Penelope Goes Shopping

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 24 January 1939, Page 2

Penelope Goes Shopping

Wncii you go sale-shopping, do you always pause to look over the remnant table? So do I. Isn’t it funny what fascination remnants have for you? You can plan so many things to do with them. One friend of mine used to dress her small boy almost entirely in garments made from remnants, and with a little girl you can do even more. Incidentally, in one shop I visited yesterday, I saw several attractive pieces of dressing gown material, mostly in one yard lengths, which would make warm cot covers or gowns for the wee ones. ** # * I was informed this week by the head of one of our largest showrooms, that many of the Continental goods she has specialised in cannot be repeated in future owing to the import license regulations. However, in spite of this, these Continental goods, which include Viennese jumper-cardigans (so very smart) and French jumpers striped in the daintiest shades imaginable, are being heavily reduced along with other goods, so that if you like to wear things that carry a note of chic all their own, this is a valuable opportunity to enrich your wardrobe. * * * Swim suits are being priced very low, too, I find, despite the fact that many of them will not be available for next summer, so if you’ve been making last year’s costume do owing to the lack of consistent sunshine, don’t miss this chance to get an English swim suit at a really bargain price. ** * * Do you remember my telling you some weeks ago about the sweet little locknit and organdie frocks I discovered —for the one, two tnd three year olds? Well, there are still some of these left and they are being cleared with big reductions. Saw some dainty American washing frocks for young schoolgirls marked down to a price that makes them too good to miss. I remember how I used to love to go back to school in a new frock, and I don’t suppose little girls have altered as regards that, since my time. ** * * For people who like blazers but find the tailored article beyond their means, here is an item of interest in one shop. I saw striped blazer cloth in an extremely good quality marked down to a price that would enable you to make a blazer for a very small sum. Such attractive stripes they were, suitable for either men or women. ** * * Visiting the shops this morning to see how the sales were going, I found them crowded to the doors, and the assistants working at top speed, so that I am afraid the star bargains will soon be gone. Sales certainly go with a swing in Nelson. ** * * Looking for bargains in knitting wools, I came across some angora crepe wool considerably reduced, which surprised me, because the good English wools usually maintain their price. Here is an opportunity to get ahead of winter knitting by laying in a stock of smart wool which may not be available later in the season. ** * * Mixed in with a box of locknit underskirts I found the loveliest pale blue satin slip, prettily trimmed with lace. A real snip, this, for someone. Close by were some very smart summer dressing gowns, at barely a third of their orignal cost. Some had the conventional apple blossom on the back, while two were fashioned in a most unusual style in apricot and tangerine. A beautiful satin one, full length stitched revers, and w r as in a pale shade of peach. •{• H’ 3f* A department that can always be counted on for marvellous bargains is the millinery, and in every shop hats are being offered at prices that inspire you to be prepared for next summer. It is surprising how useful these end-of-the-season hats can be when winter is followed by a mild or early spring. That’s just when you feel you need the encouragement of a new hat, don’t you think? ** * * In one shop that specialises in attractive neckwear, I found pretty jabots and collars being cleared at amazing pi ices. These are things which are always a good investment, because everyone knows how a fresh collar will liven up a dull frock, or give fresh life to a jumper, and no woman who

owns a smart costume can have too many of the artistic fronts and bibs which add chic to a walking suit. ** * * You know those flat purses which are made in a summer we%ve to go with light frocks? One shop is clearing a wide range of these at positively ridiculous prices. Some of the purses are in the new large style, so that they will be in the right mood for next summer. Incidentally, these bags are ideal to take out in the evening, when you visit a friend or go to the pictures, and don’t want to carry a heavier purse. ** * * In the sports wear section of one store I found several bargain lines which may be of interes* to the outdoor girl. There were Britway shorts for one thing, in every colour imaginable. If you've always been doubtful about whether you could wear shorts or not, here’s the best time to try the experiment, while they are at their lowest price. Play suits with bra-tops and shorts in large and sma 1 spot haircord are also heavily reduced. Another sports line is the knee-high tennis frock, which will be ideal in winter time for badminton players, or table-tennis enthusiasts.