London Fashion Notes

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 69, 18 September 1937, Page 19

London Fashion Notes

Specially Written for "The Post."

LONDON, July 9,

The Court scene shifted to Scotland this week, and wonderful Edinburgh, immortalised by Scot as "the most romantic town," has been the scene of Royal pageantry for the first time for many years. .

But London continues its gay season, and sport lovers are enjoying Test match and county cricket, championship polo, as well as first-class tennis, at many famous clubs.

Holidays are getting near and sailing dates are approaching. In the shopping districts I find>many visitors wrestling with the problem of what to take home, not only for their own use but as gifts for those of the family who could not make the tripi

As many of these will be leaving our summer in time to greet the approaching summer in their own countries, the sales are offering golden opportunities to purchase the last word in fashion in suitable clothes.

Called in to give advice on the vexed question of gifts, I suggested that for women relatives, old and young, gaycoloured jackets to wear with any summer frocks would be acceptable. These can be quite cheap, in flowered cretonne, spotted linen, checked gingham, pique in .white or colour, etc. It is the smart cut, short sleeves, and dashing colour that gives them this season's style, worn over plain dark or white dresses.

Similar jackets for evening or' dinner at home will .be- just as likely, to please. These can be quite, expensive in sequins,, brocade, lame, taffeta, lace, net, or chiffon, but good contrasting colour is one of the chief points for smart effect.'

THE QUESTION OF GIFTS

As London tailoring is known all over the world, I was not surprised to learn that tailors are working overtime to fulfil overseas orders.

These are chiefly in light-weight woollens, tweeds, and flannel.

As I have mentioned previously, grey is greatly favoured, especially grey

flannel. With all-grey suits I have advised dark blouses' and accessories. Navy, purple, or a deep rich tan shade (called in America London tan) are three of the smartest colours to put with' a grey suit if you choose one for your^ coming season. Later,. you can replace with white pique or organdie. In the case of navy and tan you should match up your shoes to these colours, but with purple I should put grey shoes and perhaps grey stockings, although this is by no means a hard and fast rule.

A rich sunburn tan stocking has been worn this year, with almost every coloured ensemble.

Gloves are always welcome, but although there are ■ dozens of fantastic glove styles the plain pull-on type which will cover the suit sleeve at the wrist is always safe and better style, whether it is made In fabric or leather. The popularity of yellow has brought the chamois leather glove back into the front rank of fashion, and this is very smart with a black town suit when a black or yellow, blouse is worn, or perhaps a yellow grosgrain ribbon on a black hat. BELTS AND BAGS.. English leathercraft.is always appreciated, not only for the soft beauty of the skins used but for the up-to-date designs and exquisite workmanship. Belts are so important that they attract the eye of all window shoppers, especially as it is possible to buy novelties for a few shillings a?, well as others that cost pounds. I saw an attractive belt in white felt about 14 inches wide, with crosses of brown leather thonged through, and another deeper still in green leather lined with burnt orange felt, with the ends rolled back like a cartridge and fastened with a band and steel buckle. These are only two of many styles, but serve to illustrate a current fashion of combining felt and leather, both in belts and bags. 'The old-fashioned "kit bag" shape is a popular hand bag for travellers. These are made in soft leather, fitted with pockets for passports and papers, tickets and change. Gabardine and patent leather is a combination of materials found in bags and shoes. Also bright-coloured webbling and leather for bags and hat bands. SEALSKIN IS SMART. Fur fashions are already settled for the coming year, and I gather that one; of the most fashionable furs will be Alaska sealskin dyed, a beautiful shade of ■soft dark- brown. There is a marked desire to get away from the fitted line in fur coats,. and smart "boxy" coats similar to the one I have sketched will | be popular, both in cloth and fur. Some are' even more square-looking, and remind one' of the coaching coats of box cloth, worn in the nineties. New coats show loose backs, small collars, and short revers. As a complete contrast, others show a return to the high draped fur collar that is always flattering. ; Three-quarter and shorter length coats are more popular than full-length, but skirts are definitely shorter and narrower, which accentuates the square line of the "boxy" jacket. Beige or porridge-coloured' woollens are going to have a big success. They suit all seasons and art smart with dark E. RUTH SIBLEY.