THE LURE OF SHOPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21100, 6 February 1932, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE LURE OF SHOPS.

NO FRIVOLOUS EXTRAVAGANCE. BRITISHERS AT THEIR BEST. [prECTAL TO N.Z. HERALD. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, Dec. 18. 1931. The lure of shops at Christmas-time is very much the same whatever part of the world one happens to be in, the only difference I find this year being that practical presents for grown-ups are taking tho place of the frivolous extravagances one used to select. But since all women's clothes have acquired beauty and household goods so much novelty, and even kitchen requisites such lovely colour, it still remains easy to choose a very practical ginthat looks like a lovely extravagence when packed for the Christmas offering. The present craze for colour is rather symbolic of our attitude toward difficult conditions. Britishers are always at their best when their backs are againsfc the wall, so to counteract the dark days through which wo are passing we choose to surround ourselves with cheerful colours. These serve to remind us that economic blizzards pass, and in due course we shall bo out in the sunshine of prosperity once more. Certainly there are no long faces to bo seen in the crowded shops, which are being severely taxed to satisfy the " Buy British " demand. Colour lias indeed invaded the home, with soft pink, blue, mauve, and prim-rose-yellow sheets, pillow-slips and bedspreads. Fleecy blankets in the same delicate shades bound with silk ribbon are as alluring as they are comforting. Gay towels in the bathroom, from the huge coloured bath sheets to the delicate linen face towels with sprays of roses, sweet peas, etc., stencilled on them that defy the most ruthless laundry. Luncheon and breakfast sets, either in small cloth or d'oyleys in every brilliant shade of linen, and gay, checked cloths for kitchen cloths and kitchen curtains. British artificial silks have solved the problem of colour for decoration in the .hoine. Never have we been able to purchase such lovely materials for curtains and cushions as are showing in the shops to-day at an extremely low price. " A stitch in time saves nine " is the motto we are all busy putting into practice, for with these lovely materials it is easy to fashion cushions, bags, undies, blouses and the thousand and one trifles dear to women's hearts, for needlework is fashionable once more, and if one does not sew one knits. As I have mentioned before, hand-knit-ted garments are in great demand. If you do not feel equal to embarking on a whole jumper, prepare one of the new scarf and cap sets that are so smart with tweed suits. These gaily coloured scarves add such a cheery touch of colour to either a dark brown coat or a rough country suit. Select three gay colours that are becoming and will harmonise with your other clothes. Jade, black and whito are particularly suitable for coats in black and white, greys and greens. Brown, green and primrose, or brown, orange and green are ideal for all the browns and beige suits. Red, white and blue; black, white and red; black, beige and red; black, white, and orange are all smart colour combinations. The scarf is simplicity itself to make: Just soft two-plv wool (an ounce of each colour), No. 10 needles, and cast on sixty stitches, and about eighteen rows of each colour. The scarf should be made long enough to go round the neck with one end pulled over, like a stock, and filling in tho front of a coat. The cap can be a beret or one of. those with rolled edges, or even more ambitious with a rolled-up brim stiffened with wire that pulls into any shape the wearer fancies. The home-made necklace is another way of solving the Christmas present budget. Almost any kind of necklace is fashionable, but the charm of something original is always irresistible. A society woman appeared recently in ono that consisted of a string of polished nutmegs separated by a small gold bead. Another had one of large butter beans dyed or painted a brilliant green. These were threaded through the top of the bean so that they lay flat on the neck, like a collarette. This type of necklace is popular in many mediums; large, flat discs of cloudy glass, enamel, and composition materials are all used, with bracelets to match. Another fashionable necklace for evening wear is made of four or five strands of ruby glass beads, with a tassel of the beads hanging down the front. If you can achieve ear-rings and necklace to match, you have a very smart finish for a simple white or beige dress. Originality is the keynote of fashion, so do not hesitate to embark on dress schemes that suit your own personality, always keeping to the modern silhouette, with the prevailing length of skirt and a becoming hat, set at the anglo of the moment.