Fashions Up-to-Date

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 13, 29 November 1919, Page 29

Fashions Up-to-Date

[By Doloreb.]

IN days gone by the young miss was quite satisfied with a simple muslin frock for a party, but now she insists on something far more elaborate. The little frock depicted was one that was worn and much adnured at a recent party. It was made of white crepe de chine. The bolero was a heavy silk net, hemstitched round edges, and finished with filet lace, six rows of hemstitching on the skirt, and the effective embroidery was carried out in pale pink and blue, a soft white satin belt with loops and ends fastened at side, and finished with tassel of pale pink and blue, completed the dainty frock.

Sports clothes have become a vory important part of every wardrobe, especially in the summer. It is surprising to see how they have attained a certain simplicity, and yet have a distinctly becoming feminine touch. One of the new robes this season is the woollen scarf, worn over the shoulders and through the belt. The crocheted sweater is yet another; it is not close and heavy like the knitted one, and is very suitable for wear after a strenuous game of tennis, or for a light evening wrap. Of course, the silk knitted coats are still to. the fore, and arc seen with stripes,-checks, and even with floral patterns -woven m them. The sleeveless sweaters all sorts are to be also worn this season. $ :® . ® Linen suits have returned to favour. One seen at a recent smart function was made of the simplest of white linen, and was braided in blue on the collar square, vest, and pockets. <® $ ® The distinction of the summer frock depends on the colour and line, and more often the combination of materials rather, than on trimming.

The most up-to-date smart frocks arc straight, although the softer materials .require more fullness, there is a decided scantiness about the silhouette. 9 '9 9 For Those Past Youth. Middle age is not necessarily associated with the attainment of any particular number of years; in fact, it is very hard to decide who is middle-aged, and who isn't, in these da vs. People keep young for so long a time that they might almost be divided into two classes— elderly young people and elderly old people. There seems to be no comfortable matronly middle age, such as our mothers and grandmothers indulged in. Most people regard the period between 45 and 50 as. middle age, but many women at that age are as young as they were at 30. • * * As a matter of fact, the whole thing depends on our habit of mind. if we like to think ourselves middleaged at 45 and past our prime, we can easily become so; on the other hand, habit of mind will keep us young. The great thing is to keep our interest in life active. It is living a life of dead level that ages us. Directly we detach ourselves and allow the world of men 'and affairs to go on without our taking active part in it, go surely will the signs of age manifest themselves. Life is full of youth-pre-serving adventures, so long as we keep ourselves alive to everything that is. going on around us. • • » Middle-age will keep away so long ;is we keep our mental and plrysical energy and keep our body healthy and exercised. The latter is of the utmost importance. Walk, if no other exercise is available, and when possible dance. There are few dances now-a-days, but that does not prevent a woman from dancing in her own home; it is one of the most perfect. of exercises, and the very fact that one is not beyond it keeps one feeling young. Self-indul-gence induces middle-rage, so the woman who wants to keep young must deny herself anything which interferes with her bodily and mental health. • • » I have given hints ftabout how to avoid middle-age, but old ago will creep on whether we wish it or not. We have no control over it, but we can keep it at a distance for a much longer time than we for the most part do if we hate avoided falling into the intermediate stage of middle age. As old age arrives we must recognise it, and give up certain activity, and do our best to make it a glorious old age, for, although there is no need to be old before one's time, there is nothing more repellant than an old woman trying to be girlish.