London Fashion Notes Specially Written for "The Post."

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 135, 10 June 1933, Page 9

London Fashion Notes Specially Written for "The Post."

LONDON, April 14. Recent years have provided such cold springs in England that we have come to regard this moat beautiful seasoiuof the year with suspicion. "Oh, to be in England now that April's hero" has been looked upon as an ancient proverb by the rising generations. Now, after three v.-eeks of perfect sunny weather and blue skies, they are amazed to find the legend of an English springtime haa come true. All Nature is rushing into leaf and bloom, and the unique sight of daffodils and tulips in full bloom at the same time is attracting all beauty lovers to the parks and famous Kew Gardens. And now Easter is upon us, and the last purchases achieved for the Easter outfit which has bedn made even more imperative by the recent fine spell. By the way, have you a "shopping sense"?—that invaluable quality which can save its possessor pounds, and yet give her a better appearance than her more extravagant but less practical friend. ' The urge to buy something new too often leads one astray when a little careful planning before hand would Bave so many disappointments. A good-sized pieco of the dress material you have chosen should bo tucked away in your' bag before you adventure on a' shopping expedition. Then you can safely build your colour scheme round this when choosing accessories, and save collecting odd bags, scarves, and even hats, which do not "go" with anything you .possess. Do you choose your hats early in the morning when you arc feeling so frosh that everything suits you? That is a ■■ dangerous habit, far better wait until having finished your shopping and feeling tired, you buy a hat that suits you then—it is bound to be a success. For comfort and good carriage buy your shoes when you are equally tired, then a new shoe will bo a joy instead of-, an agony, for tired feet demand at least half a size larger, and in these hard times all of us walk a great deal more than we' used to do. Oh, the scarves that ono sees_ carelessly bought at the counter, without any regard to the throat they will decorate! A scarf that looks well on a long-necked "dummy" may give a short-necked woman a double chin appearance; and if you aro going to -tie your scarf in a "pussy cat" bow make sure it is long enough to do this easily boforo purchasing. Jewellery—even if it is imitation— looks best when it is part of a dress scheme, so when tempted to buy a chromium brooch or buckle or earrings, remember your coat buttons are brass or copper—and don't. If you cannot match the ornaments on your ensemble you are far better without any jewellery at all. Handbags cause a good many mistakes to the uncertain shopper. If you need to carry a great many oddments do not' Choose a flat type of bag that, should look sleek. A new suit can so easily be spoiled by a bulging handbag. It is these and other apparently 'siroplo precautions which go to make up that very useful "shopping sense" which can prevent so many dress disappointments. • One of the features of this yoar's fashions is that a coat, or little cape, or jacket of its own must form part of every dress erisenible. The day of the "odd little dress" is over, and those numerous frocks which were termed "useful tb wear in the house" have disappeared. Possibly because our lives are more restless nowadays, and we may suddenly decide to: go out in whatever we happen to be wearing. Any way, a house dress today suggests the more elaborate six o'clock type'of dress with a long skirt and important sleeves. Incidentally, I saw one of these dresses recently, with handsome lace sleeves which I will sketch, because while the model was very new it sug- > geated to me an ideal way to make i dark evening, dress do duty for in-

formal wear, or of changing the character of a long dress that was already provided with sleeves.

This model was in heavy georgette crepe, and the handsome lace sleeves camo from the shoulder spreading well over the bodice, giving that width to the top of the bodico which is till the most important point. But while tho "squared up" shoulder lino is still with us, the new sloping shoulder line is creeping into favour, and the raglan sleeves in coats and magyar

sloeves in bodices are in .Jl the newest collections, of 1933 models. Tho "swagger coat introduced last season, and now being copied and worn in many woollen materials, was the first model to introduce the sloping shoulder line. It also was the first step towards the loose three-quarter coat, which has become the coat of the year. This coat may have a scarf collar as its only fastening, or it may be collarless and entirely without fastenings, just an outside wrap to a dress, and definitely kind to the more mature figure than the clinging jackets which we have had to wear with equally clinging dresses. These raglan and magyar sleeves are: now appearing in every type of dress; they also arc kind to the full figure, and, of course, quite graceful on a slim girl. But the young girl of today will probably take advantage of tho shortsleeved vogue and wear the delightful little puffs and capes that just cover the tops of the arms. A navy blue crepe dress with puff sleeves and turn-down collar of white organdie is ono of the most attractive fashions for any one who is young enough to wear these baby sleeves. But even if you are young, do not try them if you are outsize. RUTH SIBLEY.