LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1250, 13 February 1896, Page 16

LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

From Our Own Correspondent. Regent Street, January 11th. Hats certainly seem to be becoming more and more picturesque and original, large shapes in burnt Panama and cream Leghorn figuring conspicuously on the list of headgear. Something that was very much admired at the Countess Temple’s outdoor entertainment was the

supremely artistic “ Watteau ” hat here illustrated. Although it was guiltless of twists and curves that are generally so becoming, its oval line had so charming a sweep that the face underneath only gained in prettiness by reason of this classical simplicity. Large choux of turquoise-blue tulle were clumped very effectively round the medium-sized cream Leghorn crown, while glossy black plumes secured with paste safety brooches, introduced a note of richness which saved the [hat from helping to swell the list of ordinary garden shapes. Just resting on the coil of hair was an additional rosette of the light blue net. In Fig. 2 we have a charming evening blouse. The foundation is rose-pink satin or merv. Over this is fully drawn white guipure lace, fashion, and lace capelettes hill over the pink Empire sleeves. Over each shoulder a band of black velvet is laid, finished at either end by rose-pink rosettes, and the same finish

is applied to the velvet waist band. This pretty blouse might be worn with a rosepink, black silk or white lace skirt.

This blouse is an important article of attire, and is fashioned of such rich materials, trimmed so expensively, and fitted so exactly, that it does not look at all out of place at church, and is worn regularly by women and girls of all ages, generally with skirts of black crepon. The muslin blouses are dainty looking, and they are seen in almost every hue — pale blue, yellow, pink, white. Ribbons are much used on gowns and millinery, and there are chines covered with pansies of every colour, so close set that not a pin’s point could be inserted between them. The pine-patterned Oriental ribbons are equally well covered. Paste ornaments are the order of the day. The ever-increasing popularity of silky alpacas and coarse-grained mohairs makes itself manifest by the best-dressed ladies. A very pretty costume in this material figures as my third sketch. The skirt is

guiltless of either floating ribbons or frills ; but when the fair wearer makes a hasty movement, a satin lining of shot pink and lettuce green is perceived. Matching this doublure are satin braces with rosettes at the breast line, and a belt prettily buckled in front. At the back of the rucked ribbon collar is a bow of cream spotted net, harmonising with the frill round the quaint “ mushroom ” hat—a shape that does entirely away with the necessity of a sunshade. Numerous also were the white kid gloves worn at Henley, while nobody claiming any pretensions to smartness wore anything but patent boots and shoes. Even on tan shoes there were at least toe-caps of this shining leather, that resists the dust so capitally. llosklle.

At the usual weekly meeting on Monday of the Women’s Social and Political League there was a packed room. New members were elected and fresh members nominated. The two papers read at Newtown were read for the second time before the members of the League, as many members had not been able to attend the former meeting. Mr flurstwick has kindly consented to read a paper on “ Food Adulteration ” at an open meeting of the League, on the last evening in the month. It was agreed to ask Mr C. Wilson, editor of the New Zealand Mail, to read a paper at a meeting in the near future. Mrs Seddon, the President of the League, was in the chair. A public meeting of women only, under the auspices of the Women’s Institute, was held at No. 7 room, Exchange Buildings, on Monday. After the president (Mrs Fraser-Jones) had read her paper, the following resolution was carried unanimously : —“ That in the opinion of this meeting the C.D. Act of 1869 should bo at once repealed.” It was decided to continue the discussion next Monday week, the 2ith. The regular weekly meeting of the Women’s Democratic Union was held last week in the usual meeting place. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—President, Mrs Tasker (re-elected unopposed) ; vice-presidents, Miss Boughton and Mrs

Livermore; secretary, Miss A. M.' Tasker; treasurer, Mrs Tamm. During the election Mr A. McLeod took the chair, Mr McArthur and Mr Berg acting as scrutineers. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to these gentlemen for their services. A large number of friends assembled yesterday week at St. James’ Presbyterian Church to witness the marriage of Mr Alfred Clark to Miss Annie Augusta Sidey. The bride looked exceedingly pretty in ivory satin, with veil and orange blossoms. The bridesmaids were Miss Irene Clark and Miss Minnie Sidey, and Mr Frank Wilson was a very efficient best man. The Rev. W. Shirer officiated, and Mrs Shirer, a sister of the bride, tastefully played the W’edding March. Mr and Mrs Clark have gone for a trip to the "Wanganui River district.