“ALMOST A LOST ART”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20509, 29 August 1936, Page 11

“ALMOST A LOST ART”

ELEGANCE AND GRACE In spite of the prevalence of modern ideas and the decrying of anything Victorian, that age can teach the pre-sent-day young lady much about beauty culture, especially in the line of poise, manners, and grace (states the “Sydney Morning Herald”). In those days these essentials were assiduously taught and learned, but to-day they are almost a lost art. Elegance should be the foundation of beauty. There is a great deal to learn on how to stand, sit, and walk correctly, and women are often conscious of their lack of knowledge in this direction. They become self-conscious on entering a room, they do not know what to do with the hands when standing, and such like things. By standing in front of a mirror one can correct many bad habits of poise. The head must be held up and the shoulders back, the whole body well balanced on the hips, which in turn are balanced on the legs with the heel as the main support. This cannot be if the weight of the body is thrown forward on to the ball of the foot. An idea of correct stance can be gained by drawing an imaginary straight line from the head to the feet with the figure standing sideways. The line should run right through the body from ear to heel through the middle of the hips and shoulders. This stance must be made the criterion of perfection. Walking should be from the waist, with a swing of the hips, and the body held well balanced. All in the Wearing Walking from the hips should be discouraged, as it tends to an ungainly appearance, will increase the size of the hips, and allow the shoulders to droop, developing a slouch. Grace in walking will give an added charm which gives a distinguishing appearance in any dress. It is not so

much a matter of clothes, but how the clothes are worn that counts. The feet must be always at ease and comfortable. Tired feet may be relieved by soaking them for ten minutes in a basin of hot water to which has been added a packet of Epsom salts. Alter drying them thoroughly give five minutes’ massage with cold cream, then wipe the cream from the feet, and wrap them in a small towel which has been wrung out in cold water. The colder the towel the more invigorated will the feet feel. Again dry thoroughly and then dust liberally with talc or foot powder, and before going out of doors don a fresh, clean pair of stockings. Badly-fitting shoes should bo discarded, as foot comfort can never be gained whilst the shoes pinch or nip the toes. A pair of good leather shoes either with laces or straps and a comfortable heel are the best for walking and working. It is possible to walk one’s way to health and beauty if the proper method is adopted. Practise goose-stepping around the room, taking care to achieve a sway from the waist. Keep the hips and stomach drawn in, the shoulders back and down, and concentrate on attaining a walk which is a thing of grace and beauty. This is, aturally, an exaggerated method of how one should walk, but it helps in the achievement of balance, and in the free play of the muscles.