A LETTER FROM HOME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3958, 21 January 1930, Page 59

A LETTER FROM HOME.

By

A Wanderer.

(Special for the Otago Witness.)

Vanity Street.

LONDON. November 28

This charming afternoon frock requires some looking into in order to discover its “ points.” The material, by the way, was rather unique, being soft green speckled with black, while the vest and the collar were of green georgette. I want you to notice the novel crossover bands on the skirt, fitting tightly round the hips; while on the side we have a pleated panel which definitely dips lower than the ordinary hem, and

A charming afternoon frock in soft green wool crepella speckled with black. The vest and collar were of plain green georgette. The skirt has a longer side panel, which forms an excellent compromise with the prevailing fashion of uneven hems.

forms a compromise with the uneven hem fashion. Only to-day I read the words of one of our leading fashion experts: ‘‘The question which is as yet

An attractive accessory for a plain frock. On black it would look very effective in cream, white, or pale pink georgette, worked at the side with dainty coloured embroidery.

unsolved is whether we are going to continue with this hard and fast line’ between morning or sports wear and afternoon and evening dress, or whether we shall compromise.” As I hinted, taking our sketch as an indication, the watchword will be “ compromise.” 7 And now, quite in accordance with the marked simplicity of our clothes lately—and when I say “ simplicity,” I mean, rather, a Puritanical tendency which is noticeable from time to time—we have the little bib-like arrangement depicted here for the enlivenment or renovation of a plain frock. Imagine, for instance, a black satin froek with one of these little yokes in white or cream georgette, edged with lace and embroidered with a dainty floral design. Frankly. I think it requires a very special type of beauty to stand this somewhat aggressive simplicity; but if you’ve the right type, then nothing could be more charming. Reverting to the question of skirt-length, it is rather amusing to note the hint of hope that creeps into fashion articles. Nearly every expert slips in a remark to the effect that it is impossible to say how long the trailing skirts will be with us —the wish. 1 suspect, being most distinctly “ father to the thought.” It is interesting to remember that when our skirts were steadily getting shorter and shorter, we merely cut off the inches and left the old women of both, sexes to criticise us. Me were getting more physical and mental freedom every day, so what did we care? We let the good work go on! Now. however, it is significant that, even while we accept the new fashion of longer skirts, we criticise it amongst ourselves.

Reflections

Having recently enjoyed the performance of a famous comedienne who made great play with a filmy ninon handkerchief which, even at a distance, looked as if it measured about two feet square, 1 bethought myself of this handkerchief business, for, mouchoirs being an inevitable Christmas present, we might as well have the right ones —and they are large, coloured, soft, and, alas! costly. (And no wonder, when one recollects that half a-yard square of the finest material should go to their making, to say nothing of the embroidered initial!) So far I have been really practical; but if you want to launch out, or anybody wants to launch out on your behalf, for special evening toilettes you have the opportunity to acquire handkerchiefs to match your gowns, and edged with diamante, gold or silver beads—anything you like, in fact. I saw one which was most certainly more ornamental than useful, in that it was made of transparent silver lace and edged with raised silver flowers. Obviously not the kind of thing to cry in, nor even to touch one’s nose with—unless one were at the end of all things; and even then some women have the instinct optimistically to keep their complexions intact. That reminds me that the other day I saw some most intriguing gold lace knickers—very entrancing things to look at, and having only the smallest gold satin gusset linking them up. It was explained to me that one very great drawback with this class of lingerie—quite apart from its price—is its lack of durability. Years ago, such garments would have been considered only suitable for- a member of a musical Comedy chorus when on the stage. Now’, however, they are offered to dowagers and their daughters in Knightsbridge salons, and nobody flickers an eyelid. For my part, I regard as an ideal undergarment one which I saw a famous actress wearing the other day. It was a crepe de chine three-piece in ivory, the brassiere part being formed of thick lace lined with georgette. Nothing could have been more charming and useful for all occasions. Is That So? A sudden theatrical slump is reported. This seems strange, as we are in the midst of the gay Little Season. The Queen of Spain and the Infantas, who are having a delightfully informal time in London, are visiting many of the plays; but “one swallow does not make a summer.’’ Naturally there was something in the nature of a boom when the motor show public was in town, and while their Majesties were gladdening the hearts of audiences and actors by attending as many theatres as it was advisable to cram in during the 10 days’ sojourn at Buckingham Palace; and now. I suppose. comes the inevitable “ draught.” When I went to see the

latest Galsworthy play, “ The Roof,” things looked very active, and we all seemed to enjoy the intriguing episodes connected with the various families in

the various hotel rooms, who showed us first how they behaved separate!v. and then collectively when, tire having broken out, they forgathered on the roof to escape the flames. One needs to take a little intelligence to the theatre these days in order to cope with the plans and diagrams which it is the growing tendency of managements to provide. In “A Symphony in Two Flats” we had something in the nature of a chart, 1 remember; and with “The Roof,” we had a plan of the hotel inserted in our programmes. Personally, I am a very conscientious “ mugger-up ” of facts in the interval! 1 study charts and plans in case I miss anything that is coming along’. Some less worthy individuals wait until the curtain has gone up and then strike matches in order to follow the scheme.

The Street of Adventure. Quite apart from tin 1 thrill any woman must derive from the tragedy and romance of Captain Scott, the great hero and Antarctic explorer, every man and boy w ill want to read the “ Life ” included in the Golden Hind series (Bodley Head), in which, as I have told you before. the lives of great men arc specially written by celebrated authors. It is an epic story that should find a place in every library. I have also received from the same publishing house a charming novel by Miss F. E. Mills Young, entitled “lour Seasons.” This book contains many fine character studies, and, being “ located ” in London and Devon, is a change from the tropical atmosphere usually favoured by this author. It is quite the best book from her pen that has come my way. Then if vou have a turn for historical stuff you will be interested in Marjory Bowen’s Jhe Ihird Mary Stuart.” which consists of a charmingly-written character study and a collection of letters. This Queen, as you probably know, was the wife of William of Orange, ami deserves, by virtue of her personality, more than the relative obscurity in which she has hitherto languished. Try This.

As the festive season approaches, perhaps you would like another sandwich to add to your list. I always consider the sandwich a much-maligned commodity. because we have it in a thousand-and-one varieties, and it need not be synonymous with ham and railway stations if we only take a little trouble’: \ cry well, then, take some small French rolls and scoop out the inside thereof. Cut holes at both ends of the rolls and fill them with pate de fois gras (I shall never write this without thinking of the batman in “Journey’s End” who, wlie asked in a spirit of mild sarcasm by a sandwich-satiated officer whether there was any pate de fois gras, made the reply that the milkman hadn't come! ), minced game, ham, and, if possible, truffles. Add pepper and a little cream; mix well, of course, before stuffing the rolls. Another nice sumptuous sandwich for an evening party can be made by putting caviare between thin brown bread and butter; and don’t forget the squeeze of lemon. Oysters, too, improve these sandwiches.