FRILLS OF FASHION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8551, 17 February 1906, Page 3

FRILLS OF FASHION.

White blouses are preferred with the coat and skirt, and pretty models are 6hown in whit© washing silk, also alpaca, cachemire, nun's veiling, etc., trimmed lace and fancy stdtcheryA laoe collar and yoke of some sort accompanies almost every blouse, unless it be strictly of the shirt order — that is, box-pleated or tucked, or with the American yoke and bishop sleeve. For afternoon wear, 'the coat and skirt costume is the correct thing, but of a more elaborate nature than the morning model — a long well-cut skirt, a smart coat with the three-quarter or seven-eighths basque, the coat showing a handsome vest and lac© jabot, the three-quarter length sleeves terminate ing with laoe frills, met by pale tan kid gloves. Here, the blouse is required, and it can scarcely be too elaborate, perjiaps the very latest oreation for afternoon wear being a cream or white lacß blouse, made over coloured .chiffon to match the skirt. The chiffon, lining gives a kind of shot effect and is decidedly pretty and new. The smartest blouses have three-quarter or elbow sleeves of medium size, built out from the shoulders to lend width to^ the figure. . **_ The latest in corsets is the Louis XTv . shape, deep in front below waist, gradually eloping off to a short back, while the fronts above the waist are straight and higher than the ordinary corset, thus holding the figure well together, and giving the long, thin waist effeot bust effect is fashionable. • The new cut in bodices calls for the new shape in corsetSj for a long, welldefined waist and high bust are now correct, and even with the " Direotoire" and "Empire" styles the high bus effect is fashionable * The Louis XV. corsets are very comfortable to wear, they improve a stout figure, and ensure a shapely and pleasing form for the thin woman. Never were trimmings in greater demand — everything is more or less braided, embroidered, or decorated with velvet bands, etc., and this craze even extends to furs, many of the newest models showing handsome braided and appliqued trimmirigs, as well as cords and ornamente. Most of the newest fur goods have fancy waistcoats, and gold hraiding and trimmings are very much used. ♦ 'The regulation coat sleeve, built out well from the shoulder, where it is pleated, is the favourite for outdoor garments, the wrist merely terminating in a smart ouff ; a variation, is to cut the sleeve wide enough to pleat lengthways nearly to the elbow. As to the shapes of this season's outdoor raiment, .the choice is bewildering ; short jackets are worn, with just a short full basque, or. with perhaps merely a tab at baok. Then there is the Eton style, out well above tihe waist to define the figure; medium, threequartere and seven-eighths basque coats; semi-fitting, plain, and pleated eacques, also belted coate in much variety. Gored and circular skirts, are much in vogue; while shaped flounces are also worn, as well as pleated and gathered .models; therefore., to be smartly gowned this season calls for no little thought and attention, for it is better to wear what is really becoming, and it is very difficult to decide at once as to what is the most becoming among so .many different designs. Short basque jackets are still worn, Cluny or Irish lace proves a leading trimming. Embroidered robes will find favour, elbow sleeves remain in vogue, and long suede or kid gloves, be in demand, in beige, putty, wood brown, ivory, smoke grey, black, and butter tint. A dainty accessory is the glove garter of inch, wide 'elastic frilled with narrow lace, which keeps the long gloves well in place. - : -■-...■■