FASHION'S VAGARIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 6 (Supplement)

FASHION'S VAGARIES

CIRCULAR ACCESSORIES ANCHORS ON SUMMER FROCKS [special to n.z. herald —copyright] LONDON. December 22 The makers of fashionable accessories seem to have been inspired to work in circles. First, we had the flap-jack powder case. Originally expensive, this neat flat case with mirror arid powder sifter made in coloured enamels and chromium silver, can now be had for a very few shillings, though, of course, there are many elaborations of the flapjack made in exquisite petit-point, or embroidered in French floral designs, or with elaborately jewelled monograms set into the metal cases. After the circular flap-jack came the circular handbag. This design has been carried out in every sort of material, calf, pigskin, suede, cloth, pique, etc. The bags are circular in shape, the handle completing the circle being of tubular chromium or gilt metal. Circular scarves with holes cut in the centre have been used a cood deal with summer frocks. The head may be slipped through the hole, when the scarf makes a cape collar. Another way of wearing it is to slip one arm

through the hole and fasten the scarf on the shoulder with a metal brooch, so that a white sleeveless dress gets the smart one-sided appearance with a caped sleeve over the arm. Speaking of scarves —the three-corner scarf with nautical designs printed in blue or red has been one of the successes of the summer season. Indeed, the anchor has been used in many ways quite unconnected with the sea. A hat band will fasten round the crown with two small metal anchors linking. This same idea is used with waist belts. Then we see a larger metal anchor pinned on the crown of a plain cloth beret' or fastening the knotted ends of a coloured scarf. Again, anchors are embroidered on the breast pockets of m-iny whit© tennis dresses, and some printed silks use the design of anchors and ships, ropes in blue, black or red on a white background. The fashionable white woollen bathing suit looks very chic with a large embroidered anchor in navy blue and a narrow belt of navy blue cords round the waist. Summer handbags have anchor clips to fasten them, and handkerchiefs have been printed and embroidered with the anchor design.

Enormous linen hats -with stitched brims and small crowns were a feature of the London summer season. These are cool and becoming, and form a welcome shade for the eyes in brilliant sunshine without necessitating the bother of carrying a sunshade, which seems to have lost favour ■with the modern woman. It was a very noticeable fact that in spite of our long and magnificently hot summer so few sunshades were to be seen; the average woman hates to be cluttered up with things to carry. That is why her bag is usually crammed with everything she needs for the day, and also why her bags wear out so .quickly. Fortunately, there are bags to suit every type of dress and occasion, and so cheap that there is little excuse for a shabby bag with a smart outfit. Some very new bags in coloured cloth to match any dress, beautifully lined and mounted with chromium silver clasps, and thumb straps are being sold at five shillings each. Some of the newest ones in black antelope are charming, with enormous initials in black enamel outlined with gold or silver. Novelty fastenings are a feature of all fashions —whether they be dresses, coats, belts or bags. If you cannot have a new coat alter the button—get something large and dashing in wood, metal or leather. In fact, anything that is odd and distinctive—it will add a new lease of life to your favourite old frock or coat.