SOMETHING NEW IN RENOVATIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17567, 18 June 1925, Page 6

SOMETHING NEW IN RENOVATIONS.

The vogue for the tunic is still as popular as ever, and, while, it lasts, homo dressmakers should take full advantage -of it, for, with the help of a tunic, it is the easiest thing in the world to renovate an old frock and give it a most up-tc-thc-minute air. The straight xrp and down dress that you wore all last year and have probably discarded as being too old-fashion-ed for anything will take on a new lease of life if you make it the gift of an apron tunic of heavy ecru lacc, mounted on to a s ash of stiff taffeta which must be long enough to tie in a big bustle bow at the back. These apron tunics generally fall only at the front, but if the skirt of your dress is at- all worn, you will probably sponsor the “all round” tunic, which can cither bo quite short, or may hang almost to tho edge cf the frock, just which ever you prefer. The uneven hem effect i;; very popular at the moment, arid nothing looks .smarter than a tunic which falls in u deep point ;t ’ one side, and slants almost up to the waistline at tlio other. Although frocks arc. for the most part-, very narrow, tunics are quite often exit on fidl lines, in order to present- ;;u effective contrast. Sometimes. too, they aro made with cleverly inserted godets, sc> that they give the flaring exit,line which fashion declares is x-o be seen so much, in the spring. Materials, of course, vary a great deal. If you are renovating an afternoon or evening frock, you cannot do better than add a tunic of lace, either of silver or gold, or of the fashionable string colour, and. if y«>u choose the latter, remember that the very coarse meshes ar« the most popular at flee moment. Some of the new laces, too, have their patterns outlined with a running stitch of coloured thread, and this proves a very decorai live finish. * For everyday wear, it is best net

to make your tunic in a contrasting colour to the frock, for fear of getting a patchy effect. If you cannot match the material of your dress, buy i* lighter fabric in the same shade, and then introduce any colour scheme you like by moans cf cmfcroiderv or bindin ? s - ---] R' you bind tho edges of your tur.se j 't'ith some colour, it is a good plan to give the same finish to the neck and sleeves, so that tho tun;* blonds in harmoniously with the’dress, as if it had always belonged there, instead of representing a. strategic effort to lengthen its life.