Fashions and Furbelows

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17350, 15 May 1924, Page 9

Fashions and Furbelows

Notes by Special Contributors

THE VOGUE OF THE LITTLE FROCK.

The little frock is becoming such an important part of our wardrobe that en the great dressmakers are giving us of their best in its design. Perhaps one ought to say that, since the great dressmakers deign to make a speciality of the little frock,” it has become something very important! The “little frock” might also be called the narrow, straight frock, for it is nearly always that shape. Its

long slim lines go best with long, tightfitting sleeves, and its chief ornaments of the moment are buttons and buttonholes.

Here is a black silk alpacca frock, wide open in front over a white crepe de chine waistcoat and pleated panel. F rom shoulder to hem on each side there are long rows of white buttonholes only interrupted at the waist bytwo mother of pearl butons on either side. A white organdi turnover collar and cuffs further brighten the black frock. The back is quite plain and slightly shaped into the waitline; the whole effect is very narrow, but there is ample room for movement given by the pleated panel. Kasha is another favourite material for this simple kind of frock, and the white waistcoat and panel could be varied by embroidered detachable ones, so

that you could alternate a serviceable frock with a gala one. The waistline, which remains in the region of the hips, is very little accentuated. A few tucks or folds, a line of unobstrusiv© embroidery, or a piping is sometimes seen, but quite often .there is no waitline at all.

'llie long half oval line is much liked for decorating the front of an otherwise plain, but extremely well cut, frock. This line may be marked with a narrow kilting, a lino of braid or a piping, or it may be filled in with lace and embroidery. Quite a number of jumpers, too, have this oval—sometimes in tucks or stitching. A row of buttons from neck to hem down the front of the frock may be recommended, or buttons from neck to waist and there met by a narrow bar of embroidery. There is also the line of narrow tucks on each side of the front, ending in little pockets.

The neck of th© useful little frock is generally cut fairly high and may be square, or round, or pointed in front. Tli© turnover lingerie collar is present on nearly all the dark frocks and gives a charmingly fresh and boyish air to block or navy blue. White organdi collars and cuffs are sometimes hemstitched in bright colours or picotedged. A cream or beige frock may be trimmed with Paisley silk or tartan, but this should only be used in moderation —as a trimming, not as part material —or it will spoil the simplicity that is the chief charm of the little frock, however much thought and money may have gone to the making of it.

BEAUTY EXERCISER.

HOW TO IMPROVE A THIN NECK. A -woman can have no greater physical charm than a softly rounded nock I—neither 1 —neither too fat nor too thin. In these hard-working times, thin necks and nervousness are more usual than fat necks and serenity, so I will give you some exercises that will round out the neck and strengthen the nervous system at the same time. Sitting at ease, but with shoulders well thrown back, take five deep breaths. Then turn your head over the left shoulder as far as it will go, place the right hand .on the right side of the head and turn the head round to the right shoulder against the pressure of the right hand. Repeat the exercise, beginning with head over th© right shoulder, and alternate the two movements, each five times. Then rest a minute.

Throw* the head back as far as possible, then raise it against tho pressure of the hand flat on the forehead. Now let th© head sink forward, chin on chest, raise, and press back against the pressure of the hand on the back of th© head. Alternate the movements, each five times. ’The third exercise consists of laying head on the left sliouldr and raising it against the pressure of right hand on right side of head. Reverse the process, and alternate each five times. Finally, with shoulders straight and still, revolve the head slowly on th© neck, Jetting it fall loosely,‘first forward, then to the right, back, and 60 —JEAN STAPLETON.