ROUND OF THE SHOPS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1824, 5 November 1886, Page 31

ROUND OF THE SHOPS.

MRS. GILL'S, PRINCES STREET. It was a bright, sunshiny day when I visited this lady's establishment, and going in from the street into the show-room, with a little stretch of the imagination I could have fancied I had entered a conservatory, so bright and various were the flowers, artificial, of course, but so natural in appearance that I all but lifted more than one spray to inhale the perfume which should have been there to make them perfect.

Scarlet poppies reminded one of cornfields in the country, daisies of green meadows, the roses of summer gardens, and choice and delicate sprays of hothouse blossoms.

The arrangement of the show-room is very tasteful. Across one large mirror is a garland of flowers that are a delight to behold, and round the frame of another are clusters of soft feathers of lovely and delicate shades.

On the stand down the centre of the room are ranged a number of bonnets that are a credit to their milliner. One was very stylish of brown beaded lace, trimmed with brown ribbon velvet and white wild roses.

A very uncommon bonnet was of white cased lace, trimmed with old gold velvet and satin ribbon and a wreath of berries.

Another almost impossible to describe was exquisite in old gold ribbon and embroidery. It is really worth while to walk in and look round, bo beautiful is the display. They are bonnets for ladies. Nothing is patched up. Each bonnet seems to be an idea, and an idga well ejqwestfed too. In wwds I cannot

paint them, for they are pictures, and their delicate tints must be seen to be understood. A bonnet means so much to a lady's costume that when purchasing it is as well to make the selection a matter of importance, and here in the cosy show-room ladies were chatting and talking and trying on at their ease and pleasure.

J must draw the attention of brides that are to be to the beautiful bridal wreaths I saw. They were of a most becoming shape, —full in front, and tapering off towards the sides. The hats were also stylish and uncommon in shape and make, being, it was easy to see, the creation of a first-class milliner. And oh I the caps 1 Ladies who wear them ought to see them. Pale pink and pearls, pale blue, cream, and all so inexpensive, too.

THE CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT is rich in variety. I can truthfully say that I have seen nothing to equal its in my rounds as yet. Sun bonnets and grannie* bonnets were marvels of art, and not of art alone, but of cheapness. No home made bonnets can look like them, and I am certain the material alone would cost as much unmade as they do all ready to wear. The pelisses, again, are not to be surpassed. One was in green plush, another red, others cream, others white, all trimmed charmingly in lace, velvet, &c; and baby — master or miss — after having donned such pelisse, with a bewitching little hat to match, would have no end of admirers. UNDERCLOTHING. I was shown a large stock at very moderate prices. I should be very sorry to have to find the material and make the nightdresses I saw for 7s 6d. The calico was good, and so was the embroidery, and they were made in very pretty styles. The handkerchief sets — comprising collars and cuffs — were very dainty and fresh, and the laces and evening silks were lovely also. So were the ribbons in all the newest shades. The gloves were in all the favourite makes and hues for both street and evening wear, and a nicer assertment of f rillings I have not seen. The same remark may apply to the parasols from 5s upward, quite good enough to last through a season. The cream embroideries are very handsome and just newly arrived. They may be obtained either as dress trimmings or in the dress.

THE MOURNING is a special feature of the establisment, and orders are executed with the greatest despatch. Mourning may either be a hideous disfigurement or a becoming attire, which the dressmaker and milliner decides ; and the mourning caps and bonnets I saw had just those dainty touches that relieve it of its disfiguring propensities. The widows' caps in white muslin are very dainty and softlooking, and various in design.

DRESSMAKING. There is a dressmaking department on the premises, in which I saw some handsome costumes — both for evening and street wear — beautifully and tastefully made. My lady readers will remember that I described the pretty dresses of the bridesmaids at Miss Haggitt's wedding, but I did not at the time know where they were made. I find, however, they were the work of Mrs Gill's dressmakers.

Last week I made a few remarks on the pleasure it is to ladieß shopping to meet with assistants who are patient and amiable through the oftentimes wearying process of a fidgety customer's whims and fancies. From the glimpse I got of the smiling attention of the young ladies in the .shop and showroom, I can safely prophesy that the business of the customer will for the time being be the chief concern of the one in waiting.