WIT AND WISDOM

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6542, 25 February 1928, Page 15

WIT AND WISDOM

MAYFAIR MODES.

(By Diana Dane)

"The more a woman shows of lier neck, the more her face suffers.” This remark was made by a famous beauty who was wise enough to realise that, once the first flush of youth has 1 passed, a woman’s neck is not her most attractive feature. '" A. similar remark might have easily been made with the regard to arms. Some women are able, miraculously, to keep the rounded, white arms of girlhood well into the fifties; others are not so fortunate. - And to these ‘others’ the modem vogue for long sleeves and higher necklines will come as a boon and a blessing. For the modes of 1928 show a decided tendency to cover the arms in the evening as well as during the day. And many of the most attractive models, likewise show, a preference for the higher neckline. I am speaking now. of course, of dresee destined for the woman who has pasesd he? thirtieth birthday! Dinner frocks have long, tight-fitting sleeves of finest lace, finishing in points 1 over the hands a la Sarah Bernhardt; alternatively they are made graceful .-., and, beautiful by means of chiffon sleeves out narow at the shoulders * n< l widening out to pointed ‘wings’ which float to the hem of the skirt. Some have sleeves reminiscent of of the Japanese . kimono, with slits through which the hands are passed, thus making it easy to manipulate knives and forks unhindered by . floating dreperies.

Day gowns adopt a similar idea and are dignified and becoming with wellmoulded lace, georgette or chiffon sleeves, and square, oval or rounded necklines. Th model with the Vshaped neck almost invariably exploits tho charm of a little tucked vest to correspond with the sleeves. So much for modes for the older woman. Youth is best served just now in a series of delightful little models shown recently In a salon that specialises in frocks for the jeuno fille. Here slim whlsps of beaded georgette or ‘ring’ velvet vie with picture dresses in lace, chiffon, moire or tulle: either type of frock is correct for modern dancing. Morning models favour plaid, check, or plain fabrics,, made up very much in the stylo of the shirt blouse and tailored skirt, except that they are In one piece, ■’ The bodice is. cut. with asmartly fitting shoulder yoke into which the fullness is, gathered, tucked or pleated, while the skirt likewise, boasts a perfectly fitting hip yoke from which fall pleats stitched halfway down its length. Most of the sports suits remain faithful to the jumper and skirt idea, though hero again the separate effect is merely suggested .the dress actually boiug made in one piece.