temples should be considered, for if this is wide the shingling gives a broadness that is not desirable in these days, when anything pertaining to "width" in one's appearauc is studiously avoided. .

But, after all, if a girl has made up her mind to be shingled ,none of these warnings will be regarded, and it is wonderful to notice how quickly hail1 can be made to grow, or apparently made to grow, after being cut. One sees girls, whose hair was' cropped a month- previously, . with cunning little rolls of hair. arranged tightly at the back of the head, and In such cases the invisible hair net is a valued friend until the growing stage is a little more advanced. For the moment, luxuriant heads of hair, are rather despised, for the owners have no excuse for following the general fashion. Sometimes, however, when, girls boast of the comfort and saving of time achieved by the cropping of their heads, one is re,-minded-of the old tale of the fox without Tiis tail.

In the middle of last centnry every woman wore a shawl, just as she wore a crinoline. At that time neither of these was regarded as anything so fleeting as mere fashion. Our grandmothers, who were belles, in'mid-Victorian days, tell us that no one ] ever dreamed that, the time would come when crinolines would, be out of fashion: ; Why, the idea was top absurd. So, for about 20' years, women wore their skirts extended over hooped patticoats; and the popularity of the shawl was nearly as persistent. Lucky is the girl who to-day can fine-among > the family treasures aPaisley shawl, particularly if the v coloured pattern is woven on a cream background. For we are "back to shawls," again, but, like all fashion revivals, they are shawls "with a 'difference," except, in the case of , the soft woollen Paisley kind, or those of thick Indian silk or cashmere embroidered, with a heavy silk1 design; and ; finished wjth a knotted fringe. Although shawls of this latter kind are very desirable, the /young vandals who .now .assume possession of them are rarely/ content to wear them in their natural "colour, and so they send them to be dyed bright geranium, pink, tangerine yellow, or jade green, for these! are considered the "smartest" colours-'of the moment. But most precious of all is the Spanish fringed shawl, with its hand-embroider-ed design in colours. A^ typical shawl of thid kind is 61 black or buff heavy crepe de chine, with a large red camellia worked in the centre, and from this, extends a conventional arabeaque pattern of light foliage, -worked in natural shades. , This design is studded with smaller camellia flowers, and buds.'Such a-shawl as this is brie of the expensive details which the smart girl of the-hour displays with excellent effect. . She wraps the Bhawl tightly around, her shoulders and figure as she enters the theatre or ballroom, for there are no graceful flowing lines in the shawl-wear-ing fashion of '<1924. Although such shawls; are essentially Spanish' in. type, the present-day demand for them has set up an industry in India and Japan, where the adaptable1 native women, who are trained to supply the European' and American -markets, turn'them out . by the hundreds. Of course, they are not exactly cheap, but for £15 or £20 one can buy an Eastern'copy of a shawl, which, were it really Spanish, would cost £100 or moire. It must Tbe admitted that the copied wrap is of nativemade silk, and the embroidery is worked in a mercerised silk substitute, whereas the genuine shawls are of richest silk,, worked in wonderful colours; but as the fashion will probably . last not more than a year or so, what matters? In any case, should a girl feel so disposed, it would not be a; difficult matter to - embroider one, but, of course, an allrover design , as described would take a good deal of time. However many of the taost beautiful shawls have handsome corners: with a light traceryborder all round the square. Very decorative are shawls of Japanese embroidery, either, in self colour or gay with blossoms. ' > -

One. of the most enjoyable and successful garden parties held in recent years at Government Houae was given by the Governor-General : and Lady Jellicqe. Fully 1000 guests were present. In the long line of guests which filed past host and hostess were men and women of a generation that is swiftly passing, who have greeted the representatives of His Majesty from the days when Auckland was but a small and unimportant community, says the ' "New Zealand Herald.]' ■ The day in itself- was one to set the seal of success onl any outdoor function, and particularly one held in such picturesque surroundings as1 those of Government House. "King's weather," several of t the guests described it, and the term fitted admirably. ( The chill hand of winter has stripped bare some of the noble oaks adorn the grounds, but the russet and golden robes of autumn have not completely disappeared, and the scarlet blaze of salvia unqer a blue sky, the tall white lilies' emerald lawns,-and laced ponga- frorfes opened up vistas of delight for those who strolled along the winding drive. The drawing rooms and ballroom inside were thronged throughout the afternoon.'The decorations were enhanced by a collection ,of beautiful "Venus-slipper" orchids, which were the object of much admiration. Afternoon! tea was served in the dining-room, and at buffets in the ballroom and on the terrace. A wellarranged musical programme was civen from the lawn by the Third Auckland Mounted Rifles Band, the music adding greatly to the enjoyment of guests and to the success of a memorable afternoon.