Fashions and Furbelows.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18623, 27 November 1928, Page 13

Fashions and Furbelows.

• Notes by Special Contributors

IN THE DRESS SALONS. FEATURES OF ADVANCE AUTUMN FASHIONS. (By DIANA DANE.) Advance models launched this week suggest that our new clothes will be distinguished by three very charming features: stitching on the material instead of applied trimming; dainty blouses adorned with pin-tucks and hand-drawn thread work; and the bolero. Stitching is particularly- in evidence amongst those useful models in wool and silk crepes, loosely woven fabrics and superfine face-cloths. There is one adorable frock in soft grey crepe, with long sleeves, a slightly pouched bodice terminating above the hipline, and a shapely skirt with an even hem-line. Silk machine-stitching in a darker greytone forms broad, braid-lilce horizontal bands round the bodice and vertical ones on the skirt. Two more bands of stitching on each sleeve, a belt of self material similarly stitched and fastened with a pearl buckle, and a narrow turnover collar of hand-embroidered ivory muslin, complete a decorative theme as agreeable as any I have seen. Soft felt hats, of extremely light weight, are similarly decorated, with stitching. The ribbon band, for instance, is merely suggested by means of close rows of stitching low on the crown, finishing at one side in clever imitation of bow and ends. Similar stitching at the edge of the brim causes it to take a becoming wavy line that is most attractive.

Some of the nicest “odd” skirts in homespun and tweed are likewise stitched. Occasionally the hem is absent, close rows of stitching forming a firm band at the foot of the skirt, which renders the somewhat bulky turn-up unnecessary. This, by the way, is a hint worth remembering by amateur dressmakers!

Blouses are legion! Tuck-in blouses, overblouses, waistcoat-blouses and jumpers pure and simple abound in all the dress salons. Developed in handkerchief lawn, in fine linen, in silk batiste and in shirting-silk for wear with tailored suits; in delicate crepe de chine, mousseline de soie, georgette, satin and even chiffon for more elaborate occasions, the blouse has certainly come to stay. And in most

cases the decorative motif is a clever arrangement of rows of stitching, line tucks, or drawn-thread work. A narrow edging of fine straw-coloured lace looks well on the tucked turnover collar of a silk muslin blouse in the same shade, with insertions en suite between the groups of horizontal tucks which adorn the blouse itself. This blouse, by the way-, is designed to accompany a lovely little bolero frock in pervenche blue maroeain, the skirt of which has wide inverted pleats all round, and the bolero deep vertical slashes which reveal glimpses of the dainty wisp of silk and lace beneath. The collar of the blouse turns over the collarless neckline, and the long cuffs peep beneath the “bell” sleeves of the bolero.

Mousseline de soie continues to interest women who love softly draped gowns. There is an evening model by a certain important dress artist which should commend itself to those who like charming clothes which are y-et practical and “wearable . It is designed on the modish diagonal lines, one side of the cordage completely covering the shoulder, while the other side takes a graceful slanting line under the arm and is held in position by a .single jewelled shoulder strap. The draperies follow the line of the corsage, indicating the normal waistline one

side, and developing into an elegant handkerchief drapery on the opposite hip, whence they form a fluttering cascade down the side of the skirt. The material is Nile-green mousseline, and the single shoulder strap is made of diamente and clear green stones worked in a small diamond design. . . imagine the cool, . refreshing effect of the whole! There is also a rose and white printed mousseline de soie frock that must have been designed especially for a fair-haired debutante. Bodice: Simple, slightly' pouched, having a deeply rounded corsage edged with seed pearls worked into a small floral pattern. Skirt: Emerging, as it. were, from beneath the pouched bodice without the assistance of sash or belt; plain over the hips, and having a full, deep flounce starting rather high on the right side, sloping low at the left, and typifying all the careless joy of youth in its sonsy grace. INK STAINS. The juice of a tomato is a splendid remedy for removing ink stains from

the hands. The moment the ink has been upset rub the stain with a fresh-ly-cut tomato, and then * wash the hands' in warm water. A DRESSMAKING HINT. When binding the neck or sleeves of any' garment with silk military braid it will be found much easier to put on and will also lie flatter if it is first folded and pressed along with a hot iron.