DRESSES OF THE WEEK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16573, 4 November 1921, Page 9

DRESSES OF THE WEEK.

IN AND ABOUT THE CITY. EVENING FROCKS, A REAVER COAT AND SOME CRETONNES. (Written for the “ Star.”) Two days of warm sunshine, even if the wind at morn and' even is chilly, are gracious gifts for which we are duly grateful. The contemplation of a Cup Day when the gay world could only be seen shrouded in raincoat and wrap, picking its way, under the shelter of an umbrella, aimin' muddy paths and over rain-soaked lawns. Such an untoward picture of Cup Day might excusably give one the blues.” AVhereas if this weather holds, one hopes to be able to give a description on Saturday of many really beautiful dresses seen on the course. The first evening frock to engage attention has a new colour of its own, green, with a soft almost opalescent sheen where it falls into folds—a lovely night colour. Over a narrow underskirt of silver lace is draped the green taffetas puffed out at the hips and falling to a point at the sides. The bodice is taken across in folds from the left side across the right shoulder, where it narrows, coming right across the back, and fastening again at the left side in a bew, and long stiff ends, lined with tangerine—a startling and effectivt* touch. Tho entire underbodice is of silver tissue, just veiled in green silk tulle, a tiny tulle strap over the left shoulder. It is so pretty one would like to have it, just to look at. The second frock is of pnle primrose taffetas, with a soft blurred rose pattern scattered at intervals over it, in pale blues and greens. There again the drapery is tucked up below the waist, in the style of th© old Greek tunic, whence it falls in full and cloud-like folds down either side, being caught at the ends with little posies of blue and yellow flowers. The bodice is made entirely of the folded silk, little straps of primrose riband ending on the shoulder in a fascinating little c-houx of primrose tulle. A smart touch is imparted by long streamers of narrow' blue, pink and mauve riband, caught into loops on either side of the skirt. This, frock is of a yellow to suit either blonde or brunette, tl has no harsh tones. We come to a cliarmeuse of deep mauve—a narrow skirt having a full overdress scalloped and heavily piped to keep it out at the knee. This effect is constantly introduced both into afternoon and evening frocks. Again is the drapery caught into the Greek fold below tho waist, whence, in this case, it billows fully out over the knees. The bodice is simply draped and has narrow mauve shoulder straps, caught on the shoulder with ail ctherial violet rose on one side and a trail of mauve leaves on the other. A garniture of tlje same leaves loosely encircles the waist, where it is intercepted by another big violet rose, and then trails on down the side of the skirt ending in a third beautiful rose at the very hem. The art lies in the disposition of the flowers, only one of which can be seen at a time, so that each soft violet blossom breaking into our ken is a fresh delight. An exquisite crepo de chine in faint elusive orchid next meets our eyes. A i full panel is gathered at either side to broaden out at the hips, then to be pleated into the hem of a skirt that is fairly full. The effect, if the wearer were dancing, would be of a wreath of mist puffed out with the breeze. The bodice? —AY ell, yes. There is one—-a trifle of folded mauve, a line of silk tulle, a strap of riband. Just an adornment to white shoulders and a fair young face. A lovely frock. The beaver coat, I may say at once, costs £2OO, so please pay attention. Tt is of true, undyed fur. something less than three-quarter length, out by a Paris artist, and imported by an enter-

pricing Christchurch firm. It hangs in fairly full folds, has a really beautiful storm collar, cut to fit the throat when it is burned up and to lie without wrinkle when it falls back. The sleeves Widen at the wrist so that in motoring cold hands may be tucked within their warm folds. Confining the fulness at the waist.is a belt of Hie fur, fastening in front. Nor must the lining be forgotten—brocade patterned in pink roses, showing an elusive touch of colour as the folds of the coat blow aside. Such a garment would be an heirloom from mother to daughter, and oneparts from it with a feeling that th® £2OO is dross—good luck to its wearer, who ever she is. Not much time for the new jazz one-piece dresses of cretonne beginning to be seen about the streets. Some of these are both tasteful and pretty; some of them are not. Tlie wearer of one of the latter variety, seen crossing the Square yesterday, had chosen for her dress a dark ground, with a rather violent pattern of red flowers wandering over it. Under her arm she carried a chock cushion qf vivid magenta, while on a rather pretty dark head she sported a velour hat of bright scarlet. No, I am not exaggerating one jet. •It was just ns I write it. down. So please, if any of you are contemplating a cretonne dress, do . compos© a. harmony in colours, when the effect will be really pretty.