ADVANCE IN SHOECRAFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)

ADVANCE IN SHOECRAFT

TWO IMPORTANT DRESS ITEMS COMFORT AS WELL AS STYLE [SPF.CIAL TO N.Z. HERALD —COPYRIGHT] LONDON, Mny 10 To be well-shod is of the utmost importance if one desires to be welldressed. This is generally acknowleged by women to-day—hence the enormous increase in the variety of shoes. The advance in shoecraft in the last few years is amazing, and as I examined the recent developments of a famous shoe atore, I found that in all their five enormous windows there was not a duplicate pair of shoes to be found. The general tendency of shoes to-day is a higher cut over the instep, even when they do not actually tie or buckle This is a great improvement over the low-cut court-shoe of a few seasons ago, when girls ruined their feet and their carriage by wearing shoes that just covered the toes and heels and were cut down at the sides. Cut and fit are as important in shoes ns any other garment—in fact, more so. if a shoe fits well, it keeps its shape and good appearance twice as long, and allows one to walk freely without being conscious of one's feet. Lower Heels Decreed by Fashion Another advance in shoe comfort is the recent revival of lower heels on really smart shoes. This, I trust, will bo widely adopted, for the very high heels are neither practical nor pretty, except for the house, or for the fortunate few who do not need to walk in town, and they are responsible for more spines being out of alignment than anyone imagines. The " ghillie " shoe —two straps laced on the instep—has been adapted for smart wear —what the makers call

" promenade " shoe. These are made in two leathers, with perforated strapping and a lower heel, and come in black, brown and navy leathers. Then there is a smart new " jester " court shoe, with a Spanish heel and strapping under the long front " tongues," which give extra support. The newer types of Oxford shoes are cut lower at the side, but tie well up over the instep. Keep to dark-coloured shoes with winter clothes. Not only are they more practical, but they look in better taste. A light-coloured shoe on a wet or cold day is depressing and detracts from an ensemble. Recently 1 saw a well-dressed woman in a grey squirrel coat with navy hat and hag to match the navy dress under the coat, but she spoilt the whole thing by wearing grey snakeskin shoes and pale grey stockings. Navy shoes would have put the finishing touch. Choose Your Gloves Carefully As with feet, so with hands—rather an old coat and good gloves and shoes than the reverse, and a hole in one's glove is as bad as a ladder in one's stocking. Every type of glove is made to-day to suit each set of accessories or to match an ensemble. If you cannot be extravagant, buy one good pair to match your best accessories, and wear fabric gloves for every day. By fabric gloves, i mean those that imitate suede and doveskin, as well as velvet or material ones which you can make yourself. Knitted gloves have been very popular this year, and many a business girl has cheered up her winter outfit with bright red knitted gloves to match some sort of red scarf. These gloves have gauntlets long enough to pull over the coat sleeve, and are warm, wash well, and look very smart.