CHILDREN'S SPECIALITIES

Evening Post, Issue 86, 11 April 1936, Page 9

CHILDREN'S SPECIALITIES

The Parisian .child is an important person, and, though fashion interest concentrates ivery- definitely on . the elegance ' of Madame-the-mother, Mademoiselle—be she two or twelve, four;or fourteen, is by no. means ignored. Less is displayed this autumn of the merely effective little frocks. The garments one sees in the Bois have an air. of almost. British comfort. Below the swinging curls .is; > simple cosy neckline, [ high, without irksomeness, arid more often than not a Peter Pan

collar. • High'little yokes with shirred or smocked' ■ bodices for ■ fullness' and ease of movement. Raglan 'or inset sleeves, but always full at the wrist and caught into a narrow band or frill. •

Just'yet—while there-is still enough warmth' in > the sunlight that' filters between the last'leaves—one sees the softer woollen materials, cashmere, viyella, and the lightweight flannels, made with the purred sleeve of springtime days. But more often - the garment is- a suit-like tailored thing with patch pockets- and a few bright buttons to continue the military air of the adult fashion world. Sometimes a skirt and tunic contrast strikes one as particularly neat and sensible—a boxpleated skirt in a light tone with top of darker or contrasting shade. The two garments are always definitely related in the matter of ' buttons, belt, stitching, etc., with socks and shoes matching.

Babies' frocks are abbreviated little affairs, but the ten-year-old or thereabouts is suddenly a much more demure person. Her street clothes come to h6r knees. , Socks are high, and often rolled back like her brother's. Her shoes are "sensible." Materials used are most usually plain, but the more ser.vicable'stripes and checks are in evidence,.though smaller in design. Plaids are out. Florals, not at all.

The severity of coats is charming on these small slim bodies. They are double-breasted, bright buttons, wide revers, slightly-flared for movement. Little boys are allowed the flecked and fancy tweeds of their parents, usually with a half-collar of velvet and flap pockets. "Reefer" jackets in scarlet, navy, or rUst brown make contrast. Close rows of stitching on collars, cuffs, and even hems for strength. Berets to match.

One pretty little-girl fashion is the puff sleeve and high yoke to which the frock is joined by. two inverted box pleats, back and front. Box pleats,

too, for the older girl. . A flared skirt always, a contrasting leather belt and little neck bow of leather, sleeves that become very full at the'wrist and the inevitable narrow cuff band. Pockets— yes. And for. materials, the new fancyspotted flannels, ■ plain fine cloth and for special occasions, velvet. For her, too, the simple highish round neck and the Peter Pan collar buttoned, or with a flat or loose bow. ; ■ .■ ■, ;;

The two' examples.,given "here •; are typical seasonable . wear.' '.The, little sister's is particularly-, attractive-.'and could make, .in two tones- of,' perhaps, sand and nigger, '.a:striking, sensible; and gloriously "comfy" school.uniform. Thei extra warmth •• afforded by the basque of the tunic is wise ■ and; the ample box of the skirts also provide .protection against..- autumn's gusty and a little-bit-treacherous winds