IN FASHION'S REALM

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 1 March 1921, Page 49

IN FASHION'S REALM

WEEKLY CP TO-DATE DRESS NOTES Bt Mjp.ocewtb , The wash fabrics for Autumn will be gay with colour, a delightful crepe taking the hues of the rose, or any others such a; grey, lavender, pink, etc., to portray other (lowers. And these will be very nice foi kimonos. Then voi'e will fashion no enc of domestic frocks, a dainty selection ii tills relation; and again there will he al the other varieties possible in this oonnec tion. In these days we no longer acknow ledge any limitations when it conies to tin choice of a- fabric, meaning its nature am weight. In silks, with which I always bracket velvets, woollens, and cottons assuredly the manufacturers will provide u with so much as to deprive us of ont single cause for complaint. £ Coming to modes, I may as well star with the blouses. Here is where the divid big line between the seasons is thinnest This is a blouse which proclaims itself foi either a separate or as the upper part o a frock. The frill is not going_ out ye' awhile. The frill collar-front with cross frilled inset, and frilled cuffs will hall-marl

many dresses and blouses. You will notice some lines under the cuff and wonder what they belong to. They are of (he sash. Extraordinary sashes will he worn—voluminous things with seemingly endless ende. This new season will have distinction for its first keynote. The fabrics, duvet de laine, velour and tricotine, will have their

state lines contributed to by the longer coats E remised, and again by the collars olosing igh round the neck. The coat will be much in the modes now on the threshold — coats of velour showing flaring backß and semi-belts, or again featuring pleats. There will, too, be many coat effects, such being achieved by means of pockets suspended from the waist with pleats like a fringe, and in many other ways. The tailored frocks will be the essence of smartness. Tricotine and twill will often be the chosen basis. A slight fulness at the hips either through gathers or pleats will strike a new note. Basque blouses that drop low at the waist line have the merit of imparting youthfulness. Many skirts, though comfortably full, will present something of the old tube silhouette. Quaint frocks will feature novelty silk braid stitched in groups of four on the lower part of the twopiece sleeve and the top of the tunic. Many will be embroidered in silk or wool. Bandings of iridescent beads will ornament certain choice frocks for special occasions. I may mention sweaters as well here as anywhere e'se. We are promised some unusually clever stitches, some of them being in line and some again irregular, and then in combination. This applies to the silk varieties, the silk for the most part being heavy and fine. The woollen sweaters will win countless friends. The mohair varieties will command attention —fine kinds with collars of brushed wool in contrasting shade, and brushed with contrary roll collars and large pockets. Autumn will not bar out- the extended blouse, and still less the effect. But more compactness being demanded the effect may often he achieved in this way. The bolero in combination with an inset simulating a blouse will gain by the flounce the latter permits of, and a sash emphasise the charm

of both. The model chosen is a true early Autumn style and one of the prettiest. It combines what has been mentioned and several other attractive features. Scarf wear will come in for notice, as indeed it always does. As these leapt into favour abroad at the corresponding time they will presumably leap into similar favour here. \ They arc good for street wear at any time, j and an ideal for sports wear, especially with i a jersey suit. They promise to be all i double, some being of heavy satin and olhers of closely woven knitted silk. Mamwill be in solid colourings, while others will combine brilliant hues of an acceptable character. Giving as they do a dashing. . luxurious appearance, these scurfs are hound • to find favour. i Fleur de Margot is the name of a new flouncing. It may come in a creme shade , with distinctive designs brought in brilliant | tones on n silk tulle ground. The purpose I of if will he to adorn evening frocks, and it j will not lie dear. This leads easily to laces, j Lovely examples are coming forward. There ! are wash laces in shadow or novelty effects j on heavy cotton net grounds in flounce and ! skirting widths, and all the famous varieties j in their original form, or varied from this for something -different. T selected this out of a group of autumn blouses, not because it is new. but because it is oid—vow old. T refer to the extension. Tlie Mouse itself strikes the current ] note with its pretty front and short sleeves, j

but that shaped extension is reminiscent: of th-3 days of Dolly Varden. It was a frock in the original as the patterning indicates, hut such is not an obligatory item. There is little prospect of longer skirts. In fact, when a long coat is worn, as circumstances may compel it to be, when “weather” comes, nothing of some of the skirts to lie will he visible at all. This justifies a line on petticoats—being, as it were, a part of the costume, they will be especially good. They will be entirely of silk Jersey in tones of blue, grey, purple, fawn, etc., or of plain silk. The former may be sometimes finished with tucked or accord eon-plea ted ruffles and the latter with double panel fronts. Then the two items

together justify something on hosiery it could never bo better; and then on footgear, which promises many delightful minor novelties. Boots and shoes will fie equally favoured, or rather will he equally in style. Choice blouses of the “to be” variety will decide in favour of taffetas. Then chenille or metal thread embroidery may be chosen for the trimming. Other autumn blouses will employ charmeuse for delightful effects, and. as said before, the majority he of the over-thc-skirt variety as regards length. With blouses may lie worn contrasting vests of erepe georgette to produce individual designs, and tiny buttons and glistening ornaments of one kind and another will all give a personal touch. The bolero will be a strong autumn note, and again the extension will be simulated. But not always from a vest section. Here is a style of undoubted smartness. The bolero quite encloses, and with its lace

collar and cuffs is very nice. But the extended effect is of the skirt, and is given

the appearance of a looping-up or not ae choice may decide. Carry the lines down

for a perfectly plain skirt, and I hardl think you could get a smarter design. Th sash plays its part, and all the more i you consider that the “view” is not c the best to do it justice. Duvetyn hats will vary from snug-fittip turbans to large “pictures,” the shade being soft. At the same time there will b favoured ones, as all the tones of blue while pearl grey will again come on th scene. Plumes _ are coming in—ostric plumes that wind gracefully about th crowns, with their tips drooping over th brims. Altogether the autumn toilet wi command attention—dress, hat, and all.